How to Fluff a Pillow

Find a Pillow That’s Right for You

Looking for a new pillow? Take the quiz below to find the perfect pillow for your needs.

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect pillow

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect pillow

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What position do you sleep in?

Side

Back

Stomach

Do you sleep hot?

Yes

No

Sometimes

Do you prefer a certain pillow height?

High

Low

I don’t know

Do you have any material preferences?

Down/down-alternative

Foam

None

Do you experience any neck or shoulder pain while sleeping?

Yes

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Why Pillows Go Flat

Pillows go flat for several reasons, including the weight of your head, moisture, and the accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells. Over time, the pillow fill compresses beneath your head, especially if you sleep in the same position and only use one area of the surface. Pillows also easily absorb moisture, which flattens the fill and reduces the loft. Additionally, pillows tend to collect skin cells, natural oils, and dust, weighing down the fill and making an attractive haven for dust mites.

Some types of pillow fill flatten more quickly than others. Down and down alternative compress easily beneath weight, often requiring daily fluffing. Despite being less prone to clumping, shredded memory foam and shredded latex may also need regular fluffing to enhance their loft. Solid foam, solid latex, and buckwheat pillows do not require conventional fluffing, though they may still need the occasional freshening up.

Every Way to Fluff a Pillow

Fluffing a pillow is a simple task, but there are many ways to do it. Manual fluffing is the most common method, but you can also use your dryer or fresh air depending on the type of pillow and how flat it is. 

How to Fluff a Pillow by Hand

Fluffing by hand is quick and easy whether your pillow contains shredded memory foam, shredded latex, down, or down alternative. Hold the pillow’s opposite ends and work them in and out as if you’re playing an accordion. This breaks up clumps of fill and forces air into the pillow to restore its loft. Repeat this process on both the long and short sides of the pillow.

If your pillow is especially lumpy, press your hands deep into it with a massaging motion. Work your way across the entire surface until the fill is evenly dispersed. 

How to Fluff a Pillow in the Dryer

You can fluff some pillows in a dryer, but not all pillows are dryer-safe. Check the label for care instructions. Even if your pillow is dryer-safe, some fill materials require a low heat setting and regular monitoring to avoid damage.

When fluffing your pillow in the dryer, include some type of agitator to knead it and break up any lumps inside. A tennis ball in a tube sock works well, as does knotted clean clothing or towels. 

How to Fluff a Pillow With Some Fresh Air

Placing your pillow outside in the sun helps remove any moisture that may otherwise flatten it. However, the weather needs to be warm and dry to prevent additional moisture from seeping into the pillow. 

Remove any protective barrier, like the pillowcase, and place the pillow in a clean, dry, sunny spot. The sunshine’s warmth and heat help remove foul odors and kill bacteria. You can also hang the pillow on a clothesline. This allows fresh air to flow into the pillow and fluff the fill. Leave the pillow outside for several hours so the fill has time to dry and expand.

Other Tips and Tricks to Fluff a Pillow

Fluffing plays a vital role in preserving the loft of your pillow, which contributes to healthy posture and overall comfort. It ensures even fill distribution and maximizes the pillow’s longevity. Here, we share a few more tips to help keep your pillow in optimal shape.

• If you have an adjustable pillow, you can add more fill to restore its loft and plushness. Adjustable pillows typically feature a zippered cover for easy access. They may come with extra fill, or you may be able to purchase more fill from the manufacturer. 
• Try using a pillow protector beneath a traditional pillowcase to prevent the pillow from absorbing moisture, oils, and debris. Sweat, dead skin, hair oil, and personal care products can significantly weigh down fill.
• If washing your pillow made it flat, manually break up any clumps and let it dry thoroughly. You might leave it in a warm, sunny area for several hours or use the dryer fluffing method.
• Don’t leave your pillow in a moist or dark place during the day. If you sweat at night and keep your bedroom dark all day, the moisture in your pillow may linger, creating a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Opening your window blinds exposes your pillow to sunshine, which helps the moisture evaporate.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Pillow 

Sometimes, all fluffing attempts fail, and your flat pillow can’t be revived. If so, it’s probably time to replace your pillow. Depending on the type of fill, you’ll probably need a new pillow every one to two years.

Inexpensive models with polyester fill tend to last about one year, while high-quality latex pillows often hold up for five years or more. Most memory foam pillows and down pillows have expected life spans of two to three years. Investing in a high-quality pillow often means you won’t have to replace it as often.

Watch for telltale signs that you need a new pillow. Odors, lumpy fill, stains, and lack of support may be your first clues. You may also experience more allergy symptoms due to the buildup of dead skin cells, dust mites, and bacteria. Additionally, inadequate support can result in misalignment of the spine. If you adjust your pillow throughout the night or frequently wake up with neck pain, your current pillow may no longer be the best pillow for you.