Why Use a Cotton Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks – The Bedding Planet

Why Use a Cotton Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks


This post is part of the complete cotton pillow buyers guide

The pillow you choose to sleep on should promote a quality sleep experience, and in doing that, it should also promote a healthy spine, relieve pressure, and support your head and neck for a comfortable sleep.

With so many pillow options out there, it’s hard to know which pillow can provide that experience for you. 

Cotton is one of the most popular materials in the world and is a probable choice for your pillow filling. In this article, we’ll look at why you should use a cotton pillow and evaluate the pros and cons of using a cotton pillow.

Why should you use a cotton pillow? There are seven major benefits of using a cotton pillow:

Benefits

  1. Naturally Absorbent
  2. All Natural
  3. Sleeps Comfortably
  4. Provides Support
  5. Adjustable
  6. Odor-Free
  7. Easy to Clean

Drawbacks

  1. Doesn’t Contour
  2. Not Long Lasting
  3. Need to Be Cleaned Often

A cotton pillow offers several benefits and we’ll highlight those benefits below. But, since no product’s perfect, we’ll also identify some not-so-beneficial qualities of a cotton pillow.

Benefits of Using a Cotton Pillow

1. Naturally Absorbent

You never have to worry about having a sweaty, hot pillow when using a cotton pillow because cotton is naturally absorbent. To many, this makes it more breathable.

It’s not an oil-based synthetic fabric, like many pillow fillings. Cotton can absorb one-fifth of its weight in water before it even feels damp. That plays a part in helping it remain cool.

2. All Natural

A cotton pillow is a great option for someone with allergies or sensitive skin because it’s all-natural and free from synthetic materials.

Many pillow fillings that are not natural can be a serious health hazard for people with allergies. But a cotton pillow rarely contains allergens, so there’s less worry about waking up with allergy symptoms. 

Cotton’s all-natural properties also mean it contains no animal products, and it’s compostable and biodegradable.

3. Sleeps Comfortably

When you wear cotton on your person, it plays a dual role. It will protect you from the drastic summer heat and keep you warm during those long winter nights.

The fibers in cotton trap air between you and the cotton, allowing the layer of air to warm you up or keep you toasty and warm when needed. A cotton pillow will do the same thing. Cotton keeps you comfortable, regardless of the season you’re in.

4. Provides Support

A cotton pillow is soft and gentle, but it also provides a firm lift for the natural support you need as you sleep.

5. Adjustable

Most cotton pillows come in a fabric case with a zippered opening along one end. That makes it easy to add or remove cotton filling as needed. In this way, you can adjust the loft or thickness of the pillow to accurately position your head off the mattress. 

6. Odor-Free

Many pillows have a powerful smell when you unpack them, and you spend the first days trying to make them odor-free. However, that’s not the case with a cotton pillow. Because it’s all-natural, the new smell is much more tolerable and not a cause for concern or alarm.

7. Easy to Clean

A cotton pillow is fairly easy to clean compared to some. Cotton pillows are machine washable. As with any pillow, it’s always best to refer to manufacturer instructions first when caring for the pillow. 

Disadvantages of Using a Cotton Pillow

1. Doesn’t Contour

While some pillows, like memory foam, are made to easily sink your head into and wrap around to easily mold and bounce back, this is not the case with a cotton pillow. Cotton doesn’t contour to the head and neck well. 

2. Not Long Lasting

A cotton pillow will start out fluffy, but it can compress over time and begin to feel hard and lumpy. The more you use a cotton pillow, the more it will clump up and flatten.

3. Need to Be Cleaned Often

Although a cotton pillow is all-natural, they are susceptible to dust mites and molds since it can retain water. That can be a health issue and can cause allergic symptoms to onset if not cleaned regularly.


Cotton Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:

1. Why Use a Cotton Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks
2. Cotton vs. Microfiber Pillows: Differences, And is One Better?
3. How Long do Cotton Pillows Last? This is The Replacement Time
4. Why Do Cotton Pillows Get Lumpy? How to “Unlump” Your Pillow
5. Do Cotton Pillows Flatten Over Time? How to Fluff a Pillow
6. Best Cotton Pillows of 2022 – Complete Review
7. How to Wash And Dry a Cotton Pillow: Step by Step

Niklas Lampi

My name is Niklas and I'm the author and content operator at The Bedding Planet. I've always had a big interest in bedding and more specifically sleep. If I find something that makes me sleep better, whether that's a lifestyle change or a better bedding environment, I'm ready to share it with the world!

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