Why Are Pillows So Expensive? (Find Out Now!)
Pillows come in all shapes and sizes. Some are for comfort; others are for aesthetics. They go on your bed, on the couch, on your patio furniture, and can even travel with you on the road. No matter the type of pillow you need for your home, it’s important to know how much they cost and what exactly you’re paying for.
Pillows are available at nearly every price point. Some can be as low as $10 or less while others will climb upwards of $1,000. There are many factors that will impact this cost, including the type and overall quality of the pillow, the pillow materials, the brand of pillow, and more.
Like we said, pillows can basically cost anything, depending on what type you get. We’re going to be talking about the options that lie in the average range of about $20 to $250. Let’s take a closer look at each of the factors that impact the cost, so you can choose the best type of pillow for any room in and around your home.
Types of Pillows
First a foremost, the type of pillow you get is going to have the biggest impact on how much it costs. There are plenty of options from which you can choose depending on where you want to put the pillows as well as any other personal preferences you may have. As with any product, you’ll be able to find options that are incredibly cheap and very expensive. Here are some of the most common types.
Decorative Pillows
People use throw pillows to decorate various rooms in a house. These decorative pillows tend to be among the most expensive options on the market even though they’re often some of the smallest.
This is because they are made in a special way and often use some of the highest-quality materials such as leather, sheepskin, and silk. That said, there are more cost-effective options that are made from cotton or faux fur.
These types of pillows are also usually more intricate in terms of design, which will cost more to manufacture. They’ll cost even more if they’re made by famous designers, or if you get them at smaller boutique stores.
Bed Pillows
When you think of pillows, these are probably the first type you think about. These are the pillows you use on your bed to sleep comfortably at night. There are countless options from which you can choose depending on your personal preferences in terms of softness, firmness, size, and more. We’ll talk more about common materials below.
Body Pillows
On top of having a pillow for your head, you can also use a body pillow to sleep more comfortably. This is especially helpful if you sleep on your side. Some of these pillows will be curved to fit your body shape while others are simply meant for extra support. They’re also very helpful for people that are used to sleeping with someone else in the bed.
Patio Pillows
Outdoor pillows are usually either waterproof or water-resistant, mold- and mildew-resistant, and fade-proof. This makes them able to survive longer periods of time outside. That said, these should still be moved indoors if bad weather is on the way.
Travel Pillows
As the name suggests, travel pillows go on the road with you. They’re ideal for long flights, train rides, car rides, or anything in between. These pillows are designed to be small enough to be convenient to travel with while also offering enough comfort for sleeping on the road (or in the sky).
Inner Materials for Pillows
When talking about pillow materials, it’s important to think about what’s on the inside and the outside cover, too. That said, the inner material is what matters the most. When it comes to that material, there are plenty of options from which you can choose. Here are some of the most popular options.
Feather (Down) Pillows
Typically, feather pillows range from $20 to $70. These are among the most popular and comfortable pillows on the market. However, they can pose issues for people with allergies unless specifically labeled as “allergy-free.”
Down pillows are much softer than other materials, so they can be maneuvered to provide different levels of support They also will provide insulating warmth during the wintertime. In more good news, they tend to last longer than their synthetic counterparts, too.
Foam Pillows
Basic polyurethane pillows cost between $30 and $75 on average. It’s one of the most widely used materials in bedding, including pillows. It is highly supportive and usually comes in a wide range of firmness ratings. Plus, they’ll help keep you cooler as you sleep.
On the downside, it’s not as durable as memory foam and doesn’t completely eliminate motion transfer like memory foam does. That said, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for a similar fit without paying as much.
Gel Pillows
If you’re planning on getting a gel pillow, you can expect to pay around $20 to $60. These pillows are made from poly fiber or shredded memory foam, which allows them to scrunch into different shapes for better pliability. Gel pillows are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for every home.
Latex Pillows
Latex pillows are made from dense materials that provide great support. It’s impression-resistant, which means it can hold its shape for years while still feeling soft and comfortable. Usually, they cost between $40 to $80, making them a great middle-of-the-ground option in terms of price.
Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows range in price from $50 to $150 on average. They’ve become one of the most common materials for pillows due to its pressure relief capabilities. Memory foam conforms to your specific body and offers superior motion isolation. The main benefit of these pillows is they are comfortable while still being incredibly firm. On the downside, they’re a bit more expensive than other options.
Polyester Pillows
On average, you can expect to pay between $10 to $60 for these synthetic pillows. They’re cost-effective and comfortable, which makes them a popular choice. Though they are affordable, they don’t last that long. They’ll get lumpy and flat over time, so you’ll have to replace them more often.
Poly-Cluster Fill Pillows
These types of pillows feel similar to feather pillows, but they are made with synthetic materials like polyester and silicon. Poly-cluster fill pillows offer a great deal of support and are a great option for people with allergies. To top it off, they’re not nearly as expensive as real down pillows, typically ranging from $10 to $50.
Outer Pillow Cover
The pillow cover will also have an impact on the cost of the pillow and its comfort level, too. Pillows will also have an outer cover, and that material will impact the overall cost of the pillow itself. Some of the most common materials for pillow covers include.
- Bamboo Raylon
- Cotton
- Fleece
- Linen
- Microfiber
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Silk
- Wool
Pillow Brands
It should come as no surprise that branding makes a big difference when it comes to the pricing of different pillows. Well-known companies will have better reviews and more brand recognition, which gives them the opportunity to price their products at a higher rate. This is especially true for products like pillows because there are so many brands available. Some of the most popular include…
- Amerisleep
- Boil & Branch
- Brooklinen
- Casper
- Layla
- Pluto
- Saatva
- Tempur-Pedic
…and more!
Related Questions
What is the best type of pillow?
There are plenty of comfortable pillows out there, but down pillows are known to be the most comfortable. You can mold types of pillows into any comfortable shape based on your specific wants and needs. However, they are not as firm as other options, so they may not be as ideal for chronic pain or consistent support.
What are the best types of pillows for body pain?
If you experience neck, shoulder, or back pain, it’s important to have a pillow that is firm while still feeling comfortable. Many people have agreed that the best types of pillows for this purpose are memory foam or latex pillows.
Can you wash and dry pillows?
Yes, but it’s important to follow specific directions based on what type of pillow you have. For down pillows, you should use cool water and mild detergent in the washing machine and dry on a low heat. You can put polyester pillows in the washer, and you can use warm water on a gentle cycle with very little detergent.When it comes to memory foam and latex pillows, you should hand-wash them with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Then, leave them out to air dry.
Make an Informed Decision on Your Next Pillow Purchase
Choosing the right pillows for your bedroom, living room, patio, and everywhere in between ultimately comes down to your own personal preferences. That said, it is helpful to know how much every pillow will cost you. Overall prices are going to depend on where you buy them and what type you need. Hopefully, you now have a better general idea, so you can make an educated purchase for yourself.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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