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. So the pillow isn't made individually for you. It's 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 goal. “Your pillow size” should become as familiar as “your shoe size.” We use the term “made to measure” because your size is calculated from your own measurements rather than from guesswork or gut feeling.

What's made to measure is the selection, not the manufacturing. If you're expecting a one-of-a-kind pillow in a shape of your choosing, you won't find that with us. If you're looking for a pillow whose size is selected based on 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 everyone.
• 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 when you lie 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 needs to make up for.

The aim is for your head and cervical spine to lie in as straight a line as possible, with room for your shoulder. A standard pillow might hit the mark, but you have to find that out 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 more details are added: your sleeping position (back, side, stomach) and your mattress (soft, medium, firm). An algorithm combines everything and chooses 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 one. So I worked out a measuring method myself. That's how Pillowise came about, 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 right away which size is yours later on. To find out how our sizes compare to the usual measurements in stores, read our article Pillow size: standard formats 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 made of Tencel and a bottom layer made of polyester. It's machine washable at 40 °C. The materials are certified to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. We give a 5-year warranty on every Pillowise pillow.

For travelling, 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'll find 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 with your decision.

• 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 traceable and repeatable. At the retailer, you can try your size on a display with all six pillows and place another size next to it for comparison.

You may find yourself between two sizes. In that case, a direct comparison on the spot helps more than any calculation. A fixed size range is not a drawback, as long as it's fine enough to fit you.

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

There are two ways to determine your size:

1. Get measured: At a Pillowise retailer, you're measured with the Pillowise tape measure. Options there include chiropractors, physiotherapists, sleep specialists, wellness practices and specialty retailers. You can find retailers near you under Retailers.
2. Measure yourself with PillowScan: You open scan.pillowise.com on your cell 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 online store for consumers on pillowise.com. You can get Pillowise through the retailers. The safest approach is to get measured and try the pillow right there. PillowScan is the convenient option if you'd rather determine 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 pillow in Austria: where to buy it 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 fits, 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. There, four details go into the selection.

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

A suitable 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 without discomfort in the morning, you don't need to change anything. Your pillow evidently already suits you.

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.

Determine your size yourself or find a retailer near you.

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