If you've ever slept on a memory foam pillow, you know just how comfortable and supportive they can be. Memory foam pillows are made from a special type of foam that molds to the shape of your head and neck, providing targeted pressure relief and support. But what happens when your memory foam pillow starts to get dirty or smelly? Can you wash it like a regular pillow, or do you have to take special precautions?
"Can memory foam pillows be washed?" is one of the topics of this article. We'll look more closely at memory foam's characteristics, the best ways to clean and maintain your memory foam pillow, and other things to think about when it comes to looking after this unusual kind of pillow. Without mentioning that we will recommend the best memory foam pillows in 2023.
What is memory foam?
Memory foam is a special kind of foam that NASA first created to provide comfort for astronauts during space travel. From then on, a variety of items, including mattresses, pillows, and even shoes, have adopted memory foam for use in their construction.
The key characteristic of memory foam is its ability to conform to the shape of the object pressing against it, thanks to its viscoelastic properties. When you lay your head on a memory foam pillow, for example, the foam molds to the shape of your head and neck, distributing pressure evenly and providing customized support.
There are many reasons why memory foam pillows are popular. In addition to the personalized support they offer, they also frequently outlive conventional pillows and can aid patients with neck or back problems to feel less pain and suffering.
Having said that, memory foam pillows do need particular maintenance to guarantee their durability and efficiency. So let's look more closely at how to maintain memory foam pillows and whether they can be washed.
Can memory foam pillows be washed?
The short answer is yes, memory foam pillows can be washed. However, washing a memory foam pillow requires extra care and attention to ensure that the foam is not damaged.
Here are the exact steps you should follow:
Fill a sink/bathtub with lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the foam.
Gently submerge the pillow in the water and squeeze it to work the soapy water into the foam. Do not twist or wring the pillow (damage can be caused to the foam)
Drain the soapy water and rinse the pillow with fresh water until all the soap is gone.
Squeeze out as much water as you can from the pillow, then let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Do not put the pillow in the dryer or use any heating devices (damage can be caused). You could leave it in the sun, but not for an extended period of period
If your memory foam pillow has any stains or odors that won't come out with simple soap and water, you can try spot-cleaning it with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. As we said before, make sure to let the pillow air dry completely before using it again.
You may easily and properly wash your memory foam pillow without causing any foam damage by following these instructions. It's crucial to keep in mind that you should only wash your memory foam pillow if it is required because frequent cleaning can eventually cause the foam to disintegrate.
Other tips for caring for your memory foam pillow
While washing your memory foam pillow is an important part of its care routine, there are several other steps you can take to keep your pillow in good condition and extend its lifespan:
1) Use a pillowcase
Always cover your memory foam pillow with a pillowcase to keep out dust, grime, and skin oils. A pillowcase can also aid in absorbing any extra moisture, which will most certainly help in preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
2) Air out your pillow
Whenever possible, remove your memory foam pillow from its case and allow it to air out in a well-ventilated room. This can help reduce any odors that may have developed and allow the foam to "breathe."
3) Rotate your pillow
It's a good idea to rotate your memory foam pillow every few weeks to guarantee even wear and tear. This can assist ensure that you're getting the most out of your pillow by preventing the foam from forming long-term indentations.
4) Avoid using heat
Because strong heat can damage memory foam, it's vital to keep your pillow away from extreme temperatures, as we mentioned before. This includes dryers in addition to furnishings like heated chairs, electric blankets, and other heating elements.
When should you replace your memory foam pillow?
While memory foam pillows are known for their durability, they don't last forever. Over time, the foam can break down, lose its shape and support, and become less comfortable to sleep on (which decreases the sleep quality overall). Here are some signs that it's time to replace your memory foam pillow:
1) It's over 2 years old
Most experts advise replacing memory foam pillows every 1-2 years to ensure getting the best support and comfort possible, even though they can last longer than standard pillows.
2) The original shape was lost
If your memory foam pillow no longer holds its shape or is developing permanent indentations, it may be time for a replacement. A pillow that is no longer able to can hold your neck may lead to discomfort and poor sleep quality.
3) It's giving off an odor
If your memory foam pillow is giving off a strong, unpleasant odor, this could be a sign of mold or mildew growth. While you may be able to clean the pillow and remove the odor, it's often easier and more effective to simply replace the pillow.
