Which pillow filling is the best?

Do you also think the inside is more important than the outside? You’re absolutely right! And it’s the pure truth when it comes to your pillow filling.

The range of filling materials is so vast that choosing often proves to be a daunting task. That’s why we list the most common options for you. We distinguish between natural and synthetic fillings.

What is the best filling for my pillow?

You can choose from all kinds of materials for your pillow. These have various pros and cons. First of all, you have to choose whether you want a synthetic or natural material. Natural materials will cost a bit more, but are generally often better than synthetic materials.

Natural	More expensive on average	Breathable	Durable
Synthetic	Cheaper on average	Shape-retaining	Easy to clean

Ask yourself the question: do you like to be warm or are you simply always (too) hot? Compared to a natural filling, a synthetic version is generally slightly less moisture-regulating. Artificial materials are less breathable. This is not desirable, for example, if you sweat a lot during your sleep.

In this case, choose a natural, well-ventilated variant that you might also be able to wash. However, synthetic pillows certainly don’t have to be inferior in terms of quality. Their supportive capacity is beyond question. And there are indeed synthetic fibers that approach the properties of natural fibers. Thinsulate (TM), for example, is such a powerful synthetic fiber. There are also natural products that are less effective at moisture regulation, such as down. A rock-solid insulator but a less powerful moisture regulator. Researching well what you buy is therefore very sensible.

Also good to know: never just rely on the price in your search. Pillows with a lower price tag – often the synthetic fillings – are not necessarily of lower quality. And more expensive models are not by definition better. Price usually has to do with the type of material, availability, processing into a user-friendly product, production processes, and product properties.

Above all, see if the pillow checks off all your requirements: consider your sleeping position, body weight, any neck and shoulder problems and personal preferences.

Many sleep shops often offer a test period, sometimes subject to a deposit. This allows you to try out the test pillow at home in peace for a few nights.

Which natural pillow filling suits me?

• Down and feathers
  Pillows with a mix of down and feathers, usually from ducks or geese, are particularly soft and comfortable. You can shake them up nicely and they easily take the shape of your head and neck. This makes you less likely to suffer from neck and shoulder complaints.

Moreover, they retain heat well (read: they insulate superbly). People with a house dust mite allergy can also sleep on a down pillow. Because they are enclosed in a down-proof ticking, the moisture regulation is slightly less. However, you can remedy this with a good pillow protector. Please note:
– choose a high-quality pillow ticking so that sharp feather quills do not puncture through
– a ratio with more feathers than down is logical for a down pillow, as feathers provide more support
– let the down pillow air dry very well after washing

• Wool
  The big plus of a wool pillow is its enormous resilience. The wool fibers always spring back to their original shape and give your head superior support. Ideal for those who like to sleep on a firmer pillow.

Wool is also extremely ventilating and very moisture-absorbent so that it doesn’t feel clammy, making it ideal for hot sleepers. Wool contains wool grease, also known as lanolin. This layer makes the pillow naturally suitable for people with allergies, such as to house dust mites. There are many types of wool, think of sheep’s wool, goat’s wool, and even camel’s wool. The finer the wool and the higher the crimp, the better the quality. You often notice this in the price tag as well.

• Cotton
  Cotton remains a classic thanks to its solid character: moisture-absorbing, moisture-regulating, and ventilating. If this isn’t convincing enough: you can wash cotton at a very high temperature, even up to 95 degrees! This way you enjoy a clean and fresh pillow every time.

• Kapok
  This 100% natural fiber comes from the kapok tree, which grows in tropical climate regions. The fluffy layer around the seeds is soft yet firm. This makes it an excellent filler that ventilates well.

But beware: washing is not possible because you will damage the fibers. If your pillow loses its resilience, it’s best to buy a kapok refill.

Which synthetic filling for your pillow

• Polyester
  The synthetic core is usually made of small balls or long-fiber polyester. They can be soft or firm depending on the material and the filling weight. Their big advantage? There is often a zipper on the pillow. You can easily adjust the filling yourself and possibly remove some if you prefer a thinner pillow, for example. In addition, polyester fillings are perfectly washable and also dry quickly.
• Memory foam
  Memory foam or visco foam slowly molds to your head and neck, depending on the pressure exerted on the pillow. When you get up, the pillow takes its original shape again. Because it adapts perfectly to your shape, you enjoy optimal support and great comfort. It also retains heat well. Please note:
  – turning in your sleep is slightly more difficult, especially if your head lies deep in the pillow. Memory foam needs some time to adapt again.
  – in a cold bedroom, the pillow feels hard to firm when you go to bed, depending on the type of foam. But this feeling quickly disappears once you warm up the pillow with your head.
• Latex
  In addition to natural latex, there is also a synthetic variant of latex derived from petroleum. This filling material not only gives you good support and pressure distribution but is also very durable. Airing well after a night’s sleep is important. This prevents the latex from gradually crumbling and decaying.
• Gel
  The gel pillow proves that developments in the sleep industry do not stand still. This innovation has many advantages: gel is pressure-relieving, just like memory foam, but is also elastic and flexible. The heat is distributed extremely well, making the pillow feel wonderfully cool when you go to sleep. Of course, a minimum gel thickness is required. Otherwise, the contact surface is quickly saturated. The gel pillow does not stay cool; it slowly takes over your body heat. This feels very comfortable and studies show that you sleep more peacefully as a result.

Curious which pillow best suits your body & sleeping position? Then read our previously written article:

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Conclusion

Which pillow filling you choose has an impact not only on your comfort but also on the quality of your night’s sleep and the effects on your body. For example, you should pay attention to any allergies you have, the way you sleep, and whether you experience physical complaints.

Which pillow filling is the best: Frequently Asked Questions