Choosing a pillow filler: popular options

Today, manufacturers offer a wide variety of pillow fillers: natural and synthetic. The choice is so huge that it confuses buyers. It is quite difficult to form a rating of options, because everyone has their own requirements, but it is useful to learn the features of different fillers.

What should be the “correct” pillow

When choosing the best filler for pillows, it is important to determine its characteristics. The quality and duration of rest, as well as the state of human health, depends on the content of the sleep accessory. There are a number of requirements for the materials:

1. Convenience. Providing comfort during sleep is the main task of any pillow. It is best if the accessory is able to provide orthopedic support for the cervical spine.
2. Hypoallergenicity. Pillows with anti-allergenic properties should be bought for children in order not to provoke the development of the disease.
3. Air permeability. The sleeping pillow must be aired regularly, removing extraneous odors. It is hot and uncomfortable to sleep on a pillow that is densely stuffed with material that is not capable of aeration.
4. Form stability. A good pillow should be elastic, and the filler inside should not clump together. Ideally, the accessory should take its original shape without any help after you get out of bed.
5. Hygroscopicity. During sleep, a person actively sweats, especially on hot days, so the filler should absorb moisture well. If it is not so, it will be unpleasant to sleep.
6. Term of use. Experts believe that the pillow should be changed every 3-4 years, however, too cheap filler options do not always withstand such a period. The material shrinks and clumps, the accessory will have to be replaced sooner.

When considering the types of pillow fillers, it is important to carefully study the care instructions. To maintain hygiene, the product must be washed, cleaned and dried regularly. Some fillers require dry cleaning, so you need to decide right away if you are willing to pay the extra cost.

How to fill your favorite pillow: filling options

All pillow fillers offered by manufacturers can be conditionally divided into large groups: synthetic and natural. The latter, in turn, are divided into two more parts: animal and plant origin. Each of the options has its advantages, so you should familiarize yourself with them in advance.

Plant materials for filling pillows

The plant world of our planet is so rich and diverse that people have long learned to use its gifts for their own good. This also applies to pillow fillers:

1. Latex. It is made from Hevea juice, which is heated and foamed using a special technology. After cooling, a dense and elastic foam is obtained, which can easily adapt to various loads.
2. Soy foam. It is produced using a similar technology, but from soybean oil. Using various additives, manufacturers obtain a filler with cooling properties, a memory effect and other features.
3. Bamboo. Cellulose fiber obtained from this plant is characterized by softness and increased hygroscopic properties. The pillow perfectly absorbs moisture and does not steam – it is comfortable to sleep on it even on a very hot night.
4. Buckwheat husk. Quite popular, but very specific filler, which is better to use on the recommendation of a doctor. You can buy such a pillow just like that, but you need to take into account that it rustles quite loudly during use.
5. Cotton. Pillows with cotton filling are suitable for children, allergy sufferers and people with increased skin sensitivity.
6. Linen. Flax fibers allow air to pass easily and are incredibly hygroscopic. Such a pillow will last a long time and will not require complex care. And it also has antibacterial properties – ticks and other “neighbors” don’t get into it.

For the production of pillows, other plant fillers are used, for example, eucalyptus fiber or seaweed.

Fillers of animal origin

In this case, the list of fillers for pillows is much shorter:

1. Feather/fluff Duck or goose feathers are usually used, less often swan feathers. Down and feather pillows should contain no more than 30% of the last component, otherwise the feather will prick and climb out through the pressure pad. Although such models are inexpensive, they absolutely cannot be used by asthmatics and allergy sufferers.
2. Silk. Valuable and expensive luxury filler. The fiber created by the goose silkworm is incredibly soft, hygroscopic, durable and gives a feeling of coolness on hot days.
3. Sheep or camel wool. The filler perfectly absorbs moisture, is highly breathable and provides the effect of dry heat, which is useful for people suffering from cervical osteochondrosis. The price of such pillows can be quite high, and they are also contraindicated for people with allergies or asthma.

In combination with wool, when filling pillows, horse hair is often used. Its task is to maintain the volume of the product and ensure the required level of stiffness. Pillows filled with wool and horse hair are recommended for people with postural problems.

Synthetic fillers

If you need a hypoallergenic pillow filler, pay attention to artificial materials:

1. Sintepon. The simplest and cheapest soft material for filling pillows. Such a product can be machine washed, but it is better to replace it after a year of use.
2. Polyester fiber (holofiber). This is a common name for several synthetic materials similar in production technology: synthetic fur, comforel, holofil, filfiber and others. The difference lies in the twisting features of siliconized fibers. This material is most suitable for stuffing interior pillows: it is hot to sleep on the accessory all the time.
3. Artificial swan down. Hypoallergenic material with good elasticity. Such a filler has no extraneous odors and is quite comfortable for sleeping.
4. Memory foam. Viscoelastic material capable of responding to temperature and pressure has a memory effect. It is considered the best for making accessories with orthopedic properties, but such pillows cannot be washed.
5. Silicone and microgel. Fillers whose fibers are twisted into miniature balls. They keep their shape well and are easily distributed inside the cover.

Technologies do not stand still, so manufacturers regularly test new types of synthetic fillings for pillows. Among them: microfiber, microfiber, polystyrene balls, artificial latex, viscoelastic and much more. Since each user needs something different for a comfortable sleep, choosing the best filler for a pillow can probably only be done experimentally. Choose suitable sleep accessories from the “World of Mattresses” catalog and enjoy a comfortable rest every night!