If you have ever stood in a shop or browsed online wondering whether a “super king” pillow is different from a “king size” one, you are not alone. The UK bedding world is full of naming quirks, and this pillow predicament is one of the more confusing ones. Let’s clear it up.
🌌 What’s the Actual Size?
In the UK, both king size and super king pillows are generally the same size, measuring 50 by 90 centimetres. Despite the different names, the dimensions are identical. What one retailer calls a king size pillow, another might label super king. It is not about the measurements, it is about branding.
Now, compare that to the standard UK pillow, which is 50 by 75 centimetres. That is 15 centimetres shorter than a king or super king pillow. In practical terms, this means a king or super king pillow offers a longer stretch across the bed and a more luxurious feel under your head.
👑 Why the Names Get Confused
The confusion starts when people assume pillow names follow the same logic as duvet covers. With duvets, super king refers to a specific, larger bed size. With pillows, there is no strict rule linking the name to a bed. You might see a 50 by 90 pillow listed as king on one site and super king on another, even though it is the same item.
Pillow sizes are not tied directly to mattress size in the UK. You can use a pair of standard pillows on a super king bed or go for two longer pillows to match the width more neatly. The choice is about aesthetics and comfort, not rules.
☁️ Pillowcases: Watch Those Labels
This naming muddle becomes most frustrating when buying pillowcases. A case labelled king size or super king may fit a 50 by 90 pillow, or it might not. Always look at the measurements. If your pillow is 90 centimetres long, your case should be too, regardless of what it is called.
Some brands also use terms like extra long or continental to describe the same thing. It is all the same orbit, just different labels flying past at speed.
💤 The Real Difference in Sleep
So why choose a king or super king pillow over a standard one?
A standard 50 by 75 pillow is fine for most sleepers and fits neatly across a double bed. But a 50 by 90 pillow gives more support and span, especially if you like to sprawl or prefer a more luxurious look. They also fill out larger beds more elegantly, so your sleep setup feels balanced and inviting.
Whether you prefer the compact comfort of a standard pillow or the generous stretch of a king, what really matters is finding the size that suits your body and your sleep space.
Final Orbit
To summarise, in the UK:
A standard pillow is 50 by 75 centimetres
A king size pillow is 50 by 90 centimetres
A super king pillow is also 50 by 90 centimetres
The names king and super king often refer to the same pillow size. Do not rely on the label. Always check the dimensions to make sure your pillowcases will fit and your sleep setup is just right.
Because in this Martian made universe of ours, even a pillow can be your co-pilot to better rest, so long as it is the right size.