Whether we're just waking up in the morning or winding down at the end of the day, pillows are there for us.

These squishy and cozy essentials play a vital role in ensuring a good night's sleep and providing the necessary support for our heads and necks.

Check out these unusual facts about your favorite bedding accessory!

When Were Pillows First Used?
The earliest use of pillows occurred in Mesopotamia around 7,000 BC.
These early pillows were made of stone and carved into a cradle shape – they were not designed for comfort. Instead, these stone pillows were used to elevate the head so that insects wouldn't crawl into a sleeper's mouth, nose, or ears!
But if we're going to talk about the modern-day pillows, then we can credit the Romans and Greeks in Ancient Europe for that!

Where Does the Word 'pillow' Come From?
The word "pillow" comes from the Latin word "pulvinus."
The Latin word "pulvinus" refers to a cushion or pillow. It eventually evolved into the English word we use today.

What Are Pillows Made Of?
Natural and synthetic materials like cotton, down, memory foam, and polyester offer diverse options for comfort and support in pillows.

What Are the Different Types of Pillow Sizes?

There are four main sizes of pillow: standard, queen, king, and body pillows.

A standard pillow is usually 20 inches by 26 inches.

A queen pillow is usually 20 inches by 30 inches.

A king pillow is usually 20 inches by 36 inches.

A body pillow is usually 20 inches by 54 inches.

From standard rectangular pillows to square, round, and even custom-shaped designs, there is a wide variety of pillows available to suit different preferences and needs.

Who Invented Memory Foam Mattresses and Pillows?

Memory foam was not invented to be used in the bedroom.

It was invented in 1966 by Charles Yost. Working for the Ames Research Centre, under contract by NASA, in order to improve the comfort and safety of aircraft cushions. Originally named "slow spring back foam", most people knew the material as "temper foam".

Yost eventually commercialized it in 1974. This allowed other industries, such as the medical and airline industries, to take full advantage of this fantastic breakthrough.

At some point, people figured out that memory foam might also be good for pillows, it can benefit sleep by keeping your neck and spine aligned.

Can Dirty Pillowcases Cause Acne?
Cotton pillowcases are prone to making you have acne breakouts.
Many pillowcases are made from cotton, which retains moisture and can make skin feel damp, causing acne. This is especially true when you're using cases that have not been washed regularly enough to keep them clean of dirt and bacteria.

Pillows are good for joint & muscle mobility
They cradle the head and neck as you sleep, keeping your spine aligned and preventing damage.

How Often Should You Replace a Pillow?
Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you're using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens.

There are many quirky holidays associated with pillows.

International Pillow Fight Day
It is held annually on the first Saturday of April. It started in 2008 and is dedicated as a time for doing one of the most fun activities during sleepovers!

Poem on Your Pillow Day
Which happens every first Tuesday of May. Tweet Speak Poetry created the quirky holiday in 2015, and it was intended to show how powerful words are by expressing ourselves to our loved ones in the form of poems.

Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day
On May 29, put a pillow on your fridge to bring good luck and wealth to your home. It's believed to date back to sometime in the 20th century, although its exact origins are unknown.

Feeling Lonely? You Could Always Marry Your Pillow.
A guy from Korea called Lee Jin-Gyu, who married his dakimakura in 2010.
Dakimakura are long body pillows with fictional characters, often from anime, printed on them. They're also known as "waifu" pillows.

Sources
Wikipedia - Pillow / Glamour / Wikipedia - Dakimakura / Time and Date / Days of the Year / Awareness Days / Web MD / NASA / Refinery29 / Water's Edge Dermatology
Image credit: bob vila