Bed pillows must be very comfortable as you spend one third of your life with these. The size, shape, softness and fabric matters a lot in bed pillows so must be considered while selecting these. The shape of classical bed pillow is rectangular but it differs in sizes from bed to bed and also from continent. To protect pillows from dust and dirt these are covered with pillow covers that are easy to remove and wash. Neck pillows, sleep pillows, body pillows, all come in the category of bed pillows.

History of Pillows

Pillows in ancient times were only used by wealthy people as it was not easy to make pillows then. Sophisticated sewing techniques and dyes were used to make these. In China and Persia, opulent people used to buy very decorative bed pillows the market for which later also went to Medieval Europe. But it was believed that only the ladies giving birth should use these, especially in Tudor England. But with the industrial revolution, mass production of bed pillows was practiced and today the scenario of bed pillow market is totally different. Now it can be seen in each and every home. The difference comes in the brand, quality of fabric used, embroidery and embellishment.

Various prints, pattens, embroidery make the decorative bed pillows. Floral pattern is the most famous but you can also get thematic patterns. Like you can buy bed pillows having sea coral pattern on it, which is famous among sea lovers.

Bed Pillow Sizes

The bed pillow sizes differ with the size of your bed. Also in different countries and continents there exist different pillow sizes. In US there are in general three sizes of bed pillows. These are:

• Standard bed pillows is 20 x 26 inches
• Queen bed pillow is 20 x 30 inches)
• King bed pillow is 20 x 36 inches

In other countries the size of bed pillows varies as

• Oxford size in German speaking countries is 20 x 30 inches
• Continental size in Continental Europe is 26 x 26 inches
• German bed pillow size is 40 cm x 80 cm

But there is no hard and fast rule of bed pillow sizes as these can also be made on customer specifications. The size of bed pillow if depends upon your bed size then also the way you sleep. Like for a queen bed you will buy queen size bed pillow and for king bed the king bed size pillow. If you sleep on your side then purchase the body pillow of your length. Neck pillows also vary in size like bed pillows.

Type of Filling in Bed Pillows

Before the expansion of market most of the bed pillow were filled with straw but that is very uncomfortable so not used today. These days there are many material that are used as a fill in bed pillows. Foam, cotton, synthetic fills are the examples of these. Foam filled bed pillows retain their shape for a longer period of time and also cozy at night. Whereas cotton filled bed pillows take time to get warm but good in summers. Then there are down pillows, which forms soft cushion when you sleep on it. Most of the people are allergic to down filled pillows but bed pillow manufacturers have come with the hypoallergenic variety of down bed pillows. You will also get the pillows filled with polyester.

The most expensive bed pillows are filled with feathers of high quality in the center and the rest with foam or any other material. Japanese bed pillows are also filled with plastic tubes that are first contained in mesh sacks then covered with pillow cases.

Material Used

• Foam
• Synthetic Fills
• Feathers
• Down
• Plastic Tubes
• Cotton
• Polyester

Softness and hardness of bed pillow is defined by the type of filling and the way it has been filled. Like firm pillows will have very tight filling whereas soft ones will have the loose filling. Also foam pillows are extra soft than the cotton or polyester bed pillows.

Hypoallergenic Bed Pillows

If you are allergic to fabric or filling then market has the choice of hypoallergenic bed pillows for you. The filling of these pillows is processed against any bacterial, fungus, mildew, or mold growth. Also the pillow case and pillow cover are made from organically grown cotton crop. Or to make this other organic fabric is used.

Unique Bed Pillows

Bed Pillows With Arms

These days bed pillows with arms are also getting very popular. These are very comfortable and you can relax in bed pillow with arms. Sitting on a chair after a tiring day does not relax you completely but bed pillows with arms provide the comfort of back and side arms on bed. This is also called curvy pillow. These are very comfortable and provide support to your body. This can also be used as reading pillow in bed. This is also called bed pillow chair.

Butterfly Bed Pillows

You can get the butterfly bed pillows that are very comfy. It is basically one of the neck pillows for better sleep at night. If you have a neck strain then you must buy this butterfly pillow fr your neck. These pillows are overstuffed to provide comfort to your neck, shoulder and spine.

Body Pillow

Body pillows are of the length of an adult and used on bed for a sound sleep. For most of the times body pillows are used by pregnant ladies for a comfortable sleep and people who sleep on their side. Abdominal portion of the pregnant woman gets extra support from this bed pillow. These body pillows and can be on either on your one side or two sides. Body pillow acquires the natural shape of your body.