Who Invented the Pillows and Where? [History Timeline Included]

Do you know who invented the pillows? It’s a challenging question because it’s hard to establish what exactly counts as a pillow, and when exactly they were invented. So, where does the pillow come from?

The history of pillows is almost as old as human civilization. The first recorded use of pillows dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, around 7000 BC. At that time, pillows were reserved for the rich and noble class only.

In this article, I will try to present to you various inventors that led to the invention of pillows. Continue reading this article here and find out more amazing information about the pillow and its history.

Also Read: Do you know who invented the 4K TV?

Who Invented the Pillows and Why?

when were pillows invented

Pillows are an ancient invention, but who invented pillows?

They were invented in ancient Mesopotamia, one of the first civilizations on earth.

The first were simple bags filled with feathers or grasses. They were used to help people sleep on hard surfaces like the ground.

Later on, Ancient Egyptians began using them as well. They used them for sleeping and sitting upright for long periods. 

They also used pillows to prop up their heads while reading or writing on papyrus scrolls.

Pillows also became popular in ancient China, where they were made from silk.

They were used for sleeping and for sitting because people didn’t have chairs at that time!

As the silk trade spread from China to Europe, Middle Age Europeans began using them too. 

They wanted head support while sleeping so they could rest their heads on their arms when reading or writing at night.

Neck Pillows

The neck pillow was invented in 1929. 

Originally, it was called a U-shape pillow. In the past, it was only available in white color, but now you can get them in more colors.

This pillow is made from high-quality material that makes it durable and comfortable to use. 

It has been proven to be effective at reducing stress on your joints and muscles when sleeping on your side or back.

Pillow cube

Pillow Cube provides the best pillows on the market. They are high quality, comfortable, and durable. 

Pillow Cube is known to be the most affordable pillow brand in the world.

They offer a wide variety of pillows: from standard pillows to king-sized pillows and even queen-sized pillows!

Pillow fort

Pillow Fort is a social media and microblogging website, founded in 2017. 

It’s a place where users can connect with people around the world and share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

The company was founded by three friends who wanted to create a safe space for people to express themselves without fear of judgment or censorship.

Pillow Case

The invention of the pillowcase is one that we can all be grateful for. 

Even though we don’t know who invented pillowcases, it was invented to protect pillows from dirt and keep them from getting worn out.

In fact, before that, people used silk or cotton cloths as pillowcases.

Though pillowcases are now made of various materials and colors, they still perform the same function: keeping pillows clean and fresh!

Pregnancy Pillow

The pregnancy pillow provides support and comfort to the abdomen of a pregnant woman during the latter stages of pregnancy.

The pregnancy pillow can also be used by women who have undergone Caesarean section, as it supports and protects the abdomen, which has been cut open during surgery.

Body Pillow

If you wondered Who invented body pillows, the body pillow was created in 2015 by former Kyushu Institute of Technology researcher, Koichi Uchimura.

It was called Dakimakura.

The body pillow is a long, thin pillow that is meant to be used as a replacement for a human lover. 

It is typically made from polyester and filled with feathers or some other soft material. 

Pillow Fight

A Pillow fight is a fun and easy way to blow off some steam. 

It’s also a great way to get closer to your friends, or just meet new people who share your love of pillow fighting.

Pillow fighting is popularized by British cartoonist Sir Terry Pratchett as part of his Discworld series. 

In the books, characters would go out into the streets with their pillows and attack each other with them.

When Were Pillows Invented?

It’s hard to tell when was the first pillow invented, but the origins take us to ancient Mesopotamia, around 7000 BC.

The first pillows were made of reeds and used as a headrest for the elderly and sick. They were also used by pregnant women who wanted to rest their bellies on something soft.

The Ancient Egyptians used animal skins and sand to create a soft surface for their heads. And the first pillows were made of feathers and down feathers. 

They were filled with cotton or silk and were used by people who wanted to sleep on them.

The pillows from the Middle Ages were usually made from linen or wool. In some cases, they had a rectangular shape and they were filled with straw or hay.

In modern times, pillows have become an integral part of our lives. 

