Rating of the best fillings for a modern pillow

Final comparison table

Types of pillow materials

Today there are many high-quality fillings for pillows.
Whatever filling you choose, it must meet the basic requirements:

1. Be soft and comfortable;
2. Maintain the head and neck in an anatomically correct position;
3. Do not accumulate odors;
4. Absorb and evaporate moisture to prevent your head from sweating;
5. Do not cause allergies.

Different materials have these properties to a greater or lesser extent.

Animal fillers

Although many animals have fur, the most common types found in pillows are time-tested wool and bird down and feathers. They are unconditionally soft, but over time they can lose elasticity, fall off and require careful care.

1. Pooh. Usually, the down cover of waterfowl - geese and ducks - is used for pillows. It is very light, soft and elastic. Retains heat and is delicately ventilated. A 100% down product is a premium product that will cost you a significant amount, but will delight you and give you comfort for many years.

Natural down is considered a premium filler and is elastic and soft

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2. Feather. The stiffer part of a bird's plumage with a rigid shaft in the center. Typically, a mixture of down and feathers allows you to reduce the cost of the model without giving up all the advantages of this filler.
3. Silk. A truly elite filler is natural silk fiber from the silkworm cocoon. A very gentle and comfortable material that does not cause allergies, has excellent air permeability and excellent head support. Silk pillows are used even for problems with the cervical spine, how gentle they are.
4. Sheep's wool. The best option for winter nights or those who are always cold. The pillows are filled with fine wool from merino sheep. It is famous for the fact that it does not release heat and helps to quickly warm up, and you will not sweat on a woolen product, because. Wool fibers quickly absorb and evaporate moisture. For the filler to work well, we recommend covering it with a cotton or silk pillowcase.

Purified sheep wool fiber provides warmth and comfort during sleep

5. Camel's wool. In fact, it is not the hard wool of camels that ends up in the bed, but the combed inner fluff, which helps the animal withstand temperature changes in the desert. This material is elastic, comfortable, but heavy, suitable for sleeping on your side.
6. Cashmere. The lightest down of Pakistani and Indian goats has long been associated with comfort, fine and elegant workmanship and luxury. If you are willing to spend any money on a healthy sleep, cashmere will be the smartest and most pleasant investment: goat down is pleasant to the touch, absolutely hypoallergenic, perfectly adapts to the weight of your head and does not pill for years. Many cashmere models are suitable for delicate machine washing, but it is better to dry clean the product.

Materials of plant origin

Fillers from the world of flora differ significantly more from each other than animal fibers in terms of elasticity, hardness and origin. By the way, if you are looking for a truly rigid model, you will find excellent options here.

1. Latex. The material, unique in elasticity and density, is created from the sap of the tropical Hevea tree. It is heated and foamed, and once it hardens, it turns into a very comfortable springy foam that perfectly adapts to the shape of the head and neck. Latex products can be of different shapes (classic or wave), consist of a single layer of filler or many chopped pieces.

Most often, pillows use a monolithic layer of latex

2. Bamboo. Bamboo cellulose fiber has quickly gained popularity as a bedding filler. And all thanks to its unique softness, fine fiber and increased hygroscopicity. This pillow will not wrinkle, will not make you sweat in your sleep even on the hottest night, and is perfect for machine wash. Many of the properties of bamboo can be found in the lyocell blend filler.
3. Soy foams. Unique foam filler based on soybean oil. Thanks to different additives, foam acquires different properties from memory effect to cooling capabilities. It’s especially nice that you can combine several foams in one model.
4. Cotton. It is hardly worth talking in detail about the advantages of cotton fiber. It is not for nothing that it is used in the production of clothing, underwear, bed linen, towels and many other things. And as a head support, cotton performed well and quickly found fans. Cotton models are suitable for allergy sufferers and people with sensitive skin, and easily adapt to any head position during sleep.
5. Eucalyptus. Another cellulose-based plant material is otherwise called Tencel. Its main difference is that the fibers inside are empty, thanks to which a 100% eucalyptus pillow will be light, breathable and very soft. Combed fibers require careful handling, so products based on them cost a lot.
6. Linen. Linen fabric is difficult to confuse with others: it is a little rough and even rough, light and perfectly breathable, it is always comfortable and comfortable. But in bedding, linen reveals a completely different side. Fluffed fibers are used as filler; they are softer and airier, but retain all the advantages of linen fabric, as well as a dense layer of needle-punched flax, which increases the density and service life of the product.

