How to Choose a Pillow
By Riley Seymour | Aug 9, 2023
How to Choose a Pillow
By Riley Seymour | Aug 9, 2023
While choosing the perfect pillow is important from a size and shape standpoint to improve your sleep, you will also want to consider the type of pillow stuffing you choose. Most people are aware of traditional fillings like cotton or polyester, but have you ever considered other materials like silk? Keep reading while we break down the most popular options of stuffing for pillows.
- Cotton: "The touch, the feel of cotton, the fabric of our lives." If you grew up during the 80s or 90s, you likely heard this slogan at least once on TV. Cotton is soft, breathable, and durable once spun into thread. It's easy to grow around the world, including in America, and it's relatively inexpensive to produce. Cotton pillow stuffing is easy to find and purchase, as are cotton-stuffed pillows.
- Polyester or Polyester Fiberfill: This material is strong, dries quickly, and is easy to wash. It is often made in the USA and can be used for a variety of applications from toys to upholstery to crafts to pillows. While polyester is versatile, it is not always the best option for people with sensitive skin as it can cause irritation by itself. If opting for a poly-stuffed pillow, make sure you choose a soft pillowcase that won’t bother sensitive skin.
- Silk: Our silk pillows are filled with 100% long-strand mulberry silk and shelled with premium bamboo viscose for a naturally breathable, temperature-regulating experience all night long – perfect for all types of sleepers in all types of climates! We love silk because it feels luxurious and is extremely comfortable.
- Memory Foam: Did you know memory foam was created by NASA when trying to increase the shock absorbency of airplane seats? Memory foam works by responding to pressure and heat. While this is helpful in the aeronautical world, if you’re a hot or sweaty sleeper, memory foam-stuffed pillows may not be the best idea for you. On the other hand, if you’re often cold when you sleep, you may want to try this type of pillow stuffing.
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Down: Down-stuffed pillows contain feathers from the underbelly of waterfowl like ducks, swans, and geese. These pillows are soft and warm; however, they lack support. They are not hypoallergenic, so if you have animal allergies, you’ll want to steer clear.
Note, feather-stuffed pillows are different than down pillows in that they use feathers taken from the wings of waterfowl. These feathers often contain quills, which may cause lumpiness or feathers to poke out from the pillow occasionally. - Down-Alternative: For sleepers who want the comfort and feel of a down pillow but have ethical concerns about down, need more support, or require something hypoallergenic, look for a down-alternative pillow. This type of pillow filling uses synthetic materials, like polyester or cotton, that are spun in a way to mimic a down pillow.
While these are just a few of the most popular types of stuffing for pillows, we recommend trying a few to see what you like best and always pairing your preferred pillow with temperature-regulating sheets and pillowcases.
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