How to Fluff Pillows

Having a nice fluffy pillow for bedtime is one of the best ways to achieve a good night’s sleep. If you have old or worn-out pillows, you may notice that they are not the most supportive or comfortable for sleeping. Learning to keep your pillows in top shape may keep them from wearing out over time. Not to mention, they keep your bed looking nice and put together.

Here we look at how to fluff pillows for a good night’s sleep.

1. Fluff Pillows By Hand

Fluffing by hand is one of the simplest ways to fluff your pillow. You need to grab the top and bottom of your pillow, squeeze it, then release it. You’ll repeat this process for 30 to 60 seconds. Once you are finished, place your pillows back on your bed.

Another method you can try is by hitting your pillow against the bed or hitting it with your fists. This will help loosen up any lumps in the pillow and retain its shape. For even better results, try kneading and messaging out the lumps individually.

You will probably notice that your pillow will deflate slightly as you’re fluffing. Wait a couple of minutes after you’ve got all the lumps out for your pillow to expand fully.

2. In the Dryer

Tumble-drying your pillow can re-arrange and even out the fill. You can simply toss a pillow in the dryer without washing it or you can do so after giving it a thorough cleaning. Damp pillows will often develop mold and leave your pillow smelling pretty funky, so a run through the dryer is essential after washing your pillow.

Before placing your pillow into the dryer:

1. Make sure that your pillow is dryer-safe.
2. If it isn’t, do not place it in the dryer because this will only add more lumps and can damage the material. If you’re planning to fluff your pillows in the dryer, it might be a good time for you to wash your pillow.
3. Remember to make sure your pillow is completely dry before placing it on your bed.

Ensure nothing else is in it once you’re ready to put your pillow in the dryer. Also, avoid putting more than two pillows in the dryer at a time. Be sure to place your dryer on low heat and set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes. This will prevent your pillow from shrinking or damaging the fill material.

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3. Fresh Air

It’s common for pillows to trap moisture and is a common reason why lumps develop. Letting your pillows get a bit of fresh air from time to time will help them regain fluffiness and keep pesky odors from persisting.

It’s also good to let your pillows air dry if they are still damp after taking them out of the dryer. Air drying will prevent you from placing them back in the dryer, which might prevent them from shrinking up.

Types of Pillow

There are many types of pillows on the market, each with its own distinct feel and a set of pros and cons. Let’s look at the different types of fill material you’ll find while out shopping.

Down Pillows

Down is a luxury fill material and will usually cost more than $200 or more for each pillow. This type of fill is the ultra-soft material from duck and goose underbellies and is very durable.

However, they do require extra maintenance and regular fluffing. It’s best to avoid tumble drying these pillows for fluffing since it will likely cause damage to the materials.

Feather Pillows

Feathers are the affordable pillow fill compared to down and come from the topcoats of ducks and geese. Like down pillows, feather pillows are a supportive and durable material.

One issue you may notice is that feathers clump together to need regular fluffings for the best comfort and support. Additionally, feathers may poke through the fabric and sometimes have a strange smell.

Down Alternative Pillows

If you are allergic to feathers or down, purchasing an alternative down pillow may be better. These pillows are made with hypoallergenic materials from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polyfill. These pillows are not as warm, plush, or durable as down, but they are more affordable and easy to maintain.

Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam pillows made from polyurethane are an excellent choice for back sleepers, as it offers the best back and neck support. These pillows provide excellent pressure point relief and contour your head and neck. However, they also tend to retain heat and might be too hot for some sleepers.

SEE ALSO: How to Wash a Memory Foam Pillow

Latex Pillows

Latex is a soft, breathable, and eco-friendly fill. This fill material is available in shredded and block forms with similar characteristics to shredded and block memory foam. Latex foam provides excellent pressure-point relief and is resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. It may not be the best option for all sleepers because of its expensive price point.

