When it comes to pillow fillings, studies show that people in the UK prefer two kinds of pillows: goose feather and down pillows and polyester pillows. Pillows can affect how well you sleep at night, so we are here to help you in the selection process. Choosing what type of pillow to buy can be confusing and daunting if you do not know the difference between pillow fillings. Here is how to determine if goose feather and down pillows or polyester pillows are for you.
Sleep Position
People sleep in different positions. Some like to sleep on their backs, while others prefer to lie on their sides or stomachs. Sleeping position is an important factor to consider because proper spine alignment is crucial to getting a good night’s rest. People who sleep on their back or stomach should opt for goose feather and down pillows for the best support and comfort.
When sleeping on your back, the head needs to be slightly elevated so it conforms to the natural curvature of the spine. That also helps keep the airways open for optimal breathing and to prevent snoring. On the other hand, those who sleep on their stomach need thinner pillows so as not to twist the neck unnecessarily and cause discomfort while sleeping. Goose feather and down pillows have a natural filling material that rearranges itself with movement so that the head is supported.
Side sleepers need pillows that provide an elevation of at least four inches. For this reason, they should opt for polyester pillows with more height and bounce. That way, they get optimum neck and upper spine support when sleeping in this position.
Cost
Cost should be looked into when deciding what kind of pillows to buy. Goose feather and down pillows are more expensive because they are sourced naturally. You will need feathers and down from lots of geese to fill up one pillow. Polyester is synthetic, so it is easier and cheaper to manufacture. They offer great value for your money and are among the most popular pillows on the market these days.
Comfort
Comfort is a matter of personal preference. Some people say that goose-feather and down pillows are the most comfortable and describe the experience as sleeping on a cloud. Others prefer polyester pillows because they are softer and have more bounce. The downside of polyester is that the fibres tend to clump together over time, so your pillows can get lumpy and uncomfortable.
Durability
Goose feather and down pillows can last up to 20 years with proper care. However, they are not as easy to launder as polyester pillows. They need to be washed in washing machines that do not have agitators to preserve the integrity of the feathers and down. They also need a longer drying time.
Polyester pillows, on the other hand, are machine washable and faster to dry. However, they have a shorter lifespan, especially when washed repeatedly. Water and moisture cause polyester fibres to clump together, so you need to replace polyester pillows more often.