Written by Olivera Jancikin, Content Writer
Do you feel like your current pillow is lacking in size? Would you like more space to roll around without having to always move your pillow? If so, going for a larger size may be the answer. King-size pillows measure approximately 36 by 20 inches, although you may come across slight variations here and there.
King-size pillows give sleepers enough space to spread out without having to constantly drag the pillow along. There’s even room for two people for those who like to cuddle. Best of all is that most brands offer pillows in a King size.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the best King-size pillows and their pros and cons. We’ll also discuss important factors you should consider when choosing one, which should help you make your final decision.
- Luxome LAYR Pillow – Editor’s Pick
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Neck Pillow – Best Firm King-Size Pillow
- Nolah Talalay Latex Pillow – Best King-Size Pillow for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Graphite Pillow – Best Cooling King-Size Pillow
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud® Breeze Dual Cooling™ Pillow – Best King-Size Pillow for Back Pain
- Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow – Best Eco-Friendly King-Size Pillow
- Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow – Best King-Size Memory Foam Pillow
- Cozy Earth Silk Pillow – Best Luxury King-Size Pillow
- Saatva Latex Pillow – Best Latex King-Size Pillow
- Layla Kapok Pillow – Best Hypoallergenic King-Size Pillow
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our product reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
For this roundup, we prioritized features that are especially important for king size pillows. We paid special attention to components such as pillow thickness, support elements, material, and cooling features.
Editor’s Pick
Why the Luxome LAYR Pillow Earned Editor’s Pick
Our editor chose the Luxome LAYR pillow as one of the best options if you’re after a highly customizable pillow. If your needs are often changing, it may be best to have a pillow that can follow that.
The LAYR comes with three inserts you can pair differently to get a different height, firmness, and overall feel. All three inserts are in covers you can remove and wash in a machine. The pillow cover is also machine washable, making the LAYR easier to keep clean.
What’s the Luxome LAYR Pillow Made Of?
The softest insert is made from down alternative and doesn’t offer too much support due to its fluffy nature. The medium insert has the same down alternative filling mixed with shredded memory foam for more support. Finally, the firmest insert has two blocks of memory foam you can also use separately from one another.
The pillow’s cover is made from bamboo for natural cooling.
Our Take
The overall feel of the pillow depends on how you pair the inserts. Memory foam blocks in the firmest insert have a slow-moving feel and will offer the most support as opposed to the softest down alternative insert, which is better for stomach sleepers.
What We Liked
- Cooling – Although it features memory foam, this pillow has a cooling sensation to it thanks to the gel infusions. The gel is infused into both shredded memory foam and blocks used in the firmest insert, so you can get that cooling sensation even if you use only one of these two cooling memory foam inserts.
- Eco-Friendly Certifications – The LAYR has a CertiPUR-US® certification and is also OEKO-TEX®-certified, so you know it’s safe and free of toxins, chemicals, and harmful substances.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- The Price – This pillow is on the pricey side, especially the King size, since it’s larger. Although it’s highly versatile and easy to customize to everyone’s needs, it may be over the budget for some people.
- Extra Storage Space Needed – This pillow can only take two inserts at a time, which means you’ll need a place to store the third insert you’re not using. This shouldn’t take too much space, but you want to keep it somewhere at hand where you won’t forget or struggle to reach it should you need to adjust the pillow before sleep.
Helpful Finds: Explore more of our top-rated pillow selections.
Best Firm King-Size Pillow
TEMPUR-Neck Pillow
A firm pillow available in multiple sizes.
Sleep Advisor Score
3.90 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Earned Best Firm King-Size Pillow
Sleepers looking for a firm King-size pillow should benefit from this Tempur-Pedic model. The pillow’s firm feel should allow you to feel nicely supported, with your neck aligned with the rest of the spine. This is excellent if you usually struggle with neck and back pain. However, it still offers enough sinkage and contouring to relieve pressure and prevent it from building up in the shoulder and neck area.
What’s the TEMPUR-Neck Pillow Made Of?