They help us relax after a long day at work or school, and they can even help us fall asleep faster!

What Was Used Before Pillows?

When we think of pillows, we usually picture something soft and fluffy, like down or feathers. 

But pillows weren’t always like that. In fact, they used to be made out of hay or animal furs.

Hay was popular because it was easy to find and cheap, but it wasn’t very comfortable—and it didn’t last long either. 

So if you were lucky enough to have a pillow, chances are it was going to be pretty flat in no time at all!

What Were Pillows Made of in the 1800s?

history of pillows

In the 1800s, pillows were mostly filled with feathers.

Feathers were considered to be one of the best materials for making pillows because they are soft, but also durable and long-lasting. 

They can be easily cleaned, and they are fairly inexpensive.

However, feathers can sometimes be too soft for some people’s preferences. 

This is why some manufacturers began experimenting with other materials such as cotton batting, wool stuffing, and down.

Down is a small cluster of feathers that are gathered together for use in pillows. It is considered to be one of the most comfortable types of fillings for pillows.

Interesting pillow facts

Did you know that the first pillows were made of hay? We didn’t either! 

To find out more about this and other fascinating pillow facts, check out our list of 7 interesting pillow facts below:

  1. A proper pillow improves your health
  1. The world’s largest pillow was created in 2010 by Laura Burger. It measured 1,354 feet and weighed 16,000 pounds!
  1. Pillows can actually be used to help relieve stress and anxiety.
  1. People who sleep on their side tend to have longer life spans than those who sleep on their back or stomach.
  1. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs helps keep your spine straight while sleeping on your side. 
  1. The Egyptians also thought that sleeping on a pillow helped prevent flatulence and aid digestion.
  1. Propping your head up at night can help you avoid snoring, sleep apnea, and daytime fatigue.

Importance of Pillow

The importance of pillows for good sleep is crucial. 

The right pillow will help you keep the correct position while sleeping, which in turn can reduce muscle pain and stiffness in the morning.

There are many different types of pillows available on the market today, so choosing one can be difficult. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pillow for you:

  • Consider your sleeping position – Side sleepers will need a firmer pillow than back or stomach sleepers who need something softer as they tend to sink into it more.
  • Consider how much support your current pillow provides – If it is flat then try replacing it with something more supportive like a memory foam pillow.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try out different types until you find the one that suits your needs best – always remember that a higher thread count means better quality.

What is the History of Pillows?

The pillow’s history is quite an interesting one. Here are some facts about it:

  • Mesopotamia—The earliest evidence of pillows can be found in Mesopotamia, the region between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, where the earliest documented use of pillows dates back to 7000 BC.
  • Egypt—Egyptians used to sleep on thin mats on top of wooden frames. The Egyptians used small pillows which they folded in half and then rolled into a cylindrical shape.
  • China—in ancient China, pillows were made out of foam or cotton stuffed inside silk covers for comfort. These pillows were usually small enough to fit inside the headrests of chairs or beds without getting in the way or causing discomfort.
  • Middle Ages—Pillows became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages when people began using them while sitting up in chairs instead of lying down on beds.

FAQ’s

Let’s check what readers usually ask about who invented the pillows.

How did humans sleep before pillows?

Before pillows, people used animal furs and hay to cushion their heads from the ground. In many ways, this was a very practical solution.

How can you tell how old a pillow is?

The longevity of a pillow depends on the materials used for manufacturing. But generally, if the pillow has lost its shape and color, it’s time to replace it.

Are neck pillows worth it?

Yes, a good pillow is crucial for your sleep. While many people think they can get by with any old pillow, the truth is that your choice of pillow can make or break your night’s sleep.

Conclusion

To sum it up, even though we don’t know who invented the pillows, it’s hard to imagine humanity without them. 

Pillows are useful for young and old people, for resting your head after a long day at work or school, for resting your head when you go to sleep and the most interesting thing is that they don’t cost too much.

I hope I answered all your questions on this topic. Also, I would like to hear what type of pillow you use and what you like about it. 

Leave a comment in the Comments section and I’ll gladly respond.