Why Are Pillows So Expensive? Factors That Make The Prices
Bedding items are essential in every home, and they usually come with a higher price tag than other items. This is because they contribute to a restful night’s sleep, and without a high-quality mattress or bed pillows, there is a risk of waking up in pain and developing health issues over time.
While there are many different types of pillows available at a wide range of prices, you may have come across a pillow with a high price tag that leaves you wondering why it costs so much. In this post, we will explore why pillows can be expensive and how you can get the most value out of them.
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Are Pillows Expensive?
Not all pillows are expensive, as some can be purchased for $10 or less. However, some can cost up to $300 depending on the buyer’s preferences for quality, brand, function, and budget.
Knowing about the different types of good pillows and what makes them good can help buyers save time and money. As our demands are diverse, there is no one cushion that can meet all of our needs. Therefore, it is important to find pillows that satisfy us in the ways we need them to.
Opting for cheaper offers may lead to low-quality pillows that quickly wear out. Investing more money in pillows may provide certain benefits that users will become accustomed to and not want to purchase cheap pillows again.
What makes pillows so expensive?
Cotton, feather, foam, down, and other types of pillows are popular on the market. However, what makes some of these pillows expensive compared to others? And which ones should you choose based on quality when on a limited budget? In this post, we will discuss some of the characteristics that contribute to the high price of certain high-end pillows.
Pillow fillers
The type of filling used in pillows is a major factor in determining their cost. Different types of filling materials also affect the level of comfort they provide.
Pillow Fillers
The type of filling used in pillows is a major factor in determining their cost. Different types of filling materials also affect the level of comfort they provide.
Down Fillers
Pillows filled with down feathers are considered luxurious. Down feathers are the soft undercoating feathers that are manually removed from the breast region of large birds, such as geese. The limited amount of down that can be obtained from birds contributes to the high price of down pillows. When looking to purchase expensive down pillows, look for descriptions like “hypoallergenic” and “fill power.”
Feather Fillers
Feathers, which are plucked from a duck’s or goose’s back and wings, are another type of pillow filler derived from birds. Compared to down fillers, feather fillers are cheaper.
Foam Fillers
Memory foam and latex foam are two common types of foam used as pillow fillers. These pillows have three layers of foam that support the neck’s proper alignment during sleep. Foam pillows are more expensive than other types of pillows because they maintain their shape and provide more stable neck support.
Memory foam pillows may feel firm at first touch, but they soften when warmed by body heat. Memory foam also molds to the body, providing pressure relief.
Latex foam, on the other hand, is naturally cool and springy. Latex foam is softer than memory foam pillows and doesn’t mold to the body like memory foam.
Investing in more expensive pillows made of memory foam or down fillers can lead to better sleep, although they can cost up to eight times more than cheaper synthetic pillows made of polyester, for example.
Pillowcase
Overall, pillowcases can greatly impact the quality of your sleep, and choosing a high-quality material can make a big difference. Linen pillowcases are hypoallergenic and moisture-absorbing, becoming softer with each wash. Silk pillowcases have become increasingly popular for their claimed benefits of reducing rashes and hair frizz, and mulberry silk is considered the finest and most durable choice. Other materials used for pillowcases include nylon, cotton, and satin, which are more common and less expensive. When choosing a pillowcase, consider the material’s benefits and your personal preferences for comfort and style.
Product life cycle
The lifespan of a pillow depends on how well it is cared for and how often it is used. Pillows generally last between 18 months and 3 years. Cheap pillows have a shorter lifespan than expensive ones. If you want a pillow that lasts longer, it’s best to invest in a higher-quality pillow.
Functionality
The functionality of a pillow can impact its price. Pillows that serve a decorative purpose are generally cheaper than those designed for comfort. Soft foam pillows are more expensive, while firm pillows are required in some cases. Specific items such as body pillows and throw pillows may cost more, depending on their functionality requirements.
No matter how you sleep, a good sleep routine should take into account how firm, fluffy, and cool your pillow is. It is essential to choose a pillow based on your own sleeping position, which could be any of the following:
- Back sleepers
- Side sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
The right pillow can help alleviate lower back pain, sleep apnea, or acid reflux, helping you fall asleep faster.
There are several kinds of pillows with distinct features that can be adjusted to your needs, such as wedge pillows, cervical pillows, contour pillows, or bolster pillows. You can learn more about these topics in our other posts.
You can purchase pillows that are either warmer or cooler, depending on your preference. Cooling gels and other high-end items that use temperature control can be pricey.
Brand name
The brand of a pillow can also impact its price, particularly for those with better ratings and reviews on websites like Amazon.
When it comes to pillows, there’s more to consider than just comfort. The best pillows are often known for their durability. With so many different sizes, styles, and types available on the market, many people opt for a well-known brand to save time scrolling through reviews and posts.
Some of the most popular pillow brands include Sealy, Simmons, Vera Wang, JC Penney, Ralph Lauren, and others. Word of mouth is a significant factor that keeps prices from increasing, demonstrating the power of brand awareness. When you purchase an expensive item, you’re not only investing in its quality, but also the history, background, and motivating stories of the brand behind it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of pillows depends on various factors, including their fillers, pillowcases, product life cycle, and functionality. Investing in a high-quality pillow that meets your needs can enhance your sleeping experience and provide long-term benefits.
FAQs
Generally, you should replace your pillows every year to two years. Even if you wash and fluff your pillows often, they lose their support and get dirty over time. There are some obvious signs that you should replace your pillows, like when they are easy to crumple and lose their bouncy form or have yellow spots or stains on them.
We spend so much time in bed with our heads on pillows that it is important to pay attention to pillow quality and cleanliness. Some pillow materials will last longer than others. As an example, a polyester pillow might only last a year, but a latex pillow can last up to three years. Besides the material type, the material’s quality or the density of the foams can improve sleep quality. If you choose a good quality pillow, you’ll probably have to replace it less often.
