A good night's sleep energizes a person and gives him excellent mood and spirit. But it is only possible by creating a comfortable atmosphere for a night's rest, an integral part of which is the pillow. There are a huge number of opinions regarding the choice of this bedding, but the main criterion should be comfort. If it is ideal in size and rigidity, the neck and head take on a physiological position, the spinal column acquires natural curves, muscle tension disappears, and blood supply to the brain improves.
Types of pillows
The main classification is carried out according to the following criteria:
- by appointment;
- according to the filler material.
Types by purpose
Sleeping pillows
The main function is to maintain the cervical spine and head of the sleeper in a comfortable position. The following sleep shapes are presented on the bedding market:
- classical;
- anatomical;
- orthopedic.
The first category includes rectangular or square-shaped pillows. Anatomical and orthopedic pillows are products with a specific configuration that promotes the correct anatomical position of the body during sleep.
There is a recess for the head in the center, and small bolsters on the sides.
The main difference between an anatomical pillow and an orthopedic one is the fact that the first one adapts to the characteristics of the body, and the second one fixes the sleeping position in a comfortable position.
Sleeping on an orthopedic pillow refers to preventive measures and therapeutic measures for the following diseases:
- scoliosis;
- spinal osteochondrosis;
- increased muscle tone;
- injuries of the musculoskeletal system.
Decorative pillows
Used as an interior item. They can have a square, rectangular, round, oval geometric shape, or be made in the form of various objects, animals or plants.
Pillows for non-standard purposes
Non-standard products include:
- Car pillows. Used while traveling. The product is made in the form of a roller or a horseshoe. The accessory, worn around the neck, supports the cervical region and prevents discomfort and fatigue in the cervical-collar area.
- Maternity pillows. The main task of pillows for pregnant women and nursing mothers is to reduce the load on the spine and lower back during sleep and feeding.
Available in several configurations: C-shaped; U-shaped; I-shaped; wedge-shaped; in the shape of a broken ring.
- Back pillow. Products that are designed to relieve tension in the lumbar area during prolonged sitting.
A pillow is placed between the back of the chair and the back of the person sitting. They are distinguished by their small size and flat shape.
- Foot pillow. An accessory that helps relieve fatigue and alleviates diseases of the knee joints, arthritis, varicose veins and arthrosis, and muscle cramps.
- Full body pillow. A large-sized product made of soft materials, made in the shape of an elongated horseshoe.
Pillow filler
The pillows use natural and synthetic fillers; each material gives the product individual properties.
Natural fillers are:
- animal origin;
- of plant origin.
Synthetic materials include:
- padding polyester;
- comfort;
- holofiber;
- silicone;
- polystyrene;
- fiberlon;
- memory.
Main selection criteria
By choosing a comfortable pillow, you will greatly help your body, sleep soundly and feel good when you wake up.
When purchasing a new pillow, you need to pay attention to the following product characteristics:
- Case material.
- Filler.
- Size and shape.
- Rigidity.
Case material
The pillow cover fits closely to the human skin during night sleep.
A mandatory requirement is the naturalness of the material from which it is made.
Most often they are made from the following fabrics:
- Silk. This fabric is distinguished by its tenderness, delicacy and durability. It fits nicely to the skin. The only drawback of silk is its high cost.
- Cotton (cambric, percale, teak). It is most often used to make cushion covers. The material is soft to the touch, has a low price, but quickly becomes unusable.
- Linen. Linen fabric does not require special care and is very convenient to use and wear-resistant. In the hot season, it pleasantly cools the skin.
- Wool. It perfectly warms the skin in cold weather, is pleasant to the touch, but requires special treatment, otherwise it can cause irritation on the skin, and is expensive.
The pillow cover must be made of dense material so that the filler cannot escape, but at the same time be light and allow air to pass freely.
Filler
The internal contents of a sleeping pillow depend on the wishes of its owner.
It can be natural or artificial, each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
Natural fillers
If necessary, ask sellers for supporting documentation, this way you will protect yourself from counterfeiting and counterfeiting.
