Pillows flatten down each time we put our weight on them, and even though they bounce back, over time, they will retain this flatter shape.
It’s not only weight that flattens polyester pillows, but also the dust, bacteria and moisture that get trapped inside.
This build-up can cause the filling to flatten down and clump together, making the pillow compressed and lumpy.
In this article, we’ll explain how to make your polyester-filled pillows fluffy again and how to keep them that way.
How Do You Make Polyester Pillows Fluffy Again?
The good news is that it’s relatively easy to bring your pillows back to life. Follow these steps to plump up your pillows and keep them fluffy for longer:
Fluff them by hand
This can be a good option if you’re having a rough day and need to relieve your frustration, as it involves punching your pillow!
Yes, punching or hitting the pillow against a hard surface (a wall or table) will help break up clumps and increase air flow.
You can also take a softer approach. Either massage the pillow, identifying clumps and breaking them up, or take each end of the pillow and squeeze it in and out like playing an accordion.
Do this each morning for best results.
Fluff them in the dryer
You can put your pillows in the dryer after washing them or even if they’re already dry. Put them on a low or no-heat setting to plump them up again.
They will be extra fluffy if you add a tennis ball to the dryer as it will pummel the pillow and help break up clumps. Just put the tennis ball into a sock and pop it in the dryer at the same time.
If you don’t have a tennis ball, you can use balled up clothing or socks instead.
Do this once a month for best results.
Hang your pillow outside
Again, you can do this in conjunction with a wash or just hang them out when they’re already dry, but what’s important is that they’re outside on a sunny day.
The combination of air flow from the breeze, and the sun’s rays which kill bacteria, will help restore the pillow’s original shape, especially if you then plump it by hand or in the dryer.
Re-fill your pillow
If the above isn’t working and you’re comfortable with sewing, you can refill your pillow. Polyester filling is relatively easy to find and keeping the pillow for longer reduces waste.
Just open your pillow at the seam using a thread cutter and either remove the old filling and refill completely, or simply add more filling to what’s already in there.
You’ll then need to sew the seam back together by hand.
How to Keep Your Pillow Fluffy
You can keep your pillows fluffier for longer by using a pillow protector as well as a pillowcase. A protector will keep out some of the bacteria and moisture that can build up and weigh down the pillow.
In addition to this, be sure to use the right size or slightly smaller pillow case so that it compresses the pillow and keeps its shape.
Why Should You Fluff Your Pillow?
Apart from the fact that full, fluffy pillows make your bed look inviting, there are three essential reasons to restore your pillows:
- Alleviates back pain: When you sleep, your spine should be in a straight line and shouldn’t be curved at your neck. Sleeping on a hard, misshapen pillow can cause neck and back pain, which can in turn cause headaches and lead to chronic pain.
- Better sleep: The absence of back pain will contribute to better sleep, but the overall comfort of having a plump pillow will also help you drop off easily.
- Longer lasting: The more often you fluff your pillow, the longer it will last. This is because the act of fluffing it airs it out and helps to remove some of the bacteria and moisture that the polyester fill might otherwise retain.
When Should You Replace Your Pillow?
Polyester pillows tend to have a shorter life span compared to down and memory foam pillows. They should ideally be replaced every 2 years.
If you’re unsure, you can test the pillow by folding it in half. If it stays in that shape then it’s time to replace it. If it bounces back, it can still be used.
However, you may need to replace your pillow sooner if the above steps don’t work and it’s still flat and lumpy.
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