Cushion and pillows have similar shapes and can sometimes be used in the same way, but how are these two items different?
We have delved deep to discover what the two words refer to and their etymology.
The term ‘cushion’ derives from the Latin word ‘coxinum’, which derives from ‘coxa’ (thigh), and therefore translates as a ‘cushion for sitting’ and is defined as follows by Collins dictionary: “a soft bag of cloth, leather, or rubber, filled with feathers, air, foam rubber, etc., on which to sit, kneel, or lie.”
The following clarification also appears: “A pillow is a bag or case filled with feathers, down, or other soft material, usually to support the head.”
This definition clearly explains the difference between the two terms: cushion and pillow refer to two different products, which despite both providing comfortable support, differ primarily in their use.
The pillow is used in bed; it is the type we use to rest our head and/or cheek, depending on our preferred sleeping position.
Cushions, on the other hand, are all the other types that satisfy either comfort or decorative needs, such as the ones propped against chairs, sofas or beds for furnishing purposes, which come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Sleeping pillows therefore fall into a category of their own that involves the use of various specific materials and production techniques. In fact, in addition to their different shapes and applications, the two objects also differ as far as the padding and external cover materials are concerned.
Nowadays, pillows are made from a wide range of materials in order to provide customized solutions, able to meet everyone’s different needs. In fact, pillow comfort is of the utmost importance as these needs tend to vary from person to person, thus finding the right degree of support is the key.
Finding the right pillow for your mattress is essential. If your spine is not adequately supported, this could cause your lumbar area to arch and lead to subsequent health risks. Somnium® is committed to satisfy the many habits and needs linked to our individual anatomical shape and tastes. It is important to choose a pillow that fills the space between the head and back for those who sleep in the supine position (on their back), and between the head and shoulders for those who tend to sleep on their side.
If you are looking for the right pillow for you, take the Somnium test: a multimedia, quick and intuitive tool that helps us provide you with the best solution tailored to your every need!