The beauty and comfort of a home depend not only on high-quality repairs and stylish furniture; often even a small trinket can bring freshness and originality to the interior of any home.
The most popular home accessories are pillows, which can be used not only for sleeping, but also for decorating sofas, chairs, and beds. Cushions for sun loungers are very popular among women; they are not only a decoration for relaxation areas, but also a source of comfort.
The only unpleasant moment in the case of pillows may be their price, but here you can use your skills and sew a pillow yourself.
What is a polyurethane foam pillow?
Polyurethane is obtained by mixing two liquid polymers: a polyol and a polyisocyanate.
The result is foamed plastic, which is a material having different densities. Its structure consists of many cells filled with air. Polyurethane foam is an artificial material, so a pillow made from it is an unfavorable environment for dust mites. Manufacturers are constantly improving manufacturing technology, making it safe for human health. The composition of the mixtures is modified and the properties of polyurethane are improved. Under normal conditions, modern material does not emit harmful substances - this only happens during combustion at a temperature of 200°C.
Typical shape of a polyurethane foam (foam) pillow.
This is what the filling inside the pillow looks like.
Polyurethane foam used in pillows.
Foam cushions provide moderate support. Polyurethane models are not as elastic as Memory foam. They slightly follow the contours of the body, but do not have orthopedic properties.
Polyurethane pillows are mainly produced in a rectangular shape, sometimes with bolsters for effective support of the head and neck. They are very light and easy to care for.
Decor pillows
There are many ideas for original sofa cushion decor. This applies to both the shape of the pillows and the decorative design itself. In addition to the classic quadrangular, the most popular shapes are:
- cushion - classic sofa headrest;
- a circle consisting of sectors - such a pad can be made in the shape of a flower;
- letters – letter pillows are often used as a decorative element in a children’s room;
- heart - sewn either from one piece of fabric, cut into two sectors, or from two or more types of fabric of different colors;
- other figures are pads in the form of flowers, animals, and other silhouettes.
When sewing, you can use either one type of fabric or combine several different colors or types of material. “Patchwork” pillowcases made from triangles or squares of different colors sewn together look impressive.
Pillows made from pieces of fabric look original.
When choosing decorative elements, you need to take into account the overall design and purpose of the pillow. For example, a bolster that will be used as an armrest or headrest on a sofa should not be overloaded with decor.
In some cases, the pillow should not be overloaded with decor.
Pillows that do not have a practical function can be decorated more boldly by using suitable elements - buttons, decorative appliqués, lace.
If you do not plan to lie on the pillow, it can be decorated with buttons or other voluminous decor.
How it feels
Model Noble Bliss L, the filler is placed in an additional inner case.
Whoever purchases a polyurethane pillow for the first time will find it a little hard and uncomfortable, especially if you are used to down models. Yes, the feeling is not entirely comfortable. If you lie on the pillow for a while, it will warm up and become more pliable and elastic.
Under the influence of heat and body weight, the pillow slightly changes its shape and repeats the anatomical features. The pressure is gradually redistributed evenly. The pillow properly supports the upper spine. There is no feeling of excessive rigidity, but the head does not fall in. The pillow has excellent springiness because the filler contains a large number of air bubbles.
The polyurethane foam pillow immediately returns to its original shape after use.
Consumers often smell a specific smell emanating from a new product. The porous structure of the material retains chemical vapors, but do not panic, the smell gradually disappears. After one or two weeks you won't feel it.
How to choose a shape for a future pillow
Not only its beauty and originality, but also its practicality depend on the shape of the pillow; in order to choose the right shape, it is worth considering the following points:
- pillows that are planned to be used as accessories can be sewn in the shape of a rhombus, heart, triangle, flower, etc., then they will look beautiful and give the interior a special coziness;
- if the pads are needed in order to use them to increase the comfort of hard furniture, you should start sewing with a cover, the dimensions of which must correspond to the parameters of the surface of the piece of furniture for which the accessory is being sewn;
- It is better to make accessories in the form of pillows fluffy (stuffed), because a flat decoration will not look impressive;
- for furniture it is better to sew flat pillows, they will be more comfortable and will not slip out from under the person sitting;
- You should not use pillows of geometric and delicate shapes on one piece of furniture, they will look disharmonious.
Who exactly suits and who doesn’t suit
A polyurethane pillow can be used by everyone; there are no strict restrictions. It is definitely suitable for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. Dust mites do not develop in artificial filler and dust does not accumulate.
