A pillow is a cloth case, stuffed with something soft, such as down, feathers, or foam rubber, used to cushion the head, especially during sleep. A good pillow creates perfect support for the head, neck and shoulders. Pillow sets are generally made using hypoallergenic materials. Basically a bed is incomplete withour pillows or pillows sets. Its a large support for the head and neck while sleeping. Pillows are also used for decorative purpose in couches and sofas. These pillows are throw pillows which are not designed for comfort or support. Pillows are also referred as cushions as well.

Fillers Inside Pillows

The basic idea of using a pillow is to get comfort and support. This is possible using fillers of various types like as follows:

• Foam Pillow
• Fiber fill pillow
• Synthetic fills
• Feather fill pillows
• Dowm pillows
• Memory foam pillows
• Cotton
• Hypoallergenic fills

Brief Idea on Down Pillows and Feather Pillows

Down pillows are very very soft. They are considered the world's best insulators retaining heat. They compress easily and make for ideal bed pillows. However the drawback of down pillow is that when it gets wet, the pillow becomes flat and less soft. Feather pillows have a bit more support for the back and side sleeper. Feathers and down fills are the most widely used fillings in pillows. They are no doubt expensive but they are the most comfortable, soft and they have the advantage of conforming to shapes desired by the user. There are instances of people who are using down feather pillows suffering from allergic reactions. The market is also offering hypoallergenic varieties of down pillows so that the users who are sensitive to down enjoy the comfort of feather or down pillows without any skin reactions. Latex pillows have plenty of holes in the latex providing for maximum air circulation while preventing moisture buildup throughout.

The fill is surrounded with a fabric cloth , referred as the pillow cases or pillow covers or pillow slip. The beauty of the pillow is enhanced using a separate cover over the filled pillow. These are decorative covers of varied naterials, styles and prints and usually complement with the entire bedding set.

Types of pillows

• Bed pillows: These pillows are made with due consideration to the requirement. They may be soft and snuggly or hard and tough.
• Body pillows or Orthopaedic Pillows : Orthopaedic pillows are excellent support for side sleepers, chronic neck and back pain sufferers, and during pregnancy.
• Decorative Pillows

Check out more on pillows here

• Pillow Covers
• Pillow Protectors
• Throw Pillows
• Throw Pillow Covers
• Bed Pillows

Standard Sizes of Pillows

Size of the pillows depend on the size of the pillows case is to contain. They are typically described as:
Standard 20" x 30" 50 x 75 cm; Standard.square 16" x 16" 40 x 40 cm; Square 26" x 26" 65 x 65 cm; King 20" x 36" 50 x 90 cm

In the US there are 3 standard pillow sizes for bed use: Standard (20x26 inch) Queen (20x30 inch) and King (20x36 inch)