When you want to buy the most comfortable pillow for your needs and requirements, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Well, the answer should be pillow fillings. Down, memory foam, latex, feathers, there are too many pillow stuffing options out there. Which one is the best? It’s hard to tell. So let’s find out the different types of options you get to choose from.
DOWN FILL
Down is the undercoating of the feathers on the chest and underbelly of birds. What you can look forward to the most with feather and down fillings is a combination of luxury and softness. Down fibers are pure white and are softer compared to other pillow fillers. Pillows with such fillings shape well, feel airy and cool, and also last for a long time.
Pros:
- Thanks to the natural softness of the down pillow, they are moldable and adapt very well to your neck and head
- They can last for several years if handled with care
- Down stuffing can be refilled if the pillow starts to sag
- High durability
- Natural and recyclable
- Lesser heat absorption
- Lightweight
Cons:
- They are expensive compared to other stuffing
- They might flatten after continuous use
- They absorb a lot of heat in summers and hence become uncomfortable to use
- Relatively less supportive
- Allergic for certain people
- Not generally accepted as humane
- Requires constant shaking
Down alternative pillows are best for side and back sleepers. They’re often too soft and thick for stomach sleepers.
FEATHER FILL
Feather Pillow stuffing consists of soft feathers from the wings and backs of birds. These are available in large numbers in the market and are one of the most affordable options. Pillows with feather fill lose their shape very fast and the feathers also start to pop out after a while. They are often combined with the down to give a combination of durability and affordability.
Pros:
- They are easily moldable to whatever shape you are comfortable with
- One of the most affordable stuffing
- Lightweight and soft
- Moldable
Cons:
- They tend to flatten after considerable use, hence they require constant fluffing
- Difficult to clean and maintain
- They tend to absorb heat and can be warm to sleep on
- It may smell unpleasantly
- It may be considered inhumane
- You need to fluff occasionally
- It may cause allergic reactions
Feather pillows are best for back and side sleepers.
POLYESTER FIBERFILL
Also known as poly-fil, and a down alternative, Pol-fil pillow stuffing has a more approachable price and can be used on a great variety of pillows. Polyester is intended to perform similarly to down and is considered an alternative due to being soft and lightweight. Cleaning polyester is also a breeze, making them a favorite for many.
A huge downside is that polyester is not breathable; but rather traps heat and makes the pillow warm. It is also not long-lasting and would require serious care to lengthen the life span a bit more. Over time, you may notice polyester develop lumps or fall flat.
Pros:
- Much more affordable than other pillow stuffing
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Machine washable
- Lightweight
- Suitable for certain allergic individuals
Cons:
- They clump easily and require frequent adjustments for a comfortable feeling
- Not very durable
- They tend to retain heat and can cause breathing issues, especially in summers
- Short lifespan
- Not easily foldable
- Not eco-friendly
MEMORY FOAM FILL
Memory foam pillow is composed of polyurethane as well as other compounds. The material adjusts to the natural shape of the body quite easily. Memory pillow foam stuffing is one of the latest technologies that conform to the shape of your head and help you keep your spine aligned with the rest of your body.
Pros:
- Scientifically designed to give you maximum comfort and pressure relief
- Does not clump like other pillow filling types.
- Shapes perfectly for all kinds of sizes, and sleeping styles
- Malleable
- Support is excellent
- It does not form lumps
- Highly durable
- Easily maintained
Cons:
- They often tend to absorb heat which leads to sweating at night
- Expensive compared to other pillow stuffing
- Emits strong chemical odor
- Combustible
- Absorbs body heat
- Heavy
Memory Foam Pillows work best for back sleepers. It keeps its shape so there’s no way for side or stomach sleepers to adjust the pillow lower or higher.
SHREDDED MEMORY FOAM FILL
Most mass-produced memory foam pillows consist of a single piece of box-shaped memory foam. Some consumers swear by them. But for most, the simple fact that most memory foam pillows are not moldable is a deal-breaker. No matter how you squish or sculpt it, the memory foam bounces back to its original rectangular shape.
Because of this limitation, most prefer “shredded” memory foam. As its name implies, “shredded” memory foam filling is simply torn into tiny chunks. The individual pieces of foam move independently, allowing the pillow to be moldable. You can sculpt it much like a down pillow—it will shift and change into whatever shape you desire.
Pros:
- Doesn’t clump
- Moldable/malleable
- Offers good support
- Doesn’t require fluffing
Cons:
- Chemical odor
- Potentially dangerous “off-gassing”
- Can soften and become too thin when body heat is absorbed, resulting in inconsistent support that doesn’t elevate your head high enough
Shredded memory foam pillows work best for all sleepers. Look for the ones that come with zippers allowing you to add and remove fill to get the right loft.
LATEX FILL
Latex is just like memory foam. The only difference is that latex is lighter with more breathability. Fillings of latex have a firm nature with a dust mite and mold resistant advantage. This means that people with allergies might fall in love with pillows that come with latex fillings.
Pros:
- It is environmentally friendly
- It has good breathability owing to its open cell structure
- It helps in reducing migraines, thanks to its firm nature.
- Natural and environmentally-friendly
- Long-lasting
- Resistant to mold growth
- Flame resistant
- Breathable
- Moldable
Cons:
- It is very expensive
- It is not ideal for stomach sleepers
- It emits a rubbery odor
- Inconsistent
- Heavy
They work best for side and back sleepers. Latex pillows are not recommended for stomach sleepers because most have a higher than average loft.
SYNTHETIC FILL
Polyester or synthetic versions are the most affordable choices to pick. And the best part about them is that they are suitable for many sleeping positions. But that doesn’t eliminate the fact that these pillows flatten quickly.
Pros:
- Lightweight and inexpensive.
- Works well for any sleep position
- Great for sleepers with allergies.
- Easily adjustable
- Easy to wash and care for.
- Flame resistant and waterproof as well as resilient and durable.
Cons:
- Non-absorbent,
- Do not contour very well to the head and neck
- Highly static.
- Have a short life span of 6 months to 2 years
- Filling can become clumped up or it may flatten quickly.
- Repeated washing can easily damage synthetic pillows
- Lose their shape too quickly.
MICROFIBER FILL
This is another popular option when it comes to fillings. These pillows are made from synthetic fibers just like polyester, only that the grade of the threads differ. Microfiber is a polyester fiber that has been through an extra process to make the fiber finer and tightly packed than original polyester. It offers optimal airflow and is just as comfortable as a down pillow. They’re perfect for sleepers who are allergic to natural down feathers or wool.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Moisture Repellant
- Keep their shape when washed
- Breathable
- Firm and soft like cotton
- Lightweight
Cons:
- More expensive than other polyester fills
- Not eco-friendly
- Run hot
- Flammable
COTTON FILL
Breathable, cool, and dust mite/mold resistant. These are the qualities you should expect with cotton fillings. The naturalness of cotton means it does not cause allergies. Cotton fill pillows are gentle on the skin and do not cause issues like synthetic fillings, however if durability is a major concern for you, then a combination of synthetic and cotton might be a better option.
Pros:
- Cotton pillow stuffing is easily available
- Organic option for people with allergies
- It gives a smooth, comfortable, and odorless sleep
- It is 100% eco-friendly
- Easily washable
- Can be natural and free from hazardous materials
- Soft and comfortable
- Odorless
Cons:
- With use, the cotton filling tends to clump and becomes uncomfortable
- Constantly need to replace the filling
- Not long-lasting
- Lesser foldability
Cotton pillows are for all sleeping positions. Most include a zippered opening, so it’s easy to add or remove fill to your preferences.
