It used to be that the best fillers are natural. But it's not. Many synthetic analogues have appeared that will last much longer.

11 best pillow fillers to help you sleep better

How to choose a pillow filler

When choosing a filler, you need to take into account individual characteristics, needs and financial capabilities. The main property is the ability to repeat the shape of the head and neck. Below are the best materials for pillows.    


The best plant fillers for pillows

Natural fillers do not cause allergies and promote comfortable sleep. Products are soft, voluminous, well regulate heat transfer and let air through. During operation, they can stray into a coma and are quite difficult to maintain. If not cleaned in time, dust mites and other harmful microorganisms can settle in the filler.  


1. Bamboo fiber - pillow filler

Bamboo is considered one of the best natural fillers. There is no unpleasant smell, elastic, soft and gentle to the touch. Suitable for people with allergies, profuse sweating, provides a calm and even sleep. Maintains the correct position of the head and neck. Often chosen for children. Parasites do not start in the fiber, because dust does not accumulate . Nevertheless, the pillow needs to be looked after, regularly cleaned so that the filler does not lose its shape. 

Pros
  • no smell
  • convenient
  • light
  • maintains the anatomical position of the neck

Cons
  • there are low-quality fakes

2. Buckwheat husk

The filler maintains the correct position of the neck and head during sleep, quickly remembers the shape. The material passes air well, absorbs sweat, the pillow does not heat up. Buckwheat husk does not accumulate dust. Microorganisms that can cause allergies do not live inside. Doctors advise choosing a filler for people suffering from snoring, diseases of the cervical spine, allergies to feathers, wool, down.

Pros
  • ability to remember shape
  • light
  • does not accumulate dust
  • breathable

Cons
  • rustling during sleep

3. Which filler is better for a pillow - cotton

The material is intertwined long and short fibers of cotton. Pillows with such filler are voluminous, soft, warm and very comfortable for sleeping. Cotton does not cause allergies. But moisture accumulates inside, so the pillow needs to be cleaned all the time. Not machine washable, dry clean only. Service life is no more than 3 years.  

Pros
  • softness
  • environmental friendliness
  • quality
  • hypoallergenicity

Cons
  • difficulty in care
  • accumulates moisture

With which animal filler is it better to buy a pillow

Fillers appeared when there were no other materials yet. Pillows have a high price, but this does not always indicate quality. On the contrary, they often cause allergies due to the fact that they accumulate dust. The service life is short due to the fact that the content rolls, an unpleasant odor appears, and the anatomical shape is not maintained. 

4. Filler for pillows - fluff

The material is down and feathers of waterfowl (geese and ducks). The properties of the filler depend on the quality of the raw material.If soft feathers were used in the production, then the product will be airy and comfortable for sleeping.. Holds heat well, but absorbs moisture, disrupts breathing. Pillows should be cleaned regularly , otherwise pathogenic microflora will accumulate inside - a source of allergies and other diseases. 

Pros
  • comfort
  • softness
  • environmental friendliness

Cons
  • high price
  • anatomical shape not supported 

5. With what filler is it better to buy a pillow - wool

Popular material for pillows provides a comfortable and quality sleep. Wool allows air to pass through, absorbs moisture, but does not form an unpleasant odor . Bacteria, microorganisms and dust mites do not live in the filler. Not recommended for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Manufacturers recommend airing pillows outdoors at least twice a year.

Pros
  • convenience
  • comfort
  • well passes air and heat
  • high price

Cons
  • not suitable for allergy sufferers

6. Horse hair

Not the most common material, usually combined with camel hair. It gives softness and comfort during sleep.The pillow is durable, does not lose its shape and is quite elastic. Not recommended for pregnant women, overweight people and back problems . The filler has antibacterial properties, well passes air. Provides dryness even with profuse sweating. Nevertheless, horse hair is not suitable for allergy sufferers and people with diseases of the respiratory system. 

Pros
  • elasticity
  • durability
  • hygroscopicity
  • breathability

Cons
  • not suitable for allergy sufferers

7. Pillow with silk filling

Elite material - silk fiber obtained from the silkworm cocoon. The filler is gentle, soft, well supports the neck and head during sleep. Recommended for people with spinal problems. Silk does not cause allergies, perfectly passes air, absorbs moisture. 

Pros
  • hygroscopicity
  • softness
  • hypoallergenicity

Cons
  • high price
  • does not keep its shape
  • difficulties in care

Which synthetic filler is better to buy a pillow

Synthetics are cheap, practical and easy to care for. Fillers easily tolerate machine washing and are cheaper than natural counterparts. 

8. Memory foam

Synthetic foam products are hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. Under the influence of the weight of a person, it takes the desired shape and fixes. This property helps the human body to relax, recover, gain strength. The filler is recommended for people with problems in the cervical spine. Sturdy enough to last a long time. 

Pros
  • affordable price
  • breathability
  • long service life

Cons
  • not always comfortable - you need to get used to it

9. Silicone

Silicone filler is made of polyester. The material is elastic, airy and light. It is characterized by hypoallergenicity, it is not contraindicated for pregnant women. Quite easy to care for, quickly restores shape, has thermal insulation. Orthopedic products, repeat the shape of the neck, head and back. Comfortable to use in summer and winter. 

Pros
  • elasticity
  • thermal insulation
  • breathability

Cons
  • non-hygroscopic

10. Fillers for pillows - Styrofoam balls

The material is often used in pregnancy pillows to support the back and lower back . Inside contains 98% oxygen, which provides comfort during sleep. Each ball consists of cells filled with air. Thanks to this, good support for the head and neck is created, and pain disappears.

Pros
  • environmental friendliness
  • durability
  • orthopedic properties

Cons
  • builds up static electricity

11. Artificial latex

The filler is made of rubber foam with holes for proper ventilation. At first, the latex will emit a sweet smell, which gradually disappears.Since it is hygroscopic, it is suitable for use in hot weather.Mold does not form inside, pathogenic microflora, dust mites do not start. Pillows are recommended for people with osteochondrosis , scoliosis. 

Pros
  • comfort during sleep
  • orthopedic properties
  • available

Cons
  • allergic to latex