{"id":110,"date":"2020-08-30T13:18:28","date_gmt":"2020-08-30T13:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/?p=110"},"modified":"2022-04-29T06:59:44","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T06:59:44","slug":"why-use-a-wool-pillow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/why-use-a-wool-pillow\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Use a Wool Pillow? The Benefits and Drawbacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post is a part of\u00a0the\u00a0complete wool pillow buyers guide<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Granted, a good night\u2019s sleep has many benefits, including improving your mood and looking fabulous. While mattresses are usually praised for these benefits, the almost neglected pillow plays a significant role in ensuring you wake up happy and relaxed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s safe to say that wool pillows were among the first in the world since sheep were domesticated at least 10,000 years ago. Although they aren\u2019t the most popular option today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Use a Wool Pillow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Wool has been there for thousands of years. Thanks to its many wonderful features, it has been used extensively to make various products such as clothes, blankets, carpet rugs, insulation, and even upholstery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given its long, rich history, it comes as no surprise that wool would make pillows. What\u2019s surprising, however, is that other filling materials like feathers and fiber are more popular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool pillows feel like any regular pillow filled with polyester<\/a> fiberfill. Because it\u2019s similar to fiberfill, it\u2019s not too moldable, so mashing it doesn\u2019t change its shape. Despite its softness, it\u2019s not as pliable as other natural pillow materials<\/a> and tends to retain its shape. This is great news if you hate pillows that go flat<\/a>, clumping up the more you sleep on them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 Great Benefits of Using A Wool Pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. It is hypoallergenic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have allergies, shopping for bedding can be strenuous. It\u2019s hard finding beddings that are hypoallergenic and bacteria resistant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool is a natural, non-toxic material that is great if you react to even the smallest amounts of residues often left on synthetic pillows. Even though it might look clean, synthetic bedding has gone through various processes such as bleaching and treatment to make it flame and mold resistant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other than that, synthetic fiberfill can produce small amounts of formaldehyde and other chemicals that can cause health problems, and washing won\u2019t completely remove them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. It is Breathable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wool is very breathable, and it can insulate heat. It has a unique ability to absorb moisture and draw it from the skin, thus regulating the body\u2019s overall temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These moisture-wicking properties enhance natural airflow around your head, keeping you cool and dry as you sleep. Wool fibers are naturally adapted to controlling and maintaining a steady temperature, a great feature to add to pillows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reduced overheating and wetness means you are comfortable throughout the night and can have sounder sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The thermal resistance or ability of a material to control temperature changes is measured in togs. This rating system is commonly found on beddings nowadays, and it can help you know how well a particular material will insulate you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The structure of wool gives it a varying tog rating as it changes depending on the temperature. The warmer you are, the more heat is dispersed and vice versa; this is a great way to keep a steady temperature all night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another perk of wool\u2019s breathability can also improve your skin\u2019s appearance, helping reduce pillow acne, puffy eyes, and pressure lines on the face. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. It Offers Temperature Regulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wool fabric promotes healthier sleep by controlling your body temperature through its breathability and moisture management.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool is twice as effective as cotton at moving moisture vapor through fabric and 10 times better than polyester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool keeps you in the thermal comfort zone for much longer than most other pillows. It does this by keeping you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter to sleep well in all seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. It is Mold and Dust Mite Resistant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Unlike other pillow making materials, wool is mold and dust mite<\/a> resistant. The microscopic bristles and lanolin of the wool fiber make it inhospitable to dust mites. Its ability to wick away moisture takes away an essential element of the life of dust mites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

House dust mites are an allergy trigger and are present all over your home. For most people, they cause no symptoms. If you have allergies, the allergens in these mites\u2019 feces trigger a wide range of allergic reactions from sneezing to wheezing and even worsening eczema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. It is Comfortable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a misconception that wool is rough, too hot, and itchy, making it a horrible choice for pillow fill. However, this isn\u2019t true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wool has very fine fibers that create this lush, soft, lofty filling, great for pillows. It is also quite resilient and retains its shape over time, unlike other pillow fills that clump and lump up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also doesn\u2019t lose its bounce and thus provides excellent back and neck support longer. Its natural crimped and coiled structure means that the wool fiber can be stretched out and bounce back to its form. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. It is Eco-friendly <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wool is a natural material, obtained from the fleece of sheep. Sheep can grow a new coat of wool yearly; this means its renewable. Since it is natural, its biodegradable meaning it won\u2019t pollute the environment. It also doesn\u2019t require processing as other pillow fiber fills do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This means no pesticides and other environment harming chemicals are used in the production of wool pillows. Wool is also pretty durable. It lasts longer and is more resilient than cotton and even latex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. It Offers Good Support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wool pillows offer great support that\u2019s good for people who sleep on their stomach, back sleepers, and side sleepers. That\u2019s literally all sleepers, although most of us are side sleepers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That is the support you don\u2019t get from most other pillows, like a feather, synthetic, or down pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. It is Great For Toddlers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have small children and want to ensure their sleep experience is the best \u2014 free of allergens and other bacteria \u2014 you may want to invest in a wool pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the best materials you can choose when buying pillows for your toddler or small child is organic and naturally grown wool<\/a>. Wool is a completely organic and eco-friendly material, ensuring comfort and health for your child.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most toddlers have sensitive skin; wool would be the perfect choice for them to sleep on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Wool Pillow Drawbacks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While wool pillows are great for most people, they are not the best option for everyone. Not everyone would be quick to purchase a wool pillow, and here are the reasons why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Higher Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Wool pillows offer a lot \u2014 they\u2019re hypoallergenic, breathable, temperature regulated, and comfortable. That\u2019s why you\u2019ll find them in the luxury or premium pillow aisle of your favorite bedding store. That means they\u2019re a little more expensive than most pillows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Lack Conformity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wool pillows often feel flat and dense. They don\u2019t conform to the head, which means you may have to move around a bit or keep adjusting to get it in the most comfortable spot for your head. With that said, there are things you can do to soften up a wool pillow<\/a> making it feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Not The Best for Neck Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While wool pillows can easily be adjusted to the loft and fill you need, they may not be the best pillows for neck pain. If you suffer from back pain, don\u2019t depend on a wool pillow to ease that pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Smelly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compared to some pillows with a gassy smell, wool pillows are all-natural and contain no chemicals that create that off-gassing smell. However, the all-natural wool fabric is not the best to smell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That can be problematic for some sleepers and may even keep them from sleeping if they\u2019re light sleepers. Fortunately, the smell, as with pillows that off-gas, will fade away over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Challenging to Clean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It can be challenging to clean a wool pillow<\/a>. They require careful handling and care. They can be machine-washed, but not like other pillows. It\u2019s probably best to do a quick surface clean and use a pillow protector and a pillowcase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A waterproof protector will disable the breathable benefits you naturally get from a wool pillow. However, it\u2019s always best to refer to label instructions when it comes to caring for your wool pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Itchiness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When many people think of wool, they think of a fabric that causes them to itch. They may even think they\u2019re allergic to it. But wool allergies are rare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The itchiness is likely an aversion to thick wool fibers. If this is you, you may not like the feel of wool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Benefit the Most From Using a Wool Pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Every product has its good and bad qualities. While wool has some non-appealing qualities, most people would say wool performs well over time, better than most other bedding materials they\u2019ve used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you decide to give wool a try, here are a few buying tips for your wool pillow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n