Pillows redirects here; for information on the Japanese band, see the pillows.

A pillow is a small (and usually soft) support for the head, usually used while sleeping in a bed or for the body as used on a couch or chair. There are also throw pillows which are pillows that are purely decorative and not designed for support of comfort.

In general, in engineering and construction, supporting elements may also be called pillows.

Pillows contain a filler made from a variety of materials including, foam, synthetic fills, feathers, or down. Traditionally straw was a common filler, but this is uncomfortable and rarely used today. Historically feathers and down were the choice of the rich; today artificial fills are the most common. The fill is surrounded with a cover made of some form of cloth or silk. Pillows on furniture normally include a zipper in this cover so that the fill can occasionally be removed and the covering laundered. Bed pillows do not have this feature, and instead a pillow case , a thin covering, is used that can be frequently and easily removed and washed. Even with regular washing, pillows tend to accumulate large amounts of dust and vast numbers of microbes among the fill and it is recommended that they be replaced every few years, especially for those with allergies.

Pillows have a long history, having been used by almost all settled peoples to enhance quality of life. They were originally used mainly by the wealthy, and have been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. The difficulty of sophisticated dyes and sewing techniques lead to the development of pillows as an art form, with highly decorated pillows becoming prized commodities first in China and later in Medieval Europe. The Industrial Revolution saw the mass production of decorated textiles and decorated pillows became a common feature in millions of homes.

See also: mattress, pillow fight, upholstery, cushion