Depending on the origin, this type of filler is divided into 2 subtypes:
- of plant origin;
- animal origin.
Plant raw materials are the most common material for making bed linen. Its types are indicated in the table.
Table 1: Description, disadvantages and advantages of plant-based fillers
| Filler name | Characteristic | Advantages | Flaws |
| Bamboo fiber | Products filled with bamboo fiber are completely natural and hypoallergenic. Thanks to the content of green pectin, they have a beneficial effect on the skin. |
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| Buckwheat husk | Consists of a large number of buckwheat “scales”. With regular use, it “remembers” the contours of the body, creating an internal frame |
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| Herbs | Hop cones, pine needles, mint, rosemary, kelp, sage leaves, cattail, and fireweed are often used to fill pillows. To increase the rigidity of the product and service life, add straw, sedge and heather |
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| Silk | These are twisted silkworm cocoons. They are very soft, elastic and very pleasant to use. |
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| Cotton | Is the most popular natural pillow filling |
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| Latex | It is a foamed porous material made from the thickened sap of the Hevea tree, which easily retains its original shape. |
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Fillers of animal origin include materials obtained from domestic animals. Their representatives are:
- Down and feathers of birds. Pillows made from such raw materials are completely natural, absorb moisture perfectly and fluff up fluffy. They need dry cleaning every 6 months, and if not properly cared for, they often become infected with mites. Due to the rapid destruction of down, the service life of feather and down pillows does not exceed 2 years. These products are quite expensive and are contraindicated for people with allergies.
- Sheep's wool. Thanks to the lanolin wax content, products have a therapeutic effect on the human body for colds, respiratory diseases, headaches, etc. They are able to maintain natural body temperature and are perfectly breathable. Wool products are characterized by pronounced softness and therefore are not suitable for all people. Such products are strictly prohibited for use by allergy sufferers; they quickly fall off and do not hold their shape. They also need special care: frequent ventilation, drying and hand washing at a water temperature of no more than 30 degrees.
- Horsehair. Pillows with such filling are quite rare. It is added to products with soft filler to increase rigidity. This material perfectly repels moisture, dust and retains its shape, which makes it an excellent basis for orthopedic products. The service life is at least ten years.
Artificial fillers
Pillows with artificial fillings have an affordable price
Sleeping pillows with synthetic filling are characterized by low price, easy care and acceptable quality.
The advantages of such products include:
- ideal for allergy sufferers and asthmatics;
- do not attract dust and other allergens;
- have elasticity, softness and lightness;
- pillows quickly return to their original shape;
- do not require special care;
- have good thermal protection and ventilation.
Flaws:
- short service life;
- They do not absorb moisture and are therefore not suitable for people with excessive sweating.
The table shows the main types of artificial fillings for pillows.
Table: Description, advantages and disadvantages of artificial fillers
| Filler name | Description | Advantages | Flaws |
| Polyester | The material is of low quality |
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| Holofiber | It is an additionally processed polyester, the fibers of which are twisted into “balls” and coated with silicone |
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| Sintepon | It is the cheapest filler made from non-woven artificial fabric. It is batting compressed at high temperatures |
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| "Swansdown" | It is a spirally twisted polyester fiber treated with silicone on the outside. |
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| Polyester | It is a hollow, spiral-twisted fiber coated with silicone. |
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| Memory foam | This artificial filler is used in the manufacture of orthopedic pillows. It remembers body features and does not lose its anatomical properties for 10 years |
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| Microfiber | Is an artificial resemblance to natural fluff |
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| Viscoelastic | This porous fiber has a flexible cell structure that allows unhindered air movement |
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| Microgel | This synthetic filler is like down without its disadvantages. |
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Dimensions and shape
The ideal pillow size is considered to be:
- for adults - 70 x 50 cm;
- for children - 60 x 40 cm.
Products are available in various shapes:
- square;
- soft “donut”;
- anatomically curved pillows;
- combined;
- round.
Rigidity
Manufacturers produce pillows with three hardness options:
- Tough. Such products are recommended for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and for those who like to sleep on their side. Horsehair, artificial fiber or latex are used as filler in such pillows.