Another excellent thing worth mentioning is that you can choose among three loft sizes. This makes it easy to find a TEMPUR-Neck pillow model that fits your body frame and preferred sleeping positions. The pillow is made from the brand’s proprietary TEMPUR® material that acts as memory foam. In addition, it comes with a removable and machine-washable cover that is made from a 100 percent polyester knit.
Our Take
The TEMPUR-Neck pillow has an ergonomic design that follows the curve of your neck and shoulders, offering balanced support in various sleeping positions. We think it’s an excellent choice for side and back sleepers but not the best for stomach sleepers due to its curved design.
What We Liked
- Ergonomic design – The curved design feels comfortable around the neck and shoulders. The loft fills the gap between your neck and the bed, offering excellent support and pressure relief for those with tension in this area. You can choose from three sizes with different heights, depending on your body frame and preferred sleeping position.
- Hypoallergenic – The polyester knit cover is removable and easy to wash. However, it’s important to note that it’s hypoallergenic, so it’s a good choice for people with allergies. Wash it in cold water with mild detergent to avoid damage. When it comes to drying, it’s best to hang dry. Keep in mind the TEMPUR® core isn’t washable.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Smaller size – Although this is technically a King-size pillow, it’s smaller than most King-size models. The difference is a few inches and shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most people. However, it’s best to check the exact dimensions if you already have King-size pillowcases you want to use with this model because they may be too big.
- Not for stomach sleepers – The curved design offers plenty of support for back and side sleeping, but we feel this would be uncomfortable for those who sleep on their stomach. The curve would make it uncomfortable by propping your head too high, keeping your neck in an awkward position that can result in neck and back pain.
Looking for more picks? Check out our Best Firm Pillows here.
Best King-Size Pillow for Side Sleepers
Nolah Talalay Latex Pillow
Why the Nolah Talalay Latex Pillow Earned Best King-Size Pillow for Side Sleepers
This Nolah pillow comes in two loft options, and we feel the taller one would be better for side sleepers since they need extra support and a higher loft to keep the head aligned with the rest of the body. Although it has a bouncy feel, the pillow won’t allow too much sinkage, meaning you should experience enough support. Side sleepers should also enjoy the medium firmness and natural breathability of the latex fill.
What’s the Nolah Talalay Latex Pillow Made of?
The construction starts with an organic cotton cover that’s naturally breathable and cooling. This makes the pillow an excellent option for hot sleepers. On top of that, it’s filled with Talalay latex, known for its bouncy feel and being temperature neutral. The latex inside has a hole-punched design to enhance the airflow even more.
Our Take
Side sleepers looking for an eco-friendly King-size pillow should like how this Nolah model feels. Talalay latex is temperature-neutral and has continuous firmness and comfort, even if you sometimes switch from your side to back.
What We Liked
- Washable cover – Nolah comes with a machine-washable cotton cover you should wash on a gentle setting. Tumble-drying is also allowed, but make sure to use lower temperatures. This makes the Nolah easy to clean and maintain, even though the pillow itself isn’t washable. The latex core is only suitable for spot-cleaning.
- Warranty and trial – The company offers a two-year warranty on this pillow, covering the damage caused by faulty materials and manufacturing. In addition, you also get a 30-night trial to test how this Talalay latex pillow fits your needs. If you end up not liking it, you can return it before the trial is up, and the company will refund your money.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not for stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers looking for a King-size pillow should look elsewhere because this Nolah model is likely to be too tall. Although you have two loft sizes, we feel neither is low enough to fit stomach sleepers. For this reason, the Nolah would keep your head too propped up in this position, potentially causing neck and back pain.
- Non-adjustable – Although there’s plenty to love about this pillow, it’s not the best option for those who want an adjustable King-size pillow. The latex core comes in two loft sizes, but you can’t adjust or customize it in any way. Luckily, there’s a 30-night trial, so you can return the pillow if it turns out it doesn’t fit you.
If you want more options, check out our Best Pillows for Side Sleeper picks.
