What Pillows Are Made Of

Pillows matter as much to your health and sleep quality as the mattress does, yet when people weigh up their options they tend to underestimate just how varied pillow fillings are. Some designs can ease chronic pain and sleep problems; a good pillow should keep the spine healthy, relieve pressure and support the head. The filling also determines breathability, how well the pillow conforms, how long it lasts and what it costs.

If you are after quality at a sensible price, with every material worth having in one place, visit the mattress store in Almaty, where the sheer size of the collection makes your eyes light up and your neck ache in anticipation of the rest to come.

• Down

Luxurious and ultra-soft, taken from the underbelly of ducks and geese. Down pillows need regular fluffing, but they are very durable and very pliable.

• Feather

More affordable than down. A durable, supportive material. Feathers clump together, so they need regular fluffing to hold their loft and comfort, they can poke through the fabric and they sometimes carry an odd smell.

• Microfiber

Hypoallergenic, made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polyfill. Not as warm, plush or durable as down, but inexpensive, responsive and easy to care for.

• Memory foam

Eases pain and follows the shape of the head and neck closely. Responds quickly to movement and hugs every contour. This is the answer to the question of what an orthopedic pillow is made of: shredded or solid-block foam.

• Latex

Soft, breathable and supportive. Delivers excellent pressure-point relief and resists dust mites and mold. Available in shredded and solid-block forms, with characteristics much like memory foam.

• Cotton

A very common material across all kinds of bedding and fabrics. Cotton is breathable and soft, but it does not conform well to the head and neck. Over time it loses firmness and goes flat, though regular fluffing extends its life. As it ages it tends to absorb sweat and grow mold.

• Innersprings

These contain an inner layer of steel springs and an outer layer of memory foam or polyester. Built to give the head and neck extra support, they also allow good airflow. The complex construction makes them expensive, but if you want to buy pillows in Almaty you will still find an option that fits your budget.

• Gel

The cool feel of gel reduces pressure and eases neck pain.

• Wool

Very breathable, fluffy and soft. Not especially popular, though, since it costs more than the usual fillings and some types can only be dry-cleaned.

• Microbeads

Known as unexpanded polystyrene beads, these make a soft, contouring filling. Many horseshoe-shaped neck pillows use microbeads, because they give excellent support when you are sleeping upright.