Pillows are great, and they give more support to your head and neck when you sleep. But it can be tough to get comfortable when your pillow is too lumpy, it just makes your headrest at odd angles and sometimes presses you up in ways that you don’t like.
But what could be the actual cause why your pillows go lumpy in the first place? Is it as a result of the materials your pillows are made of or what? In simple terms, your pillow goes lumpy because of constant use and several other factors too.
In this article, we answer this question in detail— why do my pillows go lumpy? Furthermore, we also show you how to make your pillow less lumpy as well as how to fix lumpy pillows.
Why do my pillows get lumpy?
In recent times, we have got several comments like — why do my pillows go lumpy.
Well! Here is a simple truth:
When pillows are used for a certain period of time, their stuffing collects dirt and moisture. These materials cause the pillow stuffing to clump together, thereby resulting in your pillows becoming lumpy.
In most cases, you will start experiencing this after a few months of regular use because you/people are constantly touching and using the pillows.
Just in brief: Why do your pillows go lumpy!
Bodyweight— Because you use the pillows on a regular basis, your weight exerts pressure on the pillows, which in turn will affect the shapes.
Sweat — when you sleep in hot weather, you tend to sweat and your pillow absolves and retains the moisture from your sweats which accumulates over time, and if not dried under heat, it will eventually impact your pillows.
Dust mites — this tiny ant can equally cause your pillow to get lumpy. We have written an article on this, check it out here
How to fix a lumpy pillow
Knowing how to fix a lumpy pillow is imperative, especially if you just invested in high-quality down or memory foam pillows that don’t come with a guarantee.
Here’s what you can do to remove a lump from your pillow, no matter what caused it to clump in the first place.
The tennis balls technique:
- Just put one or two tennis balls into the dryer alongside your pillows for a quick fluff.
- Allow the dryer to tumble around for 15 minutes.
- At the expiration of the 15 minutes, take them out of the dryer, then give your pillows a shake and then fluff them.
Magic right! This tennis balls technique will knock out any lumps and make your pillows look brand new again.
What if you don’t have a dryer machine? Check the manual method below:
How to fix a lumpy pillow without a dryer
This manual method of de lumping pillow is one of the simplest and cheapest methods, and should always be the first before trying any other methods.
Here are the steps:
- Put your pillow down.
- Lay hold on both edges [left and right sides of the pillow].
Lift it up, and rapidly compress and decompress the pillow. - Continue doing this for about 30 seconds.
- Flip the pillow and grab it on the longer sides, then repeat for another 30 seconds.
- Lastly, give your pillow some quality punches, kneads, and smacks a couple of times.
What this does is break up the materials and allow good airflow and a light softness, if done correctly, you should notice some significant change with your pillow.
Most time, you may go over these methods a couple of times before you get good results, especially with the tennis ball style.
How to make your pillows less lumpy
While the perfect pillow may be little more than a myth, no one wants to rest their head on a lumpy one—whether it’s a down or memory foam pillow, you don’t have to resign yourself to a lumpy pillow.
A little maintenance will go a long way with your pillows, so it’s important to fluff pillows each morning, this will prevent them from getting lumpy — so make it a habit.
Another way to prevent your pillows from going lumpy is to use a pillow protector beneath your pillowcase.
What pillow does not lose its shape?
It takes more than a comfortable mattress to make for a good night’s sleep. And while it’s true that a well-made bed can make all the difference, having pillows that are firm enough to keep your head and neck properly aligned is just as vital as your mattress firmness.
So, it’s hard to compare one pillow to another using any kind of standardized scale.
But here are nine [9] pillows that won’t lose shape easily, on top of that, they will help you fall asleep faster, have fewer neck aches, and wake up with less back pain.
- Coolest Pillow For Hot Sleepers: Tuft & Needle Original Foam Pillow.
- Best Firm Pillow: Purple Harmony Pillow.
- Best Memory Foam Pillow: Weekender Ventilated Gel Memory.
- Best Pillow For Side Sleepers: Leesa Hybrid Pillow.
- Best Pillow For Back Pain: Layla Kapok Pillow.
- Best Down Pillow: Boll & Branch Down Pillow.
- Best Pillow For Back Sleepers: Epabo Contour Memory Foam Pillow.
- Best Pillow For Stomach Sleepers: Bluewave Bedding Super Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow.
- Best Pillow For Neck Pain: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Neck Pillow.
Frequently asked questions!
What type of pillow lasts the longest?
Straight up! Latex pillows last longer than the average pillow. However, different kinds of pillows have different life spans, so when shopping for your next pillow you should consider pillows that best meet your needs.
Does fabric softener help lumps?
The simple answer is “No!
While fabric softener may help soften your bedding and clothing and thus prevent them from wear and tear, it has a negative effect on most pillows. Instead of making your pillow fluffy, the softener may leave it clumpy, and more prone to allergens.
When should I replace my lumpy pillows?
You can start thinking of replacing your pillow base with the following!
- If your pillow becomes lumpy and a spin in the washing machine and dryer doesn’t help.
- When your pillow loses the ability to provide consistent support for your head and neck.
- When your pillow has permanent Odors or stains.
Why do hotel pillows feel so good?
Pillows use in hotels feel so great because the hotel management understands the importance of consumer satisfaction, thus they put in lots of thought and finance. They buy pillows that are made with top-quality materials which an average house owner may not easily like to invest in.
How do I know what pillow to buy?
Pillows come in different shapes and sizes, so how do you know which one to get? This can be confusing at times, nevertheless, your choice of pillow will depend on the type of sleeper that you are.
If you are a stomach sleeper, a soft pillow will be great for you— A pillow under your stomach and pelvis may help prevent back pain.
On the other hand, if you like sleeping on your back, a flatter pillow will help keep your head and neck in alignment.
Final thoughts!
Why does my pillow go lumpy, so you asked!
This happens for a lot of reasons and in most cases, the quality of the materials your pillow is made of will determine how lumpy it will get.
For instance, synthetic pillows always go lumpy faster than the other pillows like buckwheat pillows, shredded memory foam, feathers and etc. Therefore, when shopping for new pillows, it is good practice to balance quality, pleasure, and comfort. Like the old saying” a stitch in time saves nine”.
Lastly, the best way to ensure you get the most from your pillows is to make an effort that will keep them as fresh and new in appearance as possible. Regular maintenance will go a long way towards ensuring that your pillows provide a consistent resting spot, night after night.
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