When buying bedding, most people first think of the mattress and duvet – the pillow comes last. Yet it is precisely the pillow size that determines whether your neck and shoulders are properly supported at night and whether the bed looks harmonious in the end. Two sizes have become standard in Germany: the classic 80x80 cm and the smaller 40x80 cm, which originated in continental Europe. Both have their place – but they serve different purposes. We will show you which size suits your sleeping position, your bed and your pillowcase. Matching pillowcases in 80x80, 40x80 and 40x60 cm are also available individually from biberna, without having to buy a whole set.
The short answer: 80x80 cm is the German standard size and remains the comfortable choice for reading and leaning back. 40x80 cm provides more targeted neck support and is usually the better size for side sleepers. Which one is right for you depends on three things: sleeping position, fill height and bed width – and we will go through each of these now.
80x80 cm: the German classic
The square 80x80 pillow has been the standard size in German bedrooms for decades. It is generous, can be turned in any direction and serves many people not only as a headrest, but also as back support when reading or as support under the arm. Because it offers so much surface area, you can always find a cool spot even after turning it over – a point that is especially appreciated by people who tend to sweat at night.
The disadvantage: An 80x80 pillow tends to have a softer fill and often sags at the edges. This makes it easy for side sleepers to slide their shoulder onto the pillow – and that is not ideal orthopedically, because the cervical spine then bends. Visually, the large format also quickly looks dominant in narrow beds under 140 cm wide.
40x80 cm: the pillow size for targeted neck support
The rectangular 40x80 pillow – often also called the “European size” – has made a strong comeback in recent years. It is deliberately sized so that only the head and neck rest on it, while the shoulders remain on the mattress. This is exactly the position recommended by orthopedists: The spine remains in a straight line, and the neck is supported rather than raised.
In addition, there is a practical advantage in a double bed: Two 40x80 pillows placed side by side take up less space than two 80x80 pillows and leave more of the duvet visible – making the bed look tidier. However, those who like to read half-seated or use the pillow as additional support may sometimes find 40x80 a little small.
80x80 and 40x80 compared directly
| Pillow size |
Features |
Ideal for |
Pillowcase price range |
| 80x80 cm |
Square, large surface area, usually softer fill; also serves as back and arm support |
| Back sleepers, readers in bed, wide beds from 140 cm, people who look for the cool side at night |
Included in the set; individually usually in the lower double-digit range |
| 40x80 cm |
Rectangular, provides targeted head and neck support, shoulders remain on the mattress |
| Side sleepers, stiff neck in the morning, narrow beds 90–120 cm, tidy bed appearance |
Included in the set; individually cheaper than 80x80 |
| Both in combination |
40x80 for sleeping, 80x80 as a decorative and reading pillow in front |
| Double beds from 160 cm, guest rooms, those who do not want to give up either |
Higher, as two pillowcase sizes are required |
Which size suits which sleeping position?
Side sleepers almost always benefit from 40x80 with a firmer fill – the gap between the ear and shoulder needs to be filled without the shoulder resting on the pillow as well. Back sleepers are well served by both sizes, but should pay attention to a flatter fill height so that the head is not pushed forward. Stomach sleepers need as little height as possible; here, a flat 40x80 pillow or even no pillow at all is the gentlest solution.
The pillowcase must match the pillow
The most beautiful pillow size is of little use if the pillowcase does not fit. A pillowcase that is too large will wrinkle, pressing into the face at night; a pillowcase that is too tight will strain and stress the seams. Therefore, the rule is: always buy a pillowcase that fits the pillow size exactly. At biberna, you will find both standard sizes – so you can freely combine your set. How to choose the material and closure is described in detail in our pillowcase guide; an overview of all common sizes is provided in the article Bedding sizes explained.
If you want to buy pillowcases individually or combine them freely, a mix-&-match series is the easiest way: With the biberna Mako-Satin Bedding Dots Mix & Match (item number 0636047), the individual pillowcase is available from €16.95, the complete set from €59.95. This way, you can replace a worn-out pillow size without having to change the entire set.
When it comes to material, it is worth looking at your own perception of warmth. Our Flannel bedding with 160 g/m² is particularly fluffy and retains warmth – ideal for cool nights. Those who like it smooth and cool should opt for Mako-Satin made from combed cotton in a 4/1 sateen weave. And for year-round use, with high moisture absorption directly against the cheek, TENCEL is a very pleasant choice. You will find all qualities bundled in our bedding overview.
A small practical tip for care
Pillowcases absorb more skin oils, sweat and care products than any other piece of laundry in bed. Therefore, feel free to wash them more often than the duvet cover – with cotton qualities, 60 °C is easily possible. For more details, read our guide How to properly wash and care for bedding.
Frequently asked questions
Is 40x80 really healthier than 80x80?
Not universally – but 40x80 makes it easier to lie correctly because the shoulders remain on the mattress. The deciding factor remains the combination of size, fill height and sleeping position.
Can I put a 40x80 pillow in an 80x80 pillowcase?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The pillow will slide back and forth in the oversized pillowcase, wrinkles will form and the fabric will be unnecessarily stressed at the seams. Buy the pillowcase to match the pillow.
Which pillow size suits which bed?
For beds 90 to 120 cm wide, 40x80 looks more harmonious. From 140 cm, both sizes work; in beds 180 or 200 cm wide, two 80x80 pillows look particularly harmonious. You will find suitable sizes for large beds in the article Bedding for oversized beds.
Can I combine 80x80 and 40x80 in the same bed?
Yes, and many people deliberately do: an 80x80 pillow at the front as a reading and decorative pillow, and the 40x80 behind or underneath for sleeping. Just make sure that the pillowcases are of the same quality and color, otherwise the bed will look untidy.
How can I tell if my pillow is the wrong size?
Typical signs are a stiff neck in the morning, constantly adjusting the pillow during the night or a shoulder that rests on the pillow as well. In this case, try the smaller size with a firmer fill first.
Our conclusion: There is no fundamentally better pillow size – there is only the one that suits your sleeping habits. If you wake up in the morning with a stiff neck, switching from 80x80 to a firmer 40x80 is the most obvious first attempt. And in both cases, the rule applies: With a perfectly fitting pillowcase in original quality – directly from the manufacturer, a family business since 1932 – you will sleep noticeably better night after night. Shipping is always free, with no minimum order value.
Buy pillowcases individually: Fine jersey in a two-pack, melange flannel and Mako-Satin in 80x80, 40x80 and 40x60 cm can be found under Individual pillowcases.
