Everyone should be aware that pillows are equally as important as the mattress they rest on for optimum sleep health and quality. That is why it is important to know the different types of pillow fillings. There is a plethora of pillow options available on the market, so shopping for the right one can be daunting. Here’s a quick rundown of the different pillow types so you can better choose a high-quality pillow that will give you a good night’s rest.
Down Pillows
This type of pillow is filled with down feathers that are found on the underbelly of ducks and geese. Many consider down pillows luxurious because of their extreme softness. Down pillows are ideal for stomach sleepers because they are a lot softer compared to other types of pillows. They are also very durable and can last for many years.
Memory Foam Pillows
Made from NASA-grade material, memory foam pillows react to body heat and pressure, enabling them to mould and conform to the shape of your neck, shoulders and head for maximum support and comfort. Memory foam returns to its original shape once pressure is removed, hence its name. This type of pillow is highly recommended for people with upper spine or neck issues.
Contour Pillows
Side and back sleepers will love contour pillows because of their unique design. The middle of the pillow is curved downwards to provide the correct support to the neck while sleeping on your back or side. Contour pillows also help alleviate snoring, which is good news if you are a heavy snorer or sleep with one. There are different kinds of materials to choose from such as latex, memory foam, or buckwheat. On the downside, contour pillows are not ideal for stomach sleepers.
Buckwheat Pillows
Natural, renewable, lightweight and soft—these are just some of the benefits of a buckwheat pillow. This pillow is ideal for people living in warm climates because the individual hulls provide natural air circulation to keep you cool while sleeping. It also provides excellent support for the neck and upper spine. However, sleeping on a buckwheat pillow can be bothersome for light sleepers because of the noise generated when individual hulls rub against each other.
Latex Pillows
Latex, which is harvested from rubber trees, is biodegradable and inherently fire-retardant. It is great at resisting dust mites, bacteria, mould and mildew and is one of the most cooling filling materials available. However, latex pillows are a bit expensive and require more care and maintenance since they are not machine washable. If you have a dust mite allergy, this pillow is a good choice for you. Just make sure you aren’t allergic to latex.
Polyester Pillows
Polyester is sometimes referred to as the poor man’s cotton. Polyester pillows are very easy to maintain. You only need to throw them into your washing machine and dryer and they will be as good as new. This pillow is ideal for those on a budget since it is more affordable than other types of pillow filling.
Cotton Pillows
Stomach sleepers will love cotton pillows because they tend to flatten over time compared to other types of pillows. This is a huge advantage since those who sleep on their stomachs are more prone to neck pain. These pillows are also made from 100% cotton, making them allergy-resistant.