Why Use A Polyester Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks

This post is a part of the complete polyester pillow buyers guide

Deciding on a pillow to sleep on is not as easy as it sounds. There are many things to consider when buying a pillow, like price, breathability, and filling, to name a few. All fillings don’t feel the same, and there are pros and cons to each of them.

Polyester-filled pillows are a common type of pillow that most people are familiar with. There are good reasons to purchase a polyester pillow and some reasons why it may not be the best pillow for you.

If you’re trying to decide on a good pillow and are leaning toward polyester pillows, this article will give you a look at the pros and cons of a polyester pillow.

Why should you use a polyester pillow? Here are the pros and cons:

Benefits of Using a Polyester Pillow

1. Affordability

You’ll be happy to know a polyester pillow is very affordable. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable types of pillows on the market. It’s a great option for anyone wanting to stay on a budget. Polyester pillows on average cost about $20.

2. Weight

If you want a lightweight pillow that is easy to cuddle with, a polyester pillow is that. Polyester is a low-density material, so it’s not hard to maneuver. A pillow weighs less than four pounds.

3. Softness

One of the best features of the polyester pillow is that it feels so much like cotton. It’s extremely soft and easy to cuddle with. Although it’s not as soft as a down alternative pillow, many people associate the polyester pillow as such. A polyester pillow compresses well, and by adjusting the fill, it can be tailored to just about any sleep position. Because it’s so soft, it’s good at cushioning sore spots.

4. Customizability

Some polyester pillows are zipper encased making it easy to add or remove fill to adapt to your sleep position.

5. Smell

Unlike some pillows, you can stand the smell of a polyester pillow. Polyester is a natural material that doesn’t absorb much odor, making it a great option over other types of pillows that have toxic chemicals in the makeup. And it rarely presents any smells when first unwrapped like most pillows.

6. Maintenance

Polyester pillows are so easy to take care of. Unlike many pillows, you can easily throw them in the washing machine and dryer for regular maintenance. Manufacturers may recommend using the gentle cycle and keeping the temperature low. Polyester dries pretty fast, but to prevent clumping and to ensure it is thoroughly dry, it’s always good to add one or two tennis balls to the dryer. 

7. Sleeps Cool

For those who usually have trouble staying cool at night, you’ll be happy to know that polyester pillows do not retain heat, making them a cool, comfortable sleep aid.

8. Available in All Sizes

Most polyester pillows come in one shape but are available in an array of sizes that include:

• Standard: 20” x 26”, the smallest size. For anyone who prefers a smaller or more economical pillow.
• Super standard: 20 x 28”, jumbo pillows slightly longer than the standard size.
• Queen: 20” x 30”, fits on a queen-size mattress and can also be used on a twin mattress or full-size mattress.
• King: 20 x 36”, works well for sleepers prone to roll from side to side when sleeping. This size is also good for sitting up in bed.
• Specialty: These are extra-long pillows for side sleepers, square Euro sizes, and cervical pillows with unique shapes tailored to provide better support.

Drawbacks of Using a Polyester Pillow

1. Durability

You’ll find the polyester pillows are not very durable. They quickly lose consistency, and for that reason may need to be replaced after one to two years.

2. Lumpiness

Polyester is prone to clumping together, and when this happens they become lumpy. Because of this, some sleepers may find that it distributes unevenly, making them very uncomfortable pillows to sleep on. That can eventually end up causing pain in the neck and shoulders.

3. Allergenic

Even though polyester is naturally made, they tend to attract dust mites. 

4. Sound

It is a common fact that polyester pillows have been known to make a rustling sound when moved. That can be a problem for light sleepers who wake up at the slightest sound.

5. Poor Support

Polyester often shifts and flattens underweight, and sleepers may find the pillow fails to keep the head and neck properly aligned.

Who Should Use a Polyester Pillow?

Polyester pillows can be used by all sleepers, stomach sleepers, side sleepers, and back sleepers. If you like sleeping with soft, fluffy pillows, polyester pillows are a good option for you. Polyester pillows are used best by:

• People In All Sleep Positions – In most cases, the fill of a polyester pillow can easily be adjusted to the amount of fill by increasing in volume, or taking some fill out. In this way, sleepers can change the firmness to adjust the pillow to suit the high loft needed for side sleeping or lower the loft needed for stomach and back sleeping.
• Those Sensitive to Smells – Polyester pillows don’t off-gas as some pillows do. They also don’t give off a strong smell when you first take it out of its packaging, which makes the smell easy to take in. 
• Those Who Prefer Softness – The material inside polyester pillows is soft and fluffy. If you like sinking into your pillow, the softness is perfect for you.

Who Should Not Use a Polyester Pillow?

While all sleepers may be able to adjust polyester pillows to make them a good fit for them, polyester pillows are not good for all sleepers. Polyester pillows shouldn’t be used by:

• Those With Pain Points – Polyester pillows don’t provide a lot of support because they tend to compress under the weight of the head. This makes it difficult for anyone with back, neck, or shoulder pain because it doesn’t enforce the head and neck alignment. That can help make the pain worse and cause pressure points in the shoulders for side sleepers.
• Those With Dust Allergies – Even though the material in polyester pillows is natural, they are still prone to dust mites
  , which may aggravate allergy or asthma symptoms in some people.
• Sensitive Sleepers – Polyester pillows may rustle and stir a little noise when you shift positions during your sleep. That can be annoying to some who are easily disrupted by slight noises.

Conclusion

Polyester pillows have some disadvantages, but the pros certainly outnumber the cons. In the end, only you will know if the polyester pillow is the best pillow choice for you. Hopefully, the content in this article will help you to decipher if it’s a pillow for you to consider.