Cushion Filling Guide: Polyester Fibre vs Cotton vs Foam vs Down
Cushion covers get all the attention — the print, the fabric, the colour — but what's actually stuffed inside determines how the cushion feels, holds its shape, and lasts over time. Here's what the common fillings actually are, and how to tell what you're buying.
Polyester fibre fill
The most common filling in ready-made cushions today, including the ones we sell. It's synthetic fibre, usually siliconised so it fluffs back up after being squashed.
Pros — lightweight, holds shape well, doesn't attract dust mites the way natural fills can, machine washable in most cases, budget-friendly.
Cons — flattens gradually with years of heavy use (though siliconised fibre recovers much better than plain polyester), not as "sink-in soft" as down.
Cotton fill
Natural fibre, often used in traditional/handmade cushions.
Cons — compresses and clumps faster than polyester fibre unless it's re-fluffed regularly, absorbs moisture (slower to dry if it gets damp), generally not machine washable.
Memory foam
Dense, shape-retaining foam — common in orthopaedic or support cushions rather than decorative ones.
Pros — excellent shape retention, doesn't flatten over time the way fibre fills do, good support.
Cons — heavier, firmer feel (not for everyone), can trap heat, usually the most expensive option.
Down and feather
The premium/luxury option — a mix of soft down clusters and feathers, sometimes blended with fibre to reduce cost.
Pros — the softest, most "sink-in" feel, very lightweight, excellent loft.
Cons — needs regular fluffing to avoid clumping, can trigger allergies for some people, requires dry cleaning, the most expensive fill by far.
Cover material vs. filling — they're not the same thing
This trips a lot of buyers up: a "cotton cushion" usually refers to the cover fabric, not what's stuffed inside. Our own cushions, for example, have a cotton cover with polyester fibre filling — a common and practical combination that gets you a natural-feeling cover with a filling that holds its shape wash after wash. Always check the product's fabric/material details separately for cover and filling if you want to know exactly what you're buying.
Which filling should you pick?
Everyday sofa/bed cushions — polyester fibre fill is the practical default: good shape retention, easy care, affordable.
Support/orthopaedic use — memory foam holds its shape best under sustained pressure.
Luxury softness, occasional use — down/feather, if you don't mind the upkeep and cost.
Budget-conscious, natural preference — cotton fill, with the understanding that you'll need to fluff it periodically.
We stock cotton-cover, polyester-fibre-filled cushions in 12x12, 16x16 and 24x24 inches. Browse our Cushions collection.