Made-to-measure pillow: what it means at Pillowise

At Pillowise, a made-to-measure pillow means this: we measure your shoulder width, neck circumference and neck length, take your sleeping position and mattress into account, and use them to calculate one of six sizes. The pillow is not made individually for you, but selected specifically for you.

What does “made to measure” mean at Pillowise?

With a made-to-measure suit, the tailor cuts the fabric to your body measurements. That is not how we work. Pillowise works more like shoe sizes: there are fixed sizes, and the point is to find the right one.

That is exactly our aim. “Your pillow size” should become as natural as “your shoe size”. We use the term “made to measure” because the size is calculated from your own measurements rather than from guesswork or gut feeling.

What is tailored is the selection, not the manufacturing. If you are expecting a one-off pillow with a freely chosen shape, you won't get that from us. If you are looking for a pillow that fits your body, you are in the right place.

Why is the right pillow different for everyone?

A pillow fills the space between your head, neck and mattress. How big that space is depends on three things:

• Body measurements: Shoulder width, neck circumference and neck length are different for every person.
• Sleeping position: If you sleep on your side, you need room for your shoulder. Lying on your back, the distance is different, and lying on your front it is different again.
• Mattress: On a soft mattress, your shoulder sinks in deeper than on a firm one. That changes what the pillow has to compensate for.

The aim is for your head and cervical spine to lie as close to a line as possible, with room for your shoulder. A standard pillow may get this right, but you have to find that out yourself. That is why many people buy several pillows and still remain unsure. You can read more in our article Calculating pillow height.

Which measurements are taken?

Your size is based on three measurements:

Two further details are added: your sleeping position (back, side, front) and your mattress (soft, medium, firm). An algorithm combines everything and selects the best-fitting pillow. Three measurements and two details give you one size.

I developed this method as a physiotherapist. I couldn't recommend a suitable pillow to people with neck complaints, because I had no way of determining one. So I worked out a measuring method myself. Pillowise grew out of that, together with United Comfort Industries.

Which six sizes are there?

Pillowise comes in six sizes. Each has its own colour: pink, orange, green, blue, red and purple. The colour lets you see straight away later on which size is yours.

The pillow measures 55 x 35 cm. The core is 100% memory foam and is made in the Netherlands, in United Comfort Industries' own factory. The cover has a moisture-regulating top layer made of Tencel and a bottom layer made of polyester. It is machine washable at 40 °C. The materials are certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. We give a 5-year guarantee on every Pillowise pillow. If you would like to see the pillow and its six sizes at a glance, take a look at our sleep pillow.

For travelling, there is Pillow ToGo, a travel pillow measuring 34 x 35 cm. It offers the same support as the standard pillow, is available in all sizes and comes in a sturdy travel bag. You can find more about the pillow on the page The Pillowise pillow.

How does it differ from an individually made pillow?

We want to be open about this, because it helps you decide.

• What you get: a mass-produced pillow in one of six sizes, selected according to your measurements, your sleeping position and your mattress.
• What you don't get: a pillow cut for you alone, or a freely chosen shape.
• What speaks in its favour: The selection is traceable and repeatable. At the stockist, you can try your size on a display with all six pillows and place another size next to it for comparison.

You may find that you fall between two sizes. In that case, a direct comparison on the spot helps more than any calculation. A fixed size scale is not a disadvantage, as long as it is fine enough to suit you.

Where can I buy a made-to-measure pillow and have myself measured?

There are two ways to determine your size:

1. Get measured: At a Pillowise stockist, you are measured with the Pillowise measuring tape. Options include chiropractors, physiotherapists, sleep specialists, wellness practices and specialist retailers. You can find stockists near you under Stockists.
2. Measure yourself with PillowScan: You open scan.pillowise.com on your mobile phone or via a QR code and enter your measurements. How to go about it is explained on the page Taking measurements: determining your pillow size.

There is no web shop for end customers on pillowise.com. You can get Pillowise through the stockists. The safest option is to get measured and try the pillow on the spot. PillowScan is the convenient way if you would rather work out your size at home first, in your own time. If you would like to know what to expect during a measuring appointment, you can read more about how to get your pillow measured. If you are in Austria, our page Made-to-measure pillow in Austria: where to buy and get measured explains how this works there.

Which pillow suits me if I sleep on my side?

For side sleepers in particular, height is crucial, because your shoulder needs room. Our article The right pillow for side sleepers explains this in more detail. And if you already have a pillow and are unsure whether it suits you, Pillow too high or too low? will help. You can find an overview of all topics in the Guide.

For children aged 4 to 15, there is Pillowise Junior in three sizes. Four details feed into the selection there.

What can a suitable pillow do, and what can't it do?

A suitable pillow helps your head and cervical spine to lie in a line and supports your shoulder so it is not cramped. That can make lying down more comfortable.

A pillow is not a cure. If you have neck pain or other complaints, have the cause checked by a doctor. We do not give treatment advice. You can find some context on the subject in our article Pillows for neck tension.

So: is a made-to-measure pillow worth it?

If you sleep well and wake up in the morning without discomfort, you don't need to change anything. Your pillow evidently suits you already.

If, on the other hand, you are unsure whether your pillow is the right height, or have already tried several pillows, it is worth taking a closer look. Choosing by feel remains guesswork; with measuring you don't have to guess. Don't expect a one-off piece, but one of six sizes that suits your measurements, your sleeping position and your mattress.

Determine your size yourself or find a stockist near you.

Thijs van der Hilst, physiotherapist (non-practising)
Inventor of Pillowise