The Best Pillow Stuffing

Buying Guide for Pillow Stuffing

Why buy pillow stuffing?

Pillow stuffing, whether it’s synthetic or natural material, is designed to fill pillows and similar items just right. If you have pillow stuffing on hand, you can rejuvenate an old pillow or cushion quite easily and save money by not buying a new one. Buy pillow stuffing in bulk, and you can make a few of your own pillows, decorate for the holidays, or create a dog bed. It’s more convenient to have on hand than you might think.

What should you consider when buying pillow stuffing?

• Filling Types: When it comes to pillow stuffing, the type of material means everything. Polyester fiberfill and memory foam are probably the most common types. Both are synthetic and cheaper than natural sources like high-quality cotton or goose down and feathers. Siliconized polyester fiberfill has fortuitous qualities for pillow stuffing. The synthetic material is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic. Memory foam, or polyurethane, keeps its shape and offers good support. Many folks prefer all-natural pillow stuffing like cotton, which contains no plastic fibers and no odor, unlike synthetic material. Like cotton, down is a sustainable resource. Both down and feathers are moldable, lightweight, and durable.
• Amount: We reviewed products in varying quantities. How do you know how much to buy? Consider the project you have in mind. If you want to fill a large-sized bean bag chair, two 5-pound bags should work great. If you have some pillow stuffing left over, don’t toss it unless you have zero storage. You never know when you might need more. Perhaps you have just enough left over to revive a sad-looking throw pillow. It’s better to have too much than not enough.
• Usage: In addition to pillows, crafters use pillow stuffing to create soft placemats, stuffed animals, holiday costumes, fun hats, pet beds, pin cushions, etc. If you’re crafty at all, it’s likely you’ll be able to put pillow stuffing to good use.

What do you need to know about alternative pillow stuffing types?

We call the following pillow stuffing types alternative because we didn’t review any products made with them. Microbeads, or uniform polymer particles, are made of polystyrene, a type of plastic. They’re lightweight, malleable, and make a breathable filler, which might be suitable for pillow stuffing. However, buckwheat hulls make a better option over microbeads because they’re more pliable, breathable, and supportive of the head and neck. They’re also natural and biodegradable. Shredded latex pillow stuffing offers the soft and supportive qualities of memory foam pillows but is malleable and moldable.

Our Picks for the Best Pillow Stuffing

Pros: These pillow inserts offer an easy solution to transforming an old pillow into a soft and fluffy but firm one. Alternatively, you can buy new, fun-colored pillowcases for the inserts. They’re made of 100% polyester from the inside out. The inner material is a siliconized 3D polyester fiberfill, and the cover is high thread count polyester fabric. An advantage to siliconized polyester is its inherent antimicrobial and hypoallergenic property. Fabrics with a high thread count are more durable, smoother, and softer because of the tight weave. The four 18- by 18-inch pillow inserts are machine washable.

Cons: A few users mention that the inserts aren’t as full as they’d hoped. A possible workaround is to buy a size or two smaller pillowcases for a firmer shape in your pillows. This also isn’t as versatile of an option since it can only be used in a pillow.

Bottom Line: Inserts are the way to go if you want an effortless way to get a quality-stuffed pillow. The materials are unbeatable, and the price is right.

 

Pros: For starters, this two-pack of 5-pound bags of stuffing works for bean bags and dog beds, not just pillows. One bag expands to 2 cubic feet. That’s a lot of filling! Composed of 100% flexible polyurethane, or memory foam, the stuffing is safe and high-quality. It boasts a CertiPUR-US certification, a testament to its durability, content, and emissions. The memory foam is made without toxins like mercury, lead, or formaldehyde. It keeps its shape even with long-term, rugged use. The bags come vacuum-packed, so the filling needs time to expand before use. Simply open one bag, empty the shredded filling into a container, and leave it for about 30 minutes before use.

Cons: Numerous users say they were surprised by the large volume once the compressed filling expands. Keep in mind that 2 cubic feet could be more than you want.

Bottom Line: This is an excellent buy if you want a large amount of soft but firm memory foam pillow stuffing. It’s nice to know the non-toxic material won’t harm your family or your pets, too.

 

Pros: Calling all crafters! If you make padded quilts or blankets, stuffed animals, and dolls, the odds are good that you’ve used polyester fiberfill stuffing. Fairfield’s Poly-Fil has an excellent reputation among crafters. What makes it so great? The 100% polyester fibers have incredible resilience, which is just what you need to make quality craft products. The Poly-Fil doesn’t bunch up but maintains a smooth consistency. It’s machine washable and can be tumble-dried on low heat.

Cons: There’s a chance the 5 pounds won’t be enough for your needs.

Bottom Line: This 5-pound box gives you enough Poly-Fil to make at least five 18-inch throw pillows. It’s a great buy and an ideal amount of pillow stuffing for most crafters.

 

Pros: This pillow stuffing is 100 % raw cotton grown and ginned in Kansas on the Thunder Acres farm. It makes fabulous pillow stuffing because it’s odorless, free of toxins, and breathable. You may find small bits of plant material but no plastic fibers like in polyester stuffing. Choose between 1, 3, 5, or 10 pounds per package.

Cons: If you have allergies or skin sensitivity to raw material, you may want to stick with synthetic material.

Bottom Line: If you prioritize natural products and like to craft, you may love the Thunder Acres raw cotton stuffing. It’s perfect for stuffed animals, pillows, and even pet bedding.

 

Pros: This 10-pound bag of natural goose down and feathers promises hypoallergenic comfort from European geese, with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) quality. Down fibers are sourced beneath the feather, the very stuff that keeps a goose’s body warm. It’s the best insulator, better than other natural and synthetic materials. Down works well as pillow filler as a breathable and durable material that doesn’t trap heat like memory foam. The feathers are pretty small, so the quills won’t shoot out of linen and poke you. Feathers add softness and lower the price. The 50/50 combination gives medium-firm support and high loft for pillows.

Cons: If you don’t need 10 pounds of goose down and feather pillow filling, you may want to consider a smaller size. It’s also very expensive.

Bottom Line: This natural material has been preferred over synthetic for stuffing pillows, mattresses, and more for a long, long time. If you want some high-quality filling, check this stuff out.

Final Thoughts

These pillow stuffing products are all nice options for your pillows, jackets, pet beds, and whatever else you need to fill. Pick one that suits your needs and enjoy the comfort it provides.