Hi everyone, are you a picky pillow person? Ha, say that fast three times! Do you have a Mr. Pillow? I’m kinda picky and like the flatter kind, but not filled with feathers. Nope. And not one that makes a noise in my ear when I move. Good heavens! Some sell for enormous sums. I bought mine at Walmart about ten years ago and it’s beginning to go really flat but I hesitate buying a new one.
Remember how all the pillows were overstuffed and we got cricks in our necks sleeping on them until we mashed them down? Glad they aren’t that way anymore.
But choosing one now days is quite a chore. They come in every type from soft to very firm. The value of the global pillow market in sales is 17.6 billion.
I think pillows have been a problem since the beginning of time. Cowboys use their saddles and that can’t be very comfortable but it beats a rock. Did you know the first pillows were in fact curved stone bolsters that elevated your head? Those were used in Mesopotamia about 7,000 BC. Five thousand years later, the Egyptians improved on that with a flat rectangular base with a straight shaft and curved neckpiece. It was supposed to mimic the rising sun. But oh my poor aching neck! The Pharoah Tutankhamun had no fewer than 8 of these in his tomb. These pillows were thought to dispel demons and they believed they could banish evil from the dark night in both life and death. No thank you! You’d have a crick deluxe that you’d never get out. I wonder if they had chiropractors?
Actually, the Romans were the first to stuff a sack with reeds and straw. The wealthy used feathers. Now you’re talking.
So we’ve come a long way. The first International Pillow Fight Day was held in 2008 and is celebrated every year since on the first Saturday in April. We just missed it!
I’m giving away a $15 Amazon gift card to a commenter who tells me what kind of pillow they use.
Here in the Texas Panhandle, we do love our cowboys. There's just something about a man in a Stetson and jeans that makes my heart beat faster. I'm not much of a cook but I love to do genealogy and I'm a bit of a rock hound. I'm also a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. You can contact me through my website and I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. HAPPY READING!
https://petticoatsandpistols.com/sweepstakesrules/
I saw one of the ancient Egyptian ones at University of Pennsylvania museum when I was in middle school.
I have a really nice, expensive pillow I won from a TV talk show. Lol I love it. I don’t know what I’ll do when it needs replacing, because I’m spoiled by it.
Denise, I know what you mean. Mine is getting pretty old and worn out and I’m at a loss what to do next. Thank you for coming by to read my post. Have a blessed day.
I am pretty picky when it comes to my pillow. I think I’m so picky because of my migraines though, not just any pillow will work. My pillow has to be kind of flat and soft but not too soft, definitely no feathers and no noise. I had an ex who bought me a pillow as a present thinking it was a good idea even though my mom told him it wasn’t because I was picky. Of course I thanked him, but my dad ended up with that pillow, it was to big and fluffy.
Joannie, yep I understand. I don’t want anyone buying my pillow. But your dad was probably happy. Men can sleep on a rock and not mind. They definitely aren’t picky. But us women need what we need. Have a beautiful day. Thanks for coming.
Hi, Linda,
My pillow is also fairly flat now but that’s partly due to it’s age (my memory’s hazy but I’m pretty sure it’s around 10 years old). Due to all the allergies our family has, we buy organic everything that we can. Even our mattress was purchased because it was crafted of organic materials. The pillow in question has an outer covering of organic cotton and it’s stuffed with organic cotton batting. The drawback to this type of stuffing is that the pillow is only surface washable. It can go in the dryer, so gets frequent sessions on the HIGH setting to sanitize it and restore some of its loft.
Happy spring and productive writing!
Mary
Mary, thank you so much for coming by. I’m glad you liked my post. Organic has to be the hardest to find so I understand why you put it off. But, you know things have improved a lot in ten years and there are a lot more organic things now. Good luck finding a replacement. Have a lovely day filled with peace and love.
Yes, I use one of those crinkly Sobakawa pillows for my neck but it’s so old, the buckwheat hulls don’t make a sound anymore or maybe I have just beat it into submission. 🙂
How funny, Flypauper. Maybe you have defeated it’s noise. I wouldn’t be able to sleep on that. But it would sure beat an elevated rock like the Pharaohs used. Good heavens. Thank you so much for coming.
