The duration of a night's rest and the conditions in which people spend it greatly influence both mood and health, so the pillow must be of good quality. Its shape and filling also determine how comfortable your sleep will be.
The first thing you should pay attention to when buying a pillow is the material with which it is filled. Companies that produce household items offer many options for fillers; they can be roughly divided into two groups. The first includes products made from natural materials, and the second - from synthetic raw materials.
The review presents the best fillers from each group. Experts objectively describe the properties of each of them, taking into account elasticity, softness and wear resistance. It's safe to say that every person needs good sleep.
Therefore, orthopedists advise learning everything about the headrest material before purchasing it. To ensure that the spine is in the correct position, it is important what kind of material the pillow is filled with. How to choose a pillow for sleeping is written in the material.
General recommendations
The quality of the raw material with which the pillow is filled is the first thing to check before purchasing. Comfort during a night's rest largely depends on its composition. If in doubt, experts advise asking the seller for documents that will allow you to check which components are used in production. In addition, this way you can make sure that the store sells originals and not fakes.
Many Russian and foreign companies produce feather, synthetic and other pillows. Each of them produces high quality products. You can buy top-class products made from rare raw materials, as well as more common and affordable ones.
There are several domestic and European companies that have become some of the most famous on the market:
- TAC;
- Seraphim fluff;
- Crystal;
- Kauffmann.
Natural raw materials
Such materials are widely used for padding, and they are always of natural origin. But those who suffer from allergies should not use some fillers.
In addition, pillows and headrests made from this raw material last a long time, but their prices are higher than those for the same padding polyester. They require special care and can be made from fibers of animal and plant origin (for example, horsehair).
Goose down and feathers
Instead of natural swan down, in our country they sell artificial one with similar properties. Goose feathers can be bought almost everywhere in Russia; they are obtained in the summer and spring months, when poultry moult. It retains heat well and at the same time does not accumulate moisture.
Geese that live in the north have more heat-resistant feathers.
A pillow stuffed with goose down or feather is comfortable to sleep on and easily regains its shape.
But there are other properties that may stop some from buying:
- the material must be cleaned with chemical compounds and dried thoroughly;
- fragility (due to the fragility of feathers).
In addition, an allergy to goose down is possible. Duck down is also often used for filling, although its properties are different: it is not as elastic and more rigid. This natural component can be used as an alternative to goose down. Before use, check for any allergic reaction.
Sheep's wool
The most accessible natural raw material, which has long been used to sew pillows. Wool retains heat and retains its shape and does not absorb moisture. But at the same time, it can become deformed and needs regular cleaning with powder and other means.
In addition, doctors do not recommend that asthmatics and allergy sufferers buy such a pillow with such a filling.
Bamboo filler
What is the best pillow filling? There are many materials, and bamboo has become one of them. It has been used for such purposes relatively recently. These are environmentally friendly raw materials from which high-quality pillows are made. Bamboo forests grow on their own, without being treated with pesticides, so the material is safe.
Research results have shown that bamboo has disinfecting properties. Dust does not accumulate in its fibers, moisture is not retained, and mold and bad odors do not form.
To understand how to choose a comfortable pillow for sleeping with filling based on reviews, you can read people’s responses about this and other materials. Bamboo is easy to care for; it can be washed in an automatic machine, but washing should be gentle.
To obtain pillow filling, the core is extracted from young bamboo stems. It is crushed and threads 20 cm long are made. However, with high air humidity, bamboo becomes less durable.
How to choose an orthopedic pillow
An orthopedic pillow holds the head and neck in the correct position, promoting complete muscle relaxation and good rest.
This type of bedding has a considerable cost
When choosing a product, you must follow these rules:
- If you need a pillow for a night's sleep, experts recommend giving preference to rectangular products with bolsters that take and remember the dimensions of the head and neck.
- If the accessory is purchased for the purpose of correcting the musculoskeletal system, you should choose hard or medium-hard models.
- The height of the pillow should be equal to the width of the shoulder from the top of the greater tubercle of the humerus to the base of the neck. For back sleepers, you should choose low pillows, while high ones are suitable for side sleepers.
- The width and length of the product depend on the constitution. For tall and large people, the size 50 x 80 cm is more suitable, and for people of average build - 40 x 60 cm.
- The filler of an orthopedic pillow must have high elasticity, moisture resistance, the ability to retain its original shape and adapt to the size of the head. Buckwheat husks, latex and memory foam are considered the best. Pillows filled with down, feathers, padding polyester, wool, or holofiber can also be called orthopedic. But due to insufficient elasticity, they unstablely support the cervical spine.
- Orthopedic pillows help prevent disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
- Due to their high rigidity, such products need to get used to within a few days.
The correct choice of an orthopedic pillow is evidenced by the absence of unpleasant sensations after a night's sleep.
Materials of plant origin
Most companies produce fillers with plant fibers. Among them are medicinal herbs, buckwheat husks and various other plants. To decide which pillows are best to buy and with which filling, experts advise studying their properties.
Buckwheat husk
This type of filler has a therapeutic and calming effect on a person. A pillow stuffed with husks holds the head well, repeating its outline. Buckwheat husks can allow air to pass through, moisture does not accumulate in it and mites do not appear.
