Pillow 40 × 80 or 80 × 80 – which size is right?

When buying a pillow, you are almost always faced with the same question: the elongated 40 × 80 or the square 80 × 80? Both sizes are standard in Germany, but they suit different sleeping habits. Here is how to find the right one.

40 × 80 and 80 × 80 compared

	40 × 80 cm	80 × 80 cm
Shape	elongated, compact	square, generous
Ideal for	side sleepers, stomach sleepers, small beds	back sleepers, leaning and reading
Support	targeted under the head and neck	broad-based, also under the shoulders
Weight and filling	lighter, less filling	about twice as much filling

When is 40 × 80 cm the right choice?

• You sleep on your side: The pillow fills the gap between the shoulder and head without slipping under the shoulder.
• You like it compact and light.
• You sleep on your stomach and need a small, flat support.
• You want to control the height specifically – with a smaller pillow, every handful of filling makes a bigger difference.

When is 80 × 80 cm the right choice?

• You sleep on your back and like to rest your shoulders and neck on the pillow.
• You read or watch TV in bed in the evening and like to lean back.
• You like the feel of a large, soft pillow.

How the filling amounts differ at Traumwelt

Pillow	40 × 80 cm	80 × 80 cm
3-Chamber Down Pillow	600 g	1,200 g
3-Chamber Hybrid Pillow	700 g	1,400 g
Primaloft Organic Pillow	750 g	1,500 g

The 80 × 80 pillow has twice the filling amount in each case – so it is not taller, but above all larger. With the Hybrid Pillow and the Primaloft Organic Pillow, you can additionally adjust the height with the filling in both sizes.

Can I put a 40 × 80 pillow in an 80 × 80 pillowcase?

This works, but it is not a good solution. The pillow will slide back and forth in the oversized pillowcase, the empty part will lie across your face as a fold of fabric, and the bed will look untidy. Always choose a pillowcase in the same size as your pillow. Conversely, an 80 × 80 pillow naturally will not fit in a 40 × 80 pillowcase.

Which pillow size for which bed?

• Single bed (90–100 cm): one pillow – 40 × 80 or 80 × 80 cm, depending on your preference.
• Double bed (140–200 cm): two pillows, preferably in different sizes if you sleep differently.
• For cuddling and reading: one 40 × 80 for sleeping plus one 80 × 80 for leaning back is a popular combination.

Which duvet size goes with it can be found in the guide Which duvet size do I need?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pillow size is best for side sleepers?
40 × 80 cm. Find out more in the guide Pillow for side sleepers.

Is an 80 × 80 pillow taller than a 40 × 80 pillow?
Not necessarily. It has more filling, but distributes it over twice the area. The height depends mainly on the amount of filling per area.

Are Traumwelt pillows available in other sizes?
Our pillows are available in 40 × 80 and 80 × 80 cm, the two standard sizes in Germany.

My pillow is too small for the pillowcase – is that bad?
The pillow will slide in the pillowcase and the fabric will wrinkle. Always choose the pillowcase in the same size as the pillow, so 40 × 80 cm for a 40 × 80 pillow.

What is a hotel closure?
A pillowcase without buttons or a zipper: On one side, it has an sewn-in flap under which you tuck the end of the pillow. It looks neat and is quick to put on.

Related Topics

• Pillow 40 × 80 cm
• Pillow 80 × 80 cm
• Pillow 80 × 80: which pillow is right for you?
• Pillow Finder