They are not suitable for people who, according to doctors' recommendations, should sleep on orthopedic products. Foam pillows without memory effect do not have a therapeutic effect. And although they have certain anatomical properties, they are not orthopedic; they are not suitable for consumers suffering from pain in the neck and shoulder girdle.
The polyurethane pillow absorbs moisture like a sponge. Human sweat freely penetrates into the pores of the material and is retained in it for a long time. Due to their low hygroscopicity, foam pillows are not recommended for people with excessive sweating.
What you need to make a foam pillow
To make a foam pillow, you will need:
- Tools - sharp scissors for cutting and trimming threads, pins for attaching the pattern and workpiece parts, a needle. If you have a sewing machine, the best solution would be to sew with it. When sewing by hand, special attention must be paid to the strength of the seams.
- Materials - threads, foam rubber for stuffing, fabric for covers and decorative pillowcases, thick paper for patterns.
You will need a sewing machine, thread and other materials and tools.
Important! It is not recommended to use too thick threads, as this will make the seams rough and too noticeable. And the use of thick threads will not affect the strength of the seam.
There is no need to use threads that are too thick.
The choice of fabric directly depends on the application of the item. If you plan to use it for practical purposes - sitting, lying down, then the fabric should be chosen that is durable and abrasion-resistant. Any material that is used for upholstery will do.
For pillows that will be used for lying down, use a durable fabric.
For decorative items there is more freedom in choice. You can sew decorative pillows from any suitable material that can hold its shape for a long time and matches the chosen design.
For decorative pillows, you can use any beautiful material.
Customer reviews: advantages and disadvantages
- Hypoallergenic. The material does not attract household mites, and mold and mildew do not appear in it.
- Elasticity. Good support for the upper spine.
- Easy to care for. It is allowed to wash even in an automatic machine.
- Long service life. With high-quality care and compliance with operating rules, they retain their properties for 4-5 years.
- Affordable price. Most models are inexpensive.
- They do not allow air to pass through well enough and get a little warm from human heat.
- Absorb moisture and retain it for a long time.
- Some consumers feel uncomfortable. Foam becomes harder as the room temperature decreases. After contact with the body, it warms up and noticeably softens.
- Presence of industrial smell. By weathering, it ceases to be felt.
Rating of the TOP 5 best foam pillows
Sleep Philosophy Contour Junior 7-18 years old
5.0 Rating
Type: classic Size: 30 × 50 cm Filling: polyurethane foam 100%
Cover material: cotton jersey Support level: medium Height: 8 cm, 10 cm
The pillow is intended mainly for teenagers. The removable white cover is made of cotton jersey. It is decorated with blue edging. The material breathes well, washes well, and dries quickly. The model perfectly supports the head and neck during sleep. Recommended for children to prevent osteochondrosis. The pillow is safe for health and does not cause allergies. At first it may feel hard and uncomfortable, but gradually such sensations disappear.
Brener Eco Green
4.9 Rating
Type: classic Size: 35 × 45 cm Filling: polyurethane foam 100%
Cover material: 100% cotton Support level: medium Height: 9.5 cm, 12 cm
A pillow with an EcoGreen surface has a relief structure. Thanks to it, the product under your head feels much softer and more comfortable, creating optimal support. The textured surface produces a massage effect, making the skin elastic, healthy and accelerating metabolic processes. The removable cover is made of cotton and is perfectly breathable.
You may experience a specific odor from polyurethane. Over time, it ceases to be felt.
Sleep Story
4.5 Rating
Type: classic Size: 30 × 50 cm Filling: polyurethane foam 100%
Cover material: jersey Support level: medium Height: 8 cm, 11 cm
The polyurethane foam pillow has two bolsters of different heights - 8 and 11 cm. They improve support for the neck and head while resting. The small cushion is comfortable for sleeping on your back. The large bolster provides good support when sleeping on your side. The pillow holds its shape and does not sag. The white model is decorated with dark edging. The pillow is a little hard, it takes some getting used to.
Dargez Tahiti
4.3 Rating
Type: classic Size: 30 × 50 cm Filling: 100% polyurethane foam Cover material: polyester
Cover fabric: microfiber Support level: medium Height: 13 cm
An ergonomically shaped pillow creates optimal support for the cervical vertebrae and head, relaxes muscles, and prevents spinal diseases. The removable white cover can withstand repeated washing. Microfiber fabric is pleasant to the touch. Consumers are not satisfied with the non-standard size of the pillow.
