13 best pillow fillers
The mood, well-being, physiological and psychological health of a person depends on a full night's sleep. Its key is a properly selected pillow, and, of course, its filler.
From the variety of existing fillers, two main categories can be distinguished: natural and synthetic. Natural materials can be of both plant and animal origin. The ideal filler should be practical to clean, not cause allergies, regulate heat transfer, allow air to pass through and keep its shape. We've ranked the best pillow fillers based on doctors' recommendations and real-life feedback from people.
The best synthetic pillow fillers
4 Sintepon
Sintepon is the very first and inexpensive artificial material that is most often used in pillows as a filler. Such products do not have extraneous odors, do not cause allergies, mites and microorganisms do not get in them, due to which padding polyester pillows are absolutely harmless to humans. The material is easy to clean, tolerates both hand and machine wash, dries quickly.
Products made of padding polyester are very light, resilient, moisture resistant. The filler has good heat-conducting properties, which allows it to be used all year round. To purchase a synthetic pad for long-term use, it is necessary to give preference to thinner fibers of the material. It is worth noting that padding polyester pillows do not have an orthopedic function.
3 Gel
Orthopedic gel-filled pillows are usually based on latex or high viscosity foam, to which gel inserts are added. The material has a kind of memory, taking on an individual shape, thereby reducing the load on the spine and joints, which is very important during pregnancy. Also, the product is perfect for sleeping with young children.
This pillow will not get dirty and accumulate dust, so it is ideal for people with asthma or allergies. The products are characterized by a cooling effect and high air permeability. The pillows are easy to clean. It is enough to periodically wash its surface with a clean damp cloth. It is difficult to get used to the gel filler, but the effect of sleeping on such a pillow is obvious.
2 Comforel and holofiber
Comforel is in the form of balls made of acrylic fibers. Holofiber is a polyester thread in the form of small balls or springs. In fact, the properties of these fillers are identical. The different names of the materials are due to the fact that they were developed and patented by different companies.
Products made from these materials are absolutely safe, do not cause allergic diseases, are well ventilated and regulate heat exchange. The pillows are durable and quickly regain their shape. Holofiber is a little tougher in quality and more expensive than kommel. In reviews, users often write that they do not find significant differences between the materials.
1 Memory foam
Pillows made of synthetic memory foam are environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, of high quality. Under the influence of the weight and heat of a person, bedding follows the slightest contours of all parts of the body. Memory pillows improve the quality of sleep, allow the body to recover and rest in a shorter period of time, help reduce pain from osteochondrosis, and help pregnant women relax and sleep.
The products are distinguished by their exceptional durability, strength and reliability. The filler has good air permeability, and moisture from it quickly evaporates due to the cellular structure of the foam, keeps heat well.In reviews, customers note that memory foam is not at all like the usual fillers, so it will take time to get used to the pillow.
Best Animal Pillow Fillers
3 Down and feather
Down and feather is a classic natural and environmentally friendly material for pillow stuffing. It is made from raw materials obtained from waterfowl such as geese and ducks. The properties of the pillow depend on the ratio of the amount of soft down and harder feathers. The more down, the softer the pillow, this allows you to create the effect of an air space inside and gives the product good thermal insulation properties.
Unfortunately, these pillows are not suitable for allergy sufferers; they quickly absorb and retain unpleasant odors. Without regular drying or cleaning, bugs and mites grow quickly enough in the products. It is impossible to wash the filler yourself; you will have to take the pillow to dry cleaning. With proper care, the product can last a fairly long time.
2 Horsehair
Horsehair pillow filler is not widespread in our country, and most often it is combined with sheep and camel hair. Horsehair is bouncy enough to provide good support for the head. Such products are very tight and are suitable for people with spinal problems, heavy weight, pregnant women and those who like hard pillows. The filler is durable and does not lose its shape.
Horsehair is good at absorbing moisture, so this pillow is a great option for people who sweat heavily. In addition, the filler has antibacterial properties and is well ventilated, which allows the pillow to stay dry. Horsehair products require special care and are not suitable for people prone to allergies.
1 Sheep and camel wool
Pillows filled with sheep or camel wool are quite common among consumers. Woolen pillows are quite elastic and medium in hardness, they keep warm well. Natural fillers from sheep and camel wool are comfortable to use at any time of the year. They allow air to pass through well and absorb moisture, including sweat, without leaving an unpleasant odor.
