This is more of a question about how one wants to sleep, rather than what is “better.” However, if you’re someone who likes their pillow-soft and fluffy, I would recommend synthetic fibers. If you like your pillow firm and hard (such as for stomach sleepers or back sleepers), cotton can be good.
Types Of PIllow Stuffings
What is the best type of pillow stuffing? Is it goose down or duck down? The answer to this question can help you decide if you want to spend your money on goose-down or duck-down pillows. Here are the facts about these types of pillow stuffing.
Goose Down
This is perhaps the most expensive type of pillow stuffing. It costs up to three times as much as ducking down. Goose down comes from geese that are raised on a farm. While on the goose hunt, they collect all kinds of dead geese that have fallen off their nests and have rotted down to the ground. There are various type of pillow stuffing and one of them is Goose down. It is very warm and provides very good insulation while providing good support for the body while sleeping.
Buckwheat Pillow
Despite the name, buckwheat is not used in this pillow. These soft (or hard!) pillows are stuffed with buckwheat hulls that help keep the neck and spine aligned. Aside from being hypoallergenic, these pillows are easy to transport which makes them a popular choice for people who travel frequently or dislike sleeping on hotel beds.
Polyester Pillow
These have become very popular in recent years due to their hypo-allergy qualities and inexpensive prices. One surprising benefit of polyester is that it can help relieve allergy symptoms because many contain mildew-resistant technology so they tend not to attract dust.
Duck Down
It is not goosed down but rather duck feathers that are plucked from the head of a duck. This is considered by many to be the most luxurious type of pillow stuffing because of the different types of feathers that are used. Most people compare it to expensive fibers such as cashmere. Because ducks are so plentiful, there is a lot of flexibility in terms of how many different types of feathers are needed to fill the pillows. The price range is quite varied as well depending on the size and the thickness of the filling.
Feather Pillow Filler
This type of stuffing has some pros and some cons. The main benefit to this type of pillow filling is that it provides an extremely soft and comfortable feel while providing good support for the body. Some cons to feather pillow filler are that it does not give as much support as other types of pillow fillings. Another con is that it is not very breathable which means that it may not be as effective at keeping you warm during cooler weather.
Motionless Pillows
They are great for when you don’t want any part of your pillow to move or shift when you sleep. Memory foam pillows react dynamically, adapting quickly to every position that the user’s head is in due to their open cell structure and pressure relieving qualities. Buckwheat pillows have a distinctive buckwheat hull shape and provide a customizable experience with automatic adjustment capabilities based on one’s weight distribution and sleeping position.
Synthetic Buckwheat Hulls
These are the most commonly found type of pillow stuffing. These are created from synthetic materials such as polyester and sometimes come with a synthetic feather. These types of pillow fillers tend to be softer than buckwheat hulls and some people report having a difficult time getting them to stay in their pillows once they are in place. The biggest benefit to synthetic fillings is that they are extremely durable and washable. Blanket size plays an important role in pillow type. For instance, when using standard 20×27″ quilt squares to sew your pillows, you should choose a 16×24″ pillow form for a crib or throw pillows, or a 20×14″ pillow form if you are making bed-sized pillows.
Shape Memory Foam
This is a newer type of pillow stuffing and is very comfortable to use. This type of pillow stuffing is made from memory foam which is designed to mold to the shape of your head. Because of this, it provides a more comfortable fit and is reported to provide a better night’s sleep. Shape memory foams are also known to be hypoallergenic and most people who have used them for back pain or other ailments report that they have been highly effective.
Feather Pillow Filling
This type of pillow stuffing uses natural feathers. Unlike synthetic fillings, feather pillow stuffing tends to not cause any allergic reactions. Those who suffer from allergies find that the feather fills cause an unpleasant itchy feeling. These fillings can be found in a variety of sizes ranging from small to X-large. Many of these feather types can also be machine washed.
Conclusion
If you suffer from allergies or simply want a softer feel for your pillows, consider using one of these great types of pillow stuffing. They are less expensive, last longer, and are much easier to clean and replace if needed. You can also purchase them in different shapes such as flat or round. There is a wonderful selection of feathers available and if you go down the path of natural fibers, you won’t have to worry about allergies.
When you’re ready to shop for new pillows, consider the following tips based on your needs. If you sleep in a certain position and need great neck support, ergonomic pillows are best for you. Most people who sleep on .Their stomachs should look into memory foam or latex pillows that contour to the body and offer enough support while providing pressure relief. Those with allergies may want to try hypoallergenic pillows, which reduce dust mites and other irritants from building up inside of them. There is no perfect pillow out there- so experiment until finding one that works well for you!