What Size is a Body Pillow? A Comprehensive Body Pillow Size Chart

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Body pillows are relatively long pillows with different shapes that are designed to comfort an individual while sleeping or resting on a bed or couch. Such cushions are used to help with proper alignment of the body, minimizing the load on the spine and relieving pain. Pregnant women usually experience difficulties falling asleep due to the size of their belly and a body pillow can provide relief. 

The size of a body pillow is dependent on shape and preference. The size of a typical U shaped body pillow is 55" long, 27" wide, and 6" high. The typical size of an L-shaped body pillow is 54" long, 14" wide, and 5" high. The size of a typical C-Shaped Body Pillow is 57" long, 28" wide, and 7" high. The size of a J-Shaped Body Pillow – 63" long, 28" wide, and 7" high. The size of an Extra Long Body Pillow is up to 76" long and 20" wide. The size of a King-Sized Body is 76" long, 20" wide, and 8" high. 

Note that the dimensions provided above are approximate and might vary slightly for different manufacturer brands and specific products.  

If you want the pillow to help improve the alignment of your body while sleeping or resting, it is critical to find the correct size and shape. 

This article will provide detailed information about the dimensions of different types of body pillows and list some of the top products that you can purchase through Amazon. 

Since body pillows are commonly used by pregnant women, you might find the following article interesting: 6 Tips for Sleeping on a Futon while Pregnant

Other related articles:

• Our favorite body pillows
• Can you use a cot bed from birth?
• How to raise a bed so it's easier to get in and out of, for pregnant women

Body pillows can help with back pain during pregnancy. Image from Amazon.

Size of U-Shaped Body Pillows

As their name suggests, U-shaped body pillows are shaped in a U form. The cushion comprises two straight body pillows (usually called "arms") that curve and connect at the top. Such pillows are especially popular among pregnant women, individuals experiencing spine pain, or people facing difficulties getting comfortable in bed. The fact that U-shaped pillows can be easily modified, twisted, and folded in many different ways makes them even more appealing and convenient. 

The dimensions of a U-shaped body pillow might vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model of a pillow. Generally speaking, U-shaped pillows consist of "arms" that are about 55-60" long. The total width of this particular  pillow is approximately 25-30" with the height of 6-8".

U-Shaped Body Pillows provide ideal support for back, hips, legs, and belly. Image from Amazon.

Since there are two "arms" for U-shaped pillows, they are relatively large compared to other types of body pillows. But the size of the pillow makes it much more supportive and comfortable for back pain relief and can help you achieve better sleep. 

For more information, you might refer to our thorough body pillow guide.

Size of L-Shaped Body Pillows

L-shaped body pillows are the most versatile type of body pillow. Such pillows are commonly used to comfort legs, hips, back, and belly at the same time. Fulfilling several functions, L-shaped pillows are quite popular among pregnant women, and they can also be used to improve the alignment of the body while sleeping. Since L-shaped pillows are mainly designed to support your body, they are often used alongside regular head or neck pillows. 

L-Shaped Side Body Pillow is suitable for comforting hips, legs, back, and belly. Image from Amazon

The size of a regular L-shaped body pillow is approximately 54 x 14 x 5 inches (L x W x H). Therefore, there is a wide array of different-sized L-shaped pillows. For instance, one of the "arms" of the pillow might be longer than the other, or both arms might be of the same length. Body pillows with the same sized arms might also be referred to as V-shaped body pillows. Depending on the purpose, the size and the dimensions of a person's body should be considered when selecting this pillow.

Since body pillows are so large, you might also be interested in learning about how to store body pillows safely.

Size of C-Shaped Body Pillows

C-shaped body pillows are commonly considered one of the most comfortable and cozy pillows. The shape of the pillow allows you to feel comfy while surrounded by fluffy material around your back and neck. C-shaped body pillows are convenient for pregnant women on various occasions: while sleeping, feeding the baby, or resting on the couch. 

Flexible arms make the modification and folding process pretty straightforward, allowing the owner to support the head, neck, back, hips, knees, and belly simultaneously. 

C-Shaped Body Pillow simultaneously supports head, neck, back, legs, knees, and belly. Image from Amazon

The dimensions of a regular C-shaped body pillow are around 57 x 28 x 7 inches, but the size might vary for products manufactured by different brands and factories. The size of the body pillow provides an improved balance between body and hips, which makes it even more suitable for the proper alignment of the body while sleeping.  

Size of J-Shaped Body Pillows

Although J-shaped body pillows are not as popular as the ones we have discussed so far, they are also extremely comfy and convenient for not only pregnant women but also for individuals suffering from back pain. Similar to L-shaped pillows, this type of pillow is also designed to support legs, hips, back, and belly. Besides, they can be flipped around to support the head and neck instead of hips and thighs. 

J-Shaped Body Pillow is ideal for supporting legs, knees, back, and belly. If flipped, it can also support the neck and head. Image from Amazon

The length of a regular J-shaped body pillow is approximately 63", while standard pillows are 28"-wide. Typically, the width of such pillows is about 6-8" inches. Again, the dimensions are entirely dependent on the manufacturer and the specific purpose for which the pillow has been designed. 

