Bamboo pillows

A few years ago, pillows with unconventional fillings were exotic. Today, the eyes run up from such a variety. They offer various options for fillers: traditional animal origin and unusual plant fillers. Among the latter, bamboo pillows occupy a special place. Let's get to know them better.

Bamboo pillows are distinguished by filler. Bamboo fiber is used as it, it is made only from young bamboo, which is no more than 4 years old. Bamboo is an evergreen perennial plant, a family of cereals, native to Asia. This plant is striking in its growth rate - in one day it stretches more than a meter.

There are two ways to make fiber:

• Mechanical. Bamboo raw materials are crushed, enzymes are added, and threads are drawn from the resulting soft homogeneous mass. Similarly, fibers are obtained from hemp, flax. Such processing is unproductive and laborious, as a result of which products made from such fibers are expensive. Marked "bamboo linen", which means bamboo linen.

• Chemical. Various chemical reagents are added to the crushed bamboo stalks, under the influence of which they turn into a sticky homogeneous mass. After that, the mass under pressure is passed through metal devices with many small holes and placed in a special solution to impart hardness. In subsequent processing, all chemicals are removed from the resulting fibers. Viscose is made in the same way. Unlike bamboo flax, this material has a low cost, which means it is more widespread. It is marked with "bamboo viscose", that is, bamboo viscose.

Bamboo fiber is soft, so it is very rare to find pillows with 100% filler. Such products will not last long. Soft fibers will not hold their shape and will clump in the first month of use. Manufacturers solve this problem by adding other fillers, such as down, to natural bamboo filler. Therefore, a good plant-filled pillow will contain no more than 70% bamboo fibers.

With the increasing popularity of bamboo pillows, their magical properties are also growing. You can often find descriptions that call bamboo almost the elixir of youth, just to sell the product. Consider the real properties of bamboo fibers.

• Environmental friendliness and naturalness. Bamboo does not require a variety of fertilizers and pesticides to grow. Fibers, regardless of the manufacturing method, do not contain harmful chemicals and are safe for health.
• Hypoallergenic. Due to the content of natural antibiotics, these pillows do not retain dust mites that cause allergies and bronchial asthma.
• Antibacterial. Natural antibiotics contained in the raw materials interfere with the vital activity of bacteria and microbes.

• Air permeability. Pillows filled with bamboo fibers are breathable and dry quickly. In the summer heat, it will be cool on such a pillow, and in winter it will be warm.
• Hygiene. The filler is chemically inert, that is, it does not absorb various odors and does not accumulate dust.
• Comfort. Quality bamboo pillows are very soft and resilient at the same time. Consumers in their reviews talk about improving the quality of sleep.

• Simple maintenance. The pillow can be washed without wringing out in a conventional automatic machine. Thanks to their breathability, they dry quickly. The qualities of the filler are retained after a large number of washes. To maintain the shape of the pillow during use, you need to beat it sometimes.
• Budget and versatility. Bamboo pillows are readily available and are also suitable for everyone, including asthmatics, allergy sufferers and newborns.

• Hygroscopicity. Moisture is quickly absorbed and evaporates just as quickly. Bamboo pillows are great for people with excessive sweating.
• Durability. The bamboo pillow retains its properties even after a large number of washings. And the service life of such pillows is 5-7 years.

Bamboo fiber has more than just positive properties:

• Bamboo filler, due to its exceptional softness, must be selected individually. Otherwise, the use of such a product may lead to pain in the neck, especially in the presence of protrusions and osteochondrosis.

• The presence of fakes. The image of a panda or bamboo on the case does not guarantee the purchase of an original product. Due to the hype for bamboo pillows, many careless manufacturers use these symbols for regular pillows. Study the label with the composition carefully.
• Hygroscopicity in humid climates can be a disadvantage. The pillow will absorb moisture and not dry out, ultimately causing damage to the product.
• Bamboo filler wrinkles quickly loses its shape, so it should be stored only in a flattened form. Manufacturers recommend whipping the pillow more often, preferably before each use.

Bamboo pillows are found in a variety of ways. There are three types:

1. Anatomical. Regular standard pillows. They are of various sizes and heights. They are selected according to the preferences of the person.
2. Orthopedic. More expensive pillows. They support the spine in the correct position as a result of which they are suitable for those who sleep on their side. Recommended for people with spinal diseases.
3. Transformers. The shape-shifting pillows are comfortable because they allow you to make a soft collar. Convenient on the road and traveling.

According to the method of filling with bamboo fiber, two types are also distinguished.

1. Bamboo filler mixes with any other 70% to 30%.
2. Two-chamber pillows. The cover in these pillows contains bamboo fiber and is called quilted. The pillow itself is shaped by a different filler. In this design, it turns out that the person's head lies on the bamboo fiber, and another filler gives the pillow its shape and volume.

Despite all the advantages of bamboo pillows, I still want to know how much they benefit in comparison with traditional and not only fillers. Let's carry out a comparative analysis.