Like you, I prefer a flat pillow. I’m short, and my neck isn’t that long, so I find a high pillow very uncomfortable. I want it to be quiet too. : )
Thanks for coming, Janice. We like what we like and nothing else will do. I really fear trying to buy a new one when I have mine just right. Blessings and love.
I prefer a pillow little bigger then flat, kind of in between flat and medium and no fancy one just a plain Wal-Mart for me.
Sandy, thank you for coming to join our pillow talk. It’s been interesting. Your preference sounds like mine. Nothing fancy as long as it’s comfortable. Have a beautiful day.
I prefer a pillow that I can punch into the shape I want. MyPillow does that for me. I’ve tried other pillows , but it’s my favorite.
Karijean, my daughter has a My Pillow and just loves it. My sister has an expensive one that she airs up to the firmness she likes. I don’t exactly know how it works but it’s very strange to me to put air in a pillow but to each their own. I’ll stick with mine. Thanks so much for coming. Have a beautiful day.
I had a feather one that finally ran out of flutf and I put it in the compost bin. I am searching for my new one among all the one I have from my mom’s house after I cleaned it after her death.
Hi Kate, thanks for dropping by. Good luck in your search. Sounds like you have a lot of pillows to go through. 🙂 Surely one will suit you. Have a lovely day.
feather filled
BN100, thank you so much for coming by to read my post. I’m happy you found a pillow just right for you. That’s so important. 🙂 Have a beautiful day.
as a child it was always a feather pillow! But now prefer one as firm as I can get it – hubs loves a flat one!
Teresa, I think our tastes change as we age. I used to not be so picky and could sleep on anything. Now it has to be just right. I can’t imagine sleeping on a raised piece of stone. Oh my aching neck! I hope your day is filled with love and blessings.
I use a foam pillow that my husband got when he was in Germany. My husband has a My Pillow which he tries to remember to take with him when we travel.
Elaine, thank you so much for coming. I knew I wasn’t the only picky one. I’ve tried foam and that’s okay. I’ve never had a My Pillow but my daughter swears by them. When we get used to one thing, it’s hard to change. I think mine has some kind of batting filler but I don’t really know. I just really love it. Enjoy your day.
Hey Linda! I’m thinking those were hard heat rests! LOL I’d rather have a saddle! Hehehe… Nice informative post today! I love my swan pillow. It curves just right. It doesn’t make for making up the bed, but I have had it over a year and can’t sleep without it now!
Good luck on finding a good pillow!
Tracy, we’re of like minds! I wouldn’t sleep a wink on that elevated piece of stone! There would definitely be no rest for a side sleeper like me! I can’t imagine. For now, I’m sticking with the one I have but I’ll keep an eye out for a replacement because my pillow is getting so old. No saddle for me either!!! Ha! 🙂
I cannot have a feather pillow as I am allergic and cannot breathe. I have a basic pillow purchased in a store like Walmart, but I do not remember. Early pillows sound uncomfortable.
Debby, thank you so much for dropping by. I’m not allergic to feathers but I don’t like anything that my head sinks down in and the sides come up around my face. Nope! I feel like I’m being smothered. You know a pillow doesn’t have to be expensive if you can find the right one. I sleep well on mine that I bought from Walmart. I agree those early pillows would’ve been horrible! No wonder they liked to fight in wars. Their pillow was awful. Blessings and love.
Finding the right pilow is so tricky! I recently purchased a new one after using a memory foam one for the past 10 years or so. I like the cushion of the foam, but it was just too thick when I lay on my back. I did a scientific Google search and found a highly rated pillow that is filled with shredded memory foam. The nice thing about it is that you can take stuffing out to get the thickness that best suits you, but it still has that memory foam support and comfort. I tried several different amounts of filling before landing on my current level. So far, so good. Since it contains pieces instead of a single chunk, you can also shape it however you like. So far, I like it, but we’re still in the trial stage. 🙂 Definitely better than those stone arches!
