Pillow height, or loft, decides whether your head sits in line with your spine or at an angle all night. Use these five steps to narrow it down.
1. Learn the three loft bands
- Low loft: around 7.5 cm or less.
- Mid loft: between 7.5 and 12.5 cm.
- High loft: 12.5 cm or more.
2. Match the loft to how you sleep
- Side sleepers: usually mid to high loft, around 13 to 18 cm, to fill the gap between your head and shoulder. A denser material like memory foam can work at a slightly lower height.
- Back sleepers: usually mid loft, around 10 to 13 cm, so your head is supported without your chin being pushed toward your chest.
- Stomach sleepers: the lowest loft you can find, as any real height bends the neck upward while your face is turned to the side.
- Combination sleepers: a mid loft is usually the best compromise.
3. Adjust for your frame
Broader shoulders create a bigger gap between your head and the mattress when you lie on your side, so you need more height. A smaller frame needs less.
4. Factor in your mattress
A softer mattress lets your shoulder and body sink further, which reduces the height your pillow needs to make up. On a firm mattress you may need a little more loft.
5. Choose a dual-height pillow to fine-tune
Many Dentons contoured pillows offer two neck support heights at the front and back edge. Turn the pillow around to switch.
- Low Profile (Softecâ„¢): For side and back sleepers with a small to medium frame.
- High Profile (Softecâ„¢): For side sleepers with a medium to large frame.
Signs your pillow is the wrong height
- You fold or stack your pillow to get comfortable, which suggests it is too low.
- You push it away during the night, which often means it is too high or too firm.
- It is flat by morning, so it has stopped supporting you.
Test before you buy
Due to health regulations, Dentons pillows cannot be returned for change of mind once used. Try your shortlist in your sleeping position at a Dentons stockist, or contact our team for help. Every Dentons pillow is made in Australia and carries a five-year replacement guarantee.