High and low pillows: does it matter?

In a healthy sleeping posture your whole body is aligned – from your knees and hips, right through to your head and neck. If your neck and shoulders don’t get the right support or are forced to twist or crane, then say goodbye to alignment and say goodbye to a restful snooze. 

Not only you will likely be sleepless, you may also rise in the morning with muscle strains and joint discomfort.

Choosing between high profile, medium profile and low profile pillow is essential for proper alignment. But how do you know which height of pillow suits you? Here’s a quick guide.

Why choosing the right pillow matters

Sleeping posture is all-important when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. You won’t wake up with pain or stiffness and you’ll improve the quality of your sleep. You’ll be fresher and more alert the next day. 

So much of this comes down to having the right pillow. One that is comfortable, supportive of your skull, neck, and shoulders, and which matches your mattress. And, of course, this means your pillow should be the correct height. Here’s some more info on choosing the right pillow height.

Choosing the right height pillow for you

Getting your pillow height right can be a little tricky. Here are a few factors you should consider when choosing:

Do you sleep on your side, back or front?

If you sleep on your back a majority of the time, you’re better off buying a pillow with a low profile. This ensures your neck doesn’t get bent at a bad angle. 

However, if you sleep mostly on your side, you’ll require a medium or even large profile pillow. This extra height ensures your neck is properly supported perpendicular to your shoulder line.

Now, are you a stomach sleeper? Physicians actually discourage stomach sleeping as it’s a known cause of neck pain, however for some people it is simply the most comfortable position. If you’re unable to break the stomach sleeping habit, a low-profile pillow is your best option.

How tall are you?

Height correlates strongly to overall body size, so it’s a good yardstick for estimating pillow profile. If you sleep mostly on your back, your pillow choice will still be a low-profile option. However, if you’re over 1.8 metres (6 feet) or have particularly broad shoulders AND you sleep on your side, you may be better served with a medium or high pillow.

If you’re under 1.8 metres (6 feet) and/or don’t have particularly broad shoulders as a side sleeper, then a medium profile pillow will probably work best. And, of course, if you’re both tall AND broad-shouldered, a large-profile pillow will suit you best.

How old are you?

As an added factor, if you’re between 5 and 15, you’ll require a different pillow altogether. Special children's pillows ensure that the young spine is properly supported for optimal health and development.

Choose the right pillow every time

Choosing the right height pillow is key when it comes to keeping your neck and back in alignment. And that, in turn, is a key to a good night’s rest. Now you know a little more about different pillow heights: what they are and how you can choose the best one for you.

This article should be used for informative purposes only and is not a substitute for a consultation with a health specialist.