Queen vs. King Size Pillows: Guide

Paul Souliac
2026-03-18T06:54:55-07:00

The size of your pillow affects more than just how your bed looks. It plays a big part in your comfort and the quality of your sleep. The right pillow supports your head and neck properly, keeping your spine aligned all night. Making the wrong choice can lead to discomfort and restless nights. That’s why a pillow designed for your needs, like The Scrumptious Side Pillow, can make all the difference.

Find your ideal fit with the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow, designed for personalized support, alignment, and all-night comfort.

What's the Difference? Queen vs. King Pillow Dimensions

The main difference between a queen and a king-size pillow is the length. The width, from top to bottom, is usually the same for both. This extra length on a king pillow is designed to fill the width of a larger bed.

Here are the standard measurements:

Queen Size Pillow: 20 inches x 30 inches

King Size Pillow: 20 inches x 36 inches

A king pillow gives you an extra six inches of length compared to a queen. This might not sound like a lot, but it can have a big impact on both the appearance of your bed and how you sleep. Keep in mind that loft, or the height of a pillow, is a separate factor determined by the amount and type of fill inside. You can find out more about what makes a great pillow by reading our pillow analysis.

Best Pillow for Side Sleeper - Honeydew Sleep

Description (The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow):

The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow features a unique curve that cradles your neck and shoulders for ultimate comfort and perfect alignment. The proprietary fill delivers a luxurious feel and superior support, while alleviating neck and shoulder pain , a condition affecting 30% to 50% of adults. We spent years developing a pillow built to provide perfect alignment and support for your body every single night. Every aspect was meticulously and deliberately chosen for its ability to provide the best sleep possible, and to help you wake up pain free and full of energy , powered by sleep. Unlike traditional rectangular pillows, the unique curve of the Scrumptious Side Pillow was designed to support your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. The ribbon going around the sides maintains the pillow's structure perfectly, ensuring it doesn't taper at the edges or get higher in the middle , so you'll never roll onto the "flat part" during the night. The foam component is 100% CertiPUR-US certified copper-infused foam, which is far more effective at cooling than gel-based memory foam and has naturally antibacterial properties to keep your pillow fresh night after night. A discreetly hidden zipper lets you add or remove fill to customize the pillow height for your body , because nobody knows what you need better than you. Handcrafted by hand with love in California, USA. Turn down your nights to turn up your days.

Key Features:

Unique Curved Design: Cradles neck and shoulders for perfect alignment

Proprietary Fill: Doughy and soft yet still supportive , unlike any other pillow

Copper-Infused Foam: Superior cooling vs. gel-based memory foam; naturally antibacterial

100% CertiPUR-US Certified Foam: Always made without formaldehyde or heavy metals

Adjustable Fill: Hidden zipper to add or remove fill for personalized height

Structural Side Ribbon: Maintains consistent height across entire pillow surface

Neck & Shoulder Pain Relief: Specifically designed to stop neck pain at the source

Side & Back Sleeper Friendly: Unique curve supports all sleeping positions

Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Included: Cooling, ultra-soft, and skin-friendly

Cooling All Night Long: Copper infusion keeps pillow temperature regulated

Washable Cover: Hidden zipper makes cover removal easy for machine washing

Handmade in California, USA: Family-owned, hand-crafted with care

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certified: All textiles safety certified

No Formaldehyde or Heavy Metals: 100% safe materials

Travel Size Available: Includes carrying bag for on-the-go sleep comfort

Tech Specs:

Fill: Proprietary copper-infused CertiPUR-US certified foam blend

Cover: Organic bamboo , cooling and ultra-soft

Certification: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 (textiles) + CertiPUR-US (foam)

Construction: Handmade in California, USA

Adjustability: Hidden zipper for fill customization

Available Sizes:

Queen: approximately 27" x 15"

King: approximately 30" x 17"

Travel: approximately 21" x 12"

Sleep Position: Side sleepers and back sleepers

Temperature: Cooling copper-infused fill, always cool to the touch

Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Trial Period: 60-night money-back guarantee

Care: Machine washable cover (remove fill first); tumble dry safe

What's Included:

1 x Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow (Queen, King, or Travel)

1 x Organic Bamboo Cooling Pillowcase

Travel Size: includes carrying bag

60-night risk-free trial (free shipping both ways)

3-year limited warranty

Free nationwide US shipping on orders over $50

Customer Reviews Highlights:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow has changed my life. I know that sounds hyperbolic but it's true." , Greg 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was floored by how much better I sleep now. The quality is incredible , the perfect mix of fluffy and firm." , Jonathan K. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Like Goldilocks, none were just right , until I found the Scrumptious Side Pillow. FINALLY!" , RL S. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This pillow is perfect for side sleepers like myself. I'll never go back to my old pillows again." , Michelle D. 🇺🇸

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Amazing support, super comfortable, and the pillowcase is so soft!" , Cecilia S. 🇺🇸

Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ based on 587 verified reviews

Shop The Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow

How to Choose the Right Pillow Size for Your Bed

The most common reason to choose a specific pillow size is to match your mattress. A well-fitted pillow looks better and prevents you from rolling into a gap between pillows during the night.

For a Queen Bed

A queen mattress is 60 inches wide. Two queen pillows, each 30 inches long, fit perfectly across the surface without any overlap or gaps. This creates a neat, tidy look. While you could use one king pillow if you sleep alone, two king pillows would be too wide for a queen bed.

