Different Types of Pillow Filling Explained
Your pillows play a big role in ensuring that you get the quality of sleep that you deserve. A bed pillow is important to keep your spine aligned and your sleeping position supported when you snooze.
Shopping for a quality pillow in Singapore should be pretty straightforward, thanks to the wide variety of options and channels to buy your pillow, including online. However, in reality, shopping for pillows is not as easy as it sounds, considering some factors such as the price, materials, firmness, loftiness, and size.
One of the most common factors that buyers consider when shopping for a pillow includes the types of fillings that determine the feel and benefits of the sleeping solution. The common pillow fills are similar to those that are used for mattresses, including the famous memory foam and latex. There are also hybrid varieties that mix different materials and benefits to fit your requirements. To achieve this, your sleeping position and comfort preferences play important roles in choosing the best pillow stuffing for your needs.
We’ll walk you through the various types of pillow stuffing offered in Singapore, as well as their costs, benefits and drawbacks, to help you make the best pillow purchase.
Common Types of Pillow Stuffing
Down Pillow
Down pillows are popular to pillow shoppers because of their luxurious feel. Down refers to the undercoating of the harder outer bird feathers on their chest or underbellies. These are usually sourced from ducks or geese.
The soft and fluffy down materials make up the luxurious and most expensive pillow types of today.
Price: $$
Pros:
- Down pillows are naturally soft and fluffy which is why many shoppers prefer their luxurious feel
- The soft down pillows can follow the mould of your head and neck, resulting to better sleep support
- Down pillows can give the unique sleeping comfort that we experience in hotels
- These luxurious pillows are durable and have a longer lifespan compared to some pillow types
Cons:
- Down pillows are generally more expensive compared to other pillow types
- Although down pillows are malleable, they require frequent fluffing to retain their supportive shape
- Down pillows are not the best choice for people with allergies
- The soft down pillows may not be the best choice for heavy sleepers
Feather Pillow
A down pillow is different from a feather pillow since the materials are sourced from the soft feathers instead of the undercoating of the bird.
Feather pillows are also notably comfortable but are less expensive compared to down pillows. They are also supportive but not as durable as a down variety. Like down pillows, feather pillows need some fluffing to stay in shape for a longer time.
Price: $$
Pros:
- Feather pillows are more affordable compared to down pillows
- Are lightweight and comfortable for many types of sleepers
- Feather pillows are also moldable, like down varieties
Cons:
- While feather pillows are moldable, they also tend to flatten after a long amount of usage; thus, they need consistent fluffing
- Feather pillows absorb heat and can be too warm during the summer
- Feather pillows may smell unpleasant as they age
Memory Foam Pillow
Like the popular memory foam mattress, a memory foam pillow is composed of viscoelastic polyurethane foam. This material is known for its ability to follow the contour of the body, in this case, your head.
A memory foam pillow can be in the form of a block or shredded foam. A block memory foam pillow has a solid foam structure, while shredded foam comprises smaller foam pieces. Both types offer efficient pressure relief thanks to memory foam’s viscous and elastic features.
Price: $$
Pros:
- Memory foam offers excellent pressure relief and support
- Memory foam holds up to its shape better than many other pillow fills
- Is ideal for many types of sleepers
- Memory foam is easier to maintain compared to some pillow types
Cons:
- May contain VOCs that cause the distinct new pillow smell
- Memory foam is known for its heat-absorbing ability that can cause hot sleeping
- Relatively more expensive than other pillows types
Latex Pillow
A latex pillow is made from natural latex materials sourced from the sap of rubber trees. This gives latex foam its bouncy feel.
Like memory foam, a latex pillow can be in the form of a block or shredded structure. However, a latex pillow is ultra comfortable and more breathable compared to a memory foam variety. It is also one of the most durable pillow types and lasts for years when properly maintained. So, if you have a higher budget for your bed pillow, a latex pillow is a premium and practical choice that can last for years.
Price: $$$
Pros:
- Latex pillows made from natural latex are environmentally friendly and cruelty free
- A latex pillow is highly breathable and comfortable to sleep on
- Latex pillows are firm enough to target pressure and prevent headaches during sleep
- Shredded latex pillows are moldable
- Latex pillows are highly durable
Cons:
- Latex pillows are more expensive compared to other pillow types
- A block latex pillow may not be ideal for side sleepers. However, shredded latex or a latex contour pillow can offer benefits for people who sleep on their side
Microfibre Pillow
Microfibre pillows are composed of man-made materials that budget shoppers prefer. These are soft, fluffy, and durable, not to mention, appropriate for many sleeping positions.
Price: $ to $$
Pros:
- A microfibre pillow is very affordable
- This pillow type is lightweight and good for people with allergies
- Most microfibre pillows are easy to maintain and machine-washable
Cons:
- Fibrefill pillows have shorter lifespans than other pillow types
- They tend to clump and lose their shape faster
- Fibrefill pillows may retain heat and cause hot sleeping in summer
Cotton Pillow
Cotton is a popular pillow option that many shoppers in Singapore love. It is known for its soft, fluffy, and moisture-wicking properties, making it a good choice for our hot local weather. Cotton pillows can be slightly firmer than other pillow types.
Price: $$
Pros:
- Cotton pillows are organic and safe for people with allergies
- Eco-friendly option for shoppers who look for a safe and natural pillow fill to sleep on
- Cotton pillows are smooth, breathable, moisture-wicking, and odour-free
Cons:
- Cotton fill also tends to clump and become uncomfortable as it ages
- To ensure the comfort of your pillow, you may need to constantly replace your cotton fill
Choosing the Best Pillow Fill in Singapore
Different pillow fills in Singapore offer their unique features that different shoppers prefer. With this, the "best pillow" will depend on your personal requirements. Memory foam, cotton, and latex pillows are some of the most popular varieties that are also abundant in Singapore. These offer their unique comfort feel which you may opt for depending on your preferences and budget range.
Level Up Your Sleep Comfort with Somnuz
From high-quality pillows to premium mattresses, Somnuz offers a special range of options for your sleeping needs. See why Singapore switches to the Somnuz quality by visiting our experience centres.
