Updated at: 21-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

The process of breaking in a new pillow may be broken down into three simple parts. To get the most out of the shape of your new pillow, it’s critical that you break it in immediately after purchase. Remember that the pillow must have the proper hardness, height, and loft for best support and comfort.

Even Tempurpedic’s most popular cushion might benefit from a break-in period. Checking your pillow’s label is still essential, even if you follow this recommendations to a tee. Breaking in your pillow’s material may be required by your pillow’s maker.

Step By Step Guide On Break In A New Pillow

Step #1. Cover and stuff

First things first: make sure your new cushion is ready for use before moving on to the next two stages. Put it in a pillowcase of the correct size, then insert a pillow form inside of the pillowcase. This method produces a pillow that is both puffy and a good demonstration of the desired structure.

How to Break in a New Pillow - Pillow Insider

Step #2. Use heating pads and electric blankets

The next stage in the process of breaking in a new pillow is to cover the cushion with a heating pad. To soften the pillow, the pad should be set to medium heat. When using an electric blanket, you can leave it running for 15 minutes before placing the pillow inside.

Softening a newly purchased pillow can be accomplished with the help of these two technologies. Please keep in mind, however, that pillows come in a variety of fabrics, and some may be sensitive to heat. It’s possible to skip this step based on your pillow preferences and go directly to step three.

Step #3. Beat, tumble, or leave it out

Depending on your preference, you can either beat, tumble, or leave your pillow out one last time before you go to bed. Because of the diverse cushion materials, you are able to perform a variety of exercises. Almost all varieties of pillows, on the other hand, benefit from being battered.

The fresh cushion must be placed on a flat area before being beaten with anything hard, such the broom handle. To relax the hard structure and weaken the fresh cushion stuffing, you can also knead and punch it. Memory foam and bamboo pillows are also available.

The longer you use these pillows, the more they’ll soften and fit to your body. Put a few pillows outdoors and let the sun do the work of cracking the window glass for you. Finally, a low-heat tumble in the dryer can be used to break in a new pillow.

What Should I Do With A New Pillow?

In addition to breaking it in, washing a new pillow is a good idea. Take care to avoid bringing germs and other hazardous microorganisms into the bedroom. Depending on the brand, you may be able to use your pillow right out of the box.

However, if you wash it before using it, you’ll have peace of mind. If it says “machine washable” or “hand washable” on the label, that’s the first place to look. For the former, make sure the washer isn’t overloaded in order to maintain proper air circulation.

On the other hand, you can wash the pillow by squeezing it in a tub of lukewarm water and mild detergent. Afterward, check the label to see if you may dry the cushion or not. The most important thing to remember is to avoid leaving your pillow damp after washing it, as this promotes mildew growth.

How To Adjust To A New Pillow?

Getting used to a new cushion may take five days, but it may take much longer. Once you become used to its shape and texture, the pillow will be more comfortable. You’ll be more at ease with your new pillow if you look into its features before making a purchase.

To avoid neck pain and keep your spine in a straight position while you sleep, make sure your pillow is big enough to occupy the space beneath your neck. Make sure you are getting a pillow with the right loft and size for your sleeping position. A stomach sleeper’s pillow should be lower than that of a back sleeper’s, and curved cushions may be better for some.

How to Break in a New Pillow

Sleeping on a new pillow is the greatest way to break it in. If you have a large head, it may take some time for the center of a high-quality pillow to become soft and squishy.

With this technique, you may expect your pillow to break in after roughly a week of use. In order to speed up this process, or if your pillow still feels stiff after this period, you may wish to take further steps.

How to Break in a Down Pillow

Over time, down pillows develop a suppleness. However, many down pillows have a blend of down and feather, making them more difficult to break in than pure down pillows. Pure down pillows are easier to break in because they are softer and fluffier than entire feather pillows.

Check the label to determine if it can be machine dried before using it to break in a hard down pillow. A heat source like a radiator or space heater might help keep the cushion warm if it can’t be left out in the open. Because pillows are flammable, ensure sure they are not too close to the radiator. For the same reasons, don’t leave dry pillows out in the sun for more than an hour at a time.

Your pillow will become softer and more comfortable to sleep on if it receives some heat from the sun or a space heater. When living in a cold climate, this is especially true, as pillows tend to get harder in colder temperatures.

In the event your pillow is machine-dryable, you may choose to use the dryer to soften it back up. To avoid damaging the pillow, always use the low tumble, low heat option in the dryer. Conventional pillows can develop difficult-to-remove clumps when heated excessively.

Breaking in your pillow is considerably easier after you’ve done this technique to soften it.

How to Break in a Feather Pillow

There are two types of feather pillows: down pillows and feather pillows. Using weight on your feather pillow will help break it in if it’s stiff or thick.

Leaving some weights on a feather pillow during the day can help it get used to your body’s weight distribution. Some heavy books or a bag full of them can be left in the middle of the pillow during the day to help the pillow become used to the new environment.

