Pillows are a bonus when it comes to having a good night’s sleep. We could sleep without them, but they provide a sense of ease and relaxation, as well as providing support for our neck, head, and spine. We use them all night, so it’s no surprise that they flatten, and we’re tempted to replace them every year.
So, what causes pillows to flatten? The most typical cause of pillow flattening is a long period when your head is squeezed against the loose material inside the pillow. The material loses its fluffiness and becomes flat as a result of this. Moisture could also be to blame for a pillow’s flatness.
Pillows do have a shelf life. While we may not need to replace a pillow every year, we should not expect to do so before the age of two. Polyester pillows should last at least two years, whereas feather and down pillows can last up to 10 years. A pillow’s average lifespan is two to four years. Let’s have a look at some strategies to care for our pillows so that they stay fluffy for as long as possible.
Reasons why pillows go flat
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The Weight of Your Head
The most common cause of pillows flattening over time is simply the weight of your head. It’s unnecessary to have an especially huge or heavy head to notice that your pillow has flattened. It’s just that your pillow isn’t going to last indefinitely. Pillows have a limited lifespan, and after being used to prop your head up for so long, your pillow will ultimately flatten. Some pillows may take years to flatten, while others may flatten much more quickly. The materials used to manufacture a cushion and other considerations will determine how long it will survive.
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Moisture Absorption
Even if you use a pillowcase to cover your bed pillows, they will still be exposed to moisture over time. When you sleep, your body sweats, and some of that sweat will seep through to the pillow. This dampness can cause a flattening of your pillow. It’s not anything you need to be overly concerned about, though. Sweating during the night is normal, and all you have to do is remember to keep your pillowcase on your pillows. Change your pillowcases regularly to maintain things clean and prevent your pillows from flattening too quickly.
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Dust termites
Dust Mites are a type of mite that can be found in the home. Dust mites, for example, might cause your pillow to flatten out over time. You may prevent this from happening too quickly by cleaning your pillow regularly. If you don’t do this, you can have more serious dust mite difficulties that become bothersome.
In any case, you should clean your pillow thoroughly as often as possible. You use your bed pillow every night, and you don’t want it to get soiled. It’s a good idea to pull your cushion out and give it a thorough cleaning to keep it in good condition.
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Hair and Skin
It’s also worth noting that when you’re sleeping, your body will shed both skin and hair. It is a factor that contributes to the growth of dust mites. If you don’t wash your pillow after a while, it will get fairly stinky over time. If you’ve been neglectful throughout the years, you’ll want to start washing your pillow more frequently. Dust mites can also be problematic for allergy sufferers. If things go badly enough, this may even prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep.
Pillow fillers
The following are the different types of pillow fillers.
- Synthetic
The most common filler for pillows is synthetic materials derived from polymer fibers, such as polyester and memory foam. In addition, solid-filled or shredded memory foam pillows are available. Solid fillers provide a supportive feeling as your head sinks into the pillow, but the fill cannot move.
The shredded memory foam pillows are likewise supportive, but they have a fluffier feel because the fill is not firm. Synthetic fillers are less expensive and can maintain their shape for a longer period. Our preferred bedding material is memory foam. Next, read this post to discover more about the benefits and drawbacks of memory foam pillows.
- Natural fillers
Natural fillers have been used in cosmetics for a long time. Feathers, down, wool, latex, cotton, and buckwheat are the most prevalent. Due to its scarcity, down is the softer, fluffier filler. It is also more expensive, and it is taken from living geese. Solid or shredded latex pillows are available. The shredded fill gives a squishy, memory foam-like feel, but it bounces back considerably faster.
How to Take Care of Your Pillow
The following are ways that you can use to ensure that your pillow is well taken care of and that it can last long.
Keeping Your Pillow Clean
- Pillows (bedding pillows) can become unclean over time, and discoloration can occur. The discoloration is caused by body oils that find their way into the pillow’s fabric.
- Dust mites can also accumulate. Dust mites are a natural part of any mattress since they feed on skin dander. However, dust mite waste can eventually quadruple the weight of a pillow over 8 to 10 years.
- Pillows should be dry-cleaned or laundered every three weeks to avoid this. The cushion will be sanitized, and the dust mites are killed by using bleach. However, mildew will form if the cushion is not dry inside, as it acts as a sponge while absorbing water.
- A pillow protector adds an extra layer of protection against discoloration and dust mites, allowing the pillow to stay cleaner for longer.
How to Keep Your Pillow from Flattening
- Tumble-drying a dry pillow for fifteen minutes once a week is highly suggested for keeping it fluffy and fresh. It also aids in the elimination of dust mites. Wrap a tennis ball in a sock and toss it in the dryer with the cushion for even greater results. The cushion will be filled and fluffy when finished. It will be ideal for a restful night’s sleep.
- Before going to bed, fluff the pillows. Then, before retiring to bed, grip the pillow by the ends and squeeze and stretch it constantly three to four times, as it prevents the pillows from compressing and maintains them fluffy.
- You can also use your fists to hit the cushions on both sides. Then hit it on the bed to straighten it out and bring it back to shape.
- Once a week, place the pillows in the sun for a few hours. If dampness has caused your pillows to lose their fluffiness, sunlight can assist. However, the fluffiness will reappear after 3 to 4 hours in the sun.
When Is It Time To Replace Your Pillow?
Pillows have a finite lifespan and should be replaced at some point. It’s usually a good idea to change a pillow for sanitary reasons, regardless of how much maintenance is done. There are a few telltale symptoms that your pillow needs to be replaced:
- When your pillow becomes lumpy and saggy, it’s time to replace it. However, there is a technique to tell if it’s still helpful. Place a book on top of the pillow after folding it in half. There is still life if it returns to its natural shape. But it’s time to go if it stays folded in half.
- When you notice obvious perspiration or moisture stains.
- When you wake up with a pain in your back or neck.
- When memory foam pillows become crumbly or lose their original shape, they are changed.
Conclusion
Different reasons make the pillows go flat, as discussed above in this article. Therefore the user must take good care of the pillow to ensure that they don’t get new ones every year.
In general, all pillows will lose their fluff with time; however, if keeping the pillow for as long as possible is vital to you, the maintenance above measures will aid in its upkeep. Maintenance is done regularly for the optimum benefits.
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