Pillow vs. Cushion — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on November 3, 2023
Pillow is designed for head support while sleeping, cushion is for comfort on seating or decorative purposes.
Difference Between Pillow and Cushion
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Pillows are chiefly associated with bedding and are specifically designed for head and neck support during sleep. Their primary function is to provide comfort and align the spine while resting. On the other hand, cushions are more versatile and can be used for added support or decoration on various types of furniture, such as sofas, armchairs, and even outdoor seating. Cushions are not limited to sleep-related uses and often come in various shapes and sizes.
The shape of a pillow is usually rectangular and is constructed to fit inside pillowcases, aligning with the dimensions of a bed. Pillows are filled with materials such as down, feathers, or synthetic fibers, catering to different comfort preferences. Cushions, in contrast, can be round, square, or any other shape that serves their purpose. They might be filled with similar materials as pillows but are also found with firmer stuffing to maintain shape for aesthetic or ergonomic reasons.
Maintenance of pillows involves regular washing of pillowcases and occasionally the pillows themselves, to ensure hygiene due to their direct contact with skin and hair. Cushions may come with removable covers for cleaning, but many are decorative and may require special care, such as spot cleaning or dry cleaning, to preserve their appearance and texture.
In terms of health and ergonomics, pillows are specifically designed to support the natural curvature of the spine, thus they are an essential part of sleep health. Cushions may also be designed with ergonomics in mind but are just as likely to be used for a decorative accent or minor support, without the same rigorous health considerations as pillows.
Finally, while both pillows and cushions may share similar materials and sometimes even appearances, their intended use and placement within the home or various settings often dictate their design and terminology. Pillows are intimately linked with bedrooms and sleeping, whereas cushions have a broader application, found in living rooms, cars, and other environments for additional comfort or decoration.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Sleep support for the head
Additional seating comfort or decoration
Typical Shape
Rectangular
Square, round, or various other shapes
Placement
Bed
Sofas, chairs, benches
Filling Material
Down, feathers, synthetic fibers
Foam, feathers, synthetic fibers, beads
Maintenance
Regular washing
Spot cleaning, occasional washing
Ergonomic Design
Aligned with spine support
Varied; some ergonomic, some decorative
Covering
Usually comes with a washable pillowcase
May have a removable cover or none
Compare with Definitions
Pillow
Part of a bed set for comfort and decoration.
They bought new pillows to match the duvet cover.
Cushion
A layer that mitigates impact or increases comfort.
She put a cushion on the window seat for extra comfort.
Pillow
A cushioned pad for resting the head, especially during sleep.
The new pillow cradled his neck perfectly.
Cushion
An item added to a piece of furniture for extra comfort or adornment.
The outdoor cushions were waterproof and UV-resistant.
Pillow
A pillow is a support of the body at rest for comfort, therapy, or decoration. Pillows are used by many species, including humans.
Cushion
A cushion is a soft bag of some ornamental material, usually stuffed with wool, hair, feathers, polyester staple fiber, non-woven material, or even paper torn into fragments. It may be used for sitting or kneeling upon, or to soften the hardness or angularity of a chair or couch.
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 soft support for the head, often used in bed.
She fluffed her pillow before going to sleep.
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 padded item to provide comfort for the head.
She prefers a firm pillow under her head at night.
Cushion
Money kept in reserve.
Pillow
An object designed to support and align the head and neck while sleeping.
He uses a specially contoured pillow to ease his neck pain.
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 soft bag of cloth filled with wool, hair, or other cozy material, used to sit, kneel, or lie on.
She added a red cushion to the chair for a pop of color.
Cushion
A padded item typically used for sitting comfort.
The bench was hard, so he placed a cushion before sitting.
Cushion
Often used as a decorative element in living spaces.
The velvet cushions made the room look more luxurious.
Common Curiosities
How often should I wash my pillow?
It's recommended to wash your pillow every 3-6 months, while pillowcases should be washed more frequently.
Are pillows only meant for the bedroom?
Pillows are generally associated with bedrooms and sleeping but can also be used in other areas for relaxation.
What makes a cushion different from a pillow in terms of design?
Cushions can have a variety of shapes and designs, often more decorative, while pillows usually have a standard rectangular shape.
Are there hypoallergenic pillows and cushions?
Yes, there are pillows and cushions available that are made with hypoallergenic materials.
What's the difference between a pillowtop and a cushion top?
A pillowtop refers to a layer added to a mattress for extra comfort, whereas a cushion top isn’t a standard term but would imply a comfort layer, potentially on furniture.
What is a pillow used for?
A pillow is primarily used for head and neck support while sleeping.
How do I choose the right cushion for my sofa?
Consider the size of your sofa, your decor style, and the cushion's material for both comfort and aesthetics.
Is it okay to use multiple pillows for sleeping?
While some people prefer more than one pillow, ergonomically it is important to maintain spinal alignment.
Can cushions be used for sleeping?
While cushions can be used for a quick nap or casual resting, they are not typically designed for sleep support like pillows.
Do pillows come in different firmness levels?
Yes, pillows are available in a range of firmness levels to cater to individual comfort preferences.
Can I use a cushion for lumbar support?
Yes, specific cushions are designed to provide lumbar support and can be very helpful.
Can cushions be used outdoors?
There are cushions specifically designed for outdoor use that are made with weather-resistant materials.
Are cushions necessary for ergonomic seating?
Some cushions are designed for ergonomics, providing additional support to improve seating posture.
Should I replace my pillows and cushions regularly?
Pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years for hygiene and support reasons, while cushions have a longer life but should be replaced if they lose shape or support.
Do pillows affect sleep quality?
Absolutely, the right pillow can significantly improve sleep quality by providing proper neck and spine support.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
