In the second part of our pillows feature we look at the different type of fillings available, the pros and cons of each type and the different sizes of pillows we offer…

Types of Pillow by Filling

Pillow characteristics change according to their fill type. Two pillows with the same loft and firmness may feel very different if their fill types aren’t the same. Though there are dozens of different fills to choose from, a few types dominate the market.

Down (usually duck down or goose down)

Often associated with luxury, down pillows have been used for hundreds of years to provide sleepers with a plush sleep surface. Down refers to the fluffy, insulating feathers that grow beneath a bird’s coarser outer feathers. Many down pillows feature goose down, though some down comes from ducks or other waterfowl.

Pros Cons
  • Offers a soft, fluffy surface that cradles the head
  • Travels well, thanks to lightness and compressibility
  • Allows air to circulate within the pillow
  • Can harbour dust mites, aggravating allergies
  • Is not vegan and may not always be ethically sourced
  • May not provide enough support or loft for side sleepers

Feather & down (may be duck feather & down or goose feather & down)

Feather & down pillows contain the quilled outer feathers of birds such as ducks and geese. That said, they usually include some down. Feather pillows tend to be less expensive and firmer than down-only pillows.

Pros Cons
  • Typically costs less than down
  • Offers a combination of cushioning and support
  • Provides breathability and light insulation
  • May have quills that poke through the cover fabric and cause irritation
  • Does not qualify as a vegan product
  • May be too firm for stomach sleepers

Polyester Fiberfill

Polyester fiberfill is a synthetic material that is often labeled as a down alternative because of its softness and lightness. Polyester pillows are generally more affordable than down and may appeal to people who wish to avoid animal products.

Pros Cons
  • Supplies a soft yet supportive sleep surface
  • Provides an affordable option to budget-minded shoppers
  • Offers an alternative to down for vegans and people with allergies
  • Wears out quickly compared to other fill materials
  • Prone to clumping
  • Retains heat

Memory Foam

Memory foam pillows come in solid and shredded options, both of which are made from polyurethane. Solid memory foam pillows offer structure, while shredded models have greater moldability. Both versions conform to sleepers’ heads and necks to alleviate pressure. More advanced pillows use coiled springs (like a mattress) to improve airflow and ‘bounceback’.

Pros Cons
  • Relieves pressure point discomfort
  • Highly conforming
  • Offers an alternative to down for vegans and people with allergies
  • Traps heat
  • May be a chemical odour
  • Can NOT be washed

Latex

Natural latex is derived from the same trees that make rubber. It has a buoyant feel and is excellent at relieving pressure while maintaining its shape and structure.

You can purchase latex pillows in both solid and shredded options. Because natural latex is often sustainably sourced, you should expect to pay more for a natural latex pillow than you might for one that uses synthetic latex or another synthetic fill like polyester fiberfill

Pros Cons
  • Provides responsive pressure relief
  • Sleeps cooler than memory foam
  • Often comes with certifications that appeal to eco-conscious shoppers
  • Costs more than many other fills
  • May be too lofty for some stomach sleepers
  • Cannot be machine-washed

Types of Pillows by Size and Shape

Four of the most common pillow sizes are rectangular, while Euro pillows feature a square design and are often used to accent bedroom decor. There are also numerous specialty options designed to accommodate unique needs like travel, pregnancy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask use, and knee pain.

Pillow Size Measurements
Standard 19″ x 29″
King 19″ x 36″
Euro 26″ x 26″
Pillow Type Description
Neck Pillow Neck pillows are designed to keep the cervical spine properly supported. U-shaped travel pillows, designed to support the neck while a person sleeps in a seated position, are also sometimes called neck pillows.
‘V” Pillow ‘V’ shaped pillows are triangular pillows with one thick edge that gradually tapers off. Many sleepers use them to read in bed or to help relieve symptoms associated with acid reflux or sleep apnea.
Body Pillow Typically measuring at least 54″ long, body pillows provide support and cushioning along the length of the body. They are also available in 60″ and 72″ long. “Bolster” cases to fit these may be bought here…

 

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?

Most pillows need to be replaced after one to two years of regular use. However, fill and cover materials break down at different rates, so some pillows may wear out sooner or last longer. For example, polyester fiberfill pillows tend to flatten within a year or two, while high-quality latex pillows can last as long as three or four years. We have personal experience of customers telling us that they “bought a pillow twenty years ago and it’s still perfect”….. To be clear, NO pillow is going to be ‘perfect’ after twenty years or even ten and even with a good quality pillow protector we recommend examining your pillows on an annual basis.

If you keep a pillow for too long, it may sag and fail to provide sufficient support. Bacteria, facial oils, dirt, and allergens can also build up in a pillow, so it’s important to wash your pillow regularly and purchase a replacement when it shows signs of aging.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pillow

Inspect your pillow periodically and look for a few distinct signs that it’s time to replace your pillow.

  • Compression: If a pillow has lost its loft (or bounceback’), that means the fill materials inside are breaking down and no longer provide the same support level that they once did.
  • Lumpiness: If the fill in your pillow is starting to clump together, it’s no longer providing an even sleep surface.
  • Discoloration: When your pillow’s cover materials start to yellow, it’s a good indicator that your pillow needs replacing.
  • Breakouts or allergy symptoms: Over time, pillows may accumulate bacteria or mildew, which can cause skin breakouts and allergic reactions.

We hope that this two part piece has been helpful and as a small incentive we are offering 15% off all pillows for the month of July. Use the code PILLOWS15