Flax fiber has unique hygroscopic properties

7. Husk. Still in demand, but rather an extreme filler. Hard buckwheat or cedar husks are definitely not suitable for every day. It should be used only as prescribed by a doctor. The main feature and value of this filling is a constant massage of the soft tissues of the head, neck and shoulders.

Artificial fillers

It has long been believed, but synthetic materials are a compromise option that cannot compete with organic fibers and down. But modern technologies make it possible to create unique fillers in the laboratory. They are not only not inferior to natural ones, but also have a number of unique characteristics and advantages.

1. Memory Foam. The most popular and incredible filler is artificial viscoelastic memory foam. It reacts to pressure and temperature and remembers the position in which you are on your back. What’s especially nice is that the memory foam is pressed down exactly as much as is needed for a comfortable sleeping position. Today it is very popular among manufacturers of orthopedic pillows, because from Memory you can make a model of any shape from a classic rectangular to a wave, anatomical with a recess for the neck and any other options. Those who like to sleep on their side and in the fetal position will especially appreciate the product with a high bolster.

Memory foam material optimally adapts to the curve of the neck

2. Holofiber. This is a lightweight, usually white material, consisting of many hollow fibers in the form of springs, they are very elastic and voluminous. Holcon is perfect for sleeping on your back and side. The fibrous structure of the material helps remove excess heat and moisture. It also does not cause allergies, and dust mites do not live in it.
3. Polyester fiber. The inexpensive material often replaces down and plant fibers such as bamboo and cotton. In terms of properties, it is almost no different from natural analogues; it does not pill and does not lose elasticity. Typically, polyester items can be machine washed at different temperatures. There is only one weak point - service life. This model will have to be replaced within 2-2.5 years after purchase.
4. Artificial swan down. Today you cannot find natural swan fluff in bedding accessories. And this is good! After all, to produce one adult product, 8-10 adult birds used to be destroyed, but today all the advantages of swan fibers are embodied in an artificial filler. It is odorless and does not cause allergic reactions, very elastic and comfortable. You can read more about the advantages of this material in our article.
5. Polyurethane foam. A soft orthopedic pillow made of ecofoam is suitable for those who sleep on their back. If the model has bolsters of different heights, it will be comfortable to sleep on your side. Soft artificial polyurethane foam provides comfortable support, quickly restores its shape, and does not harbor microorganisms. In addition, the PPU model is inexpensive and can be easily replaced with a new one if it wears out.

Artificial ecofoam is an affordable and convenient alternative to natural latex

6. Microfiber. From the name it is clear that this material consists of tiny fibers that are 2-4 times thinner than the fibers of cotton, bamboo or wool. Microfiber has many advantages: it is light and airy, adapts well to loads, and lasts 4-5 years. The disadvantages include difficulty in care: to prevent thin fibers from matting, it is recommended to wash it at a temperature no higher than 30 degrees and not place it next to a hot radiator or fireplace.
7. Polystyrene foam balls. Increasingly, buyers are paying attention to this filler, thinking that it can be used for sleeping. But they are usually filled with toys, throw pillows and maternity cuddles. Dense granules are not only too hard for soft tissues and the base of the skull, but also completely impermeable to air and moisture. Sleeping on such a surface will be uncomfortable and not useful.

Product advantages

The filler is popular due to its positive qualities:

• lightness and low weight, which is a particular advantage for bedding;
• heats up quickly and retains heat;
• affordable price;
• does not absorb foreign odors;
• ventilates the air and does not create a greenhouse effect;
• hypoallergenic.

Benefits
Important! The technical characteristics of holofiber fully comply with Gosstandart and can be used for adults and children. Products made from this material are ideal for asthmatics and allergy sufferers, who are strictly prohibited from using natural fillers.