Darwin Life 2.0
4.2 Rating
Type: classic Size: 40 × 60 cm Filling: polyurethane foam 70%, synthetic down 30% Cover material: thin knitwear
Cover fabric: premium jersey Support level: medium Height: 16 cm
The ergonomically shaped pillow is comfortable for side and back sleepers. The outer cover is made of white jersey and is pleasant to the touch. It is decorated with crimson edging along the perimeter. The pillow provides good support during sleep and immediately restores its original shape. Synthetic fluff softens the model and makes it more voluminous. Disadvantages include the pillow's quick wrinkleability.
How to make a foam pillow with your own hands?
The step-by-step process of sewing a pillow is as follows:
- Preparing a pattern - you can make it yourself or use ready-made patterns from the Internet. Be sure to leave a seam allowance of at least 1.5 cm.
- Cut out the fabric for the cover and decorative pillowcase. The cutting process directly depends on the shape of the product. For example, for a roller, you should separately cut out a large flap for the main part and 2 small ones for the end parts. For a round pillow, two large circles of fabric with seam allowances are enough. If you plan to sew a circle consisting of segments, you need to cut out the required number of fabric triangles, which will then be sewn together.
- Directly sewing a cover, or, if it is not used, immediately a decorative pillowcase. To prevent the filler from coming out, the seams must be strong and reliable.
- Stuffing – the comfort of using the pillow depends on this stage. To prevent the foam from clumping inside, it is laid gradually, starting from the bottom. If sheet foam rubber is used, you need to fold the sheet 3 or 4 times and cut the blank to the shape of the future pad. After stuffing, it is recommended to check how comfortable it is on the pillow and remove excess.
Note! There is also an adhesive method for attaching foam rubber to a pillowcase. With this method, sheet foam rubber is laid directly on the cut fabric and secured in the middle with a glue gun. The cover is then sewn together. When using this method, the stuffing will bunch up less, and the item will retain its shape longer.
With the adhesive fastening method, the pillow retains its shape longer.
Prices: summary comparison table
| Pillow name | Characteristics | price, rub. | |||
| Size | Filler | Case material | Degree of support | ||
| Sleep Philosophy Contour Junior 7-18 years old | 30 × 50 × 8/10 cm | polyurethane foam 100% | cotton jersey | average | 2 588 |
| Brener Eco Green | 35 × 45 × 9.5/12 cm | polyurethane foam 100% | cotton 100% | average | 1 610 |
| Sleep Story | 30 × 50 × 8/11 cm | polyurethane foam 100% | knitwear | average | 1 905 |
| Dargez Tahiti | 30 × 50 × 13 cm | polyurethane foam 100% | polyester, microfiber fabric | average | 1 098 |
| Darwin Life 2.0 | 40 × 60 × 16 cm | polyurethane foam 70%, synthetic fluff 30% | thin knitwear, fabric – premium knitwear | average | 2 490 |
Washing and care
The porous structure of polyurethane is sensitive to mechanical stress. If handled carelessly, foam rubber can simply rip and lose its original volume. Dust accumulates in the numerous pores of the product over time. If you do not clean it, you can cause serious harm to your health.
To avoid damaging your polyurethane pillow, follow a number of rules:
- It can be washed either manually or in an automatic machine.
- The water should be warm, no more than 40°C.
- It is advisable to put a special case on the product.
- It is necessary to set the delicate wash mode.
- The number of revolutions during spinning is no more than 600-800.
- It is prohibited to bend, wrinkle, or twist the product.
- After washing, you need to place the pillow on a towel.
Use only liquid gels. Rinse the pillow well so that no product residue remains in the pores. Models that are too voluminous are best washed by hand.
Polyurethane foam pillows provide good support for the head and neck during sleep. To some extent they contribute to the prevention of osteochondrosis, but are not characterized by orthopedic properties. With proper use and careful care, foam pillows do not lose their shape and last a long time. They are hypoallergenic and safe for human health.
Rules for sewing a cushion for a sofa
When planning to sew your own cushion or cushion for a sofa, you need to remember a number of simple rules:
- Use a pattern to avoid wastage of fabric or other errors in calculations when cutting. If, if you have experience in sewing, a simple quadrangular “dumka” can be sewn by eye, then when sewing pads of complex shapes (letters, hearts), a pattern is required.
- In order for the pillow to keep its shape for as long as possible, it is advisable to sew an inner cover - a pillowcase or filling. This rule is especially true for foam pillows, since this material easily gets knocked down and clumps.
- Use only high-quality materials - strong, reliable threads, soft and non-clumping foam, fabric that can hold its shape.
The pillow should be sewn according to certain rules.
Note! There are many types of foam rubber available, which vary in degree of softness. In your work, it is advisable to use material marked “supersoft” or “soft”. As a rule, such filler is available in craft stores.
It is better to use soft filler.
