Product test
90 nights, three pillows, one winner: the Clima Flow from Bico
by Martin Jungfer
Soft, fluffy, cuddly: the «just happy» pillow has passed my test
12.9.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Are you done with down? Then the «just happy» pillow with its perforated foam is right for you.
First up, it’s important to mention that there’s not that one pillow for everyone. People’s needs are just too different. Some prefer firm pillows, others very soft ones. Then there are side sleepers versus belly and back sleepers. Not to mention your mattress-pillow combination, which is mainly responsible for promoting a healthy sleeping position.
With all these aspects in mind, my test is, of course, subjective. At least in parts. But let’s start with the hard yet soft facts. The «just happy» pillow is 40 by 60 centimetres, a very popular size in Switzerland (here’s a good overview of all pillow sizes). Weighing in at 2.3 kilogrammes, it’s on the heavy side because of its filling. But I’ll get to that later.
Its 15-centimetre thickness sounds like a lot at first. However, it says nothing about whether the pillow’s right for you. It all depends on how much you sink your shoulder into the mattress. And how much your head squashes the pillow, making it flatter. The aim should always be for your spine to form as straight a line as possible. The easiest way to check if this is the case, is by having another person look at your back when you’re lying in bed.
Special foam in «just happy»
The «just happy» pillow’s filled with a specially developed foam. That’s why you can’t really compare its thickness to other pillows. Fifteen centimetres would be on the low side for a down pillow, but (too) much for an ergonomic pillow made of baked foam. Although the core of the «just happy» pillow is also made of PU foam, the foam used in it isn’t produced in a tunnel-like industrial plant as standard foam is, but in a special metal mould. The mixture’s injected into the mould and foamed under strictly controlled conditions.
The result’s a hybrid pillow that has the properties of a down pillow, meaning it’s soft and can be crumpled up. But like a regular foam pillow, it retains its shape when not in use. So if you feel like reading in bed, just fold it once to prop yourself up and unfold it again when you want to sleep. You won’t feel a fold or any unevenness, so no need to fluff up your pillow.
Compared to other pillows from Bico, specifically the twelve-centimetre thick ClimaFlow and ten-centimetre VitaAdapt, a test weight of four kilogrammes actually squashes the «just happy» more despite its extra thickness. Only by a few millimetres, mind you, but it’s still noticeable. In other words, the «just happy» is a softish pillow.
Temperature-regulating pillow cover
The cover impresses when it comes to sustainability. After all, 70 per cent of its material is recycled. It’s made from polyester, although this isn’t explicitly stated on the label.
And yet, there’s nothing to hide. The soft and silky cover with its slightly grooved structure feels good. What’s more, it claims to be temperature-regulating. The incorporated microcapsules change between liquid and solid depending on the temperature. So if you sweat during the night or even just lay down your 37-degree head, the capsules in the pillow will store some of your body heat. When I tested it, I did feel my head was cooler on warm summer nights. Obviously, this is purely subjective and is tough to prove, as there are simply too many variables.
Incidentally, the microcapsules should also work the other way around. Meaning, if your bedroom’s very cool, they give back warmth. The manufacturer calls this technology TempSmart.
You can lay your head directly on the grooved pillow case or, thanks to its standard format, cover it with an extra case to suit your duvet, for example. The standard case is machine-washable at 60 degrees, which should be done once or twice a year, according to the manufacturer. However, if you’re using it without an extra cover, I’d recommend washing it more regularly.
One size fits all?
Some manufacturers produce their pillows in different sizes. The «just happy», however, is only available in a 40 by 60 centimetres format. In my opinion, this gives you plenty of space to move around. What’s more, it’s depth of just 40 centimetres suit me fine as a person who’s on the tall side (1.91 metres). It keeps my position on the mattress in check, as the distance to the head of the bed isn’t too great. Otherwise, I’d probably be inching down the bed.
In a nutshell
Fluffy as feathers yet stable thanks to foam
The «just happy» pillow is a great alternative for fans of feather down. It’s most convincing selling point? It’s just as soft and cuddly, but doesn’t need fluffing up. Plus, its pillowcase will keep you cool during hot nights.
Pro
- Hygienic, as it’s washable at 60 degrees
- Very comfortable, temperature-regulating cover
- No animal-based raw materials
- Standard size, no restriction in your choice of pillowcase
- Soft, yet never squished flat
Contra
- Height not adjustable due to missing foam inserts
Header image: Martin Jungfer
Martin Jungfer
Head of Content
Martin.Jungfer@digitecgalaxus.chJournalist since 1997. Stopovers in Franconia (or the Franken region), Lake Constance, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Zurich. Father since 2014. Expert in editorial organisation and motivation. Focus on sustainability, home office tools, beautiful things for the home, creative toys and sports equipment.
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