The picture I linked is of a buckwheat pillow. Had no idea they were a thing before today.
What about silk or bamboo pillow cases?
I've only ever really used cotton pillow cases and cotton stuffed pillows. I recently upgraded to a foam pillow that I'm enjoying.
Really all of them? Camel fur? Natural latex? Lyocell? Sheep wool? Pinus cembra shreds? Horse hair? Kapok?
All I want to say is: there is a whole world of relatively unknown pillow stuffings available. This is mostly useful for people with very particular requirements or allergies.
I tried all the regular ones (cotton, different grains, down feathers) plus camel fur, latex and Kapok. Latex was great, durability was mediocre compared to the price though. Kapok became flat pretty fast.
I arrived at the same conclusions as you did: shredded foam. I'd go with natural latex, which has about the same properties and can be manufactured in an eco-friendly, sustainable fashion, but that led to me spending $120 on a pillow that didn't last a third as long as a foam pillow for $22.
Edit: I'm also biased because I want my pillow to be washable. That helps with all kinds of allergies, plus the dirt you see coming out of the pillow... Jesus.
Yeah, latex is by far the best. True, it's expensive but definitely worth it! I've had mine for two years now I think and it's great, no issues whatsoever.
Well, my fav is Aloa Vera filling. But I didn't had much pillows to experience like you both.
Especially when being a guest, I don't know what kind of filling the pillow has.
See, that's what I wanted to say. I had no idea such a thing existed - you learn something new every day. From what I just read now it's a synthetic gel core with a polyester case that has somehow been coated with Aloe Vera extract?
Is that what you are referring to? If so, I'd definitely like to try the gel core, but I'm not at all convinced as far as the case is concerned - the coating would wash out anyway, and I hate Polyester with a passion.
Taking out the gel core and replacing the case with cotton or linen is something that would I try though.
No, the pillow says Aloa Vera Microfiber.
Edit: Ah fuck. I see that the filling is Polyester. It had a big writing on it with "Aloa Vera Microfiber Pillow"... but thats only whats covering the Polyester...
I guess I like it simple and flat?
You'll be even more disappointed when you find out that "Aloe Vera Microfiber" is indeed coated polyester, with a few percent of Aloe Vera extract:
https://www.comatex.cz/en/fabrics/aloe-vera-microfiber-fabric/
http://www.azyhometextile.com/sale-polyester-peach-skin-aloe-vera-microfiber-fabrics-57485532.html
Honestl, I'm equally disappointed - I was keen to learn about a previously unknown fiber.
Have you looked into mattress materials, too? I bought a latex mattress a few years ago, which is pretty good and should last, but I've always been curious about other options.