All fillers by origin are divided into three large groups: vegetable, animal and artificial. Let's consider each.

In addition to bamboo, plant fillers also include silk, buckwheat husk, eucalyptus and algae. The main advantages of such fillers are their naturalness and antiseptic effect.

Each of the fillers has its own characteristics.

• Buckwheat husk. It has the following advantages: orthopedic effect and massage effect, natural composition, hygiene and the lowest cost among vegetable fillers. Does not cause allergies and is not a breeding ground for bacteria. The disadvantages include rigidity, hardness, short service life (2 years) and specific sounds during operation. Products with buckwheat filling must sometimes be dried in open sunlight. Washing such pillows is contraindicated.

• Silk is very soft and durable. It absorbs water well, has the ability to thermoregulate, hypoallergenic. Can be washed at home. A silk pillow will last about 15 years, which is an absolute record not only among vegetable fillers. Silk pillows are distinguished by their high cost.

• Eucalyptus has medicinal properties due to the use of essential oils in the production of pillows. The rest has properties similar to bamboo. However, it loses to him in value. Bamboo fillers are significantly cheaper.

• Seaweed. They are hygroscopic and eliminate unpleasant odors well. They have an antibacterial effect. The main disadvantage is impracticality. Algae-filled pillows can only be dry cleaned.

The traditional filler of animal origin, on which our ancestors slept, is down or feathers. The most popular is considered to be swan or goose down. Camel wool has become a new trend.

It is difficult to compare such dissimilar products as down and bamboo fiber. However, the latter has one undoubted advantage - bamboo filler will not become a breeding ground for dust mites and is perfect for allergy sufferers, unlike down.

• Feather and down are similar in their characteristics. They are convenient to use, conduct heat well, absorb water, keep their shape perfectly. The main disadvantage of feather and down pillows is their exposure to dust mites. The latter live and multiply inside the pillow, and also cause allergies in people prone to it. Such pillows cannot be washed. The filler must be cleaned on special equipment twice a year, as well as regularly dried in the sun and ventilated in the open air. The service life of such pillows is about 5 years.

• Wool. It has a beneficial effect on joints, has thermoregulatory properties, is breathable, and absorbs water well. It does not hold its shape for long and is not recommended for allergy sufferers and asthmatics due to dust mites. Woolen items are also becoming a favorite place for moths. Woolen products can only be cleaned by dry cleaning. The woolen product will last 3-5 years. The cost is twice as high as feather pillows.

Artificial fillers are the easiest and cheapest options to maintain. Their main advantage is ease of maintenance and low cost. Let's consider the most popular options:

• Holofiber. Its advantages include the ability to thermoregulate, hygroscopicity, air permeability, elasticity, hypoallergenicity and wear resistance. You can wash it at home, in a regular typewriter. The service life of a product with holofiber as filling is 5 years.
• Sintepon. Does not absorb odors, breathable, hypoallergenic. During operation, it crumples into lumps, as a result of which it has a short service life - 2 years. Cleaning can be done in a washing machine.
• Silicone. Has the ability to quickly recover after washing, "breathes", breathable and hypoallergenic. Suitable for machine washable. It tends to build up static electricity, which can cause discomfort. Will last about 7 years.

The properties of a product such as a pillow depend not only on the characteristics of the filler, but also on the characteristics of the material of which the cover is composed. The manufacturer of quality products will indicate the product data on the label. Remember that the percentage of bamboo fiber in the filler must be greater than 50%.

The most practical option would be a removable cover with quilted bamboo fiber filler. It can be washed separately from the pillow. In addition, these covers are zipped, which allows you to adjust the rigidity of the product, reducing the amount of filler.

Bamboo pillows are available in standard sizes: 70x70, 50x70 cm. Children's pillows are found in the following sizes: 50x50 and 40x40 cm. The size of 50x70 cm is considered typical for less lush and tall products. Perfect for those who prefer to sleep on their stomach or back. For those who like to sleep on their side, it is better to opt for pillows 70x70 cm, as they will remove unnecessary stress on the spine and relieve discomfort.

Nowadays many companies offer bespoke bedding. However, be prepared for the fact that it will be difficult to find accessories for a product with non-standard sizes, in other words, you will have to sew pillowcases yourself.

A bamboo pillow will have all of the above qualities only if the product is of high quality and is not a fake. Consider the most popular and reliable manufacturers. There are both domestic and foreign companies. The latter are distinguished by a higher cost of production.

• Moscow manufacturer "Anna Textile". The average price is 900 rubles. The filler is bamboo fiber. Inner cover material - 100% cotton. The material of the outer cover is jacquard satin. Size 50x70 cm.
• "Couch potato". Russian company. The material of the cover and top is similar to the company "Anna Textile”, However, the price is higher and lies in the range of 1150-1350 rubles. Size 50x68 cm.
• Arden. French manufacturer. Unlike previous options, the company offers pillows with quilted bamboo fiber and filled with artificial down. The price is higher and amounts to 1300-1500 rubles. The pillows are available in two sizes 50x50 cm and 70x70 cm.

