The pillows were actually used to support the head of a dead person. The ancient Egyptians considered the head to hold the essence of life. So pillows which were used to uphold the body vigour were also believed to keep demons away.
Stone pillows for living people also existed. For humans, the function of the stone pillow was to prevent insects from crawling into mouths, noses, and ears. And they were used only by the wealthy citizens.
However, a single pillow made from woven plant fibres encased in a wax coating dated to around 2000 BC was found in April 2006. Probably, some of the wealthier Egyptians might have slept more comfortably.
