Polyester vs Cotton Pillows

When shopping for pillows, there are so many options available on the market. There are natural-fill pillows, latex, cotton, polyester and many more. Polyester pillows, also known as bounce pillows, are one of the most popular choices for many. But how do they compare to cotton pillows?

Cotton Pillows

Cotton pillows are filled with naturally grown cotton and are ideal for allergy sufferers. The cotton fibre also breathes better than synthetic filling—that’s why they feel cooler against the skin. Care for cotton pillows is not too daunting since they are machine washable. While care instructions will differ from brand to brand, they usually involve washing with a mild detergent in cold water, drying them thoroughly and fluffing them regularly. Organic cotton is also a good alternative if you are sensitive to synthetic pillow fillings.

Cons

Cotton pillows are usually more expensive than polyester or bounce pillows. Aside from the price difference, cotton pillows start out as fluffy and soft when you buy them, but clump up and become hard over time. They also take longer to dry compared to polyester filling. Repeated washing and drying can also change their shape and feel.

Polyester

Polyester or bounce pillows are an all-time favourite because they are among the cheapest pillows available. They also require very little maintenance and it’s easy to replace them because of the low cost. When polyester pillows flatten with use, simply fluff them and they will bounce back to their original shape and softness. They are quite popular among those who suffer from neck pain because they hold their shape well and do not get squashed immediately, like cotton pillows. Bounce pillows are also relatively easy to care for and dry quickly compared to cotton pillows.

Cons

Polyester pillows will feel lumpy if they are not fluffed often. This is usually due to the polyester filling that clumps up inside, especially when they get moist or wet. Because polyester is synthetic, it also feels hotter against the skin compared to natural-fill pillows. They are also a favourite breeding ground for dust mites, which can be a problem if you have a dust mite allergy or suffer from skin and respiratory diseases like psoriasis, eczema, or asthma.

Conclusion

Polyester or bounce pillows are an inexpensive choice when you are on a budget or like to change pillows often. They are easy to care for and dry quickly. However, they can be a poor choice when you have allergies or sensitive skin. In this case, cotton pillows are the better option. Like bounce pillows, cotton pillows are easy to care for but take longer to dry. They can also be on the expensive side. Still, cotton pillows make a good investment if you have allergies or skin diseases.