Pillows do not only vary in shapes, sizes, softness, and texture. They also vary in the kind of material they’re made of. Most pillows are made from synthetic fill while others are made from organic cotton, bamboo, and other naturally-sourced material. 

These materials and their effects are often not obvious in the eyes, so here’s a closer look at the main differences between a synthetic and a natural pillow.

On the comfort level

Not all pillows have temperature control when you feel hot while sleeping. Wool is a material that can help regulate temperature, and natural pillows have this material. Synthetic pillows, on the other hand, don’t have this capacity to absorb heat.

In terms of softness level, both natural and synthetic pillows have options for a softer and firmer feel. 

On health advantages

Natural pillows are more recommended for highly sensitive people, especially those with allergies. Because natural pillows use a natural fill, its materials, such as wool, down, kapok, silk, or other naturally-sourced fill, are all hypoallergenic. These hypoallergenic materials prevent the accumulation of dust or mites that can trigger asthma attacks or allergies. 

On the other hand, synthetically made pillows are proven to gather dust and mite allergens at a faster rate after several uses.

On how to maintain

Pillows made from synthetic materials need to be machine washed regularly, while pillows with a natural fill do not require as much. As mentioned earlier, natural pillows have hypoallergenic materials, that’s why they do not acquire as much dirt or other unpleasant things compared to synthetic ones. 

Another thing to consider is the shape of the pillow. Because synthetic pillows are often made out of one whole chunk of synthetic fill, it tends to break down and change shape after frequent washing. Natural pillows, in contrast, can retain its shape during its entire time of usage. 

On the value you get

A synthetic pillow is more affordable than a natural pillow. This can be attributed to the production process and the creation of each pillow. A synthetic pillow can be easily produced while the fact that the materials need to be naturally-sourced makes the production of natural pillows longer. 

To see the real value, however, you should consider the durability of each pillow. While you can save up more in buying the synthetic pillow at first, you’ll realize that its inability to retain its shape over time can lead you to change your pillows every six months to two years. 

A natural pillow, depending on how you take care of it, can last from seven to ten years. 

Conclusion

You know now the difference between a synthetic and a natural pillow. You may not physically see their differences, but they provide two different experiences. Pillows are an essential investment to get a good sleep. How well you rest and recover for the day can depend on them, so the next time you buy a pillow, know what your priorities are, and make a decision based on them.

In case you’re interested in switching to a natural-filled pillow, you can always browse our EcoComfort site and find the best eco-health pillow for you.