Pillows measuring 40 × 80 or 80 × 80: Which size is right for you?
Compact or spacious? We compare 40 × 80 and 80 × 80 cm and show why height and filling are just as important.
40 × 80 or 80 × 80 cm: The two pillow sizes differ mainly in terms of how much space they take up in bed. The smaller rectangle provides space for your head and neck. The square pillow offers more space for leaning against or reading. However, which size feels best for you also depends on the pillow’s height, filling and your mattress.
What makes 40 × 80 cm different?
A 40 × 80 cm pillow is narrower. You can position it so that your head and neck are mainly supported by it, whilst your shoulders remain on the mattress. For many people, this is a comfortable starting position. In bed, too, this size looks a bit tidier and takes up less space under the Duvet.
The width of 80 cm is still maintained, however: if you turn over onto your other side at night, there is usually still space for a pillow. Whether your head is well supported depends not on the dimensions alone, but on the actual height of the pillow when under pressure.
When is 80 × 80 cm a good choice?
A square pillow offers plenty of surface area. If you like to scrunch up your pillow, use it as a backrest whilst reading, or prefer a generous surface to lie on, an 80 × 80 cm pillow might be just the thing. When sleeping, make sure your shoulders don’t end up lying too far out on the pillows, as this can cause your head to be raised at an uncomfortable angle.
A very soft 80 × 80 pillow may feel flatter than a firm 40 × 80 model. The number on the label alone therefore reveals little about how the pillow feels when you lie on it.
| Your preference | Possible starting point |
|---|---|
| Compact support for the head and neck | 40 × 80 cm |
| Plenty of space for shaping or leaning against | 80 × 80 cm |
| You’re unsure about the height | Compare capacity and load-bearing capacity, not just the size |
Consider your sleeping position and mattress
When sleeping on your side, a different support height is often more comfortable than when sleeping on your back or front. The distance between your head and the mattress also changes depending on how far your shoulder sinks into it. You should therefore try out pillows with different fillings and heights wherever possible. There is no one size that is automatically right for all sleeping positions.
At OBB, you’ll find Pillow, 40 × 80 cm and Pillow, 80 × 80 cm. When looking at the product, also compare the filling and construction. Our article on explains how a multi-layered model can combine a soft surface with support: 3-Chamber Pillows.
If you already own a pillow, see if you find yourself constantly folding it, fluffing it up or pushing it aside during the night. This may be a sign that you need to reassess its height and level of support – regardless of its size.