Pillows 

Without a pillow, a bed is not a bed – at least for most people, it is part of the bedding, like the air you breathe. In addition to the “comfort factor”, the most important requirement for a pillow is that it optimally supports the neck area while sleeping. There is a large selection of pillows made from different materials with different fillings in various variants in stores. Often too big for the layman to reliably find the pillow that enables the most comfortable and ergonomically optimal lying position.Find out now about the most important factors to consider when choosing and purchasing a pillow.

Which pillow shape for which sleeping position?

The task of a pillow is to fill the space between the mattress and the head/neck in such a way that the cervical spine does not bend and the head is neither tilted up nor down when lying down. Depending on the sleeping position, both the shape of the cavity to be compensated between the mattress and the head area and the height of the support required to vary. A pillow should therefore be chosen so that it supports you perfectly in the sleeping position in which you lie most of the time.

Explore the essence of the night’s rest. The sleeping position

In addition to the optimal interplay of pillows, mattresses, and slatted frames (the rule here is that the softer the lying surface, the flatter the pillow is), it is crucial to choose the right upholstery in which position you mainly sleep. Side sleeper:
In the side position, the distance between the mattress and the head area is greatest. So that the shoulder can sink into the mattress, the pillow must not reach under the shoulder but only support the head and neck. A supportive pillow measuring 40 × 80 cm or 40 × 60 cm is therefore recommended as a pillow size.

Depending on your body contour (broad or narrow shoulders), the required height can vary – you should try lying on the pillow and have a second person check whether your spine is in a straight line and your shoulder axis is at right angles to the mattress.

If your neck area is significantly narrower in relation to the width of your head, you will be most comfortable on an ergonomically shaped neck support pillow, otherwise soapy pillows are also recommended. Back sleeper:
If you usually lie on your back, you should be careful not to choose your pillow too high. A relatively flat pillow is usually sufficient to keep your head horizontal – it should never be tilted upwards. In this sleeping position, the main task of the pillow is to correctly support the lordosis in the cervical vertebra area.

So it is best to lie on a flat neck support pillow, which supports the cervical vertebrae through an ergonomic elevation in the lower pillow area and does not reach below the shoulder area. If you have a pronounced hunchback, you may need a slightly higher pillow to be able to lie comfortably. Belly sleeper:
In the not recommended prone position, no pillow is actually required, as an increase in the head area inevitably leads to overstretching the neck and bending the spine in the direction of the hollow back. The neck vertebrae are also twisted a lot when using a pillow. If you cannot sleep without a pillow, you should only use a very flat pillow, into which you do not sink if possible.

This is the only way to breathe without having to turn your head even harder. For this purpose, some manufacturers offer specially shaped pillows for stomach sleepers that have a hollow in the nose and mouth area.

Which pillow filling is the best?

The best known is probably still the classic feather pillow, which provides the right feather pleasure in a pillow fight. However, the very puffy pillows measuring 80 × 80 cm with a filling of feathers and down have long ceased to be the non-plus-ultra among pillows and are ergonomically not really recommended. Discover the range of pillows with different filling materials at Betten.de:

• Soft pillows in the sizes 80 × 80 cm and 40 × 80 cm
• Neck support pillows in different designs

Loose fillings

The following filling materials are preferred by people who like to sleep on a soft pillow that they can shape and “cuddle” themselves. With some pillows, the filling amount can be adjusted individually.

Ball Fiber

A pillow with a polyester filling is called a ball fiber pillow. These kinds of pillows have more bounce and stay puffed longer. There are variations in size and shapes that one can choose based on their needs.

Synthetic fiber pillows are usually filled with polyester, foam, wadding, or even latex. Synthetic fiber pillows are suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics, as they can be washed up to 95 degrees (boil-proof), depending on the manufacturer. Bacteria, mites, or germs cannot find a breeding ground. Ball Fiber pillows are breathable and ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. Feathers / down:
The higher the proportion of feathers in the filling, the firmer the pillow will be. While down provides softness, the feathers are responsible for the necessary support. In addition, the load-bearing effect of the pillow can be increased by a 3-chamber structure.

