The Unofficial Memory Foam/Visco Elastic/NASA Pillow Thread

[slaman]

Ok, I woke up again this morning with a sore upper back. I NEED a new pillow. But I don't have a permanent address or credit card (yet) to order the thing from eBay. I don't want to spend $100 at Bed N Bath and I don't want a cheap-o one. I'm stuck heh. Maybe I should tell my parents to mail my pillow over.

 

[jamautosound]

Quote

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Originally posted by: Bobomatic
After sleeping on the one from costco I have to say that it is a little stiff for me. I like fluffy-type pillows. Its seems like it was designed for someone that has a heavy head. Maybe I will attach some weights to my head...
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Dammit, I was in denial until I read this!

Well, I think I'm gonna return this to costco and get something else.

 

[Atrac]

Originally posted by: jamautosound
Quote

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Originally posted by: Bobomatic
After sleeping on the one from costco I have to say that it is a little stiff for me. I like fluffy-type pillows. Its seems like it was designed for someone that has a heavy head. Maybe I will attach some weights to my head...
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Dammit, I was in denial until I read this!

Well, I think I'm gonna return this to costco and get something else.

It's good that we're getting reviews of pillows in here. It seems like the decision on the Costco one is pretty split right now. You either love it or hate it I guess (kind of like the movie "Mulholland Drive.") I haven't been able to touch it since I don't belong to Costco, so you all are on your own on that one.

Personally I think you two should check out The Perfect Pillow at Linens N Things. Unless anyone that has purchased it can give a different opinion?

 

[Bobomatic]

***OFFICIAL*** I AM AN IDIOT POST

I now realize why the pillow from costco was so stiff. It is because I was using a pillow case. This did not allow the heat to "soften" the pillow. when I took off my pillow case and just used the one that it came with, my head sunk into it. It was pretty comfortable with out the pillowcase on, and I will see what it is like sleeping with it like taht for one night.

 

[slaman]

Anyone with a Costco card in Sunnyvale, CA want to help me out and buy a pillow for me? I don't have membership.

 

[HBDogg]

Just went to Linens N Things and bought the perfect pillow. Liked the feel better than the Homedics one they had there. Everyones pretty right about the smell, to me it smells like when you're approaching the coffee/drink section of a 7-11 store...very odd. :Q When I test it out I will let everyone know my opinion. I am a heavier guy so my head weighs a ton and I also toss and turn like no other (I usually lose 1-2 pillows to the ground by the time I wake up), so I am hoping this calms that down a little bit. On a side note, there was a $5 off any $15 or more purchase coupon in the mail today, so if you use the 20% coupon, you get $10 off the perfect pillow ($39.93 instead of $49.99) and then $5 off the entire purchase. So you're looking at about $35 total for the pillow

 

[Atrac]

Good deal HBDogg! I'm surprised that they let you use two coupons at the same time, but hey every little bit helps!

Definately give us a report on how you like the pillow. Other than eBay that's the one I've been pushing the most (since I don't belong to Costco) so I'd like to know if I'm doing the pillow justice.

Coupons...definately a good reason to get on every store's mailing list!

Incidentally, those asking about Buckwheat Husk Pillows, there is this one at Fry's (of all places) for $9.99:

Personal Best PW-200 Buckwheat Bed Pillow

This is the pillow that I used for about 3 years before moving on to Memory Foam. They don't have a picture of it, but it looks like a standard pillow and there's a drawstring that allows you to make a little contour out of a 3rd of the pillow.

 

[2Crucial]

atrac, thanks for addressing the non-memory foam pillows. i'm looking on ebay for a pillow and have a quick question:

is sobakawa to buckwheat hulls the same as tempur-pedic to memory foam?

thanks a lot everyone!

 

[Atrac]

I can safely say that the Sobakawa Pillow is pretty much a "name" version of the Buckwheat Husk pillow with no real difference. I originally ordered the Sobakawa from HSN years ago. Then the pillowcase wore out so I found the Fry's pillow. I didn't notice any difference. Basically, Buckwheat Husk is the same no matter how you package it. So you're pretty safe on anything you order. Just make sure it includes its own pillowcase. They are smaller than normal pillows and the pillow cover eventually disappearing in the washer was the only reason why I bought a new pillow, since it cost like $11.99 for a replacement case vs. just spending $9.99 for a whole new pillow...just not the "Brand" name.