Best Cooling King-Size Pillow
Why the Saatva Graphite Earned Best Cooling King-Size Pillow
This Saatva pillow has multiple cooling features, making it a good option for hot sleepers. This removes the need for flipping the pillow, which is what most hot sleepers have to do while sleeping. The cooling starts with the quilted knit cover made from organic cotton. It’s breathable and allows plenty of airflow to avoid overheating.
What’s the Saatva Graphite Pillow Made Of?
This pillow has two chambers with different materials. The outer chamber has two pieces of memory foam, while the inside chamber has shredded memory foam. You can use one or the other or both at the same time. However, although it has shredded memory foam, you can’t remove any of that filling. You can only adjust the pillow height by playing with the two inserts as they are. The pillow has a removable quilted knit cover that’s made with organic cotton.
Our Take
The Saatva Graphite pillow has a loft of about 5 inches, so it should be good for side and back sleepers. The pillow feels comfortable with just enough sinkage to relieve pressure around the neck and shoulders while keeping you in a healthy sleep posture.
What We Liked
- Trial and warranty – Saatva offers a one-year warranty with this pillow, and you also get a 45-night trial to test how it fits your needs. This should be enough to test the pillow in various sleeping positions to see how it feels throughout the night.
- Graphite-infused memory foam – The memory foam in this pillow is infused with graphite to help draw the heat away from the surface of the pillow. This is excellent for hot sleepers who often sweat and overheat while sleeping, especially during the hottest months.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- It’s pricey – Although it has a lot to offer, this pillow is among the most expensive, so it may not be the best for budget shoppers. The King size is even pricier because it’s larger, so that’s another thing to keep in mind if you’re on a tighter budget.
- Not moldable – If you’re after a squishy, moldable pillow, this Saatva product isn’t for you. The pillow has two chambers with different filling materials, making it much different than standard pillows with shredded memory foam. As such, it has a firmer feel, and you’ll find it harder to mold into different shapes as you would a down pillow.
Check out our Best Cooling Pillows for more options.
Best King-Size Pillow for Back Pain
TEMPUR-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow
A medium-feel pillow for all sleeper types.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.30 / 5
Why the TEMPUR-Cloud® Breeze Dual Cooling™ Pillow Earned Best King-Size Pillow for Back Pain
The TEMPUR-Cloud® Breeze Dual Cooling™ has a taller loft, measuring around 6.5 inches. This makes it an excellent option for side sleepers who struggle with back pain. The taller loft provides sufficient support to keep the head from sinking too deeply inside the pillow. The TEMPUR® material has a medium feel, so it does a good job of combining sinkage for pressure relief and support to keep the neck aligned.
What’s the TEMPUR-Cloud® Breeze Dual Cooling™ Pillow Made Of?
This pillow features the Tempur-Pedic proprietary material called the TEMPUR® Material. This is the company’s version of memory foam with a slow response and a soft feel, offering plenty of pressure relief. The construction starts with a premium cotton cover you can remove for easy washing. Inside the cover is a TEMPUR-Breeze® gel layer for additional cooling. This is followed by a single block of TEMPUR® Material.
Our Take
Reviewing the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud pillow, our team found that it’s a versatile pillow that should work for most side and back sleepers with back pain. The cooling gel is included on both sides of the pillow, so the entire thing is cool and fresh.
What We Liked
- Washable cover – The zip-off cover is easy to remove for machine washing, which is great news because this can help make it easier to keep your pillow clean. The company recommends washing it in cold water, using a gentle cycle and mild detergent. When it comes to drying, it’s best to air-dry to avoid any damage to the material.
- Cooling sensation – If you’re a hot sleeper with back pain, you should like this Tempur-Pedic pillow. The TEMPUR® material adapts to the shape of your neck and head but won’t allow you to sink too deeply. As such, it keeps your neck and head aligned and, when paired with a quality mattress, helps your entire body stay in a healthy sleeping posture.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- No trial – Although this is a high-quality pillow with plenty to like, some people may be put off by the lack of a trial period. The company has a unique policy where they don’t offer a trial with their pillows due to the personal nature of the products. We can see how this makes sense from the company’s point of view, but for shoppers, it’s a bit of a risk paying for a pillow they’re not sure will work for their needs.
