Pillow vs. Cushion: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 4, 2024
A pillow is primarily designed for supporting the head while sleeping, whereas a cushion is used for added comfort on seats or decorative purposes.
Key Differences
Pillows are typically used for head and neck support during sleep, filled with materials like down, memory foam, or polyester for comfort and alignment. Cushions, on the other hand, are versatile accessories used for adding comfort to seating areas or as decorative elements in living spaces, often filled with cotton, wool, or synthetic fibers.
While pillows are generally covered with a pillowcase for hygiene and can be found in various sizes to match bedding dimensions, cushions come with a wide range of decorative covers and are available in numerous shapes and sizes to enhance interior décor. Pillows play a crucial role in ensuring a good night's sleep by supporting proper spinal alignment, whereas cushions provide additional comfort and support on couches, chairs, and even on the floor.
Pillows are an essential part of bedding, often designed to cater to different sleeping positions by offering various levels of firmness. Cushions, however, serve a broader purpose, from providing lumbar support on office chairs to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a room with their colors and designs.
In terms of maintenance, pillows typically require regular cleaning and replacement to maintain hygiene and structural integrity, especially considering their direct contact with the face and head. Cushions might not demand as frequent washing, but their covers are often removable and easily washable, making them convenient for keeping the seating areas clean and fresh.
Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Head and neck support during sleep.
Added comfort on seats or for decorative purposes.
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Common Fillings
Down, memory foam, polyester.
Cotton, wool, synthetic fibers.
Cover
Usually comes with a removable pillowcase.
Often has a decorative, fixed or removable cover.
Shapes & Sizes
Standard sizes to match bedding dimensions.
Varied shapes and sizes for different applications.
Maintenance
Requires regular cleaning, may need frequent replacement.
Covers are often easily washable, less frequent inner material washing.
Pillow and Cushion Definitions
Pillow
A pillow filled with bird feathers for softness.
They replaced their old feather pillows for better neck support.
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Cushion
A soft bag filled with decorative or comfortable material.
The sofa was adorned with colorful cushions.
Pillow
A soft support for the head, usually used in bed.
She fluffed her pillow before going to sleep.
Cushion
A cushion designed to provide comfort on a seat.
He added a seat cushion to his chair for extra comfort.
Pillow
A cloth case stuffed with something soft, such as down, feathers, or foam rubber, used to cushion a part of the body, especially the head during sleep.
Cushion
A pad or pillow with a soft filling, used for resting, reclining, or kneeling.
Pillow
A decorative cushion.
Cushion
Something resilient used as a rest, support, or shock absorber.
Pillow
The pad on which bobbin lace is made.
Cushion
A mat placed or attached beneath carpeting to provide softness and increase durability.
Pillow
To rest (one's head) on or as if on a pillow.
Cushion
A padlike body part.
Pillow
To serve as a pillow for
Grass pillowed my head.
Cushion
(Games) The rim bordering the playing surface of a billiard table.
Pillow
To rest on or as if on a pillow.
Cushion
A pillow used in lacemaking.
Pillow
To assume the shape of a pillow.
Cushion
Something that mitigates or relieves an adverse effect
Extra funds serving as a cushion against future inflation.
Pillow
A soft cushion used to support the head in bed.
Cushion
To provide with a cushion
Cushion a bench.
Pillow
(geology) A pillow lava.
Cushion
To place or seat on a cushion.
Pillow
(engineering) A piece of metal or wood, forming a support to equalize pressure; a brass; a pillow block.
Cushion
To cover or hide (something) with or as if with a cushion.
Pillow
(nautical) A block under the inner end of a bowsprit.
Cushion
To protect from impacts or other disturbing effects
An automobile suspension that cushions the ride.
Pillow
The socket of a pivot.
Cushion
To mitigate the effects of; absorb the shock of
Cushion a blow.
Pillow
(uncountable) A kind of plain, coarse fustian.
Cushion
A soft mass of material stuffed into a cloth bag, used for comfort or support; for sitting on, kneeling on, resting one's head on etc.
Pillow
(transitive) To rest as on a pillow.
Cushion
Something acting as a cushion, especially to absorb a shock or impact.
Pillow
Anything used to support the head of a person when reposing; especially, a sack or case filled with feathers, down, hair, or other soft material.
[Resty sloth] finds the down pillow hard.
Cushion
A pad on which gilders cut gold leaf.
Pillow
A piece of metal or wood, forming a support to equalize pressure; a brass; a pillow block.
Cushion
A mass of steam in the end of the cylinder of a steam engine to receive the impact of the piston.
Pillow
A block under the inner end of a bowsprit.
Cushion
The lip around a table in cue sports which absorbs some of the impact of the billiard balls and bounces them back.
Pillow
A kind of plain, coarse fustian.
Cushion
The pillow used in making bone lace.
Pillow
To rest or lay upon, or as upon, a pillow; to support; as, to pillow the head.
