We are habituated to using a pillow while doing anything at any given time of day. Using pillows is like second nature to people all around the world. We tend to use it while sitting, driving, working, traveling, sleeping, and just while relaxing. Most people generally find it challenging to sleep without resting their head on a pillow. They have been using a pillow while sleeping since childhood. 

But a real fact is we don’t pay enough attention to the pillows we are using, and most believe that the fluffier and softer a pillow is, the more comfort it gives. This belief could be true if we talked about the feeling that those soft, fluffy pillows provide for a while. But in the long run, these pillows could cause some severe issues. This article discusses all the different pillows based on their shapes, sizes, and materials.

Different Shapes And Sizes Of Pillows

Companies that manufacture pillows make pillows suited to different people, and thus, they are available in different shapes and sizes. Though they can make a pillow of any given length and shape, there are some pillow-making industry standards. People generally choose their pillows

best on what pillow encasements or casings they have. Pillows are not similar to those one size fits all clothes. They are made differently and categorized differently based on people’s needs. Given below are some of the industry standards set for pillows in terms of sizes and shapes.

Standard

As you can probably understand by the name, standard-sized pillows are the most readily available and commonly found type of pillows. These pillows can fill beds of every possible size and even a queen-size bed. They provide optimal comfort for a person who has average proportions. These pillows measure 20*26 inches. These pillows can fit in all types of pillowcases, whether they are standard-sized or queen-sized.

King

King-size pillows measure 20*36 inches in length. These pillows are best suited for those people who have larger bodies or if you have a king-sized bed. These pillows would help give you a feel of a body pillow, discussed later in the article. King-size pillows are beneficial for people who have ailments like joint pain or muscle pain.

Queen

Queen-size pillows are also one of the most popular pillows in terms of size. They are sometimes even similar to the size of the standard pillows. The queen-size pillows generally measure about 20*30 inches. Thus, these pillows can fit easily into pillowcases of standard size. If your queen-size pillow is loftier, though, it might get compressed in a standard-sized pillowcase and give a slightly firmer feel. But if you choose queen-sized pillowcases, they will expand due to the weight somewhat better.

Body

Mostly, these body pillows have length measurements of 20*54 inches. They are typically used to give support in a variety of ways and to help reduce joint pain. They help in achieving a more comfortable position for sleeping for people having joint pains. They should mostly be placed along your headboard so that they can relieve the pains in your head and joints at the same time.

European

European pillows generally have a square shape and are mostly used for decor than any real purpose. They measure 26*26 inches. These pillows work the best to help cushion your joints and also double up to support your bank. These pillows are better suited to support different parts of your body than to be used as a head-rest.

Travel

The measurements of a travel pillow are 12*6 inches. These pillows are specifically made for babies or toddlers or easy packing while going on trips. Travel-sized pillowcases are available too, in the market, especially for travel pillows so that you can easily pack them while going on trips via car or plane. These pillows are similar to the wrap-around pillows that go around your neck so that you can relax in a good, upright position.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women need specific pillows to aid in their sleep due to their body shape. Pregnancy pillows are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes and reduce stomach and bad pain helping pregnant women with a good night’s sleep. You can customize these pillows according to one’s needs.

Wedge

These pillows also come in a range of sizes, and each one supports a different part of the body. Wedge pillows are affordable and can provide you support in the lumbar region, an upright stance, and even a pregnant belly. They are made from memory foam or polyfoam and thus, suit your comfort needs.

Bolster or Roll

A rolled pillow, also commonly known as a bolster, is the kind that you can decorate your bed with it. Initially, rolled pillows were used as a support for the neck and leg. Even now, rolled pillows do help if you have leg or neck pain. When you are sleeping, your neck must be adequately supported, mainly if you lie on your back. You can also have proper snail alignment if you put a bolster under your knees while sleeping on your back.

Types of Pillow Fills

The type of material with which a pillow is filled influences the pillow’s comfort level and loft. The material used inside the pillow also determines how soft or how firm the pillow is. Different filling materials may also reduce allergic reactions and be specific for additional warming and

cooling needs. Some of the fills that are used in pillows are-

Memory Foam

This material became so famous because it can contour your body shape and weight. The support level remains the same. Memory foam is very widely used nowadays in pillow designs that are ultra-slim to loftier sleeping choices. It can get a little heat-retentive, though, because of the close-cellular structure.

Feathers

Generally, duck and goose feathers are used in pillows as they are strong and can spring back when pressurized. These feathers are sometimes mixed down so that the pillows feel softer.

Down

Down is a natural fill material. It is the underlayment of a waterfowl, and it provides protection and warmth. Down is often assimilated with feathers to give pillows a luxurious and malleable feel. Down itself is not a very supportive material, so it is mixed with string feathers.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat hulls are very popular in the Asiatic regions and are a natural alternative to pillows’ fill material. Buckwheat fills in pillows feel similar to those filled with micro-bead. The only difference between these materials is that one is natural, and the other is synthetic. Buckwheat pillows are slightly softer and don’t feel firm. It is why they are a more long-lasting contouring material for you to rest your head-on.

Latex

Latex foam is mostly left when filled inside pillows, though sometimes shredded. Shredding latex foam makes it more airy and supportive. Latex is better than any other polyfoam or memory foam as they are more delicate and supportive. They also last longer.

Conclusion

Your choice of pillow to rest your head or body on is just as crucial as choosing a proper mattress. Suppose you use a poor pillow that doesn’t support your body’s correct parts. In that case, your body posture or alignment could get severely compromised. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize how important choosing the right pillow is. A pillow also affects how good your night’s sleep is. Thus, you should ensure that you are using a pillow that supports your body correctly and meets all your needs.

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