Is Your Pillow Right for You?

Why does pillow height matter?

A pillow's main job is to fill the space between your head and the mattress so your neck can rest in a comfortable, roughly neutral position.

If it's too high, your head can be pushed forward or tilted up; too low, and it can sink or tilt down. Either can leave some people feeling stiff or uncomfortable, though comfort is personal.

How does sleep position affect pillow support?

Side sleepers usually have the largest gap between head and mattress, so they often prefer a fuller pillow. Back sleepers typically need less height, and stomach sleepers often feel best on a fairly flat pillow — or sometimes none.

If you change positions during the night, a pillow that works reasonably well in each position tends to matter more than one that's ideal for just one.

Read more: How to choose the right pillow for your sleep position

Why can a pillow lose support overnight?

Many fills — such as down, fiber or shredded foam — compress or shift under the weight of your head over several hours. A pillow that feels right at bedtime can feel noticeably flatter by morning.

Fill also tends to compact over months of use, which can gradually reduce support.

Why do your mattress and pillow work together?

How far your shoulders and body sink into the mattress changes how much height your pillow needs to provide. A softer mattress can mean you need a little less pillow height; a firmer one can mean a little more.

That's why a pillow that felt fine on one bed can feel different on another.

Does neck or shoulder discomfort mean my pillow is wrong?

Not necessarily. Morning stiffness or discomfort can come from many things — sleep position, your mattress, activity during the day, an old injury or other health factors.

A pillow is one reasonable thing to look at, one change at a time. If discomfort is persistent, severe or getting worse, it's worth talking with a healthcare professional.