The Best 18 x 18 Pillow Inserts

By Amanda Lasater

May 14th, 2021

By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Advisor may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.

Pillow inserts provide you with a way to continuously update the look of your homes décor. Whether you are decorating your bedroom, living room, home office, or any other room, pillow inserts can be used with the throw pillow covers of your choosing to completely tie together a room’s décor. Aside from providing you with the freedom to customize your décor, quality pillow inserts also provide you with a heightened level of comfort for when you are resting or lounging. 

But, because of how versatile pillow inserts are, the demand for them has skyrocketed. And, while this means you have a lot of options to choose from when searching for the perfect pillow insert, it also means that you will have to sort through a lot of duds to find the winner. So, to help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of the best 18” x 18” pillow inserts available today. 

Our Picks for the Best 18 x 18 Pillow Inserts

edow pillow insert

Best Overall

EDOW Throw Pillow Insert

We absolutely love these elegant and versatile pillow inserts from EDOW. The feel of these pillow inserts are the perfect medium between plush and firm, providing you with the optimal level of comfort and support no matter where you use them.

The spiral interlocking filler used in these pillows is made of 100% polyester fiber, giving it its full yet ultra-soft feel. The pillow is covered in 100% cotton fabric with tight stitching so you can be sure that these pillows will last for a very long time. It is also machine-washable, so you don’t have to worry about ruining these pillows when you add them into your living room or kid’s playroom. Finally, EDOW’s 18” x 18” pillow inserts are hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant so they are safe to use with even the most sensitive of allergies.   

foamily pillow insert

Best Budget

Foamily Premium Hypoallergenic Stuffer Pillow Insert

If you want an affordable pillow insert, but you do not want to sacrifice comfort, then look no further than Foamily Premium Hypoallergenic Stuffer Pillow Insert. This pillow insert is filled with 100% hypoallergenic virgin polyester microfibers, so not only does it provide you with a soft place to lay your head but it is also safe for those of us with allergies.

In fact, the high-grade filling used in these pillow inserts are exclusively used by Foamily and therefore cannot be found in any other pillows. The pillow inserts provide you with ample firm support for your neck as you lounge around watching TV or as you fall asleep at night. The hypoallergenic pillow inserts are dust mite, mildew, and mold resistant, so they won’t cause an allergic reaction for any of your loved ones. We love these inserts because they are Foamily’s most resilient and durable pillow inserts but they are still incredibly fluffy.

pillowflex insert

Most Luxurious

Pillowflex Synthetic Down Pillow Insert

Let’s be real – who doesn’t want to feel like they’re love laying in a giant fluffy cloud? Well, this pillow insert is probably the closest thing to a cloud that you’ll ever find. Cuddling up to a pillow filled with Pillowflex’s Synthetic Down Pillow Insert is one of the most luxurious experiences you will ever have.

This pillow insert is filled with a faux down polyester fiber filling that has the same feel, weight, and characteristics of traditional down, but at a fraction of the cost. It even has that “karate chop” look that you get with natural down pillows. Unlike poor quality pillows that use dry fibers, this pillow inset uses a slick polyester fiber to keep the pillow’s filling smooth and lump free. Plus, this pillow insert is hypoallergenic, odorless, and free of flame retardant chemicals, so you can use it in any room in your house without having to worry about allergens or harsh chemicals affecting your loved ones.   

utopia bedding insert

Best Value

Utopia Bedding Throw Pillows Insert

Utopia Bedding has developed into a very popular provider of bedding accessories and after using their 18” x 18” pillow inserts you’ll quickly realize why. These pillow inserts come in a pack of two for a fraction of the cost of many other single pillow inserts – and they are perfect for any room.

They are filled with a siliconized fiber filling and wrapped in a high-quality, brushed poly cotton fabric cover, so they will last longer and never look hollow. And, thanks to the removable fabric cover, these pillows can be easily spot cleaned or hand washed to remove and stains. Whether you want to use these pillow inserts inside a decorative sham or you simply want to use them as-is, they are an elegant addition to any room.   


What to look for in your next 18 x 18 pillow inserts

When shopping for pillow inserts, consider the following factors:

  • Feel. One of the most important factors when purchasing pillow inserts is the feel. Before you buy your inserts, make sure that you have established what your preferred feel is. Do you want a soft and fluffy pillow for naps? Are you in need of lumbar support? Do you prefer an overstuffed pillow? Are they purely decorative or will your pillows be used while you sleep?
  • Number of inserts. Are you looking for just one or two inserts? Or, are you wanting to purchase multiple inserts? Decide roughly how many you want to buy as this will help you understand how much you are willing to spend. Also, you may want to search for inserts that come in larger quantities instead of just one or two packs. 
  • Cost. Now that you know how many inserts you need, go ahead and establish a budget. Figuring out how much you are willing to spend total will give you an idea of the price range of the pillow inserts you are looking for.  
  • Size. Some people prefer a very tight pillow that is packed with filling. In general, a pillow insert is going to decrease in size about 10% from the size listed. If you don’t want a lose pillowcase, make sure your shams are a little smaller than your pillow insert.  

FAQs

What size pillow sham should I use with my 18” x 18” pillow inserts?

In general, it is recommended to use a pillow sham that is 1” to 2” smaller than your inserts. So, for 18” x 18” pillow inserts, you will want a 17” x 17” pillow sham. 

Do I have to use a pillow sham with inserts?

Not if you don’t want to! It is completely up to you and your personal preferences. If you get a pillow insert that has a nice, durable cover and you like the way it looks, then why not skip the sham altogether?


Conclusion

Pillow inserts provide you with the freedom to customize your room’s décor without having to sacrifice comfort. Thankfully, finding high-quality pillow inserts does not have to be a challenge nor does it have to break the bank. Make sure to use our picks for the best 18” x 18” pillow inserts to find the perfect inserts for your needs and start lounging in style.