The product is not suitable for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Bacteria, fungi, and mites can grow in wool filler. Judging by the reviews, wool pillows require constant care. They need to be ventilated in the fresh air, periodically they should be exposed to frost. The product cannot be washed by yourself, it must be dry-cleaned.
The best plant-based pillow fillers
6 Cotton
Cotton wool filling consists of specially treated long and short cotton fibers intertwined with each other. Cotton-filled pillows are always in high demand because it is one of the cheapest plant-based bedding materials available. The products are very soft, voluminous and warm.
Despite its hypoallergenic and natural properties, cotton is not the best filling material. Products quickly lose their shape and are difficult to clean, since they cannot be washed in a washing machine. At the same time, pillows with cotton filling must be cleaned regularly, moisture accumulates in them, which leads to the rapid development of microorganisms in the product.
5 Algae
The filler is made from dried marine plants, which have bacteriostatic properties and also inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mites. It is hypoallergenic, hygienic, hygroscopic and breathable. Natural seaweed pillows soothe the nervous system, ensure sound sleep and vigor throughout the day.
In addition to the positive qualities, it is also worth paying attention to the small flaws of such products.The pillow is too soft, as it is designed more to increase sleep comfort, rather than provide high-quality orthopedic support for the neck and head. Also, products made from seaweed are afraid of thorough cleaning, which leads to difficulties in caring for the product. Plant-filled pillows are recommended to be changed every 2 years. This is exactly the period when the healing properties of seaweed are maximally manifested.
4 Buckwheat husk
Buckwheat husk is a natural filler. Differs in good orthopedic and massage properties. Such a product is able to remember the shape and reliably support the neck during rest. The breathable filling of the pillow does not heat up, it absorbs sweat well. Dust does not collect in it, mites do not settle, which usually become the cause of allergies. It is recommended to use for back ailments, sleep problems, snoring, excessive sweating and allergies to feathers, wool, dust.
Despite the great benefits of pillows filled with buckwheat husks, you should pay attention to the fact that during use, discomfort may occur. Pillows have an orthopedic effect, which affects their rigidity, to which not everyone can get used to. The filler flakes rustle a little, which can interfere with falling asleep for those with light sleep. The specific smell of such a filler, despite the fact that it has a beneficial effect on the respiratory tract, not everyone can tolerate normally.
3 Bamboo
Pillows with bamboo fiber have a number of advantages over models where other filling materials are used. Filler fibers have elasticity, tenderness and softness. The material used in production is odorless and environmentally friendly. Bamboo pillows are able to create a favorable microclimate and ensure quality sleep.
For allergy sufferers, bamboo pillows have become a real salvation. They do not accumulate dust, do not start mites, which can cause serious health disorders. In the reviews, users note that with improper care, the filler can deform. Due to the increased softness and poor support, these pillows are not suitable for people with neck ailments and increased sweating.
2 Latex
The latex pillow is made of rubber foam with multiple ventilation holes. At first, during operation, it may emit a not sharp specific sweetish odor, which evaporates during the use of the product. Latex foam is reluctant to absorb moisture. It is hypoallergenic and antibacterial, it is a natural, environmentally friendly antiseptic, in which dust mites, mold, fungi and microbes cannot live.
Pillows made of natural latex make a person's sleep healthy, creating maximum comfort for him, therefore, it is ideal for pregnant women. The products are characterized by high orthopedic properties, relieve neck pain. The spine of a sleeping person is in an even position, the muscles completely relax, blood flow is not disturbed. The latex pillow does not require any special care.
1 Silk
Silk-filled pillows have a lot of useful qualities due to the properties of the material, which is largely composed of proteins and amino acids. The products give a feeling of coolness, coziness and comfort, it is very convenient to sleep on them. They remove moisture well, do not succumb to the attack of dust mites and moths, which is especially important for asthmatics and people prone to allergic diseases. These pillows are suitable for year-round use as they feel cool and refreshing in hot weather and are great for keeping you cool.
Silk pillows can be machine washed on a delicate cycle. After complete drying, to restore its shape, you need to beat the product thoroughly. Silk filler is a very soft material that is not very resilient.Therefore, taking into account the needs of lovers of more voluminous products with an orthopedic effect, modern production of pillows filled with natural silk involves the addition of synthetic material inside. The disadvantages include the very high cost of natural silk products.