- Too tall for some – Although the 6.5-inch loft should work well for most side sleepers and people with generally larger body frames, this may be too tall for some. Stomach sleepers are likely to find it uncomfortable, and even some back sleepers with a smaller body frame. For this reason, it’s best to consider exactly the loft size that would work best for you, especially given the fact this pillow doesn’t come with a trial and cannot be returned.
If you struggle with back pain, check out our expert recommended Best Pillows for Back Pain.
Best Eco-Friendly King-Size Pillow
Coop Eden Pillow
A gel-infused memory foam pillow with a hypoallergenic design
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow Earned Best Eco-Friendly King-Size Pillow
Shoppers interested in an eco-friendly King-size pillow should like the Eden by Coop Sleep Goods. This pillow has a breathable, hypoallergenic cover made from Lulltra™. The fabric has 60 percent polyester, but it also has 40 percent bamboo-derived viscose rayon. In addition, it has CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifications that indicate it doesn’t have any harmful substances, toxins, or chemicals.
What’s the Coop Sleep Goods Eden Pillow Made Of?
The construction starts with the washable Lulltra™ cover we mentioned above. Underneath, you’ll find a polyester lining holding the fill together. One thing you’ll notice right off the bat is how tall this pillow is. This is because it comes overstuffed, and you’ll most likely have to remove some of that filling to make it fit your needs and preferences. The fill is made from hypoallergenic, gel-infused memory foam combined with microfiber.
Our Take
We think it’s always a plus to have hypoallergenic and certified materials, more so if you’re prone to allergies. The Coop Sleep Goods Eden pillow has a hypoallergenic cover and fill, so it should be more resistant to dust mites and bacteria than regular pillows.
What We Liked
- Trial and warranty – Pillows don’t usually come with long trials and warranties, so the Eden is an excellent match if this is particularly important to you. The company offers a five-year warranty and gives you 100 nights to test how the pillow fits your needs. To top it off, it ships for free if you live within the contiguous U.S., and it takes only five to seven days to arrive, so you won’t have to wait too long. Returns are also free and easy if you end up deciding the Eden pillow isn’t for you.
- Adjustable construction – Who doesn’t like being able to adjust the height and firmness of their pillow? The Eden has an interlocking dual-case system that makes it easier to adjust the loft and firmness by removing some of the fill. The extra 1/2 pound of fill is included, so you can play around with it until you find the most comfortable loft for your preferred sleeping position.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not for stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers looking for an eco-friendly pillow may want to look elsewhere. The Eden pillow may be too tall for this sleeping position. We think it would keep your head too propped up, which can cause neck pain and possibly even back pain after a while. The Eden may also be too firm for this group of sleepers, who usually prefer a softer sleep surface.
- Not as moldable – Although it has tiny pieces of memory foam and microfiber, this Coop Sleep Goods pillow isn’t as soft and moldable as we expected. The pillow feels more supportive than other pillows with similar filling, so it’s not as squishy and easy to mold, which is something to keep in mind if you want to place it between your knees or under your lower back.
Looking for more? Check out our Best Organic Pillows here.
Best King-Size Memory Foam Pillow
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow
A pillow with dual-action cooling for hot sleepers.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.60 / 5
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Earned Best King-Size Memory Foam Pillow
This pillow features one piece of open-cell memory foam with gel and copper infusions. Unlike standard memory foam, this foam has a cooling effect thanks to the open-cell design and the inclusion of gel and copper. In addition, the memory foam in this pillow has a quick response similar to latex. The pillow contours to your head and neck, offering what feels like a comfortable weight distribution.
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow Made Of?
The Brooklyn Bedding pillow has a cooling construction that starts with a knit cover made from a polyester and cotton blend. Although it doesn’t feel particularly cool to the touch, it feels fresh enough to eliminate the need for flipping the pillow. Under the cover is the open-cell memory foam infused with copper and gel for additional cooling.