- Medium hardness. Suitable for people who most often sleep on their back. They are filled with buckwheat husks or a mixture of artificial and natural materials.
- Soft. They are considered the most suitable option for fans of sleeping on their stomach. Inside they contain down, feathers or padding polyester.
Height
A standard sleeping pillow has a height of 5 to 15 cm.
The height of the product is determined by the sleeping position, the habit of tossing and turning, and the width of the person’s shoulder.
pros
The main advantages of synthetic materials:
- Hypoallergenic - due to the lack of a nutrient medium in synthetic materials, there are no prerequisites for the development of pathogenic microorganisms - viruses, mold, fungi.
- Hygienic – polyester fibers do not absorb odors and do not accumulate dust.
- Elasticity - materials do not wrinkle or cake, have the ability to adapt to the shape of the sleeper’s head, and quickly restore their original shape.
- Air permeability – the hollow structure of synthetic fibers gives the filler the ability to “breathe”; the material does not accumulate moisture and odors.
- Thermoregulating ability - in cold weather the material retains heat for a long time, and on summer days it retains coolness.
- Lightness – despite their large volume, synthetic fillers are lightweight.
- Easy to care for – products with synthetic filling can be washed in an automatic washing machine and dry quickly.
- Affordability – artificial fillers cost an order of magnitude lower than natural materials.
Positive qualities of natural materials:
- light weight;
- environmental cleanliness;
- ability to absorb moisture;
- low thermal conductivity;
- healing properties.
Minuses
Negative properties of bedding based on synthetic materials:
- electrostaticity (most synthetic materials tend to accumulate static electricity);
- unnaturalness of the material;
- low hygroscopicity.
Disadvantages of natural fillers:
- allergenicity;
- stallability;
- require special care (cleaning, drying);
- relatively short service life;
- relatively high price.
For a child
The selection parameters are proportional to age. When a child is already a schoolboy, “adult” rules are used. Otherwise:
- Newborns do without “thoughts”, the only exception is the side bolster for the baby, which prevents turning over (when the sleeping baby is restless, is able to take the “face down” position, then cannot turn back).
- Children over 2 years old should choose a cozy pillow filled with buckwheat, a natural plant material that is breathable, repels moisture, and molds to the shape of the body.
- When setting up a bed for a preschooler, your choice is an orthopedic pillow measuring 50x40 cm, flat, less than 10 cm high, forming a natural anatomical curve, and having a neutral material (filler).
Children's bedding must be treated: washed, changed on time.
How to choose a pillow
You should choose a bedding accessory based on the following parameters:
- rigidity;
- height;
- breathability;
- quality of tailoring.
Rigidity
There are three degrees of hardness:
- soft;
- medium hardness;
- tough.
The choice of bedding accessory according to the degree of rigidity depends on your favorite sleeping position. A soft pillow is ideal for those who like to sleep on their stomach.
To sleep comfortably on your side, you need a firm pillow. The product is of medium hardness and is intended for the “lying on your back” position.
Cushion height
The height varies in the range of 5-15 cm. An incorrectly selected parameter can cause headaches after sleep, disruption of normal blood circulation, and stiffness of the neck muscles.
The ideal height of the pillow is equal to the width of the sleeper's shoulder.
Breathability
This criterion is especially important for users prone to excessive sweating. Products with better breathability include down pillows, mattresses and bed linen filled with holofiber or comforter.
Latex-based pillows are characterized by low breathability.
Tailoring quality
The quality of tailoring affects the service life. When choosing a bedding accessory, pay attention to the condition of the seams.
Criteria for assessing seam quality:
- smooth continuous line of small stitches;
- no punctures in the fabric;
- when pulled lightly, the seam should maintain its integrity.
Standard sizes
The main criterion when choosing a size is the width of the bed. The following sizes of sleeping pillows are considered standard:
- Square 50 by 50 cm, 60 by 60 and 70 by 70;
- Rectangular 50 by 70, 50 by 80 and 40 by 60;
- Oval;
- Round;
- Orthopedic with variable length and width;
- Individual. They are selected taking into account the specific characteristics of the body, sewn independently or to order;
- Children's.
