Modern science shows how important it is for a person to ensure good sleep. This affects their health and nervous system, mental activity. The filling for pillows performs one of the most important functions, it should be chosen correctly so that it fits all parameters. This does not always mean choosing a specific company, you need to understand the types and act based on this knowledge when buying.
Content
What is the best pillow filling: types, characteristics
When going to the store, many buyers face a problem when, with a large selection, it is not clear what to base on and which pillow filling is the best of the options offered. At the same time, you need to know about the categories that can help you make a choice. The main criteria are natural and synthetic.
Next come the branches categorizing the assortment, natural material is divided into: plant and animal origin. The inner material of the plant pillow is made mainly using:
- bamboo fiber;
- eucalyptus;
- silks;
- buckwheat;
- cotton, etc.
And the filler of animal origin is often:
- wool (camel, sheep);
- fluff;
- feathers;
- horsehair, other.
The main disadvantages of natural material are the difficulty of washing, back pain and a high probability of allergies for those who are prone to them. The advantages are usually considered to be hygroscopicity, moisture absorption and environmental friendliness.
Common synthetic filling for pillows: holofiber, sintepon, gel, latex, silicone, etc. Such products do not have foreign odors, they hold their shape well, are easy to care for, hypoallergenic, have thermoregulation, and are sold at reasonable prices. But if chosen incorrectly, your neck may hurt, plus the service life of these pillows is shorter.
Main types of pillow fillings
To understand what sleep products are, as well as which pillows are better, you need to delve into the essence, composition and properties. Then you can decide on the ideal option, and then buy it.
Cotton
Cotton inner material is a natural fiber with a considerable list of positive characteristics. It absorbs sweat very well, leaving the surface dry and comfortable, so this option is appreciated in hot weather.
But cleaning will be difficult, since cotton "does not like" to get rid of moisture and odor, and dries for a long time. Therefore, when buying, it is important to remember that the purchase will not last long.
Natural silk
This is a natural filling for various pillows, has one drawback - the price is above average. Its other properties are advantages related to comfort, softness during sleep, and durability (with proper care).
This pillow has such comfortable qualities due to the peculiarities of working with silkworm threads. Their waste product envelops the threads, makes them antimicrobial, so there will be no mold, fungus or mites. Suitable for allergy sufferers.
Hollowfiber
Most experienced buyers believe that holofiber pillows are a good investment in their sleep. This thing does not lose its shape over time, and also has: hygroscopicity, air permeability, softness, lightness, durability, etc. It is interesting that it is also called artificial swan down, since it resembles it in appearance.
The product does not allow dust to accumulate inside, unnecessary microorganisms do not develop there, and mites do not start. For allergy sufferers, this will also be a pleasant moment. But if the care is not correct, the material can crumple and lose elasticity. Another disadvantage is the high cost.
Down or feather down
One of the popular natural fillers is down, as it has long been an available type of fiber. However, its quality can hardly be called high, especially when compared with more modern options. Down quickly absorbs moisture, which does not evaporate, it mixes with accumulated dust, and mites start to appear. Allergy sufferers cannot sleep on them.
As well as a mixture of fluff and feathers, constantly trying to crawl out through small holes in the material and fly in the air, pricking a person in their sleep. It is almost impossible to wash them, the owner has to wash the contents separately, dry it, and then sew it back into the pillow.
Wool
Natural material - wool, most often used camel or sheep, their properties are most suitable for use during sleep. But in care this option is picky, easily rolls into lumps, it is very difficult to break them.
Another disadvantage: wool tends to accumulate moths, dust and mites, and there is no point in washing it. At the same time, if an allergy sufferer or asthmatic sleeps on such a pillow, his illness may worsen.
Latex pillows
This is a plant filler, its fibers are obtained using the milk of the hevea (an African tree that grows in South America), it is vulcanized and foamed. The result is a rubber foam with many holes. It turns out to be a thing that can help a person suffering from pain in the back and neck.
But latex has high prices, however, they are leveled by such qualities as: orthopedics, the ability to regularly and without hassle care for the product, durability, does not absorb odors, does not allow the development of pests.
Although we cannot remain silent about the specific aroma of latex, which lasts for about 10-14 days after purchase. And also here is often noted poor absorption of moisture. And also manufacturers, in an effort to reduce the cost of the pillow, try to mix latex with other raw materials in different proportions. The more the original material, the more uniform and softer the result will be.