Our Take
Our reviewers found this pillow to be a good choice for hot sleepers interested in a memory foam pillow as it has excellent cooling properties and a moisture-wicking cover. These features help make it comfortable to sleep through the night without feeling the heat building up around your face and neck, which can otherwise happen when memory foam doesn’t have cooling features added in.
What We Liked
- No fluffing – This pillow has a single piece of memory foam under the cover, so the filling won’t shift or require any fluffing. The foam has a quick response, so you’ll notice it bounces back to shape immediately as you lift your head. Also, this Brooklyn Bedding pillow provides an even weight distribution, reducing the likelihood of pressure building up in the shoulders, head, or neck.
- Longer warranty – Brooklyn Bedding also offers a 3-year warranty with this pillow, covering for damage caused by faulty materials and craftsmanship. Additionally, the company offers a 30-night trial with this pillow, giving you enough time to test how it fits your needs. During this period, you can return the pillow if you don’t like it, and the company will refund your money.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not traditional memory foam – If you’re after a traditional memory foam with a slow response, this may not be the best option for you. This Brooklyn Bedding pillow has a quick response and quite some bounce, so it seems more like a combination of memory foam and latex. For this reason, shoppers after traditional memory foam may be put off by its feel.
- The price is a little higher – Although there’s a 30-night trial giving you enough time to test the pillow, some people may still want something more affordable. Brooklyn Bedding pillows, especially those in King-size, can be a bit pricey, for budget shoppers looking for something under 100 dollars.
If you are looking for more pillow options, check out our Best Memory Foam Pillows here or our Best Budget Pillows.
Best Luxury King-Size Pillow
Cozy Earth Silk Pillow
The pillow has a premium bamboo viscose shell that’s naturally breathable and has temperature-regulating properties.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.90 / 5
Why the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Earned Best Luxury King-Size Pillow
It doesn’t get more luxurious than sleeping on a silk pillow, and what better option than this Cozy Earth mulberry silk model? This pillow is filled with long-strand mulberry silk with a soft and squishy feel. Another thing that stands out in this King-size pillow is the premium viscose cover that enhances its luxurious feel as it is smooth and gentle to the touch.
What’s the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow Made Of?
The bamboo viscose cover holds the filling together. The fabric is made from bamboo wood pulp, is eco-friendly, and has natural temperature-regulating properties. As said, it’s silky and also hypoallergenic, making it a good option for people with allergies. The inside is filled with long strands of mulberry silk, giving it a luxurious and unique feel.
Our Take
We think this pillow lives up to its name, offering a luxurious and comfortable feel. The loft is lower, so it feels best for stomach and back sleeping, but keep in mind it’s also soft. In addition, this would make a good pillow for hot sleepers as bamboo helps with temperature regulation and is moisture-wicking.
What We Liked
- Breathable construction – The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow has a silk filling that’s fluffy and breathable. In addition, the bamboo viscose cover is breathable for those who sleep hot. The fabric has moisture-wicking properties, which is good for people who often sweat while sleeping.
- Exceptional trial and warranty deal – This pillow comes with an impressive 100-night trial, which is a great trial period for bedding accessories like pillows. This gives you plenty of time to see how the pillow fits your preferred sleeping position, body frame, and overall preferences. If it turns out you don’t like it, you can return it for a refund before the trial is up. Plus, it comes with a 10-year warranty, which is also a fantastic deal.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Non-washable – If you’re after a washable pillow, this one isn’t for you. The pillow is only suitable for spot or dry cleaning because machine-washing is likely to damage the silk. Not even the cover is removable or washable, which is why the company advises you to use a protective pillowcase to protect the materials.
- Not for side sleepers – Although the pillow may seem like it has a high enough loft, it compresses under your weight because it’s soft. In other words, the loft becomes much lower right as you lie on the pillow. For this reason, we think it would be uncomfortable to use for side sleeping as it wouldn’t offer enough support to keep the neck straight.
Looking for more? Check out our Best Pillows for Side Sleepers for more pillow picks.
