Pillow Fill and Loft, Explained
Loft is a pillow's height; side sleepers usually need 3 to 5 inches or more, stomach sleepers under 3, and the fill decides how well that height holds.
By Elissa SanciContributing writer.
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The short answer
Two things decide how a pillow feels: its loft (how tall it is) and its fill (what is inside). The loft should fill the gap between your head and the mattress so your neck stays in line with your spine. That gap is widest when you sleep on your side, which is why side sleepers need the tallest pillows.
Of the 562 pillows listed on Wiki Shopping on October 26, 2026, memory foam is the most common stated fill (170 pillows).
Pillow loft explained
Loft is the height of the pillow as it lies flat. The Sleep Foundation's guide to pillow types matches loft to sleep position:
| Sleep position | Suggested loft |
|---|---|
| Side | Medium to high, 3 to 5 inches or more |
| Back | Medium, 3 to 5 inches |
| Stomach | Low, under 3 inches |
Loft also depends on the fill: a soft fill gives under your head, while a solid block holds its contour. If you are between two positions, or are not sure, an adjustable pillow with removable fill lets you take some out until the height feels right.
What pillow is right for side sleepers?
Look for a firm enough fill to hold medium to high loft through the night. The Sleep Foundation's size guide adds that a king pillow's extra volume can give side sleepers the height they need without folding. By the same guide, block memory foam and block latex hold their shape, and shredded fills with removable fill let you set the height yourself.
Fill types compared
Summarized from the Sleep Foundation's guide:
| Fill | Feel and support | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Memory foam (block) | Molds to the head and neck, holds its shape | Retains heat; recovers slowly; a new pillow can smell for a few days |
| Shredded foam | Moldable, feels more like a traditional pillow | Check whether the fill is removable to set the loft |
| Latex | Responsive, breathable, durable | Block latex is firmer than shredded |
| Down | Plush, light and compressible | Costs more; may trigger allergies |
| Down alternative | Polyester fiber that mimics down; soft and easy to care for | Loft and firmness vary widely, so read the listing |
| Feather | More support than down for less money | Needs regular fluffing; quills can poke through |
Down vs down alternative pillow
Down is the soft under-plumage of ducks and geese: light, plush and easy to scrunch into shape. Down alternative is usually polyester microfiber made to imitate it. The Sleep Foundation describes down alternative as cheaper, easier to care for and free of the allergens that down can carry, with many loft and firmness options. Choose down for the lightest, most squashable feel; choose down alternative for allergies, washing at home or a lower price. On Wiki Shopping, 62 pillows state a down alternative fill and 61 a down and feather fill.
Pillow sizes
Size is width and length, separate from loft. The Sleep Foundation lists standard at 20 x 26 inches, queen at 20 x 30 and king at 20 x 36.
How we count
Each pillow on Wiki Shopping is grouped by the fill its store listing states. Pillows with no stated fill, or another fill, are not in the chart. The counts change as listings are added or removed.
Shop by spec
Pillows
Queen, Memory Foam
- Adjustable Loft with Extra Fill: Add or remove fill to customize the pillow height and feel. The included fill bag makes it easy to adapt the pillow for side, back, stomach, or combination sleeping.
- Adaptive Memory Foam Support: The fill contains 76% memory foam that contours to the head, neck, and shoulders and slowly rebounds for balanced, personalized support. Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam.
- Breathable Bamboo-Blend Cover: The removable cover is made of 60% polyester and 40% viscose rayon derived from bamboo for a soft, breathable sleep surface. Cover fabric is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified.
- Removable Machine-Washable Cover: Unzip and remove the outer cover for easy machine washing. Follow the care label for cleaning, and do not machine wash the memory foam fill.
- Queen Size for Multiple Sleep Positions: Measures 17 x 27 in and includes 1 adjustable pillow plus 1 bag of extra fill. Designed for adults who sleep on their side, back, stomach, or a combination of positions.
Memory Foam
- ERGONOMIC CONTOURED DESIGN FOR RELIABLE NECK SUPPORT. Curved memory foam naturally cradles your head, neck and shoulders to keep your spine properly aligned during sleep. It helps ease morning neck stiffness and shoulder discomfort for a more restful night.
- PREMIUM SLOW-REBOUND MEMORY FOAM CONSTRUCTION. High-density viscoelastic memory foam reacts to your body weight and warmth to fit your unique head shape. It delivers medium-firm support without excessive sinking and retains its shape through long-term use.
- GREAT FOR MULTIPLE SLEEPING STYLES. Thoughtfully sculpted contour shape works well for side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers. It holds your body in a comfortable posture to reduce sleep disruptions.
- REMOVABLE & WASHABLE BREATHABLE PILLOWCASE. Soft, skin-friendly outer cover improves airflow to avoid overheating while resting. Convenient zipper design lets you easily take off the cover for machine washing to keep your pillow clean.
- VACUUM COMPRESSED PACKAGING FOR SHIPMENT. Pillow is vacuum sealed for transit. Unpack it and leave it ventilated for 24–72 hours to reach full expansion. A faint new foam scent is normal and will fade over time.
King, Down and Feather
- Luxury Feather & Down Bed Pillows: Crafted with premium feather & down blend to deliver hotel-quality comfort. This 2-pack pillow set is a versatile decor upgrade for bedrooms, guest suites and vacation rental homes for everyday rest.
- Balanced Medium-Firm Support: Features evenly distributed filling to offer stable cushioning. Suitable for side, back and stomach sleepers to ease neck and shoulder tension. All raw materials are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified with thorough cleaning treatment to eliminate dust and odors.
- 500 Thread Count Cotton Pillow Cover: Encased in breathable moisture-wicking natural cotton fabric. Reinforced lock stitching minimizes feather poking. Breathable material dissipates heat and sweat to maintain a cool sleeping environment all night long.
- Durable All-Season Sleeping Pillows: Premium construction locks filling in place and prevents uneven clumping after long-term use. Medium-firm density avoids over-sinking, delivering consistent comfort all year round.
- Fully Machine Washable Design: Most feather down pillows require tedious dry cleaning. Our pillows support machine washing and low-temperature tumble drying. Proper care keeps the filling fluffy, reducing your long-term maintenance trouble and expenses.
Queen, Down Alternative
- Plush, Cloud-Like Comfort: Designed for those who love a soft, puffy feel, this pillow cradles you in gentle, cloud-like softness, creating a light, airy sleep experience that comforts you night after night and enhances overall rest
- 5-Star Hotel Sleep at Home: Crafted to meet 5-star hotel standards, these pillows provide a luxurious, vacation-like sleep experience in your own bedroom, giving you plush, cozy comfort every night and turning ordinary nights into indulgent, relaxing rest
- Safe & OEKO-TEX Certified: OEKO-TEX 100 certified (24.HCN.63690) and rigorously tested to be free of harmful chemicals, these pillows ensure a safe, healthy sleep environment for you and your family, giving peace of mind alongside ultimate comfort
- Perfect for Every Family: Offered in 2- or 4-pack sets, these Bedsure queen pillows (19" x 28") fit any bed configuration and offer flexible options for every bedroom, making them ideal for couples, families, or guest rooms alike
- Use & Care Tips: Upon unboxing, gently shake and pat pillows to restore puffiness. Let them fully fluff for up to 48 hours. Machine washable in cold water and tumble dry low, they stay plush and cloud-like even after repeated washes