Avoid putting feather pillows in the dryer or placing them in direct sunlight for an extended period of time since they may not respond well to the heat or sunlight.

How to Break in a Memory Foam Pillow

When they’re brand new, memory foam pillows can be pretty stiff. This is due to the fact that these pillows are made out of one solid block. However, when heated, the pillow’s cellular structure softens.

Recall that memory foam pillows are quite delicate. This means that these pillows are able to conform themselves to the shape of your body by utilizing your body’s heat to do it. As a result, it’s commonly referred to as “memory foam.”

You have two options when it comes to breaking in a memory foam cushion.

Method #1

Before you go to sleep, you can apply this first approach. Using your hands or a weight, push down on the middle of the cushion if it’s too rigid. Be sure to rest your head in the depression created by the cushion before it returns to its normal form.

It’s easier to break-in your pillow this manner because the pillow will quickly regain its shape around your neck and head.

Method #2

For memory foam pillows that don’t soften after a few days, you may need to heat them up a bit to soften them up further. For an hour, place the cushion near an interior heat source. Hopefully, this will help soften the cells of the memory foam.

Because of their gel-like nature, memory foam pillows are particularly flammable. You don’t want to set the pillow on fire if you accidentally touch it to the radiator grills.

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Why do memory foam pillows feel hard?

In order to keep your spine in the correct posture, memory foam pillows are designed to mold around your head and neck to provide complete support. For a while, you may notice that your pillow is firmer than usual because it is adjusting to your body form.

These pillows are not only responsive to pressure, but also to temperature changes. Your memory foam pillow may seem chilly and rigid if you just unpacked it. When you lie down for a few minutes, your pillow will soften and conform to your body temperature.

On fast soften a new pillow, you can either heat it or apply pressure to it. Follow these simple steps to break in a memory foam pillow.

How to break in a memory foam pillow with heat

A hot water bottle filled with Epsom salts is an excellent first step.

In the second step, place your memory foam cushion on top of or underneath the electric blanket or hot water bottle.

Allow the heat to soften your pillow for around 15 minutes.

If you don’t want to use heat, you may alternatively break in a memory foam pillow by putting pressure on it, or beating it! Squeeze your pillow to make it softer and more comfortable.

How to break in a memory foam pillow by applying pressure

Start with a level surface, such as your mattress or the floor, and place your pillow on top of it.

Secondly, rub the side of the pillow where your head rests vigorously.

Step 3: Repeat Step 3 with the other side of your memory foam cushion.

Does a memory foam pillow get softer over time?

These methods are optional for breaking in your memory foam pillow, as it will soften naturally as you sleep on its surface. Memory foam pillows can be broken in simply by sleeping on them, as the foam conforms to your body’s contours.

How long will it take to break in my memory foam pillow?

It takes a few minutes for your memory foam pillow to break in since it reacts to your body’s pressure and heat. If your bedroom is cold, it may take a few days for your pillow to break in, as these pillows naturally return to their original shape in the absence of heat. A hot water bottle or electric blanket can help you break in your memory foam pillow in 15 minutes or less, making it softer and more comfortable.

Here are some helpful hints on how to get the most out of your memory foam pillow while you sleep, as well as some of the health benefits that come from using it.

It typically takes 30 to 90 days for a mattress to “break in.” It’s possible that your new mattress is different from your previous one, or that it feels rigid due to its freshness, making it uncomfortable at first. The materials in a new mattress, like those in a new pair of shoes, haven’t had time to break in and become more comfortable on your body. Give it some time if you’re worried about how to make your mattress softer!

A new bed also requires some time for your body to adjust. For years, you may have been sleeping on an outdated or ineffective mattress that was not providing your body with the support it required while you slept. It will take some time for your body to become used to a new mattress, but once it does, you’ll be able to rest completely.

Don’t give up on your new mattress just yet if you don’t like it straight away. It may just take some time to get used to you. Here are three recommendations to help you get the most out of your new mattress:

Tips For Breaking In A New Mattress

1. Let your mattress breathe.

While it’s understandable that you’ll want to dress up your new mattress right away, it’s actually preferable to wait a few hours before doing so. This improves the quality of your sleep by allowing oxygen to flow through the mattress materials.

2. Put on the pressure.

If you find yourself thinking, “My mattress is too hard,” then it’s time to crank up the pressure on the mattress. You can speed up the process of breaking in your mattress by gently walking on it or using your hands and feet to apply pressure. In order for the mattress to begin to adjust to your body, you should first loosen up the materials.

3. Give It Some Time

Your new mattress will take some time to get used to, so keep this in mind when purchasing one for your home. During the break-in phase, make careful to sleep on your new bed every night to give your new mattress time to loosen and stretch. When you buy a new mattress, it will mold to your body just like a pair of cozy shoes. Remember that the wait is worth it, and you’ll be on your way to a peaceful night’s sleep in no time.

Mattress Firm’s return policy is there to help if you aren’t satisfied with your purchase after the break-in period. Within 120 days after delivery, if you’re not pleased, we’ll gladly accept a refund or exchange so that you can sleep well on the mattress of your dreams.