Best Latex King-Size Pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
A pressure-relieving pillow made with natural latex.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.80 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Saatva Latex Pillow Earned Best Latex King-Size Pillow
Latex pillows have a lot to offer in terms of overall comfort and quality. This Saatva pillow has a dual chamber, which means it has two pillows in one, combining different materials for a more versatile performance. One of the materials is shredded latex and is located in the inner core, making it supportive, responsive, durable, and cooling.
What’s the Saatva Latex Pillow Made Of?
The construction starts with an organic cotton cover that promotes breathability and freshness. The cover has a sateen weave, making it soft and gentle on the skin. Next comes the outer pillow filled with microdenier fiber, acting as down alternative. According to Saatva, the fibers are hypoallergenic and help make the pillow fluffy. The inner core has the shredded latex we mentioned earlier.
Our Take
This pillow is an excellent choice if you want a latex King-size model, as it maintains its shape and is good for most sleeping positions. The latex in this pillow makes it more cooling by promoting breathability so that no heat builds up inside the construction or on its surface.
What We Liked
- Two loft options – Sleepers have a choice between two loft sizes, depending on their preferred sleeping position and body frame. The Standard loft size is about 4 to 5 inches tall, whereas the High model is 6 to 7 inches tall. The lower one should fit back sleepers, while the higher one is more suitable for side sleepers.
- Excellent pressure relief – The latex in this pillow gives it a buoyant feel that allows just enough sinkage for pressure relief. We think this is good for side sleepers since they usually struggle with pressure buildup the most. However, make sure to choose the right loft size for the pillow to fill the gap between your neck and the bed in this position.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Non-traditional feel – There’s much to love about this Saatva pillow, but the combination of microdenier fibers and shredded latex may not be for everyone. The pillow is soft but has a bouncy feel common to latex products. If you’re used to traditional memory foam or down pillows, this one may take some getting used to.
- More costly for budget shoppers – Saatva products tend to be on the more expensive side, and this latex pillow is no exception. Although it has premium materials and appears well-made with durable stitching and consistent shape, it’s still over 100 dollars for the King-size, which may be over budget for some people.
Looking for more options? Check out our Best Latex Pillows or our Best Budget Friendly Pillows for more pillow picks.
Best Hypoallergenic King-Size Pillow
Layla Kapok Pillow
The shredded inner materials of the pillow effectively reduce heat during the night.
Sleep Advisor Score
4.50 / 5
Read Full Review
Why the Layla Kapok Pillow Earned Best Hypoallergenic King-Size Pillow
This pillow features a combination of memory foam and kapok fibers encased in a premium cover made from a polyester and viscose blend infused with copper. As such, it’s hypoallergenic and breathable, which is good for allergen-sensitive people and those who sleep hot.
What’s the Layla Kapok Pillow Made Of?
The pillow has the hexagon stitching Layla is known for. If you have their mattress, you probably know what we’re talking about. The cover features a blend of materials and is not only unique looking but breathable and soft. Under the cover is a filling made from memory foam and kapok fibers, hence the pillow’s name. Kapok fibers come from Kapok trees, so it’s a natural material eco-friendly shoppers should benefit from.
Our Take
This pillow has a 6.5-inch loft, and you can remove some of the fill to make it fit your preferred sleeping position. Our reviewers think it’s a good match for side sleepers, especially those with wide shoulders. Those with a smaller body frame may need to remove some of the fill, but overall, it should feel good in this position.
What We Liked
- Adjustable height – Layla Kapok has a taller loft, so it should fit people with a larger body frame. However, it can work equally well for people with a smaller frame since it’s adjustable. There’s a zipper to access the inside, so you can remove some of the fill to make it fit your body and preferred sleeping position.
- Cooling – This Layla model feels fresh, although not particularly cool to the touch. The fibers are breathable, and so is the cover, making it a good choice for those who sleep hot.
Flaws But Not Dealbreakers
- Not a simple design – Although it’s adjustable, it feels like this process could take a while. It’s easy, but there are quite a few loose materials, and if you spill the fill, it would for sure be a hassle to pick it up.
