subject: Why Use A Body Pillow? [print this page] A body pillow is an extra long bed pillow that ranges in size from 20 x 54 to 20 x 60. Typically a body pillow is filled with polyester or a blend of 5% down and 95% feathers (5/95). Most body pillows feature a novelty plush fabric and are often sold around back to school summer season (June-August). Price ranges for a cheap body pillow can run $25 to $50 in comparison to luxury body pillows which can run $50 to $125 on sale.
A body pillow is basically the size of two queen bed pillows and is great for consumers with back and hip pain. Additionally a body pillow helps those who need extra support to lessen the amount of body stress a normal sleep position may induce. Body pillows should be moldable and have a loose filling which allows the pillow to be bent slightly as the sleeper desires.
How To Select Which Body Pillow Filling?
The cheapest filling material is polyester and generally these body pillows are in the $25 to $50 range. When filled with polyester many times the body pillow is used more for decoration or casual use. An upgraded filling is a blend of down and feathers usually a grey duck 5/95. The natural filled body pillow is a good option as the down and feathers offer more give and take and thus can mold to your desired shape. Finally you have the ultimate in luxury and comfort with an all down filled body pillow. Soft, moldable and silky soft to the touch these styles are preferred for common usage. Unlike a feather blend model which can offer an occasional poking feather the all down option is extremely soft. Regardless of filling most body pillows can be machine washed and the filling selection is more of a personal decision with the platinum standard being a down filled model.
How To Protect Your Body Pillow
We recommend all body pillows be covered with a protective cover as well as used with a body pillow case. Just be sure to buy the right size cover as you dont want a body pillow cover to be too loose. You will also want to make sure the body pillow case is longer than the body pillow to provide nice coverage and comfort.
Because body pillows do not typically have a high thread count luxury fabric you will want to consider adding a body pillowcase to provide a smoother fabric and better experience. A body pillow cover usually has a zipper which closes on one of the smaller ends. A body pillow case usually has a higher thread count and can be easily removed for washing.
When it is time to purchase a body pillow you will want to make sure that you use a protective cover and wash it with your normal linen washing cycles perhaps about once a month. Most body pillows can be machine washed and dried usually at home. Washing your body pillow cover is faster, cheaper and more eco friendly compared to washing the whole pillow. Please note some novelty plush body pillows may shed in the washer/dryer so wash and dry on their own without other linens.
How To Use A Body Pillow
A body pillow is usually used between the sleepers legs to limit the amount of back pressure for the user. The exact position is similar to climbing a log where your legs are straddling the pillow. Sometimes sleepers like to position their body at an angle and this would only prop one leg on top of the pillow.