Karen, I’ve heard about those shredded memory foam pillows but have never tried one. Maybe it would be all right once I got used to it but I think it would take a long while. It’s nice you can adjust it to suit your needs. Google is very “scientific” and won’t steer you wrong. 🙂 The right pillow is so difficult to find. Good luck! Just don’t resort to the raised stone arches!! None at all would be preferable to that. Blessings and love, my Filly Sister.
I have a medium firm pillow. I like to try new ones every 6 months.
Joye, wow! I can’t imagine going through new pillows every six months. You’d barely get used to it then have to change. I like medium firm too. Thank you so much for coming.
I have had a great deal of trouble finding a comfortable pillow. I have bought so many over the years. I am short and have a short neck so most are either too puffy, and high. I am using an older one which will have to be replaced soon.
Anne, when I moved from my house to an independent living apartment, I had probably ten pillows to try to do something with and most were barely used. I bought so many looking for the right one. So much money wasted but I couldn’t help it. I ended up donating them to Goodwill. I hear the panic in your voice about having to replace your pillow soon. Good luck! I hope you find a wonderful replacement. Thank you so much for joining my pillow talk. 🙂
Hi Linda – The pillow talk blog today just got me grinning from ear to ear! I am a very picky pillow person! When shopping for a pillow, I try to find the very softest pillow there is. I do not like feather pillows at all! And, I don’t like thick, heavy pillows. So, today, I’m on a mission in Branson, Missouri to find a soft pillow at the Tanger outlet mall. Wish me luck.
Dearest Kathy, I hope you’re having fun in Branson. That Tanger mall sounds delightful. I hope you find the right pillow there. I agree it’s very tricky but I know the right one is out there somewhere. Good luck finding it! Wish I was there to help. I’ve never been to Branson but others have raved about all the wonderful music. Enjoy every second. Much love.
I’m a huge Texas Tenors fan! Going to their show while here.
When I had what I thought was a stiff neck I purchased numerous pillows to help but none were good. No wonder. I have RA and the pillow wasn’t going to help at all. Since then because I am on meds it can still be difficult finding the right pillow with enough support but not high nor hard. It must be soft but not too much. Sounds ridiculous but it is because I have useless and new pillows in the closets taking up space.
Sharon, I’ve done the same thing. My neck used to hurt a lot and I blamed my pillow when it was a disc in my neck and I bought a dozen new pillows that I had to find a place for. I hope your pillow is working now. Have a blessed day.
Crushed foam pillow.
Sounds lovely, Drew. Thank you for coming to read my post. Have a blessed day.
Goodness, my neck isn’t long enough for those Egyptian torture-pillows. How awful!
I like a fairly firm pillow that doesn’t squish down to nothing. I have one of those pillows that is supposed to stay cool when you put your head on it – I hate a hot-headed pillow! – & this one truly works that way… IF you don’t use a pillowcase! 🙁 Who does that? So it doesn’t feel as cool as I’d like it to be. My husband bought me a really nice, big, firm pillow for Christmas, but I was having a lot of headaches, so I went back to my old pillow.
Lori, thank you for coming over. Have you ever looked at those Egyptian people way back in the Pharoah’s’ day? They have the longest necks I’ve ever seen. Sleeping on those raised rocks probably did that. I’ve seen pillows that are supposed to stay cool but never tried one. I don’t think I’d like it. Good luck with your old pillow. Have a good rest of your day.
I use a sleep number pillow and simply love it. It has temperature control so one doesn’t get too hot or too cool. It is also formed for your head to be cradled as well as inserts to take out to make it more comfortable for you. They have a number of styles to choose from. It is very comfy.
Judy, I’ve never tried a sleep number pillow but maybe I’d like it. Sounds like it works well for you. That’s wonderful. Thanks for coming and have a good rest of your day.
I have an average pillow, not real firm or not real soft.
Connie Lee, I think that pretty well describes mine. Sure hope it lasts a while longer but it’s getting old. Thanks for coming by.
I use one of the foam shaped for your neck pillows. As a kid we had feather pillows and sometimes the little feathers would work their way out. Pfft and tickle your nose.
Jackie, that’s one thing I didn’t like about a feather pillow but feather quills stuck into my head. I think the foam shape ones might be pretty good. I’m so glad you came. Wishing you a gorgeous day.
