Choosing the right pillows with bamboo filling

Article updated: 10/05/2021 Author: © Natalya Kvyatkovskaya

Good day to all))

Today I propose once again to talk about bedding, and more specifically about pillows - which pillows are best for sleeping.

A person spends a third of his life traveling through the kingdom of Morpheus, and in order for these “journeys” to be comfortable, you will definitely need a good pillow.

It is this that guarantees that your sleep will be sweet and serene, and that your rest will be complete and restorative.

In a previous article, I already wrote about which pillow is better to choose, the filling from which material, in my opinion, will be the most comfortable and healthiest.

And not so long ago, a wonderful event happened for me: the Sovinson company offered to test bedding, not only with common fillers, but also with those that I would not have decided to buy without prior testing))

I was very worried that I might not like the pillows and blankets, so I immediately warned the manufacturer that I would definitely write about the shortcomings that, in my opinion, would be found in the pillows. They agreed with me unconditionally, and now I understand why - the manufacturer is confident in his product and, frankly, he has reasons for that.

All the bedding turned out to be made not only with high quality, but, I would say, with love - carefully, with thoughtful little things and details. Even their logo is adorable, such a cute owl in a nightcap))

Long gone are the days when you could only find down and feathers in pillows. Modern manufacturers offer a variety of fillers - both natural and synthetic. They all have the “right to life”; they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.

But among the familiar feather, padding polyester and silicone pillows, there are also pillows with unusual and little-known fillings. Let’s fill this gap; this time I’ll talk about pillows filled with buckwheat husks, bamboo and camel wool.

Pros and cons of bamboo litter

To make solid bamboo a pleasant bedding material, it is chemically treated. The split fibers become very soft, with a structure reminiscent of cotton wool or padding polyester. All substances are washed away after chemical treatment, and the material remains clean and environmentally friendly. Bamboo pillows do not require complex and frequent care; the filling can be washed by hand.

The main positive qualities of bamboo filler include:

1. Hypoallergenic. The material is resistant to the growth of harmful microorganisms and is not prone to mold and mildew, so it is perfect for those who suffer from frequent allergic reactions.
2. Purity. These pillows do not accumulate dirt and dust, so they do not need to be cleaned often.
3. Elasticity. The fibers are able to “remember” the shape of the sleeper’s body and ensure a comfortable head position.
4. Permeability. The porous structure ensures free air circulation.
5. Hygroscopicity. The material quickly absorbs water and dries quickly.

There are some disadvantages of this filler:

• the material quickly compacts, causing the pillow to become hard. The problem is solved by regular whisking.
• The average service life of such a product is no more than 4 years.
• If you sweat heavily or in high humidity conditions, the pillow will absorb water like a sponge. Not the best option for hot summers.

Pros and cons of camel wool filler

The filler for these products is the downy undercoat of Bactrian camels living in the East. To extend the service life of the product, the pillow is most often made in two sections: inside it there is a small synthetic padding roller. This prevents the material from matting too quickly.

Some unscrupulous manufacturers save on the natural component, increasing the internal synthetic part of the product. To avoid falling into this trap, carefully study the label for the percentage of components.{banner_serefs}

Among the advantages of a camel hair pillow are:

1. Ability to regulate heat. Camels live in conditions of frequent temperature changes, so their wool can maintain comfortable conditions both in winter and in the summer heat.
2. Ease. Camel wool is almost twice as light as sheep's wool, and its softness is comparable to swan's down.
3. Hygroscopicity. The scaly structure of the fibers allows moisture to quickly evaporate, so the pillow will always remain dry.
4. Breathability. Products made from this filler can “breathe”.
5. Lanolin. Natural animal wax, enveloping each fiber, not only makes the pillow soft, but also has a beneficial effect on human skin.

With all the advantages, the material has some disadvantages:

• Natural wool can cause allergies.
• Bedding should be cleaned frequently to prevent dust accumulation and mites.
• A pillow that is too soft cannot ensure an anatomically correct body position during sleep.

Care instructions

Products filled with artificial swan down can be washed both by hand and in a machine. The main thing is not to exceed the maximum temperature of 40°C. The “delicate” wash program will help preserve the cover. It is better not to use detergents with bleaching ingredients. Choose soft-acting special formulations for down. They tend not to damage the insulation threads, prevent the formation of lumps, rinse out, and do not leave streaks.

If gels or soft liquid products are used, it is advisable to include an additional rinse mode to clean the numerous microcavities of the artificial down. When washing by hand, rinsing 3.4 times is mandatory.

The use of washing powders is undesirable due to poor rinsing, remaining stains, and possible damage to the filler. Rinse aids can be used to provide an antistatic effect.

Advice! Products can be wrung out. Maximum drum rotation speed up to 600 rpm. To avoid deforming the outer fabric, it is better not to twist the items when hand washing.

Do not tumble dry. You can hang it on a hanger and let the water drain. Then, to maintain the original shape, straighten the outerwear and dry it on a horizontal surface covered with a clean terry towel. The filler dries in 3-4 hours, the top fabric takes longer.

