A good night’s sleep is essential for health, and the right pillow is essential for a good night’s sleep. But with so many different kinds of pillow fillings, choosing can be a challenge.
What is the best pillow filling? Read on to find out!
The Importance Of A Good Pillow
Do not underestimate the role that pillows play in quality sleep! Pillows not just provide comfort but also support your neck and upper back. If you’ve ever woken up with joint pain and stiff muscles, it may be caused by the lack of neck support from your pillow. Prolonged lack of support from your pillows may also cause neck and back issues in the long run.
Different pillow fillings give you different levels of support. Natural fillings like feathers and down tend to have less structure and support, making them softer. Conversely, synthetic fillings like memory foam result in a firmer pillow with more support.
No matter what pillow filling you prefer, you should replace your pillow regularly for hygiene and support. Most pillows last 1 to 2 years, while memory foam pillows can last 2 to 3 years.
A Comparison Of Pillow Fillings
Not all stuffings are created equal – the best pillow filling for you may not be the best for someone else. Here, we compare six popular pillow fillings and explain their features and drawbacks.
Down
Down pillows are made out of the softest layer of a bird’s feathers. While often confused with regular feathers, down is chunkier and fluffier, leading to a softer and more comfortable pillow.
Many people see down as the best filling for pillows and bedding due to being lightweight and durable. Down pillows in Australia also tend to be mouldable enough to fit your head comfortably.
However, down is one of the most expensive pillow fillings, especially when used exclusively. More affordable down pillows are often a mix of down and feathers.
Feather
In contrast to down, feathers are one of the cheapest pillow fillings available. However, this low price is offset by the relatively low quality compared to other fillings. You can fluff feather pillows to make them more comfortable, but they flatten quickly – meaning these pillows lose shape faster than their peers.
Polyester Fibrefill
Also known as Poly-Fil, this material is lightweight, easy to clean, and affordable. It can be considered a substitute for down, especially for vegans and people allergic to feathers.
However, Poly-Fil pillows aren’t as malleable as other pillows. The material also retains heat a little too well – which means your pillow might get too warm at times.
Shredded Memory Foam
This highly popular pillow filling gives you excellent value for money. It can adjust to the contour of your head, ensuring a good night’s sleep regardless of your sleeping position.
One major drawback of memory foam pillows is that they tend to soften when absorbing too much body heat. This results in inconsistent support for your head.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat hull shells were originally used as pillow fillings in Japan before they became popular in other countries. Its ability to regulate temperature ensures the pillow never gets too hot. Plus, buckwheat also conforms to the sleeper’s head for a great fit.
Unfortunately, buckwheat is relatively expensive compared to other fillings. They’re also much heavier than other pillows and may produce noise that disturbs light sleepers.
Conclusion
Different pillow fillings have different pros and cons, so the best one is whichever you’re most comfortable with. If you’re still not sure, try out different types of fillings and see which one helps you sleep the best.
Big Bedding is here for all your bed needs. With our wide selection of bed essentials and down pillows in Australia, you’re bound to find something for you!