Types of Pillow Filling - Which is Best for You?

Whether you call it stuffing, filler, or filling, a wide variety of pillow innards can be found today, making it hard to decide which works best. Which will suit your sleeping style? Keep you cool? Help with that troublesome neck pain? To help answer these and other questions, let us fill you in on the three most commonly used types of pillow fillings so that you can pick the perfect choice.

Why is My Pillow Type Important?

Having the right pillow can facilitate a more comfortable night’s sleep. But did you know that it can also prevent and alleviate pain in your neck, back, shoulders, and hips? That’s because it counterbalances these stress points on your body...but only if you’re sleeping with the right pillow for your body type and sleep style.

You want to choose a pillow that will fit to your neck's natural curve while you sleep. A pillow that’s too high or too low can result in neck pain. Pillows that are 4"-6” high generally offer the best support. Memory foam pillows tend to be higher, while down pillows tend to flatten out while you sleep.

Down Filling

Down filling is made from the fluffy feather undercoating of a goose or duck. This is an incredibly soft pillow filler and a natural option if you aren’t a fan of synthetic materials. It also holds its loft better than synthetic fillers. The more affordable down pillows will employ a combination of down and feather fill.

Advantages

On the plus side, down pillows are moldable and can hold their shape well. Compared with other types of fillers, they absorb less body heat, keeping you cooler. They also have a luxurious, cuddly feel and are ultra light. Down pillows can last much longer than synthetic pillows when well cared for, making them worth their cost.

Disadvantages

On the downside, down pillows can flatten out easily, losing points in the support category (but making them a good choice for stomach sleepers). They aren’t the best for side sleepers because they don’t maintain the recommended height to keep the body in line.

Polyester Fiberfill Filling

Also known as Poly-fil, this synthetic pillow filling is an economical alternative to down. Composed of curled polyester fibers, it is designed to mimic the lightweight and soft qualities of down, hence the name “down alternative.” Poly-fil pillows are at the low end of the price spectrum; however, they aren’t known for their longevity.

Advantages

The major benefit of polyester filling is that it gives you a great value for a low cost. It’s a good down alternative for vegans or people with feather allergies. Lightweight and easy to clean, polyester filled pillows are easily adjustable for comfort.

Disadvantages

In the drawback department, Poly-fil pillows absorb and retain body heat, which is great if you like a warm pillow, but this tends to be uncomfortable for most. They can lose their shape and firmness quickly, which makes them a poor choice for back and side sleepers, but, they can be advantageous for stomach sleepers.

Memory Foam Filling

Memory foam is a synthetic filling material that is a bit pricier than polyester but higher in quality. Usually made from polyurethane, memory foam filling comes in two forms: shredded or solid block. Solid block memory foam can give you a firmer, higher pillow while the shredded version is more adjustable. Memory foam is known for contouring to the shape of your head, offering the ultimate combination of comfort and pressure relief.

Advantages

Memory foam offers great support, regardless of your weight or what position you sleep in. It’s optimal at relieving pain if you suffer from a neck or shoulder condition. Unlike down or Poly-fil, it’s less likely to sink or flatten out over time.

Disadvantages

The major drawback of memory foam filling is the off-gassing chemical odor that some people find unpleasant. It also has a tendency to heat up easily, causing you to sweat at night. Some solid block memory foam pillows are known to lose their shape, making shredded memory foam the better option in the memory foam category.

Final Thoughts

A good pillow will make it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep. If your pillow’s not giving you enough support, you might be selling yourself short. Though the three types described above are the most common, other natural choices include buckwheat hulls, Kapok, cotton, latex, and wool.

Ultimately, the pillow you choose will depend on your individual comfort and support needs. When you find a new pillow, try it out for a week before deciding if it's the right one for you. This will give your body sufficient time to adjust to the pillow’s height and support.