Ironing is not required, especially if the products are dried correctly. If necessary, the jacket can be carefully ironed at the maximum permissible temperature of +60°C. Synthetic components may melt when exposed to high temperatures. You can dry clean items, provided that the top layer can withstand the impact.

It is advisable to shake and beat clean things. Fluff your pillows before going to bed. Store in vacuum bags to preserve the shape of the products. Store jackets in a closet, remembering to ventilate them in the fresh air every 3 months.

Differences and similarities

Having compared the pros and cons of both fillers, we can conclude that these materials, despite some similarities, have a significant number of differences:

1. Both fillings will last you almost the same number of years, but a camel hair pillow will require more careful care.
2. The materials allow air to pass through well, but if there is increased sweating, the bamboo pillow will remain wet longer, which can cause discomfort.
3. Soft wool does not have proper elasticity, while bamboo filling supports the head in a natural position.
4. In addition, bamboo does not provoke allergic reactions.

Artificial paddings

Sintepon

The material is hypoallergenic, mites do not grow in it, but it does not allow air to pass through well, and your head may sweat on it.

Disadvantages: very elastic, does not support the shape of the head well. Cheap padding polyester will break down over time. The synthetic padding pillow is not very comfortable for sleeping. But as a filler for decorative pillows from Ikea, synthetic winterizer is perfect, and besides, it is inexpensive.

Silicone

Hypoallergenic, soft material that allows air to pass through. Easy to care for.

You need to choose the silicone filler according to your preferences (a hard or soft pillow, high or low, depends on the density of the material).

swansdown

An artificial substitute for natural. (The swan is a heat-loving bird and has little fluff). The pillow with it is soft and wear-resistant. The occurrence of allergies is excluded, since mites and mold will not grow. A big plus is the affordable price.

Minuses:

• its orthopedic properties are inferior to other synthetic fillers;
• does not absorb moisture well, so the material is not suitable for people with excessive sweating;
• electrified.

Hollow fiber HollowFiber (holofiber)

It has become the source raw material for similar derivative materials, varieties of holofiber filler: comforterel, synthetic fluff, elboll, fillfiber and holofyl. Pillows with synthetic fillings are light in weight, and they can also be washed and wrung out in a machine, without losing the antibacterial effect of the fibers.

Comforel polyester

This is a polyester fiber that has undergone heat treatment. Additionally, it undergoes antibacterial treatment and is coated with silicone. They look like small balls with a diameter of half a centimeter.

This filler is also used for children's pillows. Dust mites and fungi that cause allergies do not live in it. The material holds its shape well, does not bunch up, retains heat well, allows air to pass through, and is not saturated with odors.

Memory foam hypoallergenic

Hypoallergenic, breathable. It is very comfortable to sleep on it. Disadvantages: it cannot be washed; if moisture gets on the foam, it turns to stone, loses its shape and becomes unusable.

Has an orthopedic effect.

Latex

Ticks don't grow in it. Long service life.

The material is hypoallergenic and has an orthopedic effect.

Carefully read the composition of the filler! Natural latex is expensive. To reduce the cost of products, manufacturers add synthetic latex or latex crumbs to the composition.

Which is better bamboo or camel hair for a pillow?

You should choose a filler based on your own preferences and health status. If you are used to sleeping on a soft pillow, and this rest brings you complete relaxation, you can choose a product made of camel hair. It is important that you do not have problems with the spine, as well as allergic reactions. Be prepared to clean your pillow more often.

Allergy sufferers, people with orthopedic problems and those who prefer elastic pillows can choose bamboo filling. It will reliably support your body while you sleep, and this material is easy to care for. Remember to fluff your pillow regularly to prevent it from clumping and becoming tough. It is better not to choose such a product for the summer: excessive sweat may cause the pillow to become damp.

The right choice of bedding will provide you with good rest and help you stay healthy.

Which microfiller is the best?

Most of the best pillow fillings today are made from man-made materials. Down, feathers, wool, and cotton wool are dust accumulators; along with the dust, microorganisms that cause allergies settle in the pillow. Let's highlight those pillow fillings that are least affected by dust mites:

1. buckwheat husk;
2. latex;
3. bamboo;
4. silk;
5. silicone;
6. holofiber;
7. Thinsulate

Silicone, holofiber, Comforel, Thinsulate are materials consisting of microscopic fibers that have similar properties. Let's find out which microfill for pillows to choose for each specific case.

• Silicone fiber is an inexpensive option for a product with an orthopedic effect, but this material is short-lived and the product will have to be changed frequently. Anyone who wants to purchase a pillow for the prevention of osteochondrosis can safely purchase a model with silicone filler.
• Products with holofiber are perhaps the most preferred choice for a wide range of people. Prevention of osteochondrosis, comfortable sleep, good quality and affordable price are the main advantages of these models.
• Anyone who has chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract should pay attention to products filled with swan down (thinsulate).