which is particularly recommended for neck support pillows. The pillow is then divided into three separate chambers or layers: the middle and supporting layer consists mainly of feathers, while the outer layers with fluffy down ensure a pleasantly soft surface. Suitable for whom:
Down and feathers have a very warming effect, so this filling material is suitable for people who freeze quickly and also want a pillow with high fluffiness. Animal hair:
This category includes fillings made from horsehair, virgin sheep’s wool, and camel down hair. A pillow filling made from horsehair (fleece made from tail and mane hair) is very firm and flat, while virgin wool and camel down hair have soft and adaptable properties. Suitable for whom:
All-natural hair fillings are characterized by good moisture transport and are therefore particularly suitable for people who sweat heavily on the head and who value bedding made from natural materials. Filling: The filling with cotton is very light – if a real microfiber is used, the weight is hardly noticeable. In order to reduce the risk of clumping, the wadding is usually made into a fleece. Made of cellulose, Lyocell is the natural variant of upholstery wadding. PU or polyester wadding, on the other hand, is the inexpensive variant of a light pillow filling that provides very high fluffiness. However, the cheaper the filling, the lower the quality and the shorter the lifespan of the pillow. Who is it for:
The wadding is just right if you prefer a cuddly pillow into which you sink very softly and which can be shaped and squeezed very well. Foam
flakes: The flakes or sticks have different properties depending on the material, but are very dimensionally stable and do not lose height quickly. If the foam itself is very adaptable (e.g. latex or viscose foam), the result is a rather soft pillow. With flakes or sticks made of firmer PU or cold foam, the cushion is characterized by a high level of support. For whom:
The filling material is very suitable for people who prefer a high pillow and sweat quickly. The cushion is well-ventilated through the spaces between the foam flakes. Hollow fiber
balls: The synthetic filling consists of small wadding balls made from hollow fibers. The pillow is therefore very voluminous, depending on the filling quantity. Suitable for whom:
The hollow fiber structure allows moisture to be dissipated very well, but it also insulates very well. Therefore, this type of filling is suitable for people in need of warmth who also sweat quickly. Due to its washability, it is the ideal filling material for allergy sufferers who prefer a cuddly soft, light pillow. Natural
fillings: The fillings made from spelled or millet offer a firm, yet adaptable feeling to lie on and are pleasantly warm. If the sleeping position is changed, there is a slight noise from the grains trickling down. The massage effect of the pillow also promotes blood circulation. Suitable for whom:
For people who prefer natural materials, the filling made of spelled or millet is an alternative to natural hair pillows. However, it offers relatively little support and is therefore not recommended for neck problems. Materials for foam cores (for neck support pillows) Mold cores are suitable for people who use their pillows as a static, comfortable headrest and who have no “need to cuddle”. Neck support pillows can be adjusted in height using removable foam panels. The foam cores are usually surrounded by a washable cover that ensures good moisture transport through padding and quilting. Visco foam:
The thermo- elastic foam ensures a very adapted and pressure-relieved feeling of lying down with a very good support effect. Suitable for whom:
If you like to stay in a sleeping position for a long time and your bedroom temperature is not below 18 ° C, this material is the best choice for you. If it is too cold in the bedroom, it will take a long time for the pillow to adjust. Due to the slower restoring force, viscose foam is not recommended if the position changes frequently. Latex:
The soft material adapts very well to the head and neck area. Differences in lying sensation result from the use of somewhat firmer synthetic latex or natural latex. Suitable for whom:
The foam structure ensures good moisture transport through the open pores, so the latex is also very suitable for people who sweat heavily in the head area. Gel foam:
This material offers the same properties as Visco foam but is independent of temperature. Suitable for whom:
You will sleep very well with a gel foam pillow if you prefer a weightless feeling of lying and turning around frequently. The good breathability in the head area ensures a very good sleeping climate, which is why a core made of gel foam is also recommended for “hotheads”.

How to arrange pillows in a stylish way

How many pillows should there be? Which colors go well together? And what about shapes and patterns? We have put together seven basics for you in our pillow guide.

1. The number
An arrangement of an even number of pillows makes a tidy impression, but it can also appear a bit out of date and boring. An uneven number is more inviting and, above all, more casual. It is important to have free spaces in between so that you don’t have to fight your way through a mountain of pillows before you can sit down. In addition, the beautiful arrangement can unfold much better with a little visual calm around it. 2. The color world
There are basically two possibilities: Either the colors of the pillows harmonize with the colors that are already available in the room. This means that they go perfectly with an accent wall, carpet, or curtains, for example. Or they form a clear contrast: if the furnishings are neutral (for example black and white), the cushions can dance out of line in terms of color. 3. The pattern mix
plain, striped, checked, or flowery – the selection of pillow patterns is large. However, if you want to arrange pillows with different patterns, you need a sure instinct. It’s best to stay within a color family. Do not put more than three or a maximum of five different pillows together. 4. The choice of fabrics and materials
Be brave and combine very different fabrics with each other. With such a mix of materials, it is only important that a common thread runs through the composition. If all pillows come from the same color scheme or have a similar pattern, you are welcome to bring together different fabrics such as velvet, wool, cotton, silk, or fur. 5. The sizes and formats
Different shapes, sizes, and formats bring variety into play and bring the arrangement to life. The following applies: It is best to place large cushions at the back, smaller ones in the middle, or at the very front. The pillow that stands out most clearly from the others in terms of format (for example around, star-shaped, shaggy, …), you put in the limelight: It gets a place of honor in the first row. 6. Trends and seasons
pillows can be wonderfully adapted to the respective season or the seasonally hip color trends. If you have a relatively neutral basic set of two to four pillows, you can wonderfully add a few copies in trendy colors to them. In spring, delicate pastel tones provide freshness, in autumn warm orange and dark berry tones look interesting and cozy. 7. Where do pillows fit?
In addition to the classic arrangement on the sofa, there are of course many other places that you can decorate and enhance with a few pillows. But be careful, the same applies here: less is more. It is better to place a nice eye-catcher than scatter pillows at random. The headboard, lounge chair, dining room chair, and bench are wonderfully suitable. Large-format floor cushions also look cozy and inviting on a cozy carpet.

How do you clean pillows?

Loose-filled pillows should be fluffed regularly to maintain fluffiness and adaptability. In the case of washable fillings, it is advisable to wash the entire pillow approx. Every six months; the same applies to washable neck support pillow covers with a foam core. If the user sweats heavily or is allergic to house dust, more frequent cleaning may be appropriate.

When should I buy a new pillow?

If the fill power drops, and hollows are visible in the core of the foam become brittle, it is time to buy a new pillow. For hygienic reasons, a non-washable pillow should be replaced after two years at the latest. Cushions with a foam core last an average of five years. Since loose fillings suffer from material fatigue a little more quickly (material is “compressed”) and thus lose their bulk and support, it can make sense to replace the pillow after about three years or at least have it refilled.