Bedding
Published February 9, 2022
12 min10 Different Types of Pillow Stuffing Explained
A crucial factor towards achieving a healthy lifestyle is sleeping well. And an important tool to achieve a good night’s sleep is to have the right pillow. Buying a good quality pillow depends on a lo
Table of contents
Down Pillow StuffingPolyester Fiberfill Pillow StuffingFeather Pillow StuffingMemory Foam Pillow StuffingBuckwheat Hull Pillow StuffingKapok Pillow StuffingCotton Pillow StuffingWool Pillow StuffingLatex Pillow StuffingMicrobead Pillow StuffingConclusionFrequently Asked Questions
A crucial factor towards achieving a healthy lifestyle is sleeping well. And an important tool to achieve a good night’s sleep is to have the right pillow. Buying a good quality pillow depends on a lot of factors, such as the type of pillow stuffing, the volume of stuff, and your budget.The type of pillow stuffing varies for everyone, while some pillow stuffings are relaxing for a few and could well be a nightmare for others. Given the countless number of options available today, deciding the type of stuffing can be tough.Our article guides you through the different types of pillow stuffing – their pros, cons, and cost to help you decide which one suits you the best.One way to categorize the type of pillow is by the material with which the pillows are filled. The material used for pillow filling determines the comfort you get from the pillow and the cost of the pillow. Take a look at the different types of pillow stuffing that are popular.
Down Pillow Stuffing
Down is the undercoating of the feathers on the chest and underbelly of birds. These are soft and fluffy and are used for a variety of pillows and mattresses. These down fibers are pure white and are softer compared to other pillow fillers.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
- 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
Polyester Fiberfill Pillow Stuffing
Polyester Fiberfill or Polyfill stuffing is composed of man-made, small, curled polyester fibers. Poly-fill stuffing is the most popular stuffing type owing to its soft, durable, and extremely fluffy nature. This stuffing is one of the best options for outdoor pillow stuffing.Pros:- Much more affordable than other pillow stuffing
- Easy to clean and maintain, machine washable, and can be used as outdoor cushions
- Can help control allergies that one can with down or feather stuffed pillows
- 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
Feather Pillow Stuffing
Feather Pillow stuffing consists of soft feathers from the wings and backs of the birds. These are available in large numbers in the market and are one of the most affordable options. The feather pillow loses its 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
- They are extremely lightweight
- They tend to flatten after considerable use, hence they require constant fluffing
- Difficult to clean and maintain
- They can smell unpleasantly after a few years
- They tend to absorb heat and can be warm to sleep on
Memory Foam Pillow Stuffing
Memory foam pillow is composed of polyurethane as well as other compounds. The memory foam pillow comes in two variants, block memory foam and shredded memory foam. Block memory foam is simply wrapped inside a pillowcase while the shredded memory foam is filled inside the pillow to give a comfortable and fluffy experience.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
- They often tend to absorb heat which leads to sweating at night
- They may stink due to the use of volatile chemicals
- Expensive compared to other pillow stuffing
Buckwheat Hull Pillow Stuffing
Buckwheat hull filling is made up of outer shells of buckwheat seeds. They are known for promoting airflow and temperature regulatory properties. They are much thicker as compared to other pillow stuffing and are also a great option for someone who needs spine alignment. Pros:- The durability of organic buckwheat hull pillow filling is very high
- They naturally conform to any shape of the neck or head
- The hull shells allow smooth passage of air which ensures great breathability
- They are firm and hence are very uncomfortable for some sleepers
- Buckwheat hull pillows are heavy compared to other options
- They produce a rustling noise when they are shifted and are not a great option for people allergic to house mites
Kapok Pillow Stuffing
Kapok is a tree found in Mexico that produces flowers with a cotton-like, smooth and fluffy feel. Kapok Pillow stuffing is the best choice for sleepers who look for natural pillow stuffing options. They are also known as Ceiba Pentandra and are a perfect fit for people who have allergy issues and want a 100% organic option.Pros:- Kapok Pillow is free from all types of toxic materials
- They are environment friendly and are easily renewable
- They are extremely light and snuggly
- They are not moldable like foam or down pillow
- Availability might be an issue
- They are flammable
Cotton Pillow Stuffing
Cotton is perhaps the most available and most widely used as a pillow or cushion filler. It is soft and gives a plush feel to lay on. Additionally, it is slightly more firm as compared to down, polyfill, or foam-filled. Cotton also helps regulate body heat in warm places.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
- With use, the cotton filling tends to clump and becomes uncomfortable
- Constantly need to replace the filling
Wool Pillow Stuffing
Wool stuffing for pillows is a traditional stuffing, thanks to its breathability and insulating properties. Wool is synthetic, warm, soft, and fluffy. They are a good fit for people with allergies and can provide great comfort in both summer and winter. Pros:- It is environment-friendly
- Owing to non-toxic components it is a good option for allergic people
- Serves as a good insulator in winters
- It tends to lump, which makes it less durable
- It does not hold its shape easily
Latex Pillow Stuffing
Latex is also known as natural foam; latex is obtained from a specific rubber tree sap. Latex foam is very hard to extract and hence is expensive. Just like memory foam, they also come in a block or shredded form.The block latex foam is firm and gives good support. The shredded latex foam is moldable and gives you more adjustability.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. However, it is also moldable (Shredded latex foam) to help you adjust the pillow.
- It is very expensive
- It is not ideal for side sleepers
Microbead Pillow Stuffing
Microbead pillow stuffing is a synthetic alternative to buckwheat hulls. Microbeads are small, polystyrene beads. It is not available readily in the market compared to other pillow or cushion stuffing. They allow smooth passage of air and are moldable as well. However, they tend to lump and lose their shape and are not eco-friendly.Pros:- Affordable alternative to buckwheat hull
- They have good breathability
- They are moldable and provide good support to the neck and body
- They are less durable
- They are not firm enough for some sleepers
- They produce a chemical odor and are notorious for “ off-gassing ”