For a King Bed

A standard king mattress is 76 inches wide. Two king pillows, at 36 inches long each, add up to 72 inches. This leaves a small, comfortable space between them and fills out the head of the bed nicely. If you try to use two queen pillows on a king bed, you'll be left with a 16-inch gap in the middle, which doesn't look or feel right.

For Other Bed Sizes

For a twin or full-size bed, a standard or queen pillow is usually the best choice. A king pillow would hang over the sides, looking out of place and potentially falling off the bed. Matching the pillow to the mattress is a great starting point for better sleep wellness.

Matching Pillows to Your Sleeping Style

Your preferred sleeping position is just as important as your mattress size when picking a pillow. The right pillow should support your body's natural alignment.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a pillow that fills the space between their head and the mattress, keeping their neck straight. Both queen and king pillows can work, but the key is having enough supportive fill. A pillow with an adjustable fill, like the Honeydew Scrumptious Side Pillow, is ideal because you can customize the height. Some side sleepers prefer a king pillow for the extra room to snuggle into.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers generally need a thinner pillow that cradles their head without pushing it too far forward. A queen pillow is often the perfect size. It provides enough surface area without being overly large, which could interfere with shoulder comfort.

Stomach Sleepers

Sleeping on your stomach can put a strain on your neck. Most experts recommend a very thin, soft pillow or no pillow at all. In this case, a queen size is more than enough, as the primary goal is to keep the head as level with the mattress as possible. You can learn more from reviews about pillows designed for specific sleep styles, like this one from The Gadgeteer.

Combination Sleepers

If you toss and turn throughout the night, a king size pillow might be your best friend. The extra length means you’re less likely to roll off your pillow as you switch positions. You have more pillow to land on, which helps you stay comfortable and supported without waking up to readjust.

Beyond the Bed: Other Uses for King and Queen Pillows

Pillows aren't just for sleeping. Their size can make them useful for other activities, too.

King Pillows: The generous length of a king pillow makes it a fantastic backrest. You can prop it against your headboard for comfortable support while reading, working on a laptop, or watching TV in bed. Some people even use a king pillow as a partial body pillow to support their back or knees.

Queen Pillows: Queen pillows are more manageable and versatile. They are great for placing between your knees to align your hips if you are a side sleeper. They are also easier to move and adjust during the night. Their smaller size makes them a bit more adaptable for propping up your feet or providing lower back support while sitting.

For dedicated on-the-go comfort, a specially designed travel pillow is always a good option. You can see how much people love them in our travel blog feature.

Pillowcases and Shams: Getting the Right Fit

One practical factor many people forget is the pillowcase. You need to match your pillowcase to your pillow size to get the best performance and feel.

Putting a king pillow into a queen pillowcase is a bad idea. The case will compress the pillow, making it feel overly firm and lumpy. This can ruin the supportive qualities of the pillow fill.

On the other hand, a queen pillow in a king pillowcase will have too much extra fabric. The pillow will slide around inside, which can be annoying and uncomfortable. Always buy the correct size pillowcase for your pillow to maintain its shape and comfort. You can find more helpful articles on our main news blog.

How Pillow Fill Affects Your Choice

While this guide focuses on the queen vs. king size pillows debate, the material inside your pillow is just as important. The type of fill determines the pillow's support, breathability, and feel.

A larger king pillow will naturally contain more fill than a queen pillow of the same type. This makes it heavier and sometimes less easy to shape. Whether it’s memory foam, gel, down alternative, or another material, the increased volume can change how the pillow behaves.

This is another reason why adjustable pillows are so beneficial. With a pillow like the Scrumptious Side Pillow, you can add or remove the proprietary gel memory foam and microfiber blend. This allows you to customize the loft and firmness to your exact preference, whether you choose a queen or a king. Having the right fill makes a huge difference in getting a better night's sleep with the best organic pillows.

The Bottom Line: Which Pillow Size Should You Get?

So, should you get a queen or a king-size pillow? The answer depends on a few key factors.

Choose a Queen-size pillow if:

You have a twin, full, or queen-size bed.

You are a back or stomach sleeper who doesn't move much.

You prefer a lighter, more manageable pillow.

You want a perfect fit for your queen mattress.

Choose a King Size Pillow if:

You have a king or California king-size bed.

You are a combination sleeper who tosses and turns.

You want extra space to rest your head and arms.

You like to use your pillow as a backrest for sitting up in bed.

Ultimately, the best pillow is one that feels comfortable and keeps your body in healthy alignment. At Honeydew Sleep, we are always working on creating the perfect sleep experience. Check out the exciting things happening to see how we continue to innovate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a king pillow on a queen bed?

Yes, you can use a single king pillow on a queen bed, especially if you sleep alone. It will stretch from edge to edge, which some people like. However, two king pillows will not fit on a queen bed; they will be too crowded and hang over the sides.

Do two queen pillows fit on a king bed?

Two queen pillows can be used on a king bed, but they will leave a large gap of about 16 inches in the middle. This can be uncomfortable if you move around at night. For a proper fit and a complete look, two king pillows are the recommended choice for a king bed.

Is a bigger pillow always better for neck pain?

No, a bigger pillow is not always better. The most important factors for neck pain are pillow loft (height) and support, not length. Your pillow should hold your head in a neutral position. A pillow that is too large or too high for your body frame can actually make neck pain worse.

How much more expensive are king size pillows than queen size?

King size pillows and their corresponding pillowcases typically cost more than queen size versions. The price difference is usually around 15-25%. This is because they require more fabric, fill, and other materials to produce.

Find your ideal fit with the Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow, designed for personalized support, alignment, and all-night comfort.