Sleeping well is a necessity for being fit and active. Your condition will be at its maximum efficacy if you have enough sleep every night. Unfortunately, you’re unlikely to achieve satisfying rest in the absence of a comfortable pillow.
For this reason, a pillow filling’s type, material, and characteristics become irrevocably important. If you veer slightly from your comfort level by having a pillow that’s a bit firmer or softer, it can affect your slumber.
Stuffing Options To Choose From
There’s more to buying a pillow than it seems. You should consider a wide variety of factors when purchasing, including the price, cover material, breathability, loft, fill, and so on. This article explores the different types of pillow stuffing available, which works best for whom, and how to pick the proper filling according to preferences and body type.
Learn the difference between pillow fillings below and weigh their pros and cons to decide which is best suitable for you.
1. Buckwheat
A buckwheat hull is the outer shell of a buckwheat kernel. In most cases, 5-10 pounds of hulls are filled into a single pillow. Known for their cooling properties, buckwheat pillows conform to the shape of the sleeper’s head. They make good pillows for combination sleepers and they fit well with most sleeping styles.
Buckwheat pillows’ stuffing lasts longer than others. The airflow between the hulls creates better breathability, and they’re considered one of the most comfortable pillow fill types to make the head and neck rest well. The only downside is you might hear the rustling noises of the hulls every time you shift positions on the pillows. They could also weigh around 10 pounds, so they could be heavier than other pillows out there.
2. Polyester Fiberfill
Polyester fiberfill is another synthetic pillow stuffing option similar to alternative down filling, but it’s manufactured to mimic the comfort and convenience of cotton. There are many shapes and sizes available since polyester products are common.
Polyester fiberfill pillows are lighter and faster to wash than their more expensive counterparts. This, however, comes at a considerable environmental cost as polyester products are allegedly found to contribute to pollution by releasing toxins into the atmosphere. Nonetheless, polyester fiberfill pillows have the advantage of being hypoallergenic, making them a convenient choice for those with respiratory conditions.
Additionally, they also require considerable maintenance since fiberfill tends to lose its shape quickly, resulting in body pain. When it occurs, it’s best to use a microwavable heating pad to soothe your neck and head.
3. Feather
Feather pillows are abundant on the market and are relatively affordable, so they could work if your budget is restricted. Although they’re far from ideal, they can be a good starting point. Pillows lose feathers too fast, leaving them saggy and deflated. In addition, feathers tend to drop over time, causing an uproar in your bedroom.
Feather pillows may contain small clusters of down to increase durability, but that’s not the same as the effect down pillows have. Due to the affordability, it’s unlikely you’ll find an adjustable model.
4. Memory Foam
A memory foam pillow may be the answer to a person’s sleep apnea or frequent neck pain. Accordingly, memory foam adopts the shape and size of an individual’s head or neck according to the temperature and pressure changes of the pillow. It retains its shape after being set in a particular position and it offers better support to the user.
It doesn’t require ongoing fluffing or clumping like many softer pillow options, making it exceptionally durable and long-lasting. However, it’s necessary to follow specific cleaning protocols for memory foam pillows.
Synthetic pillows don’t last as long as memory foam pillows. The toxic chemicals and odors they produce during and after production are primarily responsible for their setback. In addition to their high density, memory foam fillings also have the potential to accumulate body heat.
Conclusion
Picking the proper stuffing means focusing on the purpose and benefits you’d gain from using them. In terms of comfort and adaptability, latex and cotton are the softest and most comfortable options.
A great stuffing made of buckwheat is recommended if you don’t mind some minimal noise. Meanwhile, as long as the pillow contains gel-infused beads, memory foam pillows would work like a charm for people on a budget. On the other hand, feather pillow stuffing is undoubtedly the most affordable option. Polyester fiberfill could be tried, but with new stuffing options emerging, it’s seldom used by people nowadays.
Consider the ideas mentioned here as you choose the pillow suitable for you.