In this article, we'll give you the keys to making the best choice...
Square or rectangular, natural, synthetic, or memory foam… There’s a wide variety of pillows out there, and it’s not always easy to know which one to choose. Here are our tips on how to choose the right pillow.
How to Choose a Pillow: Shape
There are three main types of pillows that are commonly found:
A. The Square Pillow
The square pillow, which can be made of synthetic material or feathers, is the traditional French pillow. It has the advantage of supporting the shoulders as well as the neck and head, making it suitable for people who like to sleep with their upper body slightly elevated. However, it causes the neck to arch slightly, so it is not recommended from a medical standpoint.
B. The Rectangular Pillow
The rectangular pillow, which is more modern, is a variation on the square shape. It supports the head and neck and helps maintain proper spinal alignment.
C. The Ergonomic Pillow
The ergonomic pillow is rectangular in shape. However, its density (the distribution of the material) is not uniform throughout the pillow. It was designed for therapeutic purposes to provide the body with ideal support during the night. In particular, it is intended to reduce neck and back pain. Check out our article "What Is an Ergonomic Pillow?" for more information.
How to Choose a Pillow: The Material
A. The Synthetic Pillow
Whether square or rectangular, synthetic pillows are available at low prices. Their affordability stems from their petrochemical-based composition. They are made of polyester fiber or microfiber, a highly polluting material. Microfiber is particularly soft, but it is a material that offers very little breathability, which can lead to night sweats. This low-end pillow does not last very long and is not biodegradable.
B. The (not really) natural pillow
Be wary of brands that often sell you an “organic cotton pillow.” Organic cotton is never used as a filling material. If you see a cotton pillow, it can only refer to the pillowcase. Sometimes cotton pillows are filled with polyester fiber, which is a synthetic material that is far from eco-friendly. Ask yourself: what’s the point of buying an organic cotton pillow if it contains a plastic-derived material?
C. Feather or down pillows
A feather or down pillow (often a mixture of feathers and down) is more expensive than a synthetic pillow because these materials cost more than polyester. It is a comfortable, high-quality pillow, though its manufacturing practices raise ethical concerns. This is because it requires the plucking of ducks or geese before they are slaughtered. Furthermore, this type of pillow needs to be replaced frequently, as the feathers tend to escape from the cover with repeated use.
D. The memory foam pillow
It’s important to be careful not to confuse a memory foam pillow with an ergonomic pillow. An ergonomic pillow is one designed with a specific material density to best conform to the shape of the body. This type of pillow can be made of memory foam or latex.
Memory foam pillows (or memory foam pillows) are made from injection-molded plastic. Memory foam pillows are not manufactured in France. This type of pillow is therefore highly polluting and harmful to the environment; it often travels across much of the globe before ending up in your bedroom.
Latex pillows offer the same properties as memory foam pillows. There are two types: natural latex pillows and synthetic latex pillows. Natural latex is obtained from the sap that flows from Hevea brasiliensis trees. It is harvested by making a simple incision in the tree’s bark. This natural material is then heated to form a foam that, as it cools, produces high-quality pure latex. Synthetic latex, which is less expensive to produce, replicates natural latex using synthetic components. It is less durable over time.
And what about the perfect pillow in all this?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question,“How do I choose a pillow?” But as you’ve probably realized, a natural latex pillow offers ergonomic comfort that adapts closely to each person’s body shape. TheKipli natural latex pillow has varying densities along the edges, which helps provide enhanced neck support throughout the night. Made from natural latex, it’s durable and contains no synthetic materials or chemical treatments that contribute to indoor pollution. It even comes witha dry-cleanablecover made of organic cotton and Tencel, which helps extend its lifespan.
We hope you enjoyed this article.Best regards, the Kipli Team