A beautiful cover without the right filling is only half the job. The right cushion filling determines how full, firm and durable your cushion feels. Whether you are looking for a 40x40 cushion insert, refill filling for a sofa cushion or natural pillow filling for your sleeping pillow, always start with how you plan to use it. That makes choosing a lot easier.
Start with how you use your cushion
Not every type of cushion filling does the same job. For a decorative cushion, you mainly want volume, softness and a good shape. Loose polyester cushion filling often works well for this. This polyester cushion filling, also known as siliconised hollow fibre or fibre-fill cushion filling, feels light and airy and quickly helps a cushion look full again.
Are you looking for sofa cushion filling or filling for back cushions? Then you will usually want more resilience. Foam flakes, polyether foam or cold foam provide more support than pure fibre filling. For seat cushions, this is often the smarter choice because the cushion is less likely to sag. With intensive use, solid foam filling or made-to-measure cushion filling is usually the most durable option.
For lounge set cushion filling or other outdoor cushions, there is another factor to consider: moisture and drying time. Choose materials that are better suited to outdoor use or combine the filling with a suitable outdoor cover. Want to fill a sleeping pillow? Then it is all about finding the right balance between softness, support and ventilation. As a starting point, take a look at our range of pillows. At Cloudpillo, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all. An adjustable pillow is a smart choice because you can adapt the amount of filling to your sleeping position and preferences. If you prefer memory foam, take a look at our memory foam pillow.
What types of cushion filling are available?
- Polyester fibre filling - lightweight, affordable and popular as an inner filling for decorative cushions.
- Kapok filling - a natural cushion filling that feels airy and helps regulate moisture. Popular for kapok pillows.
- Foam flakes - firmer than fibre filling and suitable for sofa cushions or fuller back cushions.
- Made-to-measure cold foam or polyether foam - suitable for seat cushions, boat cushions and cushions that are used intensively.
- EPS beads - particularly useful for bean bags and some larger lounge cushions.
- Buckwheat hulls - mainly used as buckwheat pillow filling for sleeping pillows with a firm, mouldable feel.
Looking to buy cushion filling? Do not focus solely on the lowest price. Cheap cushion filling can be perfectly suitable for a decorative cushion that mainly needs to look good, but for a sofa, lounge set or sleeping pillow, a more durable filling will usually pay off quickly. This prevents your cushion from turning into a limp bundle of fabric after a short time. Are you sensitive to certain fillings or dust mites? Read more about a hypoallergenic pillow.
Pay attention to size, shape and the amount of filling
Many people search directly by size, such as 40x40 cushion filling, 45x45 cushion filling, 50x50 cushion filling, 30x50 cushion filling, 40x60 cushion filling or 60x60 cushion filling. That makes sense, because the size determines how full and neat your cover looks. If you are looking for a 45x45 or 50x50 cushion insert, you can often choose an inner cushion that is slightly larger than the cover for a fuller appearance.
For example, a 50x50 cover often looks better with a 55x55 cushion insert, provided the fabric and zip allow for it. If you want to restore volume to a sagging cushion, simply adding refill filling may be enough. If the core is genuinely worn out, new cushion filling or made-to-measure cushion filling is usually the better choice. For sleeping pillows, height (loft) also plays an important role in comfort; see our guide to choosing a high or low pillow for practical advice.
Frequently asked questions about cushion filling
What is the filling inside a cushion called?
That depends on the type of cushion. Common names include polyester fibre filling, siliconised hollow fibre, kapok, foam flakes, cold foam and EPS beads. For sleeping pillows, you will also come across down, memory foam and buckwheat hulls.
What is the best cushion filling for seat cushions?
For seat cushions, firm filling usually works best. Good options include cold foam, polyether foam or firm foam flakes. Loose polyester filling is softer but tends to compress more quickly when sat on every day. For both comfort and shape retention, solid foam filling is often the safest choice.
Can I refill garden cushions?
Yes, you can. Cushions with removable covers can often be refilled quite easily. However, check whether the old filling is still fresh and retains its shape. For heavily worn cushions, new outdoor cushion filling or an entirely new cushion insert is usually a smarter choice than simply adding more filling.
What does density mean for cold foam or polyether foam?
Density, expressed in kg/m³, indicates how much material is used in the foam per cubic metre. In general, the higher the density, the more durable the filling. Keep in mind that density does not automatically tell you how firm or soft a cushion feels.
So the smartest choice is simple: volume for decorative cushions, firmness for sofa and seat cushions, and personalised adjustability for sleeping pillows. Choose based on how you will use the cushion, and you will almost always make the right choice. Want to see all the factors for choosing your pillow in one place? Take a look at our guide to buying the best pillow.
