Using the Parallel Pillow to Help Improve Your Sleep

I figured it was about time for another product review. This time, I’m reviewing the Parallel Pillow. The Parallel Pillow is one of those items you don’t want to review until you’ve slept on it, so I did. I know…corny, but it’s true. Fortunately, it was well worth my time. 

If you’re looking for a new pillow, especially one more environmentally-friendly than what you may currently have, you might want to give Parallel Pillow a try. It comes in two different support options and you can add or remove fill as you see fit. So, let’s get into the review to see if this pillow is right for you. 

Please note, in the interest of transparency, Parallel did provide me with a pillow to check out and review. The review and viewpoints, however, are solely my own.

made with bio-based foam and upcycled fibers

One of the nice aspects of the Parallel Pillow is it filled with bio-based foam and upcycled fibers. It has a BluTech Fusion Fill inside, which is a combination of 25% hypoallergenic microfibers and 75% gel foam. The microfibers are a down-alternative made with 100% recycled materials. In actuality, the fibers are spun from the plastic of recycled water bottles. For example, a king-size, high-profile Parallel Pillows uses an estimated 23 recycled bottles. The dark memory foam included in each pillow is a USDA Certified Biobased Product. 

The benefit of this type of fill is it allows for twice the airflow of a traditional foam fill. Better yet, the foam components in the pillow can be recycled so as to reduce its overall environmental impact. 

The outer cover of the pillow is made using TENCEL™ fibers. According to the company, TENCEL is a “botanical-origin material, mainly made from renewable wood fibers harvested from certified and tightly controlled sources. TENCEL fibers are known for their environmentally closed-loop and carbon-neutral production process, which turns wood pulp into smooth cellulosic fibers”. TENCEL is completely biodegradable and compostable. 

Between the TENCEL, the antimicrobial inner lining (which I’ll talk a little about below) and the fill, these pillows are made to wick away moisture, destroy odor-causing microbes and maintain just the right temperature. All of this while helping you get a good night sleep. 

Has its own self-refreshing technology

In addition to all of the other features, each pillow has a ParaPur™ inner shell. This inner shell is imbedded with positively charged, silver ions which help wipe out bacteria, viruses and other microbes in order to keep your pillow fresh all the time. Apparently, the ParaPur tech can eliminates an estimated 99.89% of microbes in under an hour. 

Yes, you will still want to wash your pillow case regularly, but it’s good to know your pillow is helping to keep things fresh and germ-free. Is your existing pillow antimicrobial and hypoallergenic? If not, you’ll want this pillow.

You’ll definitely want to follow their care instructions to make your pillow last as long as possible.

Scupltable for each user

Another benefit to the Parallel Pillow is it has two different pillow options. There is one style of pillow for side sleepers and those with larger frames, then another style for those who sleep on their back, stomach or who have a smaller frame. 

Since no size fits all, the company offers additional fill at no extra charge. You can add or remove fill as needed to get your desirable comfort level. If you find your pillow is too soft and squishy (yes, I’m good with technical terms like this), you can request additional fill be sent to you.

Parallel Pillow Product Review

For my product review, I received one low profile pillow. Here’s how the Parallel Pillow fared in my opinion:

Packaging/Delivery:

The speed of delivery was excellent. It arrived in a timely manner. While the pillow did arrive in a large, cardboard box, it was also packaged in a plastic bag. I understand wanting to protect the pillow, but a more eco-friendly option would have been putting it in a reusable or fabric bag. This way you can repurpose the bag and you cut out the unnecessary plastic in its entirety. 

There was an odor to the pillow when I first unpackaged it. Fortunately, it wasn’t even remotely as strong as the chemical odor you get from most conventional pillows. The odor quickly abated and I was able to use the pillow the same evening. 

Product/QUALITY:

If I’m being completely honest, I would have liked it if the Parallel rep had asked me whether I was a side-sleeper or a back sleeper. The reason I say this is they have two different kinds of pillows available and, unfortunately, I received the low profile pillow even though I’m a side sleeper. It’s okay, though, as I made this pillow work. It’s good to know you can adjust and add/remove fill as needed. Mine was good as is. 

I do admit, I was a little hesitant as I had gotten used to using my bamboo pillow and was actually sleeping quite nicely on it. But, I wanted to see how the Parallel Pillow would work for me. 

It took about a week or so for me to adjust the pillow to its ideal form for me, but once I did, I couldn’t be happier. The pillow is soft, flexible and fits to my needs as I move from side to side during the night. I actually tried switching back to my bamboo pillow and ended up switching right back to my Parallel Pillow. It just works. 

Feel:

I really like how the soft outer shell and moldable inner fill work together. The pillow is flexible, yet holds its own once you get it where you want it to be. I noticed my head wasn’t getting as hot and sweaty during the night. Which, to be honest, is a really good thing, especially with the heat wave we’ve been having. Even on cooler days, the pillow was a nice temperature. 

Cost:

As I mentioned, the Parallel Pillow comes in two different sizes (regular and king) and two styles (low or high profile). Price for either pillow will run you between $150-$170. Additional fill can be gotten for no extra cost.

While I know you can get pillows for far less, I do believe these pillows are worth the investment. Based on the self-refreshing technology alone, these pillows will last much longer than most and will be something you can enjoy for years to come. Plus, being able to adjust the fill in your pillow to suit your needs is extremely beneficial. 

Overall rating:

Overall, I’d say Parallel has a great product line here with their Parallel Pillow. While it is more costly than some other pillows on the market, it has numerous benefits which make it a cost-efficient investment. With this pillow you’ll be able to get a good night sleep, not have to worry about germs and be happy knowing you’re sleeping on an environmentally-friendly product. 

The company does have a 90-night return policy, so if you don’t find it’s right for you, you can return it. My guess is you’ll like it. I sure do. Extra benefit is the pillows are sustainably made in the USA and when you buy a pillow, the company gives a pillow to a person in need. Good people doing good things. 

In Summary

Based on my product review, I think you should give the Parallel Pillow a try. See what you think and let me know.