Finding a good pillow is so hard! I usually like the foam type where they kind of mold to you, but it depends on what feels most comfortable to me.
Megan, I certainly agree. Finding the right one takes a lot of looking and much patience but when you do, it’s oh so heavenly. Thank you for coming.
I bought a My Pillow last year and I love it! And it even came with a Bible verse in the packaging. When it starts going a little flat, I put it in the dryer for a few minutes and it fluffs right back up.
Kim, that’s wonderful. A lot of people do love My Pillow. Maybe I’ll try it next time. People swear by them. Thanks for coming. Enjoy your day.
I use a thin pillow because I don’t like a thick one that brakes your neck. I sleep on my side and I like the pillow just tall enough to reach my shoulder. I like to to flatten out some. I like the foam ones that let you remove the foam to get it where you like it.
Quiltladyblog, thank you so much for dropping by to join the discussion. I’ve never had a foam pillow where you can adjust it to suit you. It sounds really comfy. I hope the rest your day goes well.
Thank you for sharing the educational story of pillows! I always thought cowboys sleeping on their saddles (at least it would elevate their head a little away from sand or critters on the ground) sounded uncomfortable, but I had no idea of the even more incredible history. Having allergies, I use a pillowcase over a barrier zippered covering for dust mites which encases a basic medium synthetic pillow – not down/feathers as trigger symptoms. I buy fairly basic mid-level priced pillows from such as Kohls, Costco, etc.
Catherine, I’m so happy you enjoyed my pillow post. Like you I don’t spend a lot on pillows. I have a niece that spends hundreds of dollars on a pillow. My sister has a pillow that she airs up. That doesn’t sound too comfy if you ask me. Take care and have a good rest of your day.
I have Obus form pillows. They are just the right for my sleep. Not that I sleep all the much, but I never wake up with a sore neck.
Kathleen, I’ve never heard of that kind of pillow but it seems perfect for you. Thank you for coming by for some “pillow talk.” Blessings and love.
I should get some better pillows… I stack two medium firm pillows… one as a base and the other to twist and fold however I need… 🙂
Colleen, we all have certain things we like. Whatever suits you is what you need. It probably took you a long time to figure out something that worked. Good luck finding replacements. Much love.
One of the best pillows I ever slept on was in a Best Western motel. I checked the label and it said it was polyester fill. Instead of a solid piece like batting it was in pieces that felt like giant cotton balls. Never have found one like it in a store near me.
Alice, it’s hard when you can’t find what you want. I love the polyester filled pillows and now that I think about it, that’s what mine is. Have you tried looking on Amazon? You might find one there. Thanks for coming.
I use an old pillow along with two MyPillow Travel Pillows. As soon as we find a particular one we like, buy a couple for backup for ten years down the road! 🙂
Rachel, whatever works. We’ll do anything to get a good night’s sleep. I’m glad you found what works for you. Thanks for coming. I hope you have wonderful rest of your day.
We use My Pillows. Love them!
Barbara, a lot of people swear by them. I might have to look into buying one. I think I did once but it was more than I wanted to pay. Thank you so much for coming.
Hi Linda! When I was growing up I had terrible allergies and could not sleep on a feather pillow at all. For a lot of years I didn’t sleep with any pillow at all! Then when I got to be about 10 or 11 I started sleeping with a “kapok” pillow — those were popular then. I’ve had so many pillows through the years, as probably everyone has had, but my mom gave all of us girls and our hubbies a fabulous pillow each for Christmas many, many years ago and I used that thing til it wore out. I found another one just like it at TARGET–it’s a solid piece of foam, but not “memory” foam. It was pricey, but it has been worth it. Loved your post–that was so interesting! Love you!
Cheryl, I might have to look next time I go to Target. How wonderful of your mom to gift you and your spouse with one. The right pillow is just so difficult to find but we search until we find “the one.” I’m glad you enjoyed my post, Filly Sister. Love you dearly.
