How to properly wash an anti-stress pillow

Sheep and camel wool

Sheep and camel wool. These pillows are made from brushed wool. The filler has a natural crimp, which provides it with a long service life. High-quality wool does not cake and holds its shape well.

Main advantages of the filler:

• allows air to pass through well;
• resistant to moisture;
• does not retain heat;
• quickly takes the desired shape;
• serves for a long time.

• may cause an allergic reaction;
• There are fakes, in such cases the pillow very soon loses its shape;
• You cannot wash it yourself, you need to dry clean it regularly.

Natural latex

Natural latex. Elastic and at the same time soft material that has orthopedic properties. The filler is made from foam rubber (Givea resin).

Advantages:

• durability, the pillow can last up to twenty years;
• has bactericidal and hygienic properties;
• perfectly follows the contour of the head;

• high cost;
• The pillow is contraindicated for people with spine problems.

Orthopedic pillows do not cure. Only healthy people can sleep on them. For those who have problems with the cervical vertebra, this option is contraindicated.

Synthetic fillers

Despite their artificiality, synthetic fillers are becoming increasingly popular. They are much more profitable in terms of money, are less likely to cause allergic reactions, have a long shelf life and do not require special care.

Popular materials:

Sintepon

Sintepon. Soft, does not smell, is easy to wash and does not lose its shape. The only negative is that such a pillow lasts for at most two years.

Follofiber

Follofiber. The best substitute for down and feathers. Used to make orthopedic pillows. It is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, has good thermal insulation properties, does not absorb odors and does not retain moisture. Can be washed at home (water temperature - no higher than 40 degrees).

Comforel

Comforel. Little fluffy balls. It does not cause allergies, is cheap, has good air permeability and does not require special care.

Polyurethane

Synthetic foam - polyurethane (memory material). These pillows adapt perfectly to the shape of the body. They can be either soft or hard. Minus - they are not cheap, + they cannot be washed.

Therapeutic effect of anti-stress pillows

What is the therapeutic effect of anti-stress pillows? What is the beneficial effect of “muffins” on the body? First of all, in color therapy. As scientists note, dark, dull colors have a negative impact on our emotional state. For this reason, most anti-stress toys have bright colors that are pleasing to the eye. Manufacturers approach the design of such products very seriously.

The second positive effect is the effect on tactile receptors. Thousands of tiny polystyrene beads slide under your hands to improve fine motor skills. As a result, a beneficial effect is produced on the central nervous system, thought processes are stimulated, and muscle tone is reduced.

Before you make a choice

It is quite difficult to say unequivocally which pillow is better, since each person has his own needs.

Experts have compiled a wish list that can help you choose:

1. Test it. Do not hesitate to smell the product in the store, try it by touch, and if possible, lie on a pillow.
2. Evaluate the quality of the seams. The filler must not protrude outward; the seams must be secure.
3. Pay special attention to the pillow cover. The one that is made from natural fabric (silk or cotton) is good.
4. Buy a pillow that has a lock on the cover. This way you will have access to the filler - you will be able to evaluate the quality, and later wash it, add a new one, etc.
5. Pay attention to the smell of the pillow. High-quality materials never smell of anything (with the exception of herbs, where the aroma, on the contrary, should be as rich as possible).

Don't be alarmed if you don't feel comfortable enough the first night after purchasing. This is completely normal as your body needs to get used to the new pillow.

The average adaptation period is three nights.

So which filling is best for a blanket?

The cheapest fillings include cotton duvet filling. Among the advantages, it can be noted that it is warm and soft, but this does not cover its disadvantages, including the accumulation of dust, clumping and very noticeable weight. It is not recommended to cover children with them, because damp cotton wool can harbor parasites. They also cannot be washed, and you should be careful with dry cleaning, because it may leave stains on the filler.

The next most popular option is wool duvet filling. Among all the types of wool that serve as filler material, the most budget option is sheep's wool. It is distinguished by its ability to retain heat, despite its low weight, and create an optimal microclimate under the blanket. Camel wool is lighter than sheep's wool and noticeably stronger; its thermal properties are also superior to it. The most elite and luxurious option of wool fillings is cashmere. It is assembled by hand and in a very small volume, which affects the cost of the blanket.

In general, wool fillers are characterized by hygroscopicity, or moisture absorption, and the presence of lanolin - animal fat, which is responsible for the healing properties of wool and allergenicity.

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Another popular filling that claims to be the best for blankets is down. Its incredible lightness and warmth have already become a legend. Down filling quickly absorbs moisture, but dries slowly, which is one of its disadvantages. Down can also cause allergies and lead to dust mites. To ensure that the blanket does not lose its positive qualities, it must be dried and fluffed.

Bamboo blanket filling is distinguished by its ability to destroy harmful microorganisms that fall on its fibers. It also absorbs moisture well and keeps you warm. It is not without medicinal properties, because bamboo itself is distinguished by its ability to improve a person’s emotional state.

Silk filling for blankets is considered an elite among natural fillers; it does not cause an allergic reaction and does not accumulate dust. The filler made from it is soft and elastic, does not fall off and quickly evaporates moisture. The wear resistance and durability of a silk blanket can only be envied.

As for synthetic fillings for blankets, they definitely cannot be called the best fillings. Yes, they are hypoallergenic and in some properties they are superior to certain natural fillers: low weight and volume, easy care and durability. But they practically do not absorb moisture and do not provide the same air access as natural ones.