Orthopedic pillows
Artificial filler is highly valued these days and for good reason. Its properties demonstrate many advantages over things of natural origin. The consumer takes the best orthopedic pillows, as they repeat the shape of the body and allow people with various diseases, including those of the musculoskeletal system, to use them without hindrance.
Another big plus is softness, ease of care and no risk of sleeping on a pillow where ticks have already appeared or a lot of dust has accumulated. The choice is also justified by the fact that such products do not emit a smell, they are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
Cotton pads
One of the cheapest options for filling is cotton wool. It is soft and light, in this regard it is better than many other materials. But it has a serious drawback: it does not last in use for several years, like others, the expiration date expires after about six months.
Buckwheat pillow filling
Buckwheat husk pillows are popular among those seeking methods to relieve neck or back pain due to improper body positioning during nighttime rest. Buckwheat has advantages in this area, because such bedding has been used as a natural material for many years. It is valued because it “remembers” its shape, is breathable, but does not collect dust.
But you need to get used to such a thing, it turns out to be quite hard for people accustomed to a soft pillow. Some do not like that the husk inside makes noise when touched and manipulated. And the service life is limited to several years, maximum 5.
Bamboo
Bamboo products are good for those who love eco-friendly things in their home. This plant itself is not affected by pests, is not processed after collection. The fibers are separated and crushed, beautiful elastic thin threads are obtained, their length is about 18 cm.
If you have chosen bamboo pillows, this option may be the best. You just need to keep in mind that you need to take care of it as indicated in the instructions, otherwise the contents will go in lumps, it is impossible to fix this.
Synthetic filler
This option is common among people who suffer from allergies, as well as those who experience pain due to incorrect spinal position at night.
These pillows support the head well, do not accumulate dust, are approved for use by children, and also have a fairly long service life if used and cleaned correctly.
Sintepon
It consists of a fiber that does not have a clear structure. They can be simply washed in a machine, drying is also hassle-free. But many owners note the fragility of the product, it quickly loses its former appearance, elasticity, and ceases to perform its direct functions.
Anti-stress pillows
Such pillows have synthetic granules inside, which quite densely fill the space inside the "shell". When in contact with the surface, the shoulders and neck relax, as the anti-stress balls affect the nerve endings. Often, this is a special form of the pillow itself in the form of a horseshoe, which is put on the back of the neck, supporting the occipital part. But it can be presented in the form of a square or even a soft toy.
It is not difficult to wash such a thing, you can set the machine to manual mode or wash it by hand. It is useful to give it to children, the main thing is that they do not get to the contents.
Pillow rating by fillers
To make a worthy choice of pillow filling, it will be useful to familiarize yourself with the conclusions made on the basis of expert opinions, as well as reviews.
- Bamboo threads. They are considered the most environmentally friendly, at the same time, affordable and practical.
- Buckwheat hulls. These are polished buckwheat grains, many positive reviews, good for health.
- Latex content. If it is completely natural, it becomes the best filling for an orthopedic pillow.
- Down, bird feather composition. It is more popular than others, as it is accessible.
- Hollowfiber. If you replace the down content with something, then these balls.
There are many types of fillers, among which two main categories can be distinguished: natural and synthetic components.
Anti-stress options remain in public favor, but they are used more not for night rest, but during the day or as a decorative element. Because the pillow was not included in the rating.
Pillow Filling: Which Brand to Choose
The range is large, many different offers can easily confuse an unprepared buyer. Analysis will help you figure out what will be most appropriate, for this you can do the following.
- Try to "lie down" on the pillow. How comfortable is it?
- Is this a rectangle or a square? Does it fit?
- Standard parameters.
- If you plan to rest on your side at night, the height should be 12 cm±2 cm.
- The fabric on it should be dense enough, the threads should fit tightly and not fall apart.
- If there is a risk of allergies, it is better to select only hypoallergenic options.
- Availability of labels, ease of washing and drying.
- If there is a purpose, the pillow should match it.
A pillow is an individual household item that should be selected based on physiological characteristics.
It is not always possible to rely only on the company, but many recommend: English Home, Kauffmann, Christian Fischbacher, Serafimovskaya Pushinka, Le Vele and others. It is important in any case to check all the nuances before buying, because health is definitely worth the spent ten or a little more minutes.
