Description
How Full Is the Latex Chip Pillow?
Our Latex Chip Pillow is generously filled with shredded latex and designed to be adjustable. Because shredded latex is considerably heavier and denser than down, wool or polyester fill, it behaves very differently inside the pillow shell.
When lying flat with the fill evenly distributed, our Standard 20″ × 26″ pillow measures approximately 6″ high before compression.
That does not mean it behaves like a rigid 6″ foam pillow, however. The latex pieces are loose inside the zippered cotton shell, so the pillow compresses, contours and redistributes under the weight of your head.
We actually tested this to demonstrate how much the latex moves.
When the same Standard pillow was stood vertically on its 20″ end and held by the upper corners, gravity pulled all of the shredded latex toward the bottom. The accumulated fill measured approximately 9″ deep, while several inches of empty-looking shell appeared above it.
Nothing had been removed from the pillow. The exact same amount of latex was still inside — it had simply migrated downward and concentrated into a deeper mass at the bottom.
This is why shredded latex pillows can sometimes appear underfilled when they are picked up by one end or corner. The effect is even more noticeable with Queen and King pillows because the longer shell gives the latex more room to travel.
Once the pillow is laid flat again and the chips are redistributed, the fill spreads back through the shell.
Approximate Finished Weights
| Size | Face area | Finished weight | Weight per sq. ft. of face area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 20 × 26 | 520 sq in | 3.25 lb | 0.90 lb/sq ft |
| Queen 20 × 30 | 600 sq in | 3.75 lb | 0.90 lb/sq ft |
| King 20 × 36 | 720 sq in | 4.50 lb | 0.90 lb/sq ft |
These weights include both the shredded latex and cotton shell and may vary slightly from pillow to pillow.
For a little perspective on just how dense shredded latex is, a 1 lb refill bag measures approximately 15″ × 10.25″ × 7″ when tightly packed.
Why We Use a Generous Fill
When we originally introduced this pillow, we offered two fill options: Regular Fill and Extra Fill.
The Regular Fill version was intentionally loose, relaxed and highly mouldable. Over time, however, we found that many customers returned to purchase additional latex.
We therefore discontinued the lighter version and made the former Extra Fill version our standard.
This gives you plenty of fill to begin with while still allowing you to customise the pillow yourself.
Adjustable by Design
The zippered shell allows you to remove latex if you prefer a lower, softer or more mouldable pillow, or add additional fill if you prefer more loft and firmness.
In other words, the shell is intentionally roomy enough for the latex to move and redistribute. If it were packed so tightly that the fill could never shift, much of the adjustability and mouldability would be lost.
A Note About Comparing Pillow Fills
A shredded latex pillow cannot be judged by the same visual standard as a down, wool or synthetic pillow.
Each material has a very different weight, density and movement within the shell. Down is exceptionally light and tends to remain dispersed. Shredded latex is much heavier, so gravity causes it to settle quickly when the pillow is lifted vertically.
The amount of loose fabric visible when a pillow is held by one end is therefore not an accurate measure of how much latex is inside it.
About That Natural Latex Scent
Natural pillow fills can have their own characteristic scent when new, and latex is no exception.
You may notice a mild natural latex aroma when the pillow is first unpacked. This normally diminishes with exposure to fresh air.
If you are particularly sensitive to scent, we recommend allowing the pillow to air in a well-ventilated room before use.
🧼 Caring for Your Latex Chip Pillow
Latex is wonderfully durable, but it prefers a gentle approach to cleaning.
For Everyday Protection
Using a washable pillow protector is the easiest way to keep the pillow itself clean and reduce the need for washing.
Spot Cleaning
For small spills, stains, or the occasional drool mark:
- Mix a few drops of mild laundry detergent with warm water.
- Dampen a soft cloth and wring it out thoroughly.
- Gently blot the affected area.
- Use a second damp cloth to remove any remaining detergent.
Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach and strong chemicals
If More Thorough Cleaning Is Necessary
Use lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, twisting or wringing, which can damage the latex.
Drying
Latex should always be air dried thoroughly.
Lay it flat in a warm, shaded and well-ventilated area and allow plenty of time for moisture to escape.
Do not tumble dry, place directly against a heater or leave latex drying in strong direct sunlight. Excessive heat and UV exposure can shorten the life of natural latex.
One Last Tip
Give your pillow a good shake, knead or redistribution whenever you change your bedding. Because the latex chips are loose inside the shell, moving them around occasionally helps restore an even loft — and gives you another opportunity to adjust the pillow exactly the way you like it.