Which cushion filling is best? How to choose cushion filling materials

The filling of a cushion, called "nakazai" (inner material) or "nude cushion," is ideally chosen separately from the cover. The quality of the inner material is, so to speak, the heart of the cushion, determining its fluffiness, sitting comfort, and resistance to flattening. We offer three types of Japanese-made inner materials with different properties.

There are many types of cushion fillings, but how do their materials and functions differ?
We offer a total of three types of cushion fillings.
Here, we will introduce the characteristics of each product.

Nude Cushion

Recommended for those who "want something affordable yet high quality."
This is the most common type of inner material, generally known as "poly-cotton."
Its attractive price allows for easy replacement.
We use high-quality Teijin polyester fiber, even among polyester fibers.
It is elastic, highly durable, and hardly flattens.
It offers overwhelming fluffiness and comfort.
Non-square, elongated, and other irregularly shaped cushions sold by us come standard with this "polyester fiber" inner material.
Of course, it is made in Japan with peace of mind.

【Note】This product can be hand-washed.
※When washing, gently hand-press wash.
※Avoid using bleach.
※After shaping, dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area.
※Avoid tumble drying as it may damage the fabric.
※We recommend using a cushion cover.
Although it depends on the frequency and method of use, it will gradually flatten over time.

Nude Cushion

Recommended for those who "want a luxurious feel like a hotel pillow."
We use soft small feathers.
Small feathers are small feathers with slightly curved shafts, found on the abdomen, etc., and are light, soft, and small, with fewer stiff quills often found in ordinary feathers.
To reduce stiff feather quills, we carefully select small feathers, so there is less rustling sound unique to feathers. Although it has a very light and voluminous finish, if you feel the cushion is flattened, dry it in the shade and gently tap it to reshape it. It will return to its original shape if you pat it with both hands to incorporate air.
The casing fabric is 100% cotton with a special tight weave to prevent feathers from escaping, and it is reliably sewn in Japan.

We hope you will cherish and use our small feather nude cushions, which offer a luxurious feel like those in international hotels, for a long time.
The "Cushion chop" (or "Pillow chop") style, often seen in international hotels and model rooms, is only possible with these feather cushions.

You can find more detailed instructions on how to coordinate your bed like a hotel in the article about cushion placement on the bed.

【Note】
Please refrain from washing this product.
Although we use small feathers with as little odor as possible, due to being natural animal fibers, they may have a peculiar smell.

＜Microfiber Cotton＞ Nude Cushion

*This cannot be selected from the cover product page. Please purchase it from the individual inner material product page.

Recommended for those who "are concerned about animal allergies, such as to small feathers, or who prefer a soft and fluffy texture."
This inner material, which is rarely seen in other stores, uses a soft and fluffy, down-like microfiber cotton. It offers a gentle and soft touch, as if enveloped in down.
Microfiber cotton is cotton composed of ultrafine fibers intertwined with air, providing a soft touch, warmth, and fit similar to high-quality down.
It sinks slowly and returns slowly, much like low-rebound foam.
Since it is dust-resistant polyester cotton and does not cause allergies, it is recommended for those with animal allergies or those who dislike animal odors.
The microfiber cotton used is "Toray ft Microfiber Cotton."

• Made in Japan
• Uses ultra-fine microfiber cotton for a soft, down-like feel and fit.
• The casing fabric is a down-proof fabric with a tight weave to prevent dust mites and parasites from entering.
• Recommended for those who couldn't use down pillows due to animal allergies or those who dislike the smell.
• It is a soft specification that sinks slowly and returns slowly. Recommended for those who prefer a softer feel.

【Note】
Since it uses resilient and elastic "cotton," it is hand washable. When washing, please gently hand wash to prevent cotton lumps. After washing, do not use a dryer, but reshape and air dry in the shade until completely dry before use.

How to choose when you're unsure

Finally, here are our guidelines for choosing a cushion filling. For those who want to start easily and replace frequently, polyester fiber is recommended. For those who want a hotel-like appearance and enjoy cushion chops, small feathers are ideal. For those who dislike animal materials or prefer a soft and springy feel, microfiber is the choice. The higher the quality of the cover fabric, the more clearly the difference in the inner material's quality will show in the silhouette. For your special cushion, we encourage you to pay attention to the inner material as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Should I choose an inner material the same size as the cover?
A. Our inner materials are labeled based on cover size, such as "for 45x45cm cover." If you choose the same size as your cover, it will result in a plump and beautiful finish.

Q. How do imported inner materials differ?
A. Imported feather fillings can be heavy and strong-smelling, and polyester fillings can easily clump. All of our inner materials are made in Japan and are of carefully selected, high quality.

Q. If I buy only the cover, can I buy the inner material later?
A. Yes. You can purchase it simultaneously from the dropdown on the cover product page, or you can purchase the inner material separately.

This article was written by HOUSE OF JAPAN, an interior design specialist store established in 2013 in Minami-Azabu, Tokyo. Based on our experience in supplying soft furnishings to hotels and commercial facilities, we have provided insights into choosing inner materials.