In today's fast-paced life, throw pillows have become an indispensable "little joy" in the home. They're not just decorations on the sofa, but also comforting companions for afternoon naps and gentle hugs after a neckache. According to home furnishing market data, throw pillow sales are expected to increase by more than 15% year-on-year in 2025, with consumers increasingly demanding higher comfort and durability from their fillings. Choosing the right pillow filling can significantly impact sleep quality and lifespan, and a slight misstep can result in a substandard product that's "soft on the outside but stiff on the inside."

Throw Pillow Filling Comparison: Which is the "Best Partner"?

The soul of a throw pillow lies in its filling, which determines its softness, support, and breathability. The market offers a wide variety of pillow fillings, from affordable PP cotton to luxurious silk. How to choose? It depends on your needs: do you prioritize softness and skin-friendly feel, or do you value resilience and support? Below, we'll break down the mainstream fillings one by one.

PP Cotton: The Entry-Level "All-Purpose" and King of Cost-Effectiveness

PP cotton (polypropylene cotton) is the most common filling material in the throw pillow market, accounting for nearly 60% of the market share. Made of polyester fiber, it is lightweight, fluffy, and affordable. Its advantages are obvious: fast rebound, resistance to deformation, easy cleaning, and good breathability, preventing stuffiness and sweating. It is especially suitable for sofa cushions or children's pillows, as it doesn't easily collapse with daily use.

However, PP cotton is not perfect. Low-end products have insufficient filling density, which can easily cause clumping after prolonged use, reducing support. It is recommended to prioritize 7D high-count cotton versions when purchasing—D indicates fiber fineness; 7D fibers are finer, the filling is fuller, and the rebound rate is over 95%.

Sponge and Pearl Cotton: The Golden Partner of Support and Softness

If stronger cervical spine support is needed, sponge or pearl cotton is the best choice. Sponge filling is mostly high-density polyurethane foam, with excellent elasticity, which can evenly distribute pressure, much like a "memory curve."

Pearl cotton is even better; it's made of foamed polyethylene beads, and its granular structure ensures air circulation and prevents moisture and mildew.

Down and Silk: High-end Softness, the Favorite of the Luxury Lover

Seeking ultimate softness? Down and silk are the top choices for high-end users. Down filling is mainly made of goose and duck down, with a fill power of over 600, as light as a cloud, and excellent for winter warmth.

Silk scraps are even better, hailed as the "King of High-end Pillow Fillings." Made from refined mulberry silk waste, it's skin-friendly, breathable, moisture-wicking, and the finished product is as smooth as silk. The comfort of silk pillow fillings far surpasses that of cotton, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

Memory Foam and Latex: Technological Support, Health Guardians

With the rise of health awareness, memory foam and latex have become emerging favorites. Memory foam (slow rebound foam) deforms according to body temperature, perfectly conforming to the body's curves and relieving pressure points. Latex comes from rubber trees, is naturally antibacterial, and has good breathability, but the smell takes some getting used to; initially, it has a slight frankincense aroma.