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Are Bamboo Pillows Good? Pros & Cons

Are Bamboo Pillows Good? Pros & Cons

In today’s frantic world, where toxins are in our air, water, and food, worrying about our well-being has become more of a necessity rather than a luxury. This prompted people to create healthy diet plans, exercise on a daily basis, reduce alcohol consumption, and avoid stress. More often than not, however, they forget that a good night of sleep comes with a plethora of proven benefits. From clearing the mind to helping the body recover from a long day, adequate sleep can do wonders for our overall health. 

But what if improving sleep quality requires as simple a step as changing your everyday pillow? And in that sense, are bamboo pillows good? In short - yes.

A growing number of people found bamboo and foam fabrics more beneficial than the rest, swiftly switching their old pillows for this more natural, plant-based alternative. Let’s see the reason behind this.

What Is a Bamboo Pillow?

Changing pillow case

Even though the name suggests that bamboo pillows are made purely from bamboo, this isn’t always the case. In fact, the inside pillow filling is made from shredded foam which makes it soft and easily adjustable for your head. Impressively, not only does this provide comfort for your head but also promotes proper neck, back, and spine alignment. 

So why is it called a bamboo pillow? Because the material of the pillow cover is a fusion of polyester and bamboo fibers.

Are Bamboo Pillows Good for Your Neck?

Yes, they can be. 

Sleeping in the wrong position can indeed cause neck or back pain because you won’t be maintaining the spine's natural curves. In order to avoid losing the neutral position of the spine during sleep, you will need to choose a bamboo pillow that provides support for different sleep positions. 

Back sleepers, for instance, need a thin pillow to keep their head level with their shoulders. On the other hand, side sleepers need a thicker pillow so it fills the area between their neck and head. To improve sleep health, stomach sleepers should try to either lay flat on their back or on their side.

The Pros of Using Bamboo Pillows

There are a lot of advantages to using bamboo pillows, but we will only cover the ones that make these pillows so popular and sought-after nowadays.

Hypoallergenic 

Allergies can be a real nuisance for people with sensitive skin and preventing them is way better than trying to treat or cure them. With their bamboo viscose fabric, these pillowcases boast naturally hypoallergenic properties that automatically minimise the chances for allergic response. Their non-absorptive characteristics inhibit dirt absorption which discourages the growth of dust mites - a common cause of severe allergies and asthma attacks. 

Eco-Friendly 

What makes the bamboo plant sustainable is both its rapid growth and its penchant for self-regeneration. It can also adapt to changing water levels, which speaks volumes of its resistance. Plus, bamboo grows swiftly without the need for pesticides or fertilizers, unlike cotton.

Breathable Fabric

Most bamboo pillows contain fabrics that transfer moisture and circulate the air, allowing the pillow to stay dry throughout the night. That’s why this cool-to-the-touch pillow is an ideal choice for those who live in tropical climates - they don’t retain body heat.

Comfortable Pillow

The incredibly soft fill material of the bamboo pillow supports the head and neck and at the same time, it adjusts to your nighttime movements and alleviates problems such as neck pain and even back pain. 

Absorbent

Natural materials are often more absorbent than synthetic ones. Bamboo fabrics, for instance, soak up moisture and even neutralize fetid odors, making you feel as if you’re sleeping on a fresh pillow each night. 

Durable 

As traditional pillows collect more dirt than bamboo ones, it might be harder for you to clean them. Another worry may be the buildup of microorganisms in the pillow. This is why non-bamboo pillows require yearly replacements that might get costly. Luckily, the natural materials that constitute the bamboo pillow are antimicrobial and thus don’t need to be changed as often.

The Cons of Using Bamboo Memory Foam Pillows

To be honest, there are a lot more advantages than disadvantages to using bamboo memory foam pillows. Even though the cons aren’t usually a deal-breaker for potential users, it’s important to have the full picture before making a purchase. 

Only part of the Bamboo Pillow is Machine-Washable 

Even though it’s not advisable to wash the entire pillow in a washing machine, you can always take off the cover and put it in the machine on a gentle cycle and with lukewarm water. However, you should wash the memory foam filling by hand in order to preserve its original shape. Just fill your hand wash basin or sink with lukewarm water, mix it with a mild, preferably eco-friendly detergent, and soak the pillow. Next, rinse the pillow until there isn’t any detergent left inside and squeeze it to reduce the water that’s been soaked up. You should let both the bamboo cover and the memory foam filling air dry.. 

Takes Time to Adjust

No matter how moldable the memory foam is, bamboo pillows are heavier than regular pillows. This is why it might take some time for you to adjust to your new bamboo pillow before you find that sweet spot.

May Have a Strong Smell 

The fusion of man-made materials with natural ones for the filling of these pillows might create a malodorous smell after you unpack the product. On the bright side, the smell usually dissipates swiftly enough so that you won’t notice it after 24 hours of use. 

Which Bamboo Pillow Is The Best? 

There isn’t a straightforward answer to this question as different users have different preferences. If you ask us, the most comfortable pillows feature top-notch, natural, hypoallergenic materials such as bamboo viscose combined with a memory foam filling. This is mostly because they share characteristics with the ever-alluring fluffy pillows, providing ultimate support for both the head and neck.

Final Takeaway: Are Bamboo Pillows Worth It?

The hypoallergenic bamboo pillows are truly beneficial for one's health, striving to provide a better night's sleep. Choosing them over regular pillows can help you improve your sleep position, which also means no aches in the morning. For the ultimate pleasure, it's advisable for you to combine the pillow with cozy bamboo sheets.

FAQ

What is the gel-infused memory foam fill made of?

As the name suggests, it is a memory foam pillow that doesn’t retain heat thanks to the infusion of gel microbeads. The main function of these microbeads is to swiftly transfer heat away from the foam through air pockets, cooling the heads of those who sleep hot during the summer months. 

What are the best bamboo pillows for spinal alignment?

This depends on the sleeper. The shredded memory foam firmness contours to the unique shape of your head, constantly adjusting to provide a good night’s sleep. Note that everybody is different and numerous factors can impact your sleep health such as the sleeping surface and environment.

Are naturally organic cotton fabrics better than bamboo ones? 

Both cotton and bamboo-derived material pillows come with their own benefits, however, consumers choose bamboo as the more sustainable fabric of the two. 

Is bamboo fabric dust mite-resistant? 

Since bamboo materials are naturally resistant to microorganisms, they are also more resilient to dust mites in comparison to materials containing large pores. 

Is bamboo fiber naturally breathable? 

Yes. Bamboo covers are breathable because they comprise tiny pores to allow moisture to evaporate thus providing the best night’s sleep. 

Are there any harmful chemicals in bamboo pillows?

This depends on the brand. This is why it’s important to purchase both shredded and solid memory foam pillows that are CertiPUR-US Certified. This will prove that your pillow is safely made and not hazardous to the environment. 

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