Perfect fillers for your pillows and comforters

There is a range of choices for pillow and comforter fillers, from the traditional to the most high tech. Which is desired will depend on individual circumstances, of course. But those choices are always made more wisely when informed by a little knowledge.

Filling issues divide neatly into two closely related categories: material and geometry. But far from being a strenuous exercise in chemistry or math, learning about the different types can be fun and useful to anyone seeking the best in bedding.

Baffling and down used in comforters are a good illustration of the relationship between material and geometry. Natural goose down is often used in fine bed coverings. But it helps if the down is pocketed in tiny cells. That helps prevent it moving around and keeps it from being crushed so quickly.

Baffling is one very common way to do that.

Fabric 'walls' are sewn into the form of cells stuffed with down. That keeps the down from shifting or bunching, leading to less warmth and ruining the visual appeal of a good comforter. It allows the down to maximize loft, the ability of the down to fill the empty space.

The degree to which it can do that is known as the fill power, a number that ranges between 500-800. Anything greater than 625 is considered superior. The higher the number, in general, the greater the ability to insulate well and the greater the comfort or cushioning.

Sometimes, though, even cotton, wool or synthetic fibers can do a very good job both in pillows and comforters. When used in this way, it's called batting and having good batting is key to any comfortable, long lasting bedding. Good batting makes good bedding.

But which kind of cotton is used often makes the difference between so-so and superior. There's a reason, for example, that Egyptian cotton is so highly prized and praised. It has the longest staple - the length of an individual fiber - of any cotton in the world. As such, it provides the best strength and hence durability, along with the highest comfort.

Goose down is another popular filling for either application. Apart from the geometry we talked about above, the material itself has its own internal geometry and chemical properties that make it ideal for filling. It traps air within the feather that provides excellent natural insulation. That, combined with the 'walls' that form the space the air is trapped in, gives it staying power, as well.

Still, even modern materials like polyester and polyurethane can do a great job when they're well made. They have high strength and retain their resiliency for a long time. They shed water well and don't mildew.

So when you look for a quality pillow or comforter to complement and complete that bed set, don't neglect to investigate the filling. You don't have to be a scientist to appreciate what it can offer.