Various Types of Pillow Stuffing

Also known as: Polyester fluff pillow stuffing, Polyester fiber pillow stuffing, Polyester flocking pillow stuffing, Polyester cluster pillow stuffing

Description: Polyester is a synthetic material that's made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is essentially plastic. It is fibered, fluffed, flocked, or clustered for use as a pillow stuffing. Polyester pillows are one of the most common pillows sold in stores.

Also known as: Visco-elastic polyurethane foam pillow stuffing, Shredded memory foam pillow stuffing

Description: Memory foam pillows are made out of polyurethane and additional chemicals that create the foam's density. Higher density memory foam works by reacting to body heat and slowly molds itself around the heat. Lower density memory foam conforms under pressure, thus producing quicker molding. Memory foam is highly praised as one of the most comfortable stuffing materials in the world. However, the downsides are flammability, and chemical odors that decrease in time but don't completely go away, thus possibly causing irritation to sensitive people. Shredded memory foam can also be used.

Also known as: Feather-down pillow stuffing, Down cluster pillow stuffing

Description: Down feathers are the fluffy, soft feathers that are present on infant birds and also provide an insulated, protective, undercoat for adult birds. Goose and duck down are the most common birds used. The disadvantage to feathers is the susceptibility to molds and mildew.

Description: Down feathers are the fluffy, soft feathers that are present on infant birds and also provide an insulated, protective, undercoat for adult birds. Goose and duck down are the most common feathers used. A down and feather blend pillow consists of a combination of down feathers and regular feathers. Usually this is given as a percentage such as 75% feathers, 25% down. The disadvantage to feathers is the susceptibility to molds and mildew.

Also known as: Poly silk pillow stuffing, Micro-gel fiber pillow stuffing, Super-slick polyester fiber pillow stuffing, MicroMax pillow stuffing

Description: Synthetic down feather pillows are made using polyester fibers that are manufactured in such a way that mimics the feel of down in softness and loftiness. This is a good alternative for people who are allergic to feathers, yet still wish to sleep on a pillow that feels like down.

Also known as: Syriaca pillow stuffing

Description: Hypodown pillows are specifically made from a mixture of Syriaca and usually a small percentage of real down. Syriaca is made from the silky fibers of the milkweed pod. This is a good alternative for people who are allergic to feathers, yet still wish to sleep on a pillow that feels like down.

Also known as: Cotton fluff pillow stuffing

Description: Cotton is a natural, somewhat flammable fiber that is made from the cotton plant. Natural cotton offers breathability and resistance to bugs. However, it is become a less desirable product due to the higher use of pesticides and chemicals in growing the cotton plant and thus more susceptibility to chemical irritants. 100% organic cotton is starting to become more available and provides a natural and comfortable pillow.

Also known as: 100% natural latex pillow stuffing, Green latex pillow stuffing, Talalay latex pillow stuffing

Description: 100% Natural latex foam pillows are a naturally flame resistant product that is made from the rubber tree. The few natural curers and catalysts used during the process known as talalay are thoroughly removed. The advantages of natural latex include being hypoallergenic due to resistance to mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites, and no chemicals. Not very many manufacturers produce 100% natural latex due in part to the downsides, which include uneven consistency affecting support and discoloration between batches, and a shorter life span.

Also known as: Syntex pillow stuffing

Description: Synthetic latex foam pillows are made from a mixture of real latex rubber and Styrene Butadiene rubber. Synthetic latex is identical to natural latex as far as support, firmness, and quality are concerned. However, the advantages of synthetic latex versus natural latex are better consistency of texture for better support, and a longer life span. The downside of synthetic is the chemicals that irritate sensitive skin and people with allergies and it also has a chemical odor that fades over time.

Also known as: Wool batting pillow stuffing, Sheep wool pillow stuffing, Llama wool pillow stuffing, Alpaca wool pillow stuffing, Cashmere wool pillow stuffing

Description: Wool pillows are made from the wool of sheep, llamas, or alpacas, or a combination of wool. Wool is highly praised for it's warmth, softness, and natural wetness reducing qualities. Sometimes a small percentage of cashmere wool is added, although cashmere is very expensive as it only comes from Kashmir goats, which are raised mostly in Mongolia, India, China, Tibet and Iran.

Also known as: Shredded polyurethane foam pillow stuffing, Egg crate foam pillow stuffing

Description: Polyurethane foam is a plastic material which has rubber-like properties. Polyurethane foam pillows are better than most fiber or feather pillows because they hold their shape for a much longer time. The downsides are higher flammability, chemical smells, and not being able to wash the pillow. Shredded polyurethane foam can also be used.

Description: Hemp is a natural fiber made from the Cannabis sativa plant and mostly used for rope, clothing, and canvas. The naturally rough fibers are cultivated and treated to become softer more comfortable stuffing. Hemp is a good alternative to cotton, as it can last up to three-times longer, and is a good alternative for people who like low, firm pillows. The downsides include more meticulous care and not being able to wash the pillow.

Description: Buckwheat hull pillows are highly praised for being 100% natural, environmentally friendly, ergonomic, washable, and supportive pillows. They are made from the protective husks of the buckwheat kernel. The downside is careful storage over long periods of time so that it doesn't become infested with various organisms.

Also known as: Faux fur pillow stuffing, Human hair pillow stuffing

Description: Various animal and human fur and hair can be used as pillow stuffing. Real animal fur and hair as stuffing is still somewhat used, although faux fur is much more common. Human hair as pillow stuffing is a much more rare, personal, romantic, or macabre practice that was much more popular centuries ago.