SEE ALSO: Latex vs Memory Foam

Cotton Pillows

Cotton fill is a common material and is affordable for most sleepers. These pillows are breathable and soft but do not contour to the head and neck well. Also, the material may lose its firmness over time, but you may be able to prolong its lifespan by fluffing regularly.

Wool Pillows

Wool pillows aren’t as popular as other types, mainly because they’re more expensive and can only be dry-cleaned. The great thing about wool pillows is that they are moisture-wicking, temperature-regulating, and a soft, comfortable fill fiber. They usually stay drier much longer than cotton or down when exposed to similar natural body moisture or environmental humidity levels.

When is it Time for a New Pillow?

High-quality pillows will last for years, especially if you take good care of them. The best pillows should last up to 4 to 6 years. Most sleep experts say you should replace your pillows after this time, primarily to remove dust mites.

If you are having trouble getting out funky smells or you see persisting mold development, you should dispose of your pillow. It’s common for cheaper pillows to wear down after a couple of months, so you should plan to replace them if you notice lumps, bumps, or dents that you cannot remove by simply fluffing.

Additionally, if your pillow has rips, holes, or tears, you’ll need a replacement.

How to Protect Your Pillows

The best ways to protect your pillows from lumps, dirt, and debris are by cleaning them properly and buying protectors. It’s best to wash your pillow every six months to keep mold and mildew from developing.

If you want to keep them in top shape, go the extra mile, wash them every three months, and purchase pillow protectors. Always follow the proper washing and drying instructions to protect your mattress. You should also consider buying high-quality pillows rather than cheap ones since they usually have a longer lifespan.

FAQs

How frequently should I wash my pillows?

It’s best to wash your pillows at least every six months, but if you want to keep them in top shape, you should clean them every three to four months. You should also make sure you are cleaning your pillowcases frequently. We suggest washing them every 1 to 2 weeks without bedding. This will keep any funky smells from developing.

How do you help your pillows last longer?

One of the best ways to extend the lifespan of your mattress is by investing in high-quality pillows. Sometimes when you purchase a cheap pillow, they wear down quickly. You should also wash your pillows consistently and fluff them to protect their materials.

How do you get the musty smell out of pillows?

If you notice your pillows have a musty smell you can’t seem to get out, you can try adding half a cup of baking soda into the wash. Also, try sprinkling baking soda on the pillow and vacuum it up after 30 minutes to help remove odors.

Another reason your pillow might have odors is that it has developed mold or mildew. To get rid of this, try to spray a light mist of vinegar over the pillow, then wipe it down with a mild dish soap solution and a white cloth or a sponge. If spots remain, wipe them with rubbing alcohol on the tip of a cotton swab.

If you have tried all of these quick fixes and still can’t get the smell out, you should dispose of your pillows. It’s most likely time for new ones!

What type of pillow is best for my sleeping position?

If you are looking for the perfect pillow, you should consider your sleeping position before purchasing. Side sleeping is one of the most popular sleeping positions, and if you sleep this way, you will probably prefer a high loft pillow with a bit more firmness. Back sleepers will likely prefer thinner, thin malleable pillows that prevent lateral neck twists and strains.

Though we do not encourage stomach sleep, these sleepers should choose a high-profile firm pillow to support your neck.

Will fluffing my pillow in a dryer cause damage to it?

You shouldn’t run into any problems if you put your pillow on the lowest setting. You should only keep your pillow for 10-15 minutes in the dryer. Drying your pillows on high heat, it could cause your pillow to shrink up and will cause damage to the fill materials.

Conclusion

We should mention that fluffing may not be a cure-all for getting all of the lumps out of your pillow. If you notice lumps are not going away no matter how much you fluff your pillows, then it’s probably a sign you need to get new ones.

We recommend replacing pillows every 4 to 6 years to keep dust and dirt from accumulating. It may also be a good idea to invest in durable pillows. These may come at a higher price, but you can count on them lasting for years to come.