I have to say though that my cats don't like the buckwheat husk pillows. I put them on the floor at night for them to sleep on and they end up lying next to them or avoid them completely. Tough crowd!

In terms of memory foam pillows though, there is a big difference depending on the brand.

And now for the winner of the "Most Inexpensive Memory Foam Pillow on the Web" (drumroll please...)

Dreamshape Thermolux Pillow

I've done some research and this is a pillow from The Carpenter Company. We of course now know them as the manufacturer of Isotonic Pillows (the runner-up to Tempur-Pedic) and "The Perfect Pillow." From what I have found, this is a 3lb Density Pillow (aka Low Density). So it would be lighter and have a faster springback time. It's the cheapest Memory Pillow I've seen anywhere. I have never ordered from this company (Camping World), but I do know that this pillow is not really a "camping" pillow per se. In addition to it being from Carpenter, I like the fact that it is 100% Visco-Elastic and not just "topped" with it like Carpenter's own (and more expensive) Dreamcoil at LNT. And it even comes with a Cotton/Poly cover. I also checked and Ground Shipping is an incredibly reasonable $1.00!!!

Just thought I would ad this pillow to "the list" and give it an award for being so inexpensive. Keep in mind since it is most likely Low Density, it's *not* going to be a Tempur-Pedic clone. Unfortunately I don't have the budget to order it just to try it out, so I'm not really recommending it. But if anyone is adventurous and ends up getting it, please let us know how it is.

 

[HBDogg]

/me stretches. Morning everyone! First night with the new "Perfect Pillow" from LNT and it seems all is pretty well so far. I have to say I didn't toss and turn much last night compared to my normal sleeping habits, which is a good thing. My neck is a little bit sore, but I do believe that's to be expected until you get really used to these types of pillows. I did however have another pillow slightly underneath the perfect pillow, so the next time I will try using just the pillow alone. This coupled with my satin pillow cases and I have a really comfy sleep

 

[Atrac]

A couple of tidbits:

I went to The Sharper Image today and checked out their $49.99 Memory Foam Pillow. I'd have to say it's pretty close to the Tempur-Pedic. It looks almost identical and has a nice, dense feel to it....maybe just slightly less dense than the original Tempur-Pedic. I looked for a manufacturer tag on the display, but all it had was a tiny label that says "The Sharper Image" and "Made in Korea." I don't know if that refers to the pillow or the cover (probably the cover). They didn't have any in stock to tell me anything else. I do think this one may be a great option for those who don't want to deal with eBay or spend $99 at Brookstone. I'm still shocked that they only charge $49.99 for it. They definately are trying to steal business away from Brookstone! heh heh

Also, I went into JCPenney and saw something quite interesting. JCPenney just started selling Isotonic Pillows under their own brand name! They normally sold Isotonic Pillows from their Website only, but now it looks like they've moved them into the stores. Their new bedroom line is called "Comfort Zone." This pillow is the same size and shape as the Isotonic Pillow. It even says "Carpenter Company" on it. The only difference between the new JCPenney Comfort Zone and the normal Isotonic is this one has a smooth bottom, while the Isotonic has a ribbed bottom. The best part is the normal price is $59.99, but it's currently on sale for $39.99! Like I've said numerous times, the Isotonic in my opinion is the runner up to the Tempur-Pedic Pillow. So for $39.99, it's a great deal...and you don't have to deal with eBay and shipping costs. I talked with the sales associate and they *just* started getting them in, so hopefully your local store will have them in stock.

On a sidenote, the saleslady said they are also going to get in Mattress Pads made of the same material. It includes a mattress pad cover (which is very nice). She said the Queen one will sell for $79.99. For that price with the cover included, that blows away the eBay ones also made of Isotonic.

JCPenney is my new friend.