Sleep and Sex

Should shoulders be on pillow when sleeping?

Those who prefer to sleep on their backs should make sure that their shoulders are not resting directly on their pillow when doing so. When your head is on the pillow, it should be level. Your ears should be aligned with your shoulders in a straight line. If the pillow is too thick, your chin will tuck into your chest while you sleep.

Why do pillows go flat so fast?

Several pillows lose their firmness over time because they collect moisture from the air. They can be readily fluffed up by drying them. To achieve this, either place the pillow in the sun for a few hours or use a low-heat dryer. Keeping pillows soft requires a regular cleaning schedule.

How do I keep my pillow from going flat?

Pillow Stuffing:

  1. Make sure to keep the fluff. Make sure to fluff up your down pillows every morning when you get out of bed.
  2. Put Them in the Dryer. ‘ Once a month, dry your down pillows in the dryer.
  3. Dryer sheets with fabric softener are ideal for this task.
  4. Tennis Balls are the Weapon of Choice.
  5. Only dry your clothes in the air.
  6. Make Sure to Let Them Breathe.

Do pillows flatten over time?

New pillows have a lot of filling, which is why they are so fluffy. However, as time passes, they begin to dwindle out. Pillows can shrink and turn flat as pancakes in some situations.

Why are hotel pillows so comfy?

Most of them are made of micro fiber. Whatever the material, hotel pillows are incredibly comfortable because they’ve chosen the softest and most luxurious material, and they’ve stuffed them with enough stuffing to ensure that they don’t flatten out over time.

Can the wrong pillow cause neck pain?

To be clear, soft pillows do not cause neck pain in and of themselves. It’s not just people who sleep on their sides who are at risk from neck ache when they sleep on a soft pillow. Back and neck pain can result from using the improper pillow, regardless of your preferred sleeping position.

Why is my pillow so hard?

As it warms up, memory foam softens.

Why is memory foam so hard?

In most cases, a hard foundation is to blame for an uncomfortable level of firmness in the foam mattress. Your problem might be solved by sandwiching a more malleable material between the mattress base and the mattress, such as particleboard, a thin futon cushion, or even egg-crate foam. Before you go to sleep, warm up your bedding.

Does memory foam get softer?

Sleeping on memory foam will cause it to soften over time on its own. Memory foam only takes a few days to a few weeks to break in, so you won’t have to wait long. Mattresses typically soften within a week, but it can take longer in some circumstances.

How long does it take to break in a memory foam pillow?

The Memory Foam Mattress Breaks In How Long? To get your body used to a new mattress, it can take anywhere from two weeks to a few months.

Does a pillow make a difference?

Pillows do make a big impact in how well you sleep, is the short answer. When you use a high-quality pillow, you will be able to sleep better and wake up feeling more rested than anyone else. A good pillow, on the other hand, can help you get a good night’s sleep.

How do you cut memory foam?

Knife for Everyday Use

Can memory foam pillows cause neck pain?

Changing your sleeping posture might make a great difference if you suffer from neck pain while you sleep. Also, “excellent support for the neck is provided by memory-foam pillows.” Although some memory foam pillows can be “too firm and will lead to additional neck ache,” Zenhausern cautioned that this is not always the case.

Are firm pillows good?

Side sleepers also require a firm pillow to maintain proper alignment of the head, neck, and spine during sleeping. For those who prefer to sleep on their backs, medium-firm pillows are ideal. Those who sleep on their stomachs benefit from pillows that are a little more pliable. Regardless of what style of sleeper you are, you will reap the benefits of good support while you are in bed..

Does memory foam get hard in cold weather?

Memory foam is very sensitive to temperature changes, making it an excellent choice for mattresses. Foam mattresses might seem soft and squishy in the summer, but they can also feel rigid and cold like sand or a slab in the winter.

How do you soften panda pillows?

Alternatively, you can fluff the pillow in the dryer for around 10 minutes on low/cool heat for faster results. Use a delicate cycle and low heat tumble drying to clean your pillow if necessary (or hang to dry). With each wash, this soft cover will become even more comfortable for you.

Can a hard mattress cause back pain?

As opposed to being caused by an uncomfortable sleeping surface, most back discomfort results from an abnormal alignment of the spine due to an inadequately supported mattress. There can be dips and gaps in support when you sleep on a mattress that is either soft or too firm for your sleeping style.

TEMPUR®

Conclusion

To make the most of your new cushion, there are a few things you should do right now. When it comes to getting the most out of your new pillow, you’ll need to know how to give it a pounding, knead, punch, or even put it in a dryer and expose it to the sun, depending on the label instructions for its materials. The cushion will get softer and better suited to your head and neck as a result of this process.

However, it is important to inspect the components of your pillow. Heating pads and electric blankets, for example, can help some new pillows. To break in certain pillow fillings, you’ll need to use them frequently and avoid exposing them to heat.