Made-to-Measure Pillow: What It Means at Pillowise

A made-to-measure pillow at Pillowise means this: we measure your shoulder width, neck circumference and neck length, take your sleeping position and mattress into account, and calculate one of six sizes from them. So the pillow isn't 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's not how we work. Pillowise works more like shoe sizes: there are fixed sizes, and the key is finding the right one.

That's exactly our aim. “Your pillow size” should become as natural as “your shoe size”. We use the term “made to measure” because your size is calculated from your own measurements, not from guesswork or gut feeling.

The selection is made to measure, not the manufacturing. If you're expecting a one-off pillow in a shape of your choosing, you won't get that from us. If you're looking for a pillow selected to match your own measurements, you're 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. When you lie on your back the distance is different, and on your stomach it's different again.
• Mattress: On a soft mattress your shoulder sinks in deeper than on a firm one. That changes what the pillow has to make up for.

The aim is for your head and cervical spine to sit in as straight a line as possible, with room for your shoulder. A standard pillow might get this right, but you have to find out for yourself. That's why many people buy several pillows and still feel 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, stomach) 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 my patients with neck complaints because I had no way of determining it. 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 which size is yours. To find out how our sizes compare with the usual measurements in stores, read our article Pillow size: standard dimensions and what really matters.

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 of Tencel and a bottom layer of polyester. It's machine washable at 40 °C. The materials are certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. Every Pillowise pillow comes with a 5-year warranty.

For when you're on the go, there's Pillow ToGo, a travel pillow measuring 34 x 35 cm. It offers the same support as the regular pillow, is available in all sizes and comes in a sturdy travel bag. You can find out more about the pillow on the page The Pillowise pillow.

How does it differ from an individually made pillow?

We'd like to be upfront about this, because it helps you decide.

• What you get: a mass-produced pillow in one of six sizes, selected based on your measurements, your sleeping position and your mattress.
• What you don't get: a pillow cut for you alone, or a shape of your choosing.
• What speaks in its favour: The selection is transparent 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 might fall between two sizes. In that case, a direct comparison in store helps more than any calculation. A fixed size scale isn't a disadvantage, as long as it's fine enough to suit you.

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

There are two ways to find your size:

1. Get measured: At a Pillowise stockist, you're measured with the Pillowise tape measure. Stockists include chiropractors, physiotherapists, sleep specialists, wellness practices and specialty 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: finding your pillow size.

There is no online shop for consumers 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'd rather work out your size at home first, at your own pace. If you live in Austria, you'll find more information in our article Made-to-measure pillows in Austria: where to buy and get measured.

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 aren't sure whether it suits you, Pillow too high or too low? can help. You'll find an overview of all topics in the guide.

For children aged 4 to 15, there's Pillowise Junior in three sizes. Four details go into the selection there.

What can a well-fitting pillow do, and what can't it do?

A well-fitting pillow helps keep your head and cervical spine in a line and leaves room for your shoulder. That can make lying down more comfortable.

A pillow is not a cure. If you have neck pain or other complaints, have the cause assessed by a doctor. We don't give treatment advice. You'll find some context on the topic 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 any complaints, you don't need to change anything. Your pillow obviously suits you already.

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

Work out your size yourself or find a stockist near you.

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