The height of the right sleeping pillow is determined by the position in which we sleep, the width of our shoulders, the habit of tossing and turning in our sleep or sleeping in one position, as well as how we are used to resting.
Usually, we find sleeping pillows with a height of 6 to 14 cm. This parameter is individual and is selected experimentally. Some people need a large pillow, others need a smaller one.
Care
- Fluff and turn your pillows in the morning.
- Periodically (preferably at least once a week) dry in the fresh air.
- Do not make the bed immediately after sleeping, let the accessories air out.
- Maintain a normal humidity level in the room (no more than 65%).
- To prevent the appearance of dust mites in natural litter, regularly clean and ventilate the bedroom.
- Replace down and feather pillow covers annually.
- Wash pillows according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Main washing recommendations:
- It is better to entrust the cleaning of natural-based pillows to specialized dry cleaners. The frequency of processing is once every 1-2 years.
- Bedding made of latex and polyurethane foam cannot be washed. Clean with a sponge soaked in water and a small amount of liquid detergent.
After cleaning, dry it, avoiding direct sunlight and away from heating devices.
- Pillows with synthetic filling can be machine washed in the “delicate wash” mode at a temperature of 40-600. It is better to use a liquid detergent for washing. The product must not be twisted.
Pillow manufacturers
Bradex
The company's head office is located in Israel, the official representative of the Bradex brand on the Russian market is.
The company's catalog includes bedding with an orthopedic effect and bedding for special purposes - seat cushions, for pregnant women, pillow toys for children.
Comfort Line
The company specializes in wholesale supplies of goods from famous European brands to Russia. Sells Turkish-made orthopedic bedding on the domestic market.
DG Home
The company's activities are related to the sale of designer furniture, exclusive products and accessories from leading foreign manufacturers on the domestic market. The range includes decorative art pillows made in the USA, China, England and France.
Fancy
The company offers a wide variety of pillow toys for children and decorative accessories. The products have been presented on the domestic market since 1993; safe, certified materials are used for the production of products.
OL-Tex
The company's product range includes a wide variety of bedding models. The catalog offers bedding accessories for a comfortable sleep with different fillings:
- wool;
- fluff;
- seaweed;
- bamboo;
- eucalyptus;
- angora;
- silk.
Primavelle
Russian trademark. The company's product range includes a large selection of bedding accessories with wool, down, vegetable and synthetic fillings.
Smart
The company became a laureate of the “One Hundred Best Products of Russia 2015” award. Engaged in the production and sale of textile products and bedding, as well as the introduction of new developments in this area.
The catalog of sleep accessories includes:
- products with aromatic herbs;
- with buckwheat husk;
- with camel and sheep wool;
- with synthetic materials;
- pillows filled with cedar shavings.
In addition to bedding for sleep, the company offers:
- molded relaxation pillows;
- accessories for expectant mothers;
- transformable pillows.
Pregnant
The main materials filling such pillows are holofiber and polystyrene foam balls. The outer cover should be a two-layer one, woven from natural fabrics, which ensures reliable retention of the contents of the bulk material inside - for example, small parts of the filler.
The following pillows are offered to pregnant women:
- Shaped like the letter “C” (“banana”). A length of 170 cm will be enough for petite women; tall women will have to look for a larger size. It will be useful to sit or recline, the “banana” will save a tense back.
- “Rogalik” is a variation of the previous one, characterized by “long” ends, reaching 3.5 meters. Allows you to wrap yourself completely.
- I-shaped, 170-190 cm long, 30-35 cm wide, suggests the option of sleeping “with your leg thrown over”. Simple, convenient, and therefore cheap.
- “Corner” – about two meters. Any change in its position at night will entail the need to turn it completely over. Convenient when the expectant mother sleeps more or less peacefully.
Once you pass the pregnancy period, wait to throw out the bagels. They will serve during the period of breastfeeding the baby (sitting and lying down are doubly comfortable).
