Pillow

Pillow

A pillow is a support of the body at rest for comfort, therapy, or decoration. Pillows are used by many species, including humans. Some types of pillows include throw pillows, body pillows, decorative pillows and many more. Pillows have been historically made of a variety of natural materials and many cultures continue to use pillows made from natural materials.

History

The history of pillows is as old as civilization itself. The ancient Egyptians, for example, used stone pillows in belief that they would keep bugs from crawling into the ears of the sleeper. The Chinese dynasties used pillows made from a wide range of materials including bamboo, jade, porcelain and wood. The Romans and Greeks used pillows made of cloth filled with straw or feathers.

Types of Pillows

There are many types of pillows, each designed for a specific purpose or for specific types of sleepers. Some of the most common types of pillows include:

• Throw Pillows: These are small, decorative pillows that are used to enhance the décor of a room. They are often placed on sofas or armchairs but are not designed for sleeping.

• Body Pillows: These are long pillows that are designed to be hugged when sleeping. They can provide support for the back and are particularly popular among pregnant women.

• Travel Pillows: These are small, portable pillows that are used to provide neck support while traveling.

• Orthopedic Pillows: These are pillows designed to correct body positioning in bed or while lying on any other surface. They ensure the right alignment and support for one’s body to help in the healing and prevention of pressure ulcers and other conditions.

Materials

Pillows can be filled with a variety of materials. Some of the most common materials used in pillows include:

• Feathers: Feather pillows are filled with the wing and back feathers of geese or ducks. They are soft and offer good support.

• Down: Down pillows are filled with the soft feathers found underneath the tougher exterior feathers of birds. They are very soft and fluffy.

• Memory Foam: Memory foam pillows are made from a special type of material that molds to the shape of the head and neck, offering personalized support.

• Synthetic Fill: Synthetic fill pillows are made from man-made materials such as polyester. They are hypoallergenic and offer good support.

Health Benefits

Pillows can provide a range of health benefits. They can help to alleviate neck and back pain, reduce snoring, and improve sleep quality. Orthopedic pillows can be particularly beneficial for those with specific health conditions or injuries.

See Also

• Bed
• Mattress
• Sleep hygiene
• Orthopedic mattress

References

Pillow Resources
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