Types of fillers

Don't be afraid of synthetic fibers

Once the shape, function, size and quality of finish have been sorted out, it’s time to choose the best filler. All of them are divided into natural and artificial. The former, in turn, are divided into products of plant and animal origin.

There is no need to be afraid of synthetic fillers, because they often surpass the quality of natural stuffing in terms of durability, safety, and therapeutic effect. Each content has advantages as well as disadvantages.

What properties should an ideal padding material have?

1. Practicality in care. We use the pillow regularly, intensively, for a long time. It needs to be washed, cleaned, protected from dust
2. Hypoallergenic. People come into contact with the product every day, touching it with their bare skin. For allergy sufferers, it is important to find a suitable filler that will not cause irritation.
3. Heat transfer regulation. After all, at night it’s so cozy to sleep in warmth and comfort
4. Provide air exchange. Allow the material to breathe. This will prevent the occurrence of dampness, mold, and parasites.
5. Keep in shape. Do not bunch up into lumps, do not fall apart into shapeless pieces, but are evenly distributed inside the case, easily straightening out when shaken.

Photo selection of anti-stress pillows with balls inside for children and adults:

PillowsOrthopedic pillows for sleeping with osteochondrosis of the neck

Next

PillowsFloor pillow as a decorative element

FAQ

What type of pillows are best filled for children?

Experts recommend purchasing pillows for children with fillings: synthetic fiber, holofiber and comforter. Such products do not accumulate dust and have sufficient moisture and elasticity for a child’s comfortable sleep.

What is the lifespan of wool pillows?

It is recommended to change pillows with animal hair as filler every 5-7 years.

Which pillow fillings are best for a sofa?

The best fillings for sofa cushions are holofiber and comforter.

Which sleeping pillow is best to choose if you have respiratory problems?

Lyocell is considered the best filling for pillows for respiratory problems.

After how long does it take to replace a microfiber pillow?

The service life of pillows with microfiber is 4-5 years. After this period, it is better to replace them with new ones.

Natural fillers of animal origin

Animal wool and down stuffing

Natural filling is the traditional content of our pillows. The material is considered environmentally friendly, but not always hypoallergenic. The raw material is very warm and absorbs moisture well.

Feather

Goose down

Down-feather The ratio of down and feathers may vary. The softness and elasticity of the product depend on this. The composition can be mixed, or both components are placed in separate compartments inside the case.

Goose down, by the way, is softer than duck down.

Advantages:

• Air structure
• Heat resistance
• Hygroscopicity
• Restores fluffiness after vigorous whipping
• Lasts more than 5 years with proper care

Flaws:

• Dust easily accumulates inside and infests parasites.
• No orthopedic effect
• Raw materials are contraindicated for allergy sufferers
• The pen needs to be cleaned and dried regularly. Washable only by dry cleaning
• Feathers prickle
• The material absorbs odors well

Sheep and camel wool

Sheep's wool

Sheep and camel wool Woolen specimens are not as airy as down ones. They are characterized by medium elasticity and rigidity. They do not collect dust or dirt, they are very warm and cozy.

Advantages:

• Breathability
• Absorbs sweat well without releasing an unpleasant odor
• Elasticity
• Performs a therapeutic antirheumatic effect

Flaws:

• Poor quality antiseptic treatment can lead to the appearance of moths, fungi, and mites
• Contraindicated for those suffering from asthma, allergies, bronchial diseases
• Over time, the filler forms clumps and gets crushed
• It needs to be dry cleaned and cannot be washed by yourself. Dry and ventilate regularly

Horsehair

Horsehair

Horse hair This raw material allows you to turn an anatomically unhealthy down pillow into an effective orthopedic accessory. It is also combined with sheep wool to make the product denser and more voluminous.

The pillow turns out to be very tight, retains its shape well, and is durable. Requires maintenance, as is the case with the previous two options. Does not interfere with air circulation, absorbs liquid.

It is not an antiallergic raw material, but it has an antibacterial effect. In such a pillow, the likelihood of bed bugs, ticks or moths is much lower.

Modern bedding is often stuffed with combined compounds. For example, they combine latex and down, wool and holofiber. This allows you to increase the quality of products and their beneficial effects on health.