The presence of the second, shorter arm is practical because you can quickly fold the arm and use it to support not only your body but your neck and head as well. 

Size of Extra Long Body Pillows

Typically, extra long body pillows do not have the shape of a particular letter; rather, they are long, rectangular pillows designed to support knees, legs, hips, or back. This is a perfect option for individuals who want to use a body pillow along with a regular head or neck pillow. This type of pillow is commonly referred to as a "straight" pillow due to its shape and size. 

Grey Extra Long Body Pillow offers support for  knees, legs, hips, and back. Image from Etsy

The length of an extra long body pillow can be up to 76", depending on the manufacturer and brand, but personal preferences is also a factor in size. The height of this body pillow is a fixed 20", no matter what the length is. Although extra long body pillows are designed to support knees, legs, hips, and back, the length of the pillow allows the user to fold it in many different ways and to comfort the head or neck as well. 

Some might think that the size of the extra-long body pillow makes it hard to store or clean, but this is not the case. Multifunctional extra long pillows can be easily stored and washed by following the instructions provided on the label or packaging. Here's our guide on cleaning and washing body pillows.

Size of King-Sized Body Pillows

King-sized body pillows are quite similar to extra-long body pillows discussed above, the difference is just 3 inches. Most of the king-sized pillows are also wedge-shaped, making them especially comfy to use between the knees for back pain relief. 

Grey Triangular King-Sized Body Pillow improves spinal alignment and relieves back pain when used as a support for your back. Image from Amazon

Generally, the length of a standard king-sized body pillow is 79", but there are various manufacturers producing body pillows with a length of 76". The height and width of such pillows are fixed 20" and 8", respectively. The triangular shape of the king-sized pillow makes one of the sides of the body pillow wider than the other. Such form provides better support for your back. 

What Are The Measurements of Body Pillows?

As discussed throughout the article, dimensions of a body pillow vary for the different shapes and sizes of body pillows. The size of a body pillow is usually represented in the following manner: Length x Width x Height. 

In some cases, there is no indication of how wide the pillow is; oftentimes,only two values are given on the packaging. For instance, if you see 20 x 72 inches, this means that the pillow is 20 inches high and 72 inches long. This is especially common for body pillows (e.g., extra long body pillows) that are relatively thin and an indication of the width is not essential.

If the pillow is very fluffy or wide, it is of huge importance for the packaging to include its width, so that individuals can easily choose the suitable size of a body pillow. 

You can get further tips and tricks on how to use sleep positioners for back pain by following the link to Ashley Marcin's article on Healthline. 

Body Pillow Size Chart

Body Pillow Sizes and Dimensions Guide

Body pillows vary widely in size and shape, and choosing the right dimensions affects comfort for side sleepers, pregnant women, and anyone dealing with hip or back pain. This chart covers every common body pillow type with exact measurements.

The standard 20 x 54 inch rectangular body pillow fits most adults between 5'2" and 5'10". If you are taller than 6 feet, choose the 20 x 60 inch version so the pillow spans from your chest to below your knees, the ideal placement for spinal alignment.

U-shaped pillows take up significant bed space. At 30 to 38 inches wide, they occupy nearly half of a Queen mattress. Couples using a U-shaped body pillow should consider upgrading to a King bed to maintain enough sleeping room for both partners.

Standard body pillow cases measure 20 x 54 inches. Oversized and specialty shapes often require custom cases from the same manufacturer. Before purchasing, check that replacement covers are available and affordable.

Fill material determines loft and weight. Polyester-filled body pillows weigh 4 to 6 pounds, memory foam versions run 8 to 12 pounds, and down alternative fills weigh 3 to 5 pounds. Heavier pillows stay in place better but are harder to reposition during the night.

Choosing Quality Bedding: What Actually Matters

The bedding industry is full of inflated claims about thread counts, miracle fabrics, and premium certifications. Here is what genuinely affects your sleep quality and what is just marketing.

What to Prioritize

• Fiber quality over thread count. Long-staple cotton at 300 thread count outperforms short-staple cotton at 1,000 thread count every time. The fiber length determines softness and durability, not the number of threads.
• Weave type for your climate. Percale breathes best for hot sleepers. Sateen feels silkier but traps slightly more heat. Jersey knit is stretchy and casual. Choose based on how you sleep, not how it looks in photos.
• Care requirements. The best bedding is the bedding you actually wash regularly. If a product needs dry cleaning or special handling, you will likely neglect it.

Building a Complete Sleep System

Great bedding on a bad mattress is like premium tires on a car with no engine. Your mattress is the foundation of every sleep experience. If your current mattress is more than 7–8 years old, upgrading it will improve your sleep more than any sheet set ever could.

MattressNut Lab: what we actually measured

We do not publish vibes. We publish measured numbers. Here is what landed on our bench for this specific topic.

Method in one paragraph: we used a calibrated Shore OO durometer for firmness, a tri-axial accelerometer seismograph at a controlled 10 lb drop for motion, and an FLIR infrared camera in a 72 F room for heat. Where we report reader data, figures come from our opt-in claim tracker, cleaned monthly.

Keep reading: connected deep dives on MattressNut

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