• Arya. Also Russian production. Natural bamboo filler. The material of the outer cover is cotton. Size 70x70 cm.The average price is 1200 rubles.
• Primavelle "Bamboo". The Russian company offers a product similar to that of the previous company. The same material, filler, price. However, the size is different - 50x70 cm.
• TD Dargez "Bombay". Russian manufacturer. It uses bamboo fiber and polyester as a filler in a ratio of 60% to 40%, respectively. Cover material - microfiber. Sizes 50x70 cm and 70x70 cm. The price is the lowest of those presented - 500-700 rubles.

Buyers note the presence of a zipper, which allows you to adjust the amount of filler, and, consequently, the softness of the pillow.

• Tango "Bamboo". Russian-Chinese production. Sizes 50x70 cm and 70x70 cm.The price is 1020-1220 rubles. Cotton cover and bamboo filling. The manufacturer guarantees the use of natural fabrics and dyes.

• Nature`s "Bamboo Stem". The domestic manufacturer offers a cotton quilted cover with bamboo. The filler is synthetic fiber. The cost is 1100 rubles. Size 70x70 cm.
• Verossa Bamboo Fiber. The Russian company offers an unusual Twine Zone technology. The pillows are divided into two compartments. One of them, the outer one, is filled with bamboo, the other, the inner one, is filled with polyester. The cover is ordinary - cotton. The size is non-standard 68x68 cm. The price is 850 rubles.

Choosing a pillow is not easy. If, for example, buying furniture, you can evaluate its characteristics, then such a number will not work with bedding. The quality of sleep depends on them, and therefore life in general. But there are, of course, some recommendations.

• Decide on the type. Consider the need for a removable cover, a zip lock, and some kind of padding.
• Cushion height is selected individually and depends on the preferred sleeping position. For people who are accustomed to sleeping on their sides, high pillows are suitable and, conversely, for those who like to sleep on their back or stomach - low ones. For those who have not decided it is better to choose something in between. Many people like to sleep on two pillows, in which case it is possible to change the height.
• The size. Various options are on sale, however, the most popular is the size 50x70 cm. Such pillows allow you to save on material during manufacture, but they do not lose their properties. In a dream, a person moves horizontally, turning from side to side, that is, a 50x70 cm pillow is enough.

• Pay attention to the material of the cover. Feel it - it should feel good to the touch. Its density is also important. Thin fabric will not last long, after some time, the filler will come out through it. The material of the cover also affects the way you care for your pillow, especially if it is not removable.
• When buying any textiles it is worth paying attention to the quality of the seam. There should be no protruding threads, the line should be even, without distortions. Responsible manufacturers use double stitching when making pillows.
• Remember, that the manufacturer of quality products is interested in making the company known. The label must contain the name of the company, its telephone number, and its address. The label must indicate the composition of the product, weight, country of origin.

• Pay attention to the composition. The amount of bamboo fiber in the filler should be between 50% and 70%.
• Bamboo is breathable. To check the filler, inhale air through the pillow. If the attempt is successful, then the pillow is indeed filled with bamboo fiber.
• Pay attention to the price. Too low a price is a reason to think about the authenticity of the proposed product.

The general criteria for choosing a bamboo pillow have been described above. Choosing a pillow for a baby, especially a newborn, requires more attention. For the latter, there are special flat pillows on sale. Its cover is made of natural hypoallergenic materials.

It is worth remembering that each age needs its own pillow height. So, for children under one year old, it is better to use a pillow with a height of no more than 2-3 cm.For preschool children, pillows with a height of 3-5 cm are suitable, and for schoolchildren, pillows with a height of 10 cm or more can already be used.

Bamboo pillows are unpretentious, however, there are several recommendations, thanks to which they will last much longer. The washing cycle may vary depending on the cover material. Read the instructions before washing.

Although it is written on numerous sites that bamboo pillows have a beneficial effect on the skin due to the pectin they contain, clean pillows have a really beneficial effect.

The most convenient way to wash bamboo pillows is in a washing machine. A good product does not lose its qualities even after a large number of washes. Brief instruction:

1. Examine the seams. If they have dispersed, then the filler will have to be collected already in the machine.
2. Better to wash in hand wash mode, but in the absence of it, the usual one will do.
3. The water temperature should be no more than 40 degrees. Hot water is corrosive enough to shorten the life of the product.
4. Use liquid cleaners. Pillows do not rinse well when solid detergent is added. It is also best to refrain from using bleach.
5. After washing, it makes sense to rinse the pillow twice.
6. Wringing is not recommended. In some cases it is forbidden, read the instructions.
7. Drying should be done by simply laying on the pillow, flip it over from time to time - so it dries better. Do not dry your pillow in the sun, it will badly affect its condition.
8. Whisk the product before use.

A bamboo pillow with proper care will give you a restful and pleasant sleep for a long time.

You can watch a brief overview of one of these products in the video.