- Not for stomach sleepers – The pillow loft is tall, so it’s not the best for stomach sleepers. Although you can remove some of the fill, you’d likely have to remove too much to make it seem worth it.
For more on this pillow, visit our Layla Kapok Pillow review.
Who Should Consider Buying a King-Size Pillow?
King-size pillows are among the biggest ones, so they’re usually best for large beds such as King, Queen, California King, and others. Sleepers who like having plenty of room to spread should consider a King-size pillow. Since it’s big, you’ll no longer have to pull the pillow with you when you move around the bed. Couples and co-sleepers may also want to consider a King-size pillow, as it provides enough room for more than one person.
How to Choose a King-Size Pillow
Materials
King-size pillows can be made from a variety of materials, the same as any other pillow size. Which one you’ll choose depends on your personal needs and preferences regarding firmness, feel, breathability, and more. Down is very soft and fluffy but might trigger allergies, in which case you might opt for down alternative. Many eco-friendly bedding brands will incorporate natural and organic latex into their pillows. Latex pillows are suitable for hot sleepers as they’re unlikely to overheat, and it’s a durable material. Memory foam pillows are excellent for side and back sleepers as they provide plenty of support and pressure relief needed in these sleeping positions. Memory foam can be shredded or added as a single block, depending on the design.
Support
Support is crucial regardless of your preferred sleeping position. This is why your pillow should have the right loft size to match how you usually sleep. Without sufficient loft, it’s unlikely you can get the right support level to keep you in a healthy sleep posture.
Support depends on a few things, the first being the loft and how it matches your sleeping position and body frame. Next is the firmness since pillows that are too soft may not provide sufficient support needed to keep the neck and head supported.
Sleep Position
King-size pillows can be good for all sleeping positions, depending on the loft and firmness you choose. If you’re a side sleeper, it’s best to go for a taller loft and a medium firmness, as this combination should provide enough support to keep your neck and head aligned. Back sleepers usually benefit from a medium loft size to keep the neck aligned with the rest of the spine. On the other hand, those who sleep on their stomach benefit from the lowest loft, and softest feel that allows enough sinkage so that the head isn’t too propped up.
Firmness
Firmness is subjective, and what one person may find comfortable, someone else may find too soft or firm. For this reason, it’s best to first consider your sleeping habits, such as the position you spend most time in. Whether you go for a soft or firm pillow is up to you and what you find most comfortable. One thing to keep in mind is that the softest pillows offer the least support, so if this is important to you, you may want to stick to firmer models.
Feel
Do you like a bouncy latex feel, or you’re more of a slowly-responding memory foam person? How a pillow feels depends on a few factors, such as its firmness, materials, and features. Would you like a cooling feel? If so, look for materials that are breathable and cooling. If you prefer a more cozy feel, look for a fluffy pillow with down or synthetic fibers that give it a soft and squishy feel.
Temperature
Hot sleepers usually have to flip their pillow to get to the cold side. However, this shouldn’t be an issue with some of the pillows on our list. Cooling pillows have unique features that provide airflow, breathability, and temperature regulation, making them more suitable for hot sleepers. These features usually include gel and/or copper infusions (if it’s a memory foam pillow), cooling covers, naturally breathable materials (cotton, latex), and proprietary materials.
Loft
King-size pillows are larger, but they don’t necessarily have a taller loft compared to the same pillow in Queen size. Some companies offer multiple loft sizes, allowing you to choose based on your body frame and preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers typically need the tallest loft, whereas back sleepers benefit from a medium loft. Stomach sleepers need the lowest option to keep the neck aligned with the back. Some pillows have adjustable lofts, allowing you to remove some of the fill to customize the height.
Comfort
Comfort is another subjective thing that’s not the same for every sleeper. In other words, one person’s comfortable pillow may not be the best choice for another person. This usually depends on the sleeping position one prefers to sleep in and how the pillow’s firmness matches it. For example, side sleepers usually prefer medium firmness and a tall loft, but combination sleepers who sleep on the side and back will likely need a medium loft. For this reason, think about your needs and preferences, and don’t be afraid to use some of these brands’ trial offers to test a few pillows.