When choosing the best duvet filling, you should first of all decide why you are going to purchase a duvet. When choosing a baby blanket, you need to choose high-quality and expensive filling, because you cannot skimp on health. And when choosing a blanket for the cottage or for emergency situations, you can turn your attention to a synthetic filler, which takes up little space and can cope with its functions without difficulty.

Filler for children's products

Parents, when purchasing a bed for their children, are often concerned about which pillows they should buy and with what filling. Children's bedding must meet three conditions:

• hygiene;
• hypoallergenic;
• orthopedic effect.

Natural materials that fit these characteristics include fillings made of cotton wool, buckwheat husks, and sheep's wool. Hard, elastic cotton wool is useful for a six-month-old baby, and for an older child, we can recommend buckwheat husk filling. You just need to make sure that the rustling of the filler does not wake up the child or irritate him during sleep. Sheep wool with its therapeutic effect is not useful for every child, as it can cause an allergic reaction.

Today, experts increasingly recommend choosing synthetic materials as fillers for children’s pillows: padding polyester, holofiber, comforter. They are quite hard and elastic, hygienic, and do not attract dust along with pathogenic microorganisms. The low price allows you to regularly change the pillow for your child.

Which microfiller is the best?

Most of the best pillow fillings today are made from man-made materials. Down, feathers, wool, and cotton wool are dust accumulators; along with the dust, microorganisms that cause allergies settle in the pillow. Let's highlight those pillow fillings that are least affected by dust mites:

1. buckwheat husk;
2. latex;
3. bamboo;
4. silk;
5. silicone;
6. holofiber;
7. Thinsulate

Silicone, holofiber, Comforel, Thinsulate are materials consisting of microscopic fibers that have similar properties. Let's find out which microfill for pillows to choose for each specific case.

• Silicone fiber is an inexpensive option for a product with an orthopedic effect, but this material is short-lived and the product will have to be changed frequently. Anyone who wants to purchase a pillow for the prevention of osteochondrosis can safely purchase a model with silicone filler.
• Products with holofiber are perhaps the most preferred choice for a wide range of people. Prevention of osteochondrosis, comfortable sleep, good quality and affordable price are the main advantages of these models.
• Anyone who has chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract should pay attention to products filled with swan down (thinsulate).

Is it dangerous to machine wash an anti-stress pillow?

Both toys and pillows with anti-stress polystyrene filling can be washed in a washing machine. Although pillows that are not filled with polystyrene, as well as their covers, are also not prohibited from being machine washed. The main thing is to know a few tricks. One of them is that they need to be washed by first placing them in a pillowcase or a special bag. And only after that you can put everything into the drum.

Note! Do not fill the washing machine with large volumes of items. When washing, they should rotate freely in the drum. If you get a large volume of pillows or toys, it is better to divide them into several equal washes.

In order to properly wash in a machine you need:

• Pour a liquid or gel product intended for wool into the powder tray. This is the remedy that will be best suited for this operation.
• In order for it to rinse well, you need to pour a little less than what is written on the package. In addition to the powder container, you can pour the product directly into the drum.
• The use of various bleaches and chemical stain removers can have an aggressive effect on the fabric of the product and ruin it.

The mode selected is always delicate; it differs on different models. It should be written something like this: “Hand wash”, “Delicate wash”, “Wash bulky items” or something like that. You need to set the correct temperature, not exceeding forty degrees. There is also a limitation regarding the revolutions; their number should not be higher than 600. It is best to choose 400. In the case when the machine does not have low revolutions, then you need to wash without spinning at all.

Additional rinsing of the anti-stress pillows will not hurt. Only after this can you start the washing process itself. To make the anti-stress miracle bring peace and tranquility into your life, before drying, drop some eau de toilette with the scent of sage, lemon balm or lavender on it. These scents will help you relax at night.

Natural fillings for pillows

Natural fillers include:

• feather
• sheep or camel wool
• bamboo fiber
• wood-herbal fillers
• buckwheat husk, latex

Down and feather pillow

It is the most traditional and convenient item for our holiday. It is light, soft, warm, hygroscopic, and easily holds its shape.

Pillow filled with sheep or camel wool

It also retains heat well, and it is also beneficial for joint and muscle pain. One drawback of these pillows is that they are not suitable for asthmatics and allergy sufferers.

Pillows with buckwheat filling

Pillows filled with buckwheat have gained great popularity recently. Buckwheat hulls are absolutely hypoallergenic; these pillows hold their shape well and improve blood circulation. They give complete rest not only to the head, but to our entire body. The disadvantages of buckwheat pillows are rustling and weight.

Pillows filled with herbs and algae

Used as a remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders. These pillows are used for a temporary therapeutic effect.

Natural latex filling

Such a filler as natural latex is strong, durable, and it also has antibacterial properties. Latex foam is produced by vulcanization from the sap of the Hevea tree. The porosity of latex ensures good air circulation during sleep. Natural latex is used mainly in orthopedic pillows.

What it is

The anti-stress pillow was developed by textile manufacturers specifically to help a person relax, calm down and cope with a stressful situation. A similar pillow is also called “mnushka”, since thanks to the special filling it is pleasant not only to hold and hug, but also to squeeze and knead. On such a bolster or pillow it is very convenient to doze off or fall into a night's sleep.

Thanks to the extraordinary filler that is part of the anti-stress textile product, a person experiences a light soothing massage that affects the nerve endings:

• head - just lie down on the pillow;
• neck - if you use it as a bolster and place it under your neck;
• hands - a therapeutic effect will be achieved if you hold such a thing in your hands and slightly squeeze and unclench your palms.

This action helps to relax and take your mind off the problems and difficulties that have arisen, while at the same time there is an improvement in well-being and performance.