What Are Some Alternative for Pillows?
Pillows come in a variety of shapes and styles, but the basic component is a fabric pouch stuffed with fill. The more common ones contain a polyester and cotton blend. Materials used in the past for stuffing pillows are back as alternatives, particularly for people who have specific needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Reasons for Pillow Alternatives
Many alternative pillows are attractive because their properties resist growth of common pillow infestations such as insects or mold. People who are seeking support look to alternatives like buckwheat because the hulls can be manipulated for comfort. Others are more concerned about sustainability. Pillow fill such as kapok grows naturally in tropical regions, and it production doesn't require extra equipment or energy.
Buckwheat
Empty, clean hulls of buckwheat are put into a tough fabric casing. The hulls are not a source of food for dust mites and other insects; that is why buckwheat pillows are used by allergy sufferers. The pillows last for many years and don't really need to be cleaned. One major complaint about buckwheat pillows is that they are heavy. And some find the rustling of the hulls distracting at night. Millet hulls are a similar grain pillow, used by those who are allergic to buckwheat.
Latex
Latex fill is made from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis tree. The pillow comes in two different forms: a solid block or shredded. Solid latex is soft, malleable and likened to memory foam. Like the buckwheat pillow, the texture allows for air circulation. Latex is also antimicrobial. One problem with latex is the initial odor. Some also find the solid pillows too firm. Shredded latex is more like a regular pillow, but it has a stronger odor.
Kapok
Kapok fill comes from the inside of the kapok tree seed pod. The filling of each pod is removed by hand. In texture, kapok is finer and more lightweight than cotton. Because of its water-resistant properties, the pillow allows you to stay dry on a warm night. The main problem with the kapok pillow is that the flammable fill loses buoyancy relatively quickly.
Wool
Wool doesn't retain moisture. It is also good at maintaining an even temperature because its fibers trap air. All the wool pillow requires is an airing every so often. However, some people are allergic to the fill, and the pillows usually lose shape after a while. Horse hair is another fur fill, similar to wool in its properties. It was commonly used in the past as stuffing for seat cushions, and some upholsterers still carry it.
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