Caring for orthopedic pillows: cleaning, washing, airing

An orthopedic pillow is a comfortable and, at times, indispensable item for sleeping, which has a lot of advantages. With it, you will forget about headaches, neck muscle tension and improve the overall quality of sleep, which will have a positive effect on your health. Modern manufacturers do not stop there and continue to improve the composition and shape of orthopedic products. At the same time, for many people who have already appreciated all the advantages of such pillows, it remains unclear how to properly care for them.

In this article we will cover:

• wash orthopedic pillows or dry clean;
• in what cases can you wash a pillow and in what cases can you not;
• how to wash an orthopedic pillow by hand or machine;
• what the washing parameters depend on;
• how to dry items correctly. And also what else is important to know so that the pillow serves you for a long time.

Is it possible to wash an orthopedic pillow?

An orthopedic pillow is a well-thought-out design that is easy to spoil. Before deciding to wash an item, it is important to carefully read the label. If the label has not been preserved, remember that the permissibility of washing depends on the filler:

Below in the article we will talk in detail about the types of fillers and give recommendations for cleaning them.

Life time

Sooner or later, the owners of an orthopedic pillow wonder - what is the shelf life of this product? Indeed, there is no clearly established time when and how often to change your pillow. With proper care and compliance with all operating instructions, this item can perform all its functions for 3 years. Later, the product gradually deforms and decreases in functionality. But each case is individual, everything needs to be decided according to the owner’s feelings.

Before deciding how to wash an orthopedic pillow, you need to know all the characteristics: what the filler consists of, what cleaning recommendations the manufacturer provides, and the marks on the label of the pillow itself. Yes, cleaning can be done at home, only if all rules and precautions are strictly followed.

How to understand when it’s time to clean or wash a pillow

Even though you regularly change your pillowcases, your pillows still need to be cleaned. Sweat, sebum, face cream, cosmetics and other pollutants will inevitably penetrate through the pillowcase into the cover, and then into the filling.

To keep your pillow clean, air it several times a month, change pillowcases as often as possible, and promptly remove stains and other local dirt using a dry or wet brush. Not all orthopedic pillows can be washed; some of them can only withstand dry cleaning. If your filler tolerates washing well, we recommend doing this no more than twice a year. With more frequent washing, the pillow will quickly become unusable and lose its orthopedic properties.

Hand wash orthopedic pillows

If the filling of your orthopedic pillow is washable and you have chosen the manual method, follow the following sequence of actions:

1. Remove the pillowcase and outer cover, if present;
2. Dilute a neutral-smelling cleaning product in warm water - no higher than 40 degrees;
3. Wash the pillow with your hands or a brush, without intense rubbing;
4. When rinsing, change the water several times to remove the detergent completely;
5. To spin, wrap the pillow in a terry towel and gently press on all sides to remove water.

Important!

• Do not soak the pillow. The less time she spends in the water, the better;
• Use only liquid detergent;
• Wash in a large container that can fit completely. For example, in the bathroom.

Preparation

So, where to start preparing to wash such a product?

First you need to determine the type of orthopedic pillow. This is indicated by the pillow filling. There are two types:

1. Containing artificial filler. Here you can use a washing machine with manual mode turned on, as well as detergent. You should not choose powder or liquid laundry detergent with a strong smell to avoid possible headaches due to this.
2. Pillows with natural performer. For this type, hand washing is recommended using regular soap and water.

Is it possible to wash an orthopedic pillow in a washing machine?

Modern washing machines are equipped with delicate and manual washing modes, therefore, if an orthopedic pillow is allowed to be washed, this can be done in a machine, provided that the size of the drum allows you to put the pillow there without severe creasing.

Important!

Do not use the spin cycle even at low speeds. To remove moisture after washing, it is recommended to wrap the pillow in a towel and gently wring it out without twisting it.

Washing orthopedic pillows in a machine has a number of features:

• If there are stains or stains on the surface, wash them by hand before the main wash;
• Do not use bleaches, fabric softeners or fabric softeners;
• Do not place more than one pillow in the machine drum.

Drying rules

After washing comes the last but not least important step - drying. It is strictly forbidden to twist the pillows. After washing, pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.

It is better to place the pillow on the dryer so that there is free access to air and ventilation. Only by properly passing the air through itself will it completely dry out inside.

The universal and most gentle method of drying orthopedic pillows is natural drying at room temperature. It is strictly forbidden to use heaters or other heating devices for any fillers. Ultraviolet rays are also contraindicated for pillows.

How to wash a pillow depending on the filling

Any pillow consists of two parts: a cover and a filling. When choosing a cleaning method, it is important to focus specifically on the filler. Carefully study the product label and our article, because each material requires special care.

Latex pillows

Latex pillows are divided into 2 types:

1. 100% natural latex;
2. Latex mixed with synthetic substances.

