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Pike Street Microbead Pillow Review and Analysis -- Based on Data From Over 125 Actual Owners
Page last updated November 18, 2009
What You Need To Know
68% of over 120 actual owners included in our research say that they are satisfied with their Pike Street microbead pillow.
Pros
Generally good support, good air flow, can be effective at pain relief
Cons
Too firm for some, off gassing possible, durability questionable
What is a Microbead Pillow?
A microbead pillow is filled with round polystyrene beads called "microbeads," a small version of what is usually found in bean bags. The outer fabric of the pillow is usually made of nylon lycra/spandex, a soft and elastic material.
About Our Research
Our research findings are based on at least 105 actual Pike Street microbead pillow owner reviews / comments collected from diverse sources. Click here for more information on our research methodology.
Microbead Pillow Ratings
Sample size: over 125 owners
68% |
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Medium-High |
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Good-Excellent |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair |
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Fair-Good |
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Fair-Good |
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No |
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Good |
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Good |
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Fair-Poor |
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Good-Excellent |
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No |
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Fair |
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Poor-Fair |
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Good-Excellent |
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Good |
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Fair |
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Fair-Good |
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Medium |
Firmness
The general consensus by the over 100 owners included in our research is that the pillow is firm but somewhat soft to the touch. About 12% say that the product is too firm for their preference. Several owners say that removing the case that the pillow comes in will decrease firmness. About 4% of owners say that the pillow has low firmness and is too soft.
Support
Owners generally agree that the Pike Street pillow is supportive and conforms, moulds to one's head. However, some manual adjustment using one's hand may be needed to achieve the desired conforming shape. Owners also typically praise the pillow for holding its shape / supportiveness and not flattening during the night. The ability to maintain conforming support throughout the night is the reason at least some owners claim that microbead pillows provide relief from neck and back pain, headaches, snoring, muscle tension, TMJ syndrome, and sleeplessness.
Durability / longevity
Durability / longevity tends to not be a strength of the product. A significant number of owners report that the pillow loses its supportiveness and becomes flatter and perhaps harder over time, typically in just a few months. Some owners also report that the pillow can split open allowing the microbeads inside to spill out.
Loft
The pillow can probably best be described as having medium loft or height. Some owners say it is too low, others too high. Whether or not the spandex casing is on the pillow can significantly affect the loft.
Sleeping positions
The pillow's medium loft usually makes it acceptable for back sleepers. The product, however, may lack the loft to be considered ideal for side sleepers. Stomach sleepers may find that the product has too much loft.
Pain relief
About 20% of owners included in our research say that the pillow alleviates or eliminates pain, such as neck pain. They often attribute this to the high firmness and good support of the pillow. About half as many owners says that the product causes pain or makes existing pain worse. They often attribute this to the pillow being overly firm.
Sleep quality
About 8% of owners say that their sleep has improved since using the Pike Street microbead pillow.
Noise
The pillow is fairly quiet but some notice the rustling of the microbeads inside.
Air flow
Because the microbeads are spherical, they allow air to circulate around them, which makes the pillow a poor insulator. This can be good or bad depending on your preferences. If you like your pillow to be close to room temperature, then you’re in luck. However, if you like your pillow to act like a down or foam pillow and get toasty warm by absorbing heat from your body, then you may be disappointed. Also, because air circulates through the pillow, moisture or sweat will evaporate quickly, leaving the pillow dry and not clammy. It should be noted that regular use of the pillow will result in increasingly compacted microbeads which will decrease air circulation throughout the pillow.
Weight
The product weighs typically no more than one or two pounds.
Odor / off gassing
According to about 10% of owners, the pillow can give off a chemical or plastic-like odor (off gassing) due to the manufacturing and / or packaging process. The odor often wears off after a few days or weeks. Consequently, a microbead pillow may not be the best choice if you need a pillow to sleep on immediately and do not have time to let it off gas before use.
Takes getting used to
All pillows take some getting used to. However, an unusually high percentage of owners (10%) reported the need to get used to this pillow before they enjoyed sleeping on it.
Allergies
The pillows are naturally hypoallergenic and resist the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. They are likely as susceptible to dust mites as other fibrous pillows. (The droppings of dust mites, if case you don’t know, can cause allergies.)
Maintenance
The pillows never need to be fluffed or shaken. According to the manufacturer, the pillows can be gently machine washed. However, some owners report the pillow being effectively destroyed by doing so.
Price
They tend to be low to moderately priced, and several owners commented favorably about the price.
Value
For owners who like the pillow and find that it relieves pain, the pillow is a strong value. For most owners, however, given the somewhat average satisfaction overall (66%), the pillow may not be the best buy for the money.