The service life of the filler is several years. Some argue that at first it is difficult to get used to sleeping on such a pillow: it seems hard. In addition, the husk may rustle when a person turns over in his sleep.
When manufacturers make filler, they separate the hulls from the buckwheat grains, then steam them. Afterwards it needs to be blown, sifted and thoroughly dried. When buying a pillow, check what it is stuffed with.
To do this, unzip the cover and inspect the husk. The main thing is that it is dry and free of impurities. In addition, it should not smell. Experts advise choosing a case made of natural material.
This natural material is voluminous, holds its shape well, has a healing effect on the vertebrae and slightly massages the neck during sleep. Buckwheat hulls are hypoallergenic. But it is worth considering that pillows made from this filler require special care, and they are not designed for long-term use.
Natural, feather
For feather pillows, the top feather and down feathers of land and waterfowl are used. Depending on the material used and its percentage, which affects the softness of the product, down pillows are very popular.
The average service life is 5 years. If desired, such pillows can be “wintered” at service centers: stripped, dried, treated with hot steam for disinfection, if necessary, replaced with some of the damaged material, and used as if they were new. They easily restore their shape, are easily shaped for a specific person, are highly breathable, and absorb moisture and sweat.
Among the disadvantages are the high allergenicity of the material, the presence of insect pests, the persistence of persistent unpleasant odors, and sharp feather shafts.
Note!
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Synthetic fillers
Polyester, polyester and other fibers of non-natural origin are most often used as synthetic raw materials.
Their main difference is what technology the craftsmen use for manufacturing. In addition, they are designed for different service lives and have a different feel.
Synthetics can be dense and springy, or, on the contrary, light, like down.
As a rule, non-natural materials do not cause allergic reactions, they are quite soft and easy to care for.
However, they can quickly lose their original shape. Synthetics can mat and there is no way to prevent this.
It is important for allergy sufferers to know that there are no ideal pillows, so before purchasing, allergists advise taking into account all the pros and cons. Sometimes household items can be made to order at a factory.
Experts point out that adults and children should buy products that can withstand frequent machine washing. If you need to understand the fillers and find out which one is better, you can find out their basic properties.
Silicone
Silicones are considered one of the most comfortable materials. The basis for them is hollow siliconized fibers, which are made of polyester.
The raw materials are carefully processed, which makes them very soft. It is easy to care for, for example, soak it in hand wash.
To do this, make a soap solution. You can wash the pillow in a machine (washing temperature – 40°). It is recommended to buy a pillow that is filled with silicone balls, as they are more durable compared to other forms.
Silicone is voluminous and elastic, it quickly restores its original appearance. The raw materials are durable and sold at low prices; they do not accumulate dust and debris.
Silicone beads do not cause allergic reactions. However, it is important to remember that this material is synthetic, which sometimes makes people doubt its harmlessness.
Polyester
It began to be used not so long ago, and pillows with such filling are sold at affordable prices. The material may consist of threads or thin fibers treated with silicone.
Thus, the fiber does not tangle and can maintain its shape for a long time.
Polyester does not form lumps and is often used for sofa cushions.
In addition, polyester has the following properties:
- keeps warm;
- allows air to pass through;
- does not absorb moisture and odor;
- hypoallergenic;
- easy to wash.
However, polyester cannot hold the shape of the head because it is very soft. These pillows are not designed for long-term use.
Microfiber
This synthetic material is called “artificial down.” It combines all its properties. But unlike down, microfiber does not cause allergies.
Its texture is very elastic, which makes the filler durable and easy to clean. Microfiber does not absorb foreign odors, does not accumulate dust, and does not need to be dry-cleaned.
The main disadvantage of microfiber is that it becomes electrified.
Viscoelastic
This synthetic raw material has become one of the most popular in its category. Viscoelastic is a good quality filler that is comfortable to sleep on. This material combines different properties, their combination makes it durable. The viscoelastic pillow follows the shape of the neck and head.
At the same time, it quickly restores its original appearance, since viscoelastic is quite dense and elastic. During rest, it maintains the cervical vertebrae in the correct position.
The pillow will not absorb odors because air circulates well in it. However, it is important to remember that viscoelastic cannot be washed.
Microgel
Microgel belongs to a group of synthetic fibers that are similar in softness to goose down. It makes light and comfortable pillows. Even after a long sleep, the microgel quickly restores volume.
It is resistant to high air humidity and has good breathability. With microgel, excellent sleep is guaranteed! One of its disadvantages is its high price.
Holofiber
Which pillow is better to sleep on? Experts know the answer; they advise buying holofiber filling. Stores sell different types of it, for example, elball, etc. Holofiber will not weigh down the pillow.
It is soft and at the same time elastic, microbes do not grow inside it, and debris does not accumulate. Holofiber is easy to care for, as it retains its properties after numerous machine washes.
The material does not wrinkle when squeezed out; its shape is immediately restored.
Synthetic holofiber filler is sold everywhere, is inexpensive and at the same time durable. It consists of fibers that are twisted.
The raw material is made from small balls, so it can be used for a long time, as it maintains its lightness, softness and strength for a long time.
Holofiber does not cause allergic reactions, does not retain foreign odors, and does not absorb moisture.