Pillows his chin upon an orient wave.
Cushion
An engraver's pad.
Pillow
A cushion to support the head of a sleeping person
Cushion
(historical) The rubber of an electrical machine.
Pillow
Rest on or as if on a pillow;
Pillow your head
Cushion
(historical) A pad supporting a woman's hair.
Pillow
A pillow designed to correct body positioning.
He uses an orthopedic pillow for his neck pain.
Cushion
(figuratively) a sufficient quantity of an intangible object (like points or minutes) to allow for some of those points, for example, to be lost without hurting one's chances for successfully completing an objective.
Pillow
A compact pillow designed for use while traveling.
She never forgets her travel pillow on long flights.
Cushion
Money kept in reserve.
Pillow
A long pillow designed to be hugged while sleeping.
Her body pillow helps her sleep more comfortably.
Cushion
(historical) The dancer in the cushion dance who currently holds the cushion, or the dance itself.
Cushion
To furnish with cushions.
To cushion a sofa
Cushion
To seat or place on, or as on a cushion.
Cushion
To absorb or deaden the impact of.
To cushion a blow
Cushion
To conceal or cover up, as under a cushion.
Cushion
A case or bag stuffed with some soft and elastic material, and used to sit or recline upon; a soft pillow or pad.
Two cushions stuffed with straw, the seat to raise.
Cushion
Anything resembling a cushion in properties or use
Cushion
A riotous kind of dance, formerly common at weddings; - called also cushion dance.
Cushion
To seat or place on, or as on a cushion.
Many who are cushioned on thrones would have remained in obscurity.
Cushion
To furnish with cushions; as, to cushion a chaise.
Cushion
To conceal or cover up, as under a cushion.
Cushion
A mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses;
The old car needed a new set of shocks
Cushion
A soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.
Cushion
Protect from impact;
Cushion the blow
Cushion
A large cushion designed for floor seating.
The kids prefer sitting on floor cushions while watching TV.
Cushion
A cushion designed to support the lower back.
Her office chair has a lumbar cushion for back support.
Cushion
A cushion used primarily for decoration.
The decorative cushions added a pop of color to the room.
FAQs
Can pillows be used for decorative purposes like cushions?
While pillows are mainly for sleep support, decorative pillows are also used similarly to cushions for aesthetic appeal.
Can cushions be used for ergonomic purposes?
Yes, certain cushions are designed for ergonomic support, like lumbar cushions for back support in office chairs.
Is it necessary to use a pillowcase with every pillow?
For hygiene and maintenance, it's recommended to use a pillowcase with most types of pillows.
What is the main difference between a pillow and a cushion?
A pillow is primarily for head support during sleep, while a cushion is for added comfort on seating or decorative purposes.
Can I customize the firmness of a pillow or cushion?
Many pillows and cushions come in various firmness levels, and some allow customization by adding or removing filling.
Are there specific types of pillows for different sleeping positions?
Yes, there are pillows designed specifically for back, side, or stomach sleepers to provide appropriate support.
Do cushions come in standard sizes?
Cushions vary widely in shape and size, with no standard dimensions, unlike pillows that often match bedding sizes.
How often should pillows and cushions be cleaned?
Pillows should be cleaned every 3-6 months, while cushion covers can be washed more frequently, depending on usage.
What is the best way to maintain the shape of pillows and cushions?
Regular fluffing and occasional washing can help maintain the shape and integrity of pillows and cushions.
Are pillows only meant for sleeping?
Primarily, yes, but pillows can also be used for comfort while sitting up in bed, reading, or as body support.
How do I choose a cushion for my sofa?
Consider the sofa's color scheme, the desired comfort level, and the cushion's material and size to complement the sofa and room décor.
Are there hypoallergenic options for pillows and cushions?
Yes, there are hypoallergenic pillows and cushions available for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Can a cushion be used as a pillow?
Yes, a cushion can be used as a pillow, especially for temporary or decorative purposes, but it may not provide the same level of support as a traditional pillow.
What materials are commonly used in pillows?
Pillows can be filled with materials like feathers, down, polyester, foam, or memory foam.
What materials are commonly used in cushions?
Cushions can be filled with foam, polyester fiberfill, feathers, or even beads for varying levels of support and comfort.
What is a pillow?
A pillow is a soft, padded object used primarily for head support while sleeping or lying down.
Why do some people use decorative pillows?
Decorative pillows add color, texture, and style to a room, making spaces more inviting and personalized.
How do I choose the right pillow for sleeping?
Consider factors like your sleeping position, material preferences, and any specific needs such as neck support or hypoallergenic properties.
What is a cushion?
A cushion is a soft, padded object used for added comfort or decoration on chairs, sofas, and floors.
Can pillows and cushions be machine washed?
This depends on the material. Always check the care label, but many pillows and cushions have removable covers that are machine washable.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