Description

This material is made in the form of a sheet, sheet, or balls. What is holofiber in pillows: for home textiles, the material is used in the form of balls.

To obtain a ball, many fibers are twisted into spirals. Polyester threads are thermally bonded to produce holofiber. The material is more wear-resistant and stronger than synthetic padding.

Important: formaldehyde and other harmful substances are not used in production. Textiles are considered environmentally friendly, similar to natural raw materials.

The balls retain the shape of the product, airiness, and softness. They do not roll down or turn into lumps during normal use. It is important not to machine wash such a product.

Product sizes

Standard sizes are used. 70x70 cm has always been common. Bed sets are mainly made for this size. Now the parameters of pillows 50x70 are becoming popular. For adults, this rectangular option is more useful. Bed linen is now being sewn for them more often.

Holofiber is used as a filler and for small decorative pillows. Their parameters are 40x40, 50x50.

How much does a 50x70 pillow weigh with this filling:

• average 800 g;
• light 500-600 g;
• dense 1 kg.

A product with parameters 70x70 of medium density will weigh a kilogram.

Advice: if you fill a pillow yourself, select the density and size to suit you. It's not difficult to do it with your own hands.

Useful tips

• Before purchasing an accessory, decide what size, hardness, height and padding material are needed;
• It is better if the bedspread and pillowcase are made of natural fabrics that wick away moisture well;
• if you like to toss and turn and sleep in different positions, it is advisable to choose several pillows with different hardness;
• if you are prone to allergies, choose a synthetic pillow;
• give preference to breathable materials;
• ease of care and practicality are one of the decisive factors when choosing;
• for migraines, back and neck pain, choose hard or orthopedic pillows.

How to make the right choice?

Here it is worth focusing on its quality characteristics and functionality, on which the quality of proper rest and restoration of strength for the entire long working day depends. A pillow is an individual device for each person, which must be selected not only according to the recommendations of specialists, but also according to one’s own preferences. Of course, quality always comes first, and sizes will not be so important, because they can be different. When choosing here, several key indicators are important:

• Rigidity. The firmness will directly depend on the position in which you sleep. And when you have spinal diseases or you simply like to sleep on your side, it is better to choose the maximum degree of this characteristic. For those who spend most of their time sleeping on their back, it is recommended to choose medium firmness. For those who like to sleep on their stomach, soft pillow options are best.
• Height. When it comes to height, the most common option varies from 10 to 15 cm. But, there is an unspoken rule according to which this characteristic should be equal to the width of the shoulder of a sleeping person.
• Form. When you can’t decide on a shape, there are two main options you should know:

1. Classic. Usually these are rectangular or square pillows, which are made from both natural and synthetic components. They do not provide special support for the head or neck.
2. Orthopedic pillow, which is recommended in medical settings. The advantages of this option are that it is rigid and does not undergo any deformation during use. But many experts recommend using the orthopedic version of the pillow only for short sleep. This is justified by the fact that such models are developed according to the physiological characteristics of each person and make it possible to reduce headaches and discomfort in the spine, taking on the anatomical appearance of the body structure.

Step. Brand

All brands that are presented on our website are selected from many on the market and tested by us. We told them: “Yes!” What is their difference:

Now that you are an expert in down pillow fillings and fabrics, you can definitely choose the perfect pillow for you. May it give you sound, healthy sleep and serve faithfully for many years.

Rules of care

A pillow of the highest quality will quickly lose its properties without proper care. Products designed to last for 5 years can last two to three times longer than stated if properly and regularly maintained.

• You need to fluff the pillow after each use.
• Twice a year the product needs to be thoroughly “frozen”.
• Drying in the sun can extend the life of the pillow by 2 times.
• Puncture the product periodically.
• Change your pillowcase more often.
• Pillows should be taken to specialized cleaning twice a year.

It is theoretically possible to wash the pillow - this is done at a temperature of 60⁰C, but it is very difficult to rinse the remaining detergents from the fluff. Therefore, it is better to go to dry cleaning.

Vote

What pillow filling did you choose?

