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Guide to Buying a Pillow
Choosing the right pillow is probably one of the most important decisions you will make when buying bedding. Each person needs to choose the pillow that provides the right balance of support and comfort to suit their needs.
The main decision in choosing a pillow is the filling as this dictates a number of factors including the comfort and support. You should also decide on whether the pillow needs to be washable and its size.
Step 1. Choose your filling
There are essentially two main types of filling – synthetic/man-made and natural.
Synthetic pillows are made from a number of materials but most synthetic pillows are made from polyester and come in a variety of qualities. They are a natural choice if you allergic to feathers and down or if you think the pillow will require frequent washing. Some pillows can be washed at temperatures above 60 degrees C which means that dust mites are killed.
We keep a number of different pillows at different qualities and price points with those that feel closest to a natural filling being spun down.
Natural fillings are made from feathers and/or down. In the same way that natural fibres such as cotton in clothes helps your skin breathe so natural fillings in pillows helps your head breathe more effectively whilst you are in bed. The main downside of a natural filled pillow is that they cannot be washed and require professional laundering. The more feathers in a pillow the firmer it will be and the more down the softer. All our natural pillows have cotton cambric covers for extra comfort.
Natural Pillows will last longer than synthetic pillows but in general will not last as long as their equivalent duvets as lying on a pillow flattens it and over time the comfort will decrease. Pillows should therefore be plumbed up regularly.
Step 2 – Choose your size
- Pillows come in a number of different sizes.
- Standard (50x75cm/ 19.7x29.5 inches). This is the most common size and suitable for all beds. As it is the most common there is the greatest choice of linen that fits it.
- XL (50x90cm/19.7x35.4 inches). These are longer and two fit the full width of a super king size bed
- Square (66x66cm/ 25.9x25.9 inches).
- V-Shaped pillows (for support when sitting up in bed)
Step 3 - Other considerations
- If you are struggling to decide upon your pillow type thinking about how you sleep might help. If you sleep on your stomach a soft pillow is probably best but if you sleep on your side a firm pillow is required to help support the neck. If you sleep on your back something in the middle will probably meet your needs. The only other consideration is the softness of the mattress. For example if you have a very soft mattress having a very firm pillow which does not ‘sink’ as much as your body on the mattress may not be right.
- Different people need different levels of support so your partner may want/require a different pillow type to yours.
- To protect pillows, especially natural ones, and ensure they are kept clean we would suggest using a pillow protector or extra pillow case.
- Pillows are not suitable for very young children especially those under 12 months.
Summary
As we have already discussed our pillows come in a range of natural and synthetic materials as well as sizes. This means that you should be able to find a pillow that meets your comfort and support needs as well as budget. If you need more help why not email us at customersupport@linenhouse.co.uk or call us on 01883 651500 9am – 6pm Monday - Friday.
