Enter your shoulder width and the height of your mattress into the calculator to determine the ideal pillow height for optimal neck support while sleeping.
Pillow Height Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the ideal pillow height:
PH = SW - MH
Variables:
- PH is the pillow height (inches)
- SW is the shoulder width (inches)
- MH is the mattress height (inches)
To calculate the ideal pillow height, subtract the mattress height from the shoulder width. If the result is negative, the ideal pillow height is 0 inches.
What is Pillow Height?
Pillow height refers to the thickness or elevation of a pillow that provides the best support for the neck and head during sleep. The ideal pillow height helps maintain a neutral alignment of the spine, preventing neck pain and discomfort. It is influenced by the individual’s shoulder width and the height of the mattress.
How to Calculate Pillow Height?
The following steps outline how to calculate the ideal Pillow Height.
- First, measure the width of your shoulders (SW) in inches.
- Next, measure the height of your mattress (MH) in inches.
- Use the formula PH = SW – MH to calculate the Pillow Height (PH).
- If the calculated Pillow Height is negative, use 0 inches as the ideal pillow height.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Shoulder Width (SW) = 18 inches
Mattress Height (MH) = 8 inches