 

[frugal1]

Thanks for the fun and informative thread, Atrac!
When I got married several years ago, I gave up my beloved waterbed because my wife didn't like it. We narrowed our choices to either the Select Comfort or the Tempurpedic. We chose Tempurpedic, and I think now I wish we would have done the Air Bed. Then I could be choosing my own "sleep number" now. I am finding that the foam is a bit firm for me. Oh, this fits into this thread because I told them we would buy the bed if they threw in 2 free Tempurpedic pillows. They did. We bought. So, if you want 2 free pillows, buy the bed!
I think it all boils down to personal preference. Some like hard, some like soft, etc...
And thank you to whoever said not to put a pillow case on the Tempurpedic, I will try that tonight. And maybe I shouldn't put sheets on the bed, either? (Yeah, try convincing the wife of that!)

 

[clarkmo]

Well, Atrac, just to let you know. That Camping store with the econimical visco-elastic pillow ($14.99) also has a queen size 1 1/2 "visco-elastic topper for $34.97 !
I am going to bed now, trying to talk myself out of spending more money. Link.

 

[Atrac]

Actually I did see that Queen Memory Foam Mattress. I considered it, but I remember seeing Dreamshape Thermolux Foam going on eBay for around $25 or so. It's apparently only 3lb density, which I think for your whole body is probably not enough.

Although I will say that the reviews listed by the customer are pretty glowing....so who knows?

Thanks for pointing it out though, clarkmo! (Wow, that rhymed).

 

[Bobomatic]

What are the temperpudic pillows made out of? and how is the density measured(obviuosly by lbs. but how mych of the pillow?)?

 

[Atrac]

Apparently density is measured lbs per Cubic Foot. Tempur-Pedic is approximately 5lbs per Cubic Foot and Isotonic is approx 4 lbs per Cubic Foot.

Tempur-Pedic is made by a specially formulated Polyurethane Foam. The ingredients are not known except by the company. I read in their literature that they had the choice of patenting it or keeping it a trade secret. Since if they patent it they'd have to divulge the exact content of the foam and manufacturering procedure, they chose to keep it a secret instead.

Check out this page for a good FAQ on Memory Foam. It basically highlights Isotonic, but they cover Tempur-Pedic as well. Note that it relates more to Mattress Pads than Pillows.

Isotonic FAQ

If what the guy says is true, then Viscolux is basically Isotonic with a shorter warranty. Maybe that 14.99 pillow at the camping store is more like Isotonic than I had thought? Although all of these Carpenter Company terms (Viscolux, Thermolux, etc.) are starting to make my head spin! If only they had a better, more informative website.

 

[PlatinumGold]

I'm telling you guys. your all in it for all these hi tech materials when the best available is a low tech material.

Latex ROX for pillows, mattresses, mattress pads, etc. Find a local mattress store that carries latex mattresses and try them out.

pillows too.

 

[SpotDancer]

And now for the winner of the "Most Inexpensive Memory Foam Pillow on the Web" (drumroll please...)

Dreamshape Thermolux Pillow

I've done some research and this is a pillow from The Carpenter Company. We of course now know them as the manufacturer of Isotonic Pillows (the runner-up to Tempur-Pedic) and "The Perfect Pillow." From what I have found, this is a 3lb Density Pillow (aka Low Density). So it would be lighter and have a faster springback time. It's the cheapest Memory Pillow I've seen anywhere. I have never ordered from this company (Camping World), but I do know that this pillow is not really a "camping" pillow per se. In addition to it being from Carpenter, I like the fact that it is 100% Visco-Elastic and not just "topped" with it like Carpenter's own (and more expensive) Dreamcoil at LNT. And it even comes with a Cotton/Poly cover. I also checked and Ground Shipping is an incredibly reasonable $1.00!!!

Just thought I would ad this pillow to "the list" and give it an award for being so inexpensive. Keep in mind since it is most likely Low Density, it's *not* going to be a Tempur-Pedic clone. Unfortunately I don't have the budget to order it just to try it out, so I'm not really recommending it. But if anyone is adventurous and ends up getting it, please let us know how it is.[/quote]

Atrac.........Thanks for the post!......what timing for me with this!! And, I cannot believe how many people have responded to it - especially in such a positive manner. This is what threads should be..........people adding positive feedback, not thread-crapping.