Budget
Budget is a big factor for a lot of people, and King-size pillows tend to be among the most expensive ones. The price increase is often due to size, given these pillows are the largest any brand offers. However, there’s more to it than just size. Many things affect the price, such as materials, ease of maintenance, durability, and other features. Adjustable pillows are typically more expensive than those that can’t be customized. In addition, cooling models are also pricier.
Off-Gassing
Off-gassing is common for memory foam pillows, but we’ve also noticed it in pillows with synthetic fill. Although the odors aren’t harmful, they can be unpleasant for most people, especially those who are sensitive. In most cases, off-gassing odors dissipate within a day or two, so even if you notice a weird smell upon removing the pillow from the packaging, it shouldn’t be something to worry about.
Cleaning & Care
Ease of cleaning is crucial for many people, but mostly those who sweat a lot when sleeping. However, it’s important to remember that not every pillow can be washed. Some are machine washable, while others are only suitable for spot-cleaning. For the most part, this depends on the fill because some materials, like memory foam and down, take too long to dry. Nonetheless, many brands include at least a machine-washable cover.
Types of King-Size Pillows
There are different types of King-size pillows, depending on your needs and preferences. They all have different things that make them stand out, whether it’s a washable cover, adjustable loft, or another similar feature. There is no right or wrong type to choose since the best King-size pillow is usually the one that works best for you.
- Adjustable Pillows – Adjustable pillows have a fill you can remove to customize the loft height and the overall feel. In most cases, these are filled with shredded memory foam or latex, although even some down and synthetic pillows can be adjusted. These are usually best for combination sleepers.
- Memory Foam Pillows – Memory foam is a common material found in pillows as a single block or shredded. Shredded memory foam is usually softer and more breathable, sometimes even adjustable, whereas a block of memory foam has a more uniform feel and a slower response.
- Down Pillows – Down pillows are fluffy and have a lower loft, which is why they’re usually recommended for stomach sleepers. These compress under your weight and are perfect for those who want a lightweight and moldable pillow.
- Down Alternative – These remind of down pillows by feel, but they’re stuffed with synthetic fibers that are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. As such, they’re more suitable for people with allergies. In addition, they’re often also adjustable and washable because synthetic fibers don’t take as long to dry.
- Latex Pillows – Latex is bouncy and naturally breathable, so it’s a good option for combination sleepers and those who sleep hot. Much like memory foam, it can be found as a single block of material or shredded. Pillows with shredded latex are more cooling and often also adjustable.
- Hypoallergenic – Hypoallergenic pillows are best for people with allergies and anyone sensitive to bacteria, dust mites, and mold. These usually include hypoallergenic materials in the cover and fill, or at least one of the two.
Our Final Thoughts
A King-size pillow is perfect for anyone who needs extra space to move around the bed without dragging their pillow with them. These are the largest out there, so they’re usually best for King-size mattresses and other larger beds. Although the size is universal, the features and specifications are anything but. Sleepers can choose between a range of materials, cooling features, firmness options, and even loft height. Best of all, some of these are adjustable, so you can play around until you find the best loft that works for you.
Although some King-size pillows are expensive due to their features and size, most brands offer trials, giving you enough time to test how the pillow fits your needs.
Shop: Best King Size Mattress
Best King-Size Pillow FAQs
What size is a King pillow?
A King-size pillow is usually around 36 x 20 inches with a few inch variations. This is a standard size, but some brands move an inch or two. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem, although it can make it difficult to fit in a standard King pillowcase if you already have one.
Are King-size pillows worth it?
If you’re after a big pillow that gives you plenty of room, we’d say it’s worth it. However, it’s important to consider many factors instead of picking the first King-size pillow you come across. Hopefully, our buyer’s guide helped you understand what you should pay the most attention to before buying.
What size is a King pillowcase?
A King-size pillowcase is only slightly larger than a pillow of the same size. In most cases, it’s around 20-21 by 36-41 inches, depending on the brand.
Olivera Jancikin
Content Writer
About Author
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
Combination Sleeper