4) You're experiencing discomfort
When you wake up, if you have neck pain, headaches, or any other discomforts, it may be because your memory foam pillow is no longer giving you the support you require. To see whether your symptoms go better, think about trying a different pillow.
You can assist guarantee that you're enjoying the greatest sleep possible and prevent any potential health risks related to an old or worn-out pillow by keeping an eye out for these indicators and routinely checking the state of your memory foam pillow.
What are the best memory foam pillows?
Now that you know how to care for your memory foam pillow, you may be wondering which pillows are the best options on the market. While there are many high-quality memory foam pillows available, here are three of the best according to our research and opinion, as well as customer reviews:
1) Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow
A highly rated pillow with adjustable firmness and support to match all sleeping positions is the Coop Home Goods Premium Adjustable Loft Pillow. It has a memory foam and microfibre fill mixture that can be adjusted. The pillow cover is constructed from a combination of viscose rayon and polyester produced from bamboo, which is breathable, hypoallergenic, and intended to keep you cool all night long.
On Amazon, they can be found in both queen and king sizes. Without any discounts, the queen size is available for $72, and the king size one is for $92.
Pros
The adjustable fill allows for customized firmness and support
The bamboo-derived cover is soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic
The pillow is durable and long-lasting
The pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 5-year warranty
The shredded memory foam and microfiber fill is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it's made without harmful chemicals
Cons
Some users may find it difficult to adjust the fill to their desired firmness, particularly if they have limited dexterity
The pillow may have a slight odor upon arrival, but this typically dissipates within a few days of airing it out
We also have a more detailed review of this pillow, which you may be interested in reading.
2) Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow
The Sleep Innovations Contour Memory Foam Pillow is a uniquely-shaped pillow that provides targeted support for the neck and shoulders. The pillow is made of high-quality memory foam that is infused with cooling gel to help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating. The pillow cover is hypoallergenic and made of breathable fabric, making it easy to keep clean.
On Amazon, they are available in Queen size ($44.99) and travel size ($30). Standard size, at the time of publication, is not available (but don't worry, it will be soon, or maybe even when you're reading this).
Pros
A great choice for those with neck and shoulder pain ( the contour shape of the pillow helps align your spine and reduce pressure points)
The memory foam is soft and comfortable, yet still firm enough to provide the support you need.
Maintains cool temperature throughout the night
The hypoallergenic cover is made of breathable fabric that is easy to remove and machine washable.
The pillow is durable and should last for several years with proper care.
Cons
The contour shape may not be comfortable for everyone, particularly those who are used to a more traditional pillow shape.
The pillow can have a strong odor when first unpackaged, although this should dissipate within a few days.
The pillow is relatively high-priced compared to some other memory foam pillow options on the market.
3) Coop Home Goods Adjustable Eden Pillow
Coop Home Goods Adjustable Eden Pillow is filled with an adjustable memory foam pillow. It is important to say that it is a gel-infused memory foam pillow, allowing hot sleepers to stay cool at night. As the name says, it is also adjustable meaning that you can personalize the quantity of filling to your ideal level of firmness. This pillow has two covers: an internal one (for the fluffing) and an external one (to close the inter cover).
With a 4.4 rating on Amazon, people seem to agree that it is extremely comfortable. On Amazon, they are available in both queen ($96) and king ($116) sizes.
One of the best features about this pillow is that, because the pillow's filling is adjustable, pretty much everyone, based on their sleeping position, can have their requirements fulfilled.
Pros
Ideal for hot sleepers (soft, gel-infused memory foam & microfiber fill blend)
Adjustable (add or take off fill to your pleasure)
Both queen and king sizes are offered and available at the moment
Suitable for all types of sleepers
People which like soft pillows will like it
Cons
Some people said that the pillow gets thinner over time
High price compared to the competition
People which are into firm pillows will not like this one
Conclusion
After reading this blog, I am sure you will get a clear idea of how to maintain your memory foam pillow, and maybe you have even found the pillow you needed. You are probably wondering why we chose only 3 pillows. Well, that is because we thought that at the moment, only these 3 deserved to be listed in the blog.
I hope we have been useful in clearing your doubts, feel free to send us any questions or content requests to our mail: pillowlordofficial@gmail.com. Do also check out our website if you are interested in reading more blogs related to pillows.
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