What is a hug pillow and how to care for it?

Hug pillows are a relatively new invention, especially on the Russian market. However, thanks to their unique properties (comfort during sleep, convenience, attractive appearance, and most importantly - promoting the production of the hormone of joy), they have won their audience and continue to expand it.

The hug pillow differs from the usual sleeping headrests in two characteristics: shape and size. Her form is always original, and her size is much larger than usual. Another feature is that for the manufacture of such products, in the overwhelming majority of cases, hypoallergenic material is used: both for the cover and for the filler. It can be of both natural and synthetic nature.

Most of the fancy pillows come from Japan and China. It is these countries that have developed all the basic models of "hugs". Domestic consumers have not yet “tasted” the charm of this kind of products, although some groups, for example, expectant mothers or the so-called toddlers (children of the middle age group), happily sleep on pillows of complex configuration, because it is very comfortable.

Today, the selection of hugging pillows on the market is truly huge - they come in different sizes, colors and configurations. Let's consider only the most popular among consumers.

This model has another name - "Embrace of the beloved". The main audience for the product is single girls.The pillow looks like a man's torso with one muscular arm. It is assumed that falling asleep on the strong shoulder of the "boyfriend", the woman will feel safe and calm. The model is available in different configurations: with a right or left arm, the torso can be more muscular or, conversely, plump, can be wearing a T-shirt or no clothes. It is interesting that such a pillow, in addition to the original design, also has properties useful for the body - orthopedic. The head and neck are in the anatomically correct position, so the girl can get a great night's sleep. Reading or just relaxing on such a pillow is also convenient - it does not create additional stress on the neck and shoulders.

The most common of the "digital" pillows is the model in the form of a seven. The head is very conveniently located on its upper part, and the vertical one is suitable for hugs. The length of such a pillow reaches 1.5 m, so you can even wrap the side rim with your legs.

Often, different fillers are used for the top and bottom of the number. The top of the seven is filled with elastic microfiber, and the side part is filled with ecofiber - a hypoallergenic material.

This model is designed primarily for expectant mothers - for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, when the body needs maximum comfort, including during sleep. The product has a large size - 1.5x0.6 m, so when purchasing, you need to think about whether there will be enough space on the bed for your spouse. TOThe configuration of the pillow allows you to comfortably fit even in the late stages of pregnancy. Interestingly, after giving birth, the model will not lose its relevance - it will be useful for feeding the baby. The optimal material for such a product is bamboo fiber, since, in addition to being hypoallergenic, it is also antibacterial.

The I-shaped pillow is suitable for every family member. It is most convenient to sleep with it in a position on its side, which means that choosing such a model is worth those who prefer to sleep that way. Such pillows are also used in cots - they act as a limiter. The elasticity of the product is average, it does not change its shape for a long time, it is hygienic, since environmentally friendly materials are used for its manufacture.

This model was not invented in China or Japan, but in Canada - by a doctor for his daughter. The pillow is designed for cases when you have to sleep in an upright position: in a car or an airplane. The design of the product consists of two huge palms connected to each other. Elastic silicone is most often found inside. To sleep comfortably, the base of the pillow is fixed to the headrest or back of the chair. The head is located in the upper part, the fingers on the palm can be given the necessary bend for convenience. The second palm is at the bottom, acting as an armrest. Despite the rather amusing design, the pillow performs an important function - it relieves tension from the head and cervical regions, and relaxes the muscles. It is suitable not only for passengers of an airplane or car, but also for those whose activities are related to daily shifts: doctors, firefighters, policemen. In order to have a good rest and relieve tension from a stiff neck, 15 minutes is enough. The "double hand" is worth paying attention to those whose work is sedentary.

A human-shaped pillow is an unusual thing. It can be made of bright colored fabric, even with a print, or it can be as similar to the original as possible. There are pillows in the form of a man and a woman. They even sew clothes specially for them. Such models are popular with single people or those whose business partner spends a lot of time on the road. Recently, superhero pillows have become popular: Spiderman, Batman, etc. They are acquired both by fans of the respective universes and simply by those who want to hug a superhero.

The pillows for babies are smaller. Most often they are given the appearance of some kind of animal: a kitten, a puppy, a hamster, etc. They are perfect for weaning a child from sleeping with his parents - in a dream he will not be lonely in the arms of a soft friend. These pillows can have very different shapes, but each has a place for a child: either it is a C-shape, or the number 7, or a U-shape. Also, the toy may have long arms (paws) to hug the child.

For the little ones, I-shaped pillows can be used, which are placed on the sides of the crib. And so that the child sleeps comfortably, you can put a model in the shape of a horseshoe or an arc in the top of the bed.

This model is a quintessentially Japanese invention. The pillow is made in the shape of the lower part of the traditional geisha pose - knees with legs bent underneath. Hizamakura is not considered a product for sleeping, but rather for relaxation and positive emotions. It is believed that a man, resting his head on women's knees, experiences the same feelings that he experienced as a child in his mother’s lap (according to another version, in the lap of his beloved girl). In any case, the main purpose of this pillow is to rid its owner of the feeling of loneliness. You can dress up a hizamakura in a skirt, a dress, and even shorts.

Dakimakura is the most popular hug pillow model. From the name it is clear that it was also invented in Japan. Dakimakura's dimensions are 150x50 cm. There is a cover with a naturalistic portrait of an anime character on the pillow. Often these characters are naked - or the cover is designed in such a way that the hero can be undressed by removing parts of the cover. Dakimakura are quite budgetary, while they serve for a long time: the photo printing on the covers is of high quality, and the materials of the cover and filler are environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic and not susceptible to fungus, mold and moisture.

These models are acquired by both Japanese anime fans and fans all over the world. Online shopping makes it easy.

There are two "directions" of dakimakura.

• Models featuring traditional anime characters. They are inexpensive, sold in most stores, and there are no problems with purchasing them.
• Items featuring rare anime characters. It is usually not so much a dream item as a collectible. Fans of a particular drama are literally on the hunt for such items, and of course, they are not cheap at all.

Cushion covers for hugs are most often natural, cotton, with the addition of polyester fibers to extend the life of the product. The main requirements for the materials for the covers are not to accumulate dirt and dust, to be hypoallergenic.

As for fillers, they can be different: from padding polyester and padding polyester to holofiber. Whichever one is used, it must be antibacterial, resist mold, mildew, and dust mites.

In order for the hug pillow to serve for a long time, it must be carefully looked after.

Most often, children's products can be washed, but only in the "delicate wash" mode. Some fillings and fabrics build up static electricity, which requires the use of special liquid detergents and conditioners to dissipate it.

If the cover is bright, printed, the first wash should be carried out separately from other linen so that the product does not fade. Stains should be removed in cold water whenever possible.

So moisture and dust will not accumulate in them. However, when airing, you should not leave the product in direct sunlight: the colors will fade, it will lose its attractive appearance.

Any hug pillow can be easily sewn with your own hands.You will learn how to do this correctly by watching the following video.