Written by Tyla Oliver, Sleep Health Writer
In the realm of comfort and relaxation, few things rival the simple pleasure of sinking into a bed adorned with plump, cloud-like pillows. Yet, over time, even the most premium pillows can lose their shape and support, leaving you with a less-than-ideal sleep experience. However, there is a quick and easy solution to revive your beloved pillows and restore them to their former glory.
We will unveil the secrets to achieving perfectly fluffed pillows, ensuring you wake up each morning feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the day.
Why Do Pillows Go Flat?
Pillows tend to get flatter over time for a variety of reasons. The most obvious is the weight of your head compressing the pillow, which is worse if you sleep in the same position every night.
Moisture and dead skin cells also accumulate in your pillow over time, which causes it to become denser and flatter. But don’t worry, fluffing your pillows can help to bring them back to their former glory.
How to Fluff a Pillow Video Guide
Find out how to fluff your pillows with our video guide:
How to Fluff a Pillow by Hand
Grab your pillow and place it on your lap. With a hand grabbing either side of yur pillow, push the sides of your pillow inwards and outwards as if you were playing an accordion.
This breaks up any pieces inside the pillow and allows air to enter and increase the pillow’s volume.
How to Fluff a Pillow in the Dryer
Carefully read the care instructions on your pillow, and if they allow, throw your pillow in the dryer. Some fillings will need to fluff at a low temperature to avoid damage, so be sure to follow the care instructions carefully. It may not take a full cycle for your pillow to fluff up, so check on its progress halfway.
How to Fluff a Pillow with a Tennis Ball
Put a tennis ball inside a tube sock and throw it in your dryer along with your pillow. The tennis ball will bounce around inside the dryer and press against your pillow, breaking up any pieces inside and increasing the fluff factor of your pillow.
How to Fluff a Pillow Outside
Leaving your pillow outside in the sun and breeze will give it time to breathe and re-fluff itself. This is especially helpful when you first get a pillow that arrives compressed and has an “off-gassing” odor that needs to dissipate in addition to expanding. This can also be a useful method to use if your pillow has accumulated moisture over time.
Tough to Fluff: Best Ways to Fluff Different Types of Pillows
Different pillows require different methods of fluffing. This is how to fluff different types of pillow.
Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam pillows can be successfully fluffed by throwing them in the dryer on very low heat. Throw in a couple of tennis balls to make the fluffing even more effective. Because memory foam pillows mold to the shape of your head over time, flipping them frequently also aids in keeping them nice and fluffy.
Body Pillow
Most Body pillows can be effectively fluffed by hand. Making an accordion motion with your hands for at least 30 seconds should do the trick. If this does not work, body pillows can also be thrown in the dryer on low heat if the care instructions allow.
Vacuum-Sealed Pillows
Pillows that have been vacuum sealed can take 72 hours to fully expand. But if you would like to start using them immediately, you can just pop them in the dryer for 20 minutes, if the care instructions allow for it.
How to Fix a Lumpy Pillow
If your pillow has big chunks in its interior, work your hands into it (like you’re massaging the pillow) to break them up and allow them to re-distribute inside your pillow. This will increase the volume, height and increased puffiness.
If you want to avoid lumpy pillows altogether, consider investing in one of the best firm pillows on the market.
Why Should I Fluff My Pillow?
Having well-fluffed pillows adds to your comfort and helps you to get a better night’s sleep. It also supports your neck so you don’t struggle with neck pain. If this is something that you frequently deal with, it might be time to invest in one of the best pillows for neck pain.
FAQs
How often should you fluff your pillow?
Fluffing your pillows on a daily basis will prevent them from getting flat, which will extend their lifespan. Cleaning your pillows effectively will also help to give you a good night’s sleep.
Can a flat pillow cause headaches?
Pillows can cause headaches if they are not correctly situated to keep your spine in alignment. If you sleep on your back, you will need a medium to high pillow to keep your spine straight. A pillow that is too flat could cause your spine to crane out of alignment, leaving you with a terrible headache.
Do feather pillows go flat?
Feather pillows tend to go flat quicker because of the nature of the feathers. The quills also tend to poke through the pillow casing over time, causing a lack of integrity to the pillow.
How often should you replace pillows?
Experts recommend that you replace your pillow every one to two years. If you are constantly fluffing your pillows and they continually end up lumpy during the night, it may be time to get a new pillow.
Why do pillows turn yellow?
Pillows turn yellow for a variety of reasons, including exposure to sweat, wet hair, drool, natural body oils, lotions, face creams and other beauty products. This is usually not a sign of anything sinister, but you should still ensure you’re replacing your pillows every one to two years.