Choosing the Perfect Pillow – Fill
In a recent article, Choosing the Perfect Pillow, I took a brief look at some fill options. And although pillow manufacturers might try to convince you that their pillow’s fill is the “best”, reality is that different fills suit different people. So let’s take a deep dive into a lot more fill choices you can make in your search for the perfect pillow.
Feather / Down
First up, pillows made from a combination of feather and down. One of the softer pillows, the more down the pillow contains the easier it will be to fluff into your favourite shape. Higher levels of down can make the pillow quite expensive, but they generally have a longer lifespan than many other pillows, lasting anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
One of the concerns with down pillows is they can be a potential allergen. Interestingly, it’s often not the feathers or down itself that’s the problem -it’s that it hasn’t been sufficiently cleaned. The dirt that remains is the source of the allergic reaction and discomfort. Keep an eye out for hypo-allergenic down, which has been rigorously cleaned and often contains a natural substance called syriaca, which boosts the allergy-free properties of the down.
Latex
Latex is a popular choice for those who prefer a firm but comfortable pillow. But if you’re a pillow-squisher, then this isn’t the fill for you! Many contoured pillows designed to deliver extra support to the head and neck, are made from latex. An extra benefit is that they’re hypoallergenic and biodegradable, being made from the sap of a rubber tree. Expected lifespan is 5 to 10 years.
Memory Foam
A more recent addition to the range of fills, memory foam is proving to be very popular. Essentially, the foam responds to your weight and body heat, softening to the line of your head, neck and shoulders. This makes it a great choice for people with head or neck pain. One downside is they do retail heat, so can be uncomfortable in a warm environment. Some new variations have added ventilation to try and overcome this issue. The other concern is they can smell when new, so you might need to air your new pillow out for a little while before using it. Generally they’re not recommended for restless sleepers, but if you like them, will last for 5 to 10 years.
Wool / Cotton
Both wool and cotton pillows are a popular choice for use on top of a firm pillow when a little more support is required. They both have breathable fibres, and are hypo-allergenic. This makes them a good choice for people with allergies or chemical sensitivities. Wool pillows also wick moisture away during sleep, so can be good for regulating your temperature whilst you’re asleep, making them cool in summer and warm in winter. Generally they will last 3 to 5 years.
Polyester
Probably best classed as the cheap and cheerful choice! They can provide good comfort and support initially, but do tend to form lumps or flatten quite quickly, so are likely to need replacing in 6 months to 2 years. For tummy sleepers, however, a flat pillow is recommended, so a polyester pillow is likely to be a good choice. It’s also possible to get a mix of synthetic down and polyester, which can give some of the features of a down pillow at a much lower price, although not as long-lasting.
So there you have it – lots of different options to choose from. And while fill is an important factor in your choice, remember that there are other factors to consider. Check out other articles in this series for more information.