Natural latex is an expensive natural filler that has no analogues. Latex combines softness and elasticity, ideally follows the curves of the human body and provides proper support for the head and neck during sleep. Despite the fact that latex almost does not absorb moisture, it is not recommended to wash such pillows. Small stains can be removed with a sponge or a special cloth. If the stains are extensive, hand washing in warm water is allowed.

Important!

Do not use powder - it will ruin the product. For hand washing, only liquid detergents can be used.

The best way to care for a latex pillow is to regularly air it, replace pillowcases, wash the cover, and dry clean the filling itself.

A pillow made of mixed or unnatural latex, on the contrary, absorbs water like a sponge. It is also not recommended to wash it unless absolutely necessary. It is optimal to carry out dry chemical cleaning no more than once every six months.

Pillows with buckwheat husk

Buckwheat husk has excellent orthopedic properties and an anti-stress effect. The filler provides micro-massage to the scalp and neck, which relieves headaches and causes deep muscle relaxation. In addition, buckwheat is absolutely hypoallergenic and safe for health.

Important!

The filler can only be cleaned dry; getting the buckwheat wet will lead to the formation of lumps and loss of orthopedic properties.

To clean the pillow, it must be regularly ventilated and vacuumed 1-2 times a month. It is advisable to remove the filler from the cover 1-2 times a year and sift it, and wash the cover.

Synthetic pillows

Orthopedic pillows made of polyurethane foam, polyester or foam rubber can be washed in a machine or by hand. If you choose machine wash, the cycle should be as gentle and short as possible. Before washing, be sure to read the manufacturer's information on the product label. It will indicate the possible temperature for washing and other parameters. If the label is not preserved, select the hand wash mode in cool water without spinning.

Important!

Dry cleaning of such products is prohibited.

Memory foam pillows

Memory foam pillows are expensive products made using the most modern technologies. The filler includes viscoelastic polyurethane foam, silicone, memory foam inserts and elastic foam, which create the claimed shape memory effect. Often such pillows are supplemented with a special gel with a cooling effect. The pillow takes the shape of the body under the influence of its weight and temperature, without the effect of back pressure, which eliminates any muscle tension.

Important!

A memory foam pillow should not be washed, because getting wet will destroy the structure of the porous fiber.

Due to its porous structure, the pillow allows air to pass through and is ventilated. As care, wiping with a damp sponge without using cleaning agents and dry cleaning is allowed. The removable cover can be washed by hand or in a washing machine (depending on the material from which it is made).

Pillows with special components

Modern manufacturers add additional elements to orthopedic pillows that have relaxing and healing effects. These elements include:

• biomagnets and magnetic plates that have a beneficial effect on our brain during sleep;
• sachets with herbal infusions, mint, rose petals for even deeper relaxation and quicker sleep;
• stones with healing effects: germanium, tourmaline, mai fan;
• natural pearls that have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.

Important!

Such products cannot be washed. Only dry cleaning is allowed.

An exception is pillows with aromatic sachets - they can be removed and then washed using one of the recommended methods, depending on the filling.

Removable cover

Manufacturers often include a removable cover with their products as a gift. From trusted manufacturers, it is treated with a special antibacterial impregnation, which requires special washing. Such covers can be cleaned in washing machines, and the antibacterial properties are maintained until the 11th wash.

To preserve the properties of the removable cover, put a pillowcase made of natural materials on top of it. In such conditions, it will be enough to do no more than 2 washes of the cover per year.

How to properly dry orthopedic pillows

After you have washed the product, it is important to dry it properly. To do this, follow these simple tips:

• Regardless of the washing method, do not wring out the pillow. To remove excess moisture, wrap the pillow in a towel and gently press on it from all sides. This way, the water will be absorbed into the towel and the pillow will not become deformed.
• Dry outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• To dry, place the pillow on a flat, horizontal surface.
• Dry away from radiators and direct sunlight. Excessive heat may damage the product.
• Turn the pillow over every few hours to ensure even drying.

Tips for caring for orthopedic pillows

The most important and valuable property of an orthopedic pillow is its ability to provide a physiologically correct position of the cervical and shoulder spine, as well as the head during sleep. Excessive washing and improper handling of the product leads to the loss of these properties. That is why it is important not only to wash the pillow correctly, but also to care for it during use.

• Air your pillow regularly and do not put it in a storage box immediately after waking up so that it has time to dry.
• Sleep on different sides of the pillow to avoid deformation.
• If small stains appear, treat them immediately before the dirt gets inside.
• Do not iron the orthopedic pillow.
• Handle the pillow with care - do not throw it, do not crush it, do not place heavy objects on it, do not knock dust out of it or fluff it up.

We hope that our article helped you figure out how to wash pillows, in what cases to wash a pillow, and in what cases not. Your orthopedic products will last you much longer if you follow these simple rules.