Choosing the right body pillow size is crucial for achieving the comfort and support you're looking for. A pillow that's too small won't provide adequate support, while one that's too large might overwhelm your bed and make sleeping awkward. This guide breaks down body pillow dimensions, shapes, and how to match them to your specific needs.

Standard Body Pillow Dimensions

Body pillows come in a range of sizes, but certain dimensions have become standard in the Australian market. Understanding these will help you compare products and find the right fit.

Straight Body Pillows

Straight body pillows are the most common type, resembling an elongated traditional pillow:

  • Standard: 120-130cm long × 40-45cm wide
  • Long: 140-150cm long × 45-50cm wide
  • Extra Long: 160-180cm long × 50cm wide

As a general guideline, your body pillow should be at least as long as the distance from your chest to your knees when lying in a fetal position. Taller individuals typically need longer pillows.

Shaped Body Pillows

Shaped pillows have more complex dimensions to consider:

C-Shaped Pillows:

  • Total length: 140-160cm (measured along the curve)
  • Width: 65-80cm
  • Thickness: 15-25cm

U-Shaped Pillows:

  • Total length: 130-150cm (one side)
  • Total width: 70-90cm (both sides combined)
  • Thickness: 15-25cm

J-Shaped Pillows:

  • Total length: 130-150cm
  • Width: 55-70cm
  • Thickness: 15-20cm
ℹ️ Measurement Note

Manufacturers measure shaped pillows differently—some measure total fabric length, others measure the usable support area. Always check the specific dimensions provided and, if possible, look at comparison images with common objects for scale.

Choosing Size Based on Your Height

Your height is the primary factor in determining the ideal body pillow length. Here are our recommendations:

Straight Pillow Length by Height

  • Under 160cm: Standard (120-130cm) pillows work well
  • 160-175cm: Long (140-150cm) pillows recommended
  • Over 175cm: Extra long (160cm+) pillows ideal

Why Length Matters

The ideal body pillow supports multiple body parts simultaneously:

  • Head and neck: If using as your primary head pillow
  • Chest and shoulders: For hugging support
  • Hips: For side support
  • Knees and legs: For leg separation and alignment

If the pillow is too short, you'll have to choose which areas to support rather than getting full-body benefits.

🎯 Quick Size Guide
  • Measure from your shoulder to your knee while lying down
  • Add 20-30cm to this measurement for ideal pillow length
  • When in doubt, go longer—you can always scrunch a pillow shorter
  • Consider your bed size before buying extra-large options

Bed Size Considerations

Your bed size determines how much pillow you can accommodate without crowding yourself or a partner.

Single Bed (92cm wide)

  • Best options: Straight pillows or compact C-shapes
  • Avoid: U-shaped pillows (typically too wide)
  • Maximum recommended pillow width: 45-50cm

King Single/Double (107-137cm wide)

  • Best options: All straight pillows, most C-shaped options
  • Possible: Smaller U-shaped pillows (check dimensions)
  • Maximum recommended pillow width: 60-70cm

Queen Bed (153cm wide)

  • Best options: All body pillow types including U-shaped
  • Note: Large U-shapes may impact partner's space
  • Good for: Couples where one person uses a body pillow

King Bed (183cm wide)

  • Best options: Any body pillow type, even oversized options
  • Great for: Two people each using body pillows
  • Accommodates: Extra-large U-shaped pregnancy pillows comfortably
⚠️ Partner Consideration

If you share your bed, consider your partner's needs too. Large U-shaped pillows can take up significant space. Discuss your options together or consider a straight pillow that requires less room.

Understanding Body Pillow Shapes

Beyond size, the shape of your body pillow affects how you'll use it and what support it provides.

Straight Body Pillows

Best for:

  • General comfort and versatility
  • Side sleepers wanting leg separation
  • People who like to hug something while sleeping
  • Limited bed space situations
  • Those who change positions frequently

Limitations:

  • Doesn't provide back support
  • May shift during the night
  • Requires separate head pillow

C-Shaped Pillows

Best for:

  • Pregnant women needing belly and back support
  • Side sleepers who don't change sides often
  • Those wanting integrated head support
  • People with back pain who benefit from lumbar support

Limitations:

  • Only supports one side at a time
  • Must reposition when changing sides
  • Takes more space than straight pillows

U-Shaped Pillows

Best for:

  • Pregnancy (especially third trimester)
  • Those who switch sides frequently
  • People wanting complete body envelopment
  • Back pain sufferers needing total support

Limitations:

  • Requires significant bed space
  • Can feel confining to some people
  • May sleep hot due to surrounding support
  • Difficult to share a bed with partner

J-Shaped Pillows

Best for:

  • Those wanting head and body support in one pillow
  • Compact alternative to C-shaped pillows
  • People with neck issues who need aligned support

Limitations:

  • Less versatile than other shapes
  • May not suit all sleeping positions

Width and Thickness Considerations

While length gets the most attention, width and thickness affect comfort significantly:

Width

  • Narrow (35-45cm): Best for petite individuals, limited space, and knee-only support
  • Standard (45-55cm): Suitable for most people, good balance of support and space
  • Wide (55cm+): Better for larger individuals, extra cushioning, full-body hugging

Thickness (Loft)

  • Low loft (10-15cm): Good for leg support, smaller body frames
  • Medium loft (15-20cm): Versatile, suits most users
  • High loft (20cm+): Better for larger individuals, firm support preferences
💡 Pro Tip

If you're between sizes, consider that fiberfill pillows compress over time, so starting with a slightly larger size can extend usable life. Memory foam pillows maintain their size better but offer less give.

Special Sizing Considerations

Pregnancy

Pregnant women often benefit from larger pillows that can accommodate their changing body:

  • C-shaped and U-shaped pillows are most popular
  • Consider buying larger than you initially need—your belly will grow
  • Full-size U-shapes (150cm+) provide the most support in third trimester

Tall Individuals (180cm+)

  • Look specifically for "extra long" or "XL" options
  • Some manufacturers offer custom lengths
  • Consider two standard pillows used together

Petite Individuals (Under 155cm)

  • Standard pillows may feel overwhelming
  • Look for "compact" or "travel" body pillows
  • Consider a junior/children's body pillow for optimal proportions

Practical Tips for Size Selection

  • Measure your bed first: Know exactly how much space you have
  • Consider storage: Large pillows need storage space when not in use or for washing
  • Read reviews: User reviews often mention if products run large or small
  • Check return policies: Size is hard to judge online; ensure you can return if needed
  • Think about pillowcases: Unusual sizes may have limited pillowcase options
👨

James Chen

Product Research Lead

James brings a background in materials science to BodyPillow.au. He analyses product specifications, construction quality, and practical usability across all products reviewed.