Pillows, the bane of our existence! I am super picky about my pillow. I had migraines pretty much every day for 14 1/2 years. I changed that with diet and the good news is I rarely ever get them now. My head is very sensitive and I can’t sleep on just any pillow. I really like to sleep on gel pillows but the right one is not easy to find. I need a new pillow also but where do you start! I’ve tried Amazon, departments stores, you name it. Since Covid it has become more difficult. If I can find one they only last about one month before they are flat.
I really hope you find the pillow you are looking for! I enjoyed reading your post. I truly cannot imagine the torture of stone or even reed and straw. Have a wonderful spring!
Sharon B, I’m glad you stopped by. Thank goodness we have a nice range of pillows in the stores now. Used to, everyone just carried one kind and they were very stuffed. I hated those. I hope you find exactly what you’re looking for too. But I sure put off going to look. Have a blessed day.
I’m picky about my pillows too; I use a flat pillow, but I definitely could use a new one, something that’s not too firm nor too soft. Last time I picked out a pillow it was way too firm! I use it only for reading in bed, not for sleeping.
Melanie, at least you found a use for that firm pillow. Before I moved I had a whole entire closet with nothing but pillows that I couldn’t use. The stores are deceptive. What feels just right is all wrong when we get them home. Thanks for coming.
I recently bought new memory foam pillows after trying a My Pillow since they get great reviews. I’m not a fan. Thanks for the chance to win a prize.
Vickie, I’ve wondered about those My Pillow type. Most people love them but some don’t. My daughter bought one a few years ago and I don’t think she ever got it right for her sleep. If you win the prize, maybe it’ll help you buy a new pillow! Ha!
My pillow has a dip for my short neck, rather flat otherwise but I love it!
Connie, it sounds like you’ve got it shaped just right and good for you. I just hope you don’t have to get a new one anytime soon. Then you start the whole process over again. Thanks for coming.
We moved years ago, and my husband decided we needed to replace our old flattened-out pillows with new, big, poufy pillows.
Luckily, we’d not yet discarded the old ones the next morning after trying out the new ones.
I really needed something between the old and the new. I now slip two flat pillows into one case. Perfect.
Hubby uses one big one most nights, and when his allergies act up, he uses two big poufy pillows.
Maryellen, thank you for coming. It’s great to have you join us. I guess whatever works is good. Hospital pillows are the absolute worst. Last time I was in there, I had to put two pillows together. They the flattest ones I’d ever seen. Your hubby must like his pillows high. Wow! Have a beautiful day.
I use a “MyPillow” pillow. I like my pillows to be fluffy, so I love that when it starts to get too flat I can just toss it in the dryer for a few minutes and it poofs back up! I’ve had it about 5 years, and still love it.
Sabrina, how nice to find the perfect pillow. I need to put mine in the dryer and maybe help puff it up a little. I’ve never tried that but several on here have sworn that it works. Thanks for coming.
I have been using a MyPillow for the last several years and really love it! I used to have to replace my pillow at least once a year because it would flatten out and give me headaches, but the MyPillow has lasted for years!
Bridget, how wonderful that you’ve hit on the perfect pillow. I might have to try a My Pillow since so many have raved about them. Thank you so much for coming.
I can’t imagine trying to use one of those pedestal pillows you showed. It hurts to even think of it. I like my pillow a bit firm and not too thick. My husbands is flat and easy to squash. Several years ago, he needed a new one. I found some Copper Fit pillows on sale and bought three different styles. He tried them all and selected the one he liked best. The other two work well in other rooms. I appreciate hotels that have several different styles of pillows, so you can use one in your comfort zone.
I’m very picky about my pillows and I need two pillows -a big and soft fluffy pillow and another pillow to go behind it because I can’t sleep lying flat but have to sleep half sitting up and half laying down I guess I am just weird that way LOL
I couldn’t imagine using one of those pedestal pillows. My neck just hurts looking at them. I have a pillow for side sleepers that is great.
Would you believe that I sleep on both sides an my back all in one night -nope no preference however Ido favor my right side but that might be because it’s my dominant side.
I have a special foam pillow for my neck. I sleep on my back, both sides and stomach. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
God Bless you too
I use a Mr. Pillow and absolutely love it. Purchased it on sale and it was a great price. I don’t ever think I will find one I like more and I have tried many kinds.