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Comparison of plush toy fillings: PP cotton, down cotton, memory foam, which one is more suitable for your product?

2025-08-08

1. Comparison of Custom Plush Toy Filling Characteristics

PP Cotton (Doll Cotton/Hollow Cotton)

Material: Polypropylene fiber (chemical fiber), hollow structure

Advantages:

High cost-effectiveness: Lowest cost (approximately 15-30 yuan/kg)

Good resilience: Quickly returns to its original shape after compression, suitable for toys that require fuller shapes

Easy to clean: Machine washable and resists clumping

Disadvantages:

Weak support: May collapse with long-term use

Rugged feel: Slightly rougher than down and memory foam

Suitable for:

Mid- to low-end plush toys (such as regular dolls, promotional gifts)

Children's toys (must comply with EN71-1 safety standards)

Down Cotton (Hollow Cotton/Silk Cotton)

Material: Polyester fiber (polyester), down-like structure

Advantages:

Lightweight and soft: Feels similar to natural down, suitable for high-end toys

Good warmth: Hollow fibers lock in warmth, suitable for winter-themed products Good breathability: Avoids stuffiness

 

Disadvantages:

Higher price: Approximately 40-60 yuan/kg, 2-3 times that of PP cotton

Needs moisture and insect repellency: Mold easily grows in humid environments

 

Suitable for:

High-end gift toys (such as luxury co-branded items)

Home decor pillows

Memory Foam (Slow Rebound Foam)

Material: Polyurethane, with temperature-sensitive, pressure-relieving properties

Advantages:

Strong support: Adapts to body temperature and pressure, suitable for functional toys

Quiet and pressure-resistant: No rebound noise, suitable for sleep companions

Durability: Resists deformation, with a lifespan of over 5 years

Disadvantages:

Highest cost: Approximately 80-120 yuan/kg

Clumsy cleaning: Hand-washing required, long drying time

 

Suitable for:

Infant and toddler comfort toys (such as comfort blankets and doll pillows)

Pressure-relieving adult toys (such as stress-relieving pillows)

2. Care Guide for Custom Plush Toy Filling: PP Cotton, Down Cotton, Memory Foam

General Care Guidelines for Custom Plush Toys

Regular Cleaning: Clean every 1-3 months, depending on frequency of use (especially for toys prone to allergies or children).

 

Avoid direct sunlight and humidity: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight accelerates aging, and a humid environment can easily breed mold.

 

Gentle Handling: Avoid squeezing or pulling to prevent the filling from clumping or deforming.

Care Methods by Material

 

  1. PP Cotton (Polypropylene Cotton)

Features: Excellent elasticity and resistance to deformation, but can collapse with prolonged squeezing.

Cleaning Recommendations:

Machine Wash: For toys with removable covers, remove the PP cotton and hand-wash the cover separately. If the filling needs cleaning, place it in a laundry net and wash on a gentle cycle at low temperature.

Drying: Lay flat to dry in the shade, patting occasionally to restore fluff.

Note: Avoid high-temperature drying, as the PP cotton may shrink and become lumpy.

 

  1. Down Cotton (Imitation Down Fiber)

Features: Fluffy and soft, but can clump easily when damp. Cleaning Recommendations:

Handwashing preferred: Use a mild detergent in cold water and gently press, avoiding wringing.

Drying Tips: Pat the filling gently before hanging to prevent clumping; air dry thoroughly to prevent odor.

Note: Do not dry clean (chemicals damage the fibers). Use a moisture-proofing agent when storing.

 

  1. Memory Foam (Slow Rebound Foam)

Features: Highly absorbent and slowly returns to its original shape after being compressed.

Cleaning Recommendations:

Spot Cleaning: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth and a neutral detergent, avoiding soaking (water absorption is difficult to dry).

Dehumidification and Deodorization: Ventilate the area regularly; baking soda can be used to absorb moisture.

Note: Do not machine wash, expose to direct sunlight, or apply heavy pressure, as these will damage the structure.

Daily Maintenance Tips
  • To Remove Bacteria and Dust: Air dry in sunlight for a short period of 1-2 hours, or use a dust mite remover.
  • Storage: Cover with a dust bag and store in a dry place to avoid deformation (especially with memory foam).
  • Repair Fluffiness: When PP cotton/down cotton toys become flat, pat them with your hands or blow them with cold air from a hair dryer.