Garnetted vs. Blown Fiber Pillows: What's the Difference?

What Is Garnetted Fiber?

Garnetted fibers are processed to create a fuller, fluffier pillow. The process starts with crimping raw polyester fibers tightly together. Then, large steel spikes comb through the fibers to stretch and lengthen them, making them easier to layer. Next, the fibers are coated with a slick conjugate to reduce static electricity and are passed through machines that make them smoother and straighter.

After this, the fibers are flattened into a sheet called a web using rollers. Two webs are merged to create a thicker sheet, which is then lapped over itself to build the pillow’s fullness. The thickness of the web determines the pillow's firmness, with thicker webs creating firmer pillows.

The final step involves cutting the web into bats — rolled pieces that are inserted into pillow shells. Garnetted fiber pillows are known for their durability, as the fibers are fully opened, making them fluffier and longer-lasting. They retain their shape and softness much longer than blown fiber pillows, offering more body and a higher-quality feel.

What Is Blown Fiber?

Blown fibers, on the other hand, are raw polyester fibers that are simply blown into the pillow shell and sealed. Unlike garnetted fibers, they undergo minimal processing — only about 75% of the polyester fibers are opened during the process. Because of this, blown fiber pillows tend to be less fluffy and more prone to compression over time.

While the production of blown fiber pillows is faster and more cost-effective, the result is often a pillow that feels lumpier, less full, and less durable compared to garnetted pillows. These pillows are more likely to lose their shape and structure as the fibers haven’t been carefully expanded and layered to maximize body and loft.

Watch the video below to learn more about garnetted and blow fiber pillows:

Which Is Right for Your Project?

At Sailrite®, we offer a wide selection of pillow inserts that are perfect for your DIY projects. We focus on providing high-quality products, and all of our pillow forms are made with garnetted polyester fibers. These superior pillows are designed to retain their fluffiness and structure for longer, giving you the perfect foundation for your next pillow creation.

We carry both indoor and indoor/outdoor pillow inserts, the latter of which are designed with weather-resistant properties to maintain their look on your patio, boat or anywhere else exposed to the elements.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the differences between garnetted and blown fiber pillows, you can make an informed decision about which is best for your next project. If you have any questions or need guidance, our knowledgeable customer support team is here to help. You can reach us by phone, email or chat on our website.

Start creating your perfect pillow today with Sailrite’s premium garnetted polyester inserts.