Latex

8.33 % ( 3 )

Bamboo fiber

13.89 % ( 5 )

Wool

5.56 % ( 2 )

Feather or down options

2.78 % ( 1 )

Horsehair

5.56 % ( 2 )

Vegetable fillers

8.33 % ( 3 )

Silicone

16.67 % ( 6 )

Comforel

2.78 % ( 1 )

Microgel

22.22 % ( 8 )

Holofiber

5.56 % ( 2 )

Introduction

So that every day starts well and joyfully, and the night passes efficiently - choose a pillow that is suitable in size and content. There are orthopedic and classic models designed for infants, children, and adults. Products are also divided into groups according to purpose and functionality.

Good sleep depends on quality bedding

Physiologically incorrect posture during sleep leads to regular stress on the cervical spine. But we sleep 8-9 hours every day, that is, practically a third of our lives. This is a direct road to cervical osteochondrosis, a feeling of weakness, and bad mood throughout the day.

Disadvantages of the product

Like any material, it has some disadvantages:

• you need to wash it daily or hand wash, because at high temperatures the fibers are deformed;
• synthetic material rather than natural (although for many this is an advantage);
• does not take the shape of the body, but springs;
• short service life if not properly maintained.

Interesting! The material is very light and there is a huge amount of it. How much is a kilogram of holofiber? From 1 kg you can sew 1 large and dense pillow or 2 medium ones - 50x70 cm.

Characteristics and dimensions

The ratio of feather and down in bedding is the main characteristic of the product. This is an indicator of the comfort of the item and its service life. The lower the proportion of fluff, the lower the price. In the down variety, the percentage of down is at least 85%. The rest is ground feathers. Feather pillows contain feathers and down in equal quantities. Their quality is significantly lower than that of down ones. The product does not hold its shape well and lasts less. Feather varieties contain more than 50% feathers in the filler. They are flat, do not hold the desired shape and have a minimal service life.

Down products are produced in any size. Standard models 50 by 50 and 70 by 70 cm are common, as well as models 30 by 60 and 50 by 80 cm. Weight, depending on the ratio of feather and down, ranges from 1.5 kg to 3-4 kg.

For a comfortable sleep, the size of the object must be selected according to the width of the mattress: for a single bed they should match, and for a double bed the pillow should be half the width of the mattress. The height is optional.

Popular manufacturers

In this area of ​​the pillow production industry, there are both manufacturers who have been doing this for a long time, and those who have relatively recently entered the bedding market.

At the moment, the best manufacturers of down pillows are:

1. Kariguz
   (Karyguz). Research and Production Corporation. It was founded in 1991. Since then, the corporation has become one of the European leaders in the production of high-quality down and feather filling and products using it. The high standards of the corporation have changed the way we look at ordinary things familiar to everyone, from the choice of materials to manufacturing technologies, as well as the design of finished products.
2. Togas
   (Togas). The company was founded in 1926 in Athens. Engaged in the production of down and feather pillows and bedding.
3. Ikea
   (Ikea). A group of companies with a wide network of stores and its own production.
4. Belashoff
   (Belashoff). The products are manufactured by Shchigrovskaya Feather and Down Factory LLC. It is one of the largest manufacturers of textiles, blankets and pillows filled with down and feathers, as well as plant, wool and synthetic fillers. “Sonata” and “Lux” are among the most popular models from the manufacturer Belashov.
5. Dargez
   (Dargez). Textile Association is a leading Russian manufacturer of high-quality bedding and home textiles. The constantly updated assortment includes dozens of items in various price categories.
6. Light dreams
   . Products under this brand. He has more than 10 years of successful experience in the Russian textile market. They produce pillows and blankets filled with down and feathers, mattress covers and pillows filled with swan down.

*

The ranking of manufacturers is based on the maximum number of Internet searches in Russia. Places in the TOP 6 are distributed randomly.

Popular Russian manufacturers are also considered: Samson (manufactured in Russia in the city of Ivanovo), Donskoy Pooh, Quiet Chas, Askona, Ecotex, Slavic Down and others. German manufacturing companies (Germany): Billerbeck, Brinkhaus, Kauffmann, Paradies.