I have been trying to find a nice foam-type pillow/seat cushon for my old leather chair. The foam in the seat has flattened and its hard as a rock. I figured getting a seatpad instead of a whole new chair would make a whole lotta sense, and viola! this thread pops up!!

I read this thread through and through, went to FleaBay to check things out over there but decided to give the "most inexpensive pillow" from Carpenter Company a shot. As you said it is made up entirely of visco-elastic foam and comes with a cotton/poly cover - for $14.99 and $1.00 shipping. Hell, I ordered two of 'em and the shipping was still $1.00 for a total of $30.98. This is at least $20 less than what you would find in FleaBay for O-N-E pillow! I figured since the pillow is only 3# density and could be "thin" I would, if necessary, just superglue two together and have a pillow with 6# density, and at an amazing price. Plus, the size of the pillow is 18x24 which makes it 4" - 6" longer than other pillows in the 18" dimension. It will fit my chair seat perfectly!

I expect it will take about a week for me to receive these pillows so if this thread is still alive I will post my feelings about them as soon as I get them. If the thread dies, and anyone is interested in what I think send me a pm, and I will respond to each one.

Thanks again for the post!

 

[scuzy]

i bought the perfect pillow from linen and things it's pretty nice pillow. i liek the spongy ness to the pilow. My wife tried it and she said it cause her ot have a neck ache so she gave it back to me. Man did i sleep good last night.

 

[HBDogg]

2nd night with the perfect pillow and happy to report no more neck ache! Rolled out of bed this morning and watched the pillow take 3-4 seconds to go back to its normal shape! Happy sleeping to everyone who buys any of these pillows!

 

[rthumper]

Hey Atrac,

Thanks for the great post, after reading your reviews, I went to Linen's N Things and bought one of the "Perfect Pillows." Been using it for almost a week now and have been sleeping better than ever, no more tossing and turning. Great post, Thanks!!

 

[Syclone]

On a similar subject, my Sam's Club has a temporary display of some "Boyds" matresses as you enter the door. I think they are only going to have them for a couple more days or so, but I'm wondering if anybody has had any experience with that brand?

They have either two or three models of the memory foam matresses, ranging from I think $699 to $899 for the queen. This is considerably cheaper than the Tempur-Pedic matresses as well as the other brands I've seen that have the memory foam on top of a regular matress. The warantee isn't as good, but I doubt that would make a difference to me (5 year full, with 20 additional years of 20% replacement value for a total of 25 years).

Just curious. My old softside water bed is getting a bit lumpy in the pillow top, and I'm pretty seriously considering getting one of these this weekend, but I'd never seen the brand before.

 

[Atrac]

Thanks for the recognition to everyone who's enjoying their "Perfect Pillow." I only wish I owned stock in Carpenter Company or LNT!

That Boyd's Mattress at Sam's sounds pretty nice. Dang I need to join them or Costco!

 

[ktg]

I bought a memory-foam pillow tonight at BJ's Wholesale Club, bearing the Sealy-Posturpedic brand name, for about $27. Haven't seen the more expensive pillows yet so can't say for sure if this is a high- or low-density foam. Has a slight smell, not offensive, and comes in a zippered cotton/terrycloth kind-of pillowcase, 18 inches x 24 inches x about 4 inches thick.

 

[zervun]

Originally posted by: Bobomatic
***OFFICIAL*** I AM AN IDIOT POST

I now realize why the pillow from costco was so stiff. It is because I was using a pillow case. This did not allow the heat to "soften" the pillow. when I took off my pillow case and just used the one that it came with, my head sunk into it. It was pretty comfortable with out the pillowcase on, and I will see what it is like sleeping with it like taht for one night.

I had the same problem (I used it with a 2nd pillowcase the first time), and after you wash the pillow case it comes with the 2nd time, the pillow is really soft and after a while in bed REALLY forms to your head. It seems like the more I use this pillow, the more I like it.

I don't know about anyone else, but this is a DAMN good pillow for the price at costco. The more you sleep on it the more you like it. I just wish it was a tad bit bigger as I am a big pillow man, but since I have had this pillow I have slept pretty damn well.

Also btw my tastes in pillows are fluffy and mushy, no flat carboard here.