How Many Pillows Should You Sleep With?

Is it better to sleep with one or two pillows?

 

Most people sleep best with one to two pillows, but the perfect number depends on your sleep style. Strategically placing additional pillows, like between your knees or under your back, can relieve pressure points and improve sleep quality.

The number of pillows you should sleep with is a surprisingly personal question that depends on your sleep style. For most, one trusty sleep pillow is perfect, but there are benefits to adding a second (or even third) to your nightly routine. 

Whether you're stacking two pillows or tucking one under your knees, learning the right combination and how to sleep on a pillow can make a world of difference. Read along to discover how many pillows to sleep with based on position and how to find the best pillows for sleeping and your bed size.

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How Many Pillows Should You Sleep With Under Your Head?

Most people only need one pillow under their head when sleeping. A single pillow with the right loft can support your head and keep your spine aligned throughout the night.  

Sleeping with more than one pillow under your head can lead to improper alignment. For example, sleeping with two pillows stacked might strain your neck and mess with your alignment. Adding a second or third pillow in specific spots, like between your legs for side sleepers or under your knees for back sleepers, can give you extra support and comfort.

Benefits of Sleeping On Two Pillows

If you’re having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, sleeping with multiple pillows can be a game-changer. You can stack or position pillows strategically to alleviate pressure on your joints. 

If you’re a side sleeper looking for extra support or are a restless sleeper, two pillows can make all the difference. Using multiple pillows means you can adapt to different sleep positions throughout the night without sacrificing comfort.  

How To Sleep With Multiple Pillows: By Sleep Position

Though many people sleep comfortably with just one pillow under their head, sleeping with multiple pillows can add extra cushioning and relieve pressure from other areas of the body. 

Whether you’re a side or combination sleeper, your sleep style should determine the number of pillows you use. Let’s break down how to sleep with two pillows or more.

Side Sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper, you may benefit from using two pillows while you sleep — one under your head and another between your knees to maintain hip and spine alignment or under your arm for shoulder support. 

One of the best pillows for side sleepers is the Harmony Anywhere® Pillow, with its airy, bounce-back feel and different size options. Placing it between the knees can help reduce pressure points, keeping you comfy all night long.

Back Sleepers

Sleeping on your back is one of the best ways to keep your spine aligned while you slumber. Having one pillow under your head is typically best for back sleepers, but adding an extra pillow under your knees might also help relieve any lower back pressure or tension. 

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers should sleep with one low-loft pillow under their head (or none at all, if that’s your preference) to avoid arching their neck. Placing a standard pillow under your pelvis or abdomen may help your back stay neutral so you can rest comfortably.

Combination Sleepers

If you’re a combination sleeper who tosses and turns throughout the night, look for a supportive but adaptable pillow. Adjustable pillows, like the Purple Freeform™ Pillow, have removable fill that you can adjust to the shape of your head or neck to provide the right support, no matter how you’re positioned. 

How Many Pillows Should You Keep On a Bed By Size

The number of pillows you should keep depends on the size of your bed and, ultimately, what you prefer. If you’re upgrading your sleep situation, follow our helpful chart on how many pillows to use according to your bed size. 

Because of its somewhat awkward size, the number of pillows you should have on a king bed can vary. Generally, you should have two sleeping pillows and a few decorative options, like shams or accent pillows, to balance out the width of the bed. For king beds or California kings, check to make sure you also have the correct pillow sizes. 

The Best Pillows for Sleeping

The best sleeping pillows balance the right alignment with all-night comfort and support. With Purple, you’ll find all the cooling, conforming, and size options you need for a dreamy sleep experience. To help you pick the best pillow, here are some options: 

• Purple Harmony® Pillow: Features Honeycomb GelFlex® Grid that boosts cooling and instantly adapts to your head and neck for a weightless feel. 
• Purple Harmony Anywhere® Pillow: Maintains its shape over time with Honeycomb GelFlex® Grid and Talalay Latex materials — a fan-favorite, in a take-anywhere size. 
• Purple DreamLayer™ Pillow: Get the comfort of traditional memory foam without the heat and delayed response, plus removable booster layers to adjust the pillow height. 
• Purple Freeform™ Pillow: MicroFlex™ Moon Foam molds and adjusts to let you customize the height and firmness to your preferences. It also has adjustable neck roll chambers to allow you to personalize your neck support.

Is It Better To Sleep With One Pillow or Two?

One pillow is typically best for optimal alignment, but if you prefer a second pillow, position it strategically based on your sleep style for additional support. The right combination may alleviate pressure points and improve sleep quality.

Don’t forget to keep your sleep setup fresh by replacing your pillows. Purple offers comfortable bed pillows for every sleep style, making it easy to find the best fit. 

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