The Curious Case of Square Pillows | Do Rectangular Cushions Actually Sleep Better?

The Curious Case of Square Pillows

Square pillows. We've all seen them - those perfect 90 degree angle cushions that seem ubiquitous nowadays. But have you ever stopped to think - why are pillows square in the first place? As I've discovered living abroad in Germany, the phenomenon of rectangular pillows is not universal, causing much confusion and even frustration for us expatriates.

The Rise of the Square Pillow

It seems that the squared pillow grew in popularity with the advent of manufactured bedding. Once pillow production became industrialized, it was easier and more efficient to produce rectangles. And so square pillows began to dominate the market, crowding out other shapes like circular cushions.

Additionally, the neat, orderly aesthetic of square pillows likely appealed to minimalist interior design trends. Aligning a row of identical rectangular pillows across the head of a bed does create a certain tidy, crisp appearance. Custom decorative pillows take more effort to arrange in an artful manner. Stackable squares win out for ease.

Function Over Form?

Now this is all well and good, but do square pillows actually make better pillows? As in, are they more comfortable and supportive for our heads and necks while we sleep? The short answer is: not necessarily.

The shape of your pillow should match the natural curve of your shoulders and spine in order to keep your head and neck aligned. Our bodies are not made up of sharp, 90 degree angles as we recline. A flatter, softer rectangular pillow can create pressure points and tension in areas like the ears and shoulders.

The Frustrations of Living Abroad

Changing countries means adjusting to all sorts of differences in products, customs, language, food, and more. Pillow comfort often gets overlooked among more pressing concerns like visa paperwork and housing. Yet a good night's sleep is critical, especially when dealing with the stress of expat life.

After relocating to Germany, I was surprised to find nearly all bed pillows in square shapes versus the softer oblong cushions I was used to back home. Hotel stays disappointed with their deceptively plump looking squares that deflated instantly. Apartment hunting required scrutinizing pillow comfort as much as kitchen storage space!

The Search for the Perfect Pillow

My quest for comfy head support sent me on a mission scouring bedding shops for that elusive round profile. It turns out custom-made pillow orders are more common in Europe, likely due to restricted living spaces. Specialty stores in Germany offered made-to-measure down pillows tailored to my size requirements.

These “kissen individuell angefertigt” (custom-made cushions) allowed me to select personalized fill material, densities, lengths and widths. No more squeezing my head uncomfortably onto a cookie-cutter block! Now I could specify softer ends to cradle my shoulders versus a firmer central section boosting neck support.

Embracing Difference as an Expat

What may seem like a silly pillow problem reflects a larger lesson from my overseas experiences. Certain aspects of American life I took for granted pre-move were not universal norms elsewhere. Simple things like peanut butter brands, mattress sizes, or the shape of a pillow.

Rather than judge differences as uncomfortable or inconvenient, I learned to expand my perceptions. Sure, rectangular pillows still feel unnatural to me. But by embracing local customs I open myself to new possibilities too. Now I sleep blissfully cuddled up to my oblong German cushion each night!

FAQs

Why are most pillows square shaped?

Most pillows are square because rectangular cushions are easier and more cost effective to manufacture. Square pillows also align neatly on beds, appealing to minimalist interior design aesthetics.

Are square pillows better for your neck and spine?

Not necessarily. The sharp 90 degree angles of square pillows don't match the natural curves of the shoulders and neck. This can create uncomfortable pressure points. Oblong pillows often provide better ergonomic support.

Where can you find non-square pillows in Germany?

Specialty bedding shops and manufacturers in Germany often provide custom-made pillow orders. This allows you to specify the exact length, width, fill material and density perfect for your sleep needs.

What's the best pillow shape for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally benefit from an oblong pillow thicker in the lower half to properly fill the gap between neck and mattress. The curvature cradles the head, keeping spine alignment intact.