Updated at: 20-09-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

To learn how to flatten a pillow, there are two methods. A cushion doesn’t need to be flattened, though. Consider the fact that different sleeping positions necessitate different pillow types. ‘

If you sleep on your side or fuss, you’ll need a pillow that has a higher loft than if you sleep on your stomach. On the other hand, stomach sleepers must use thin and flat pillows to avoid putting pressure on their necks and backs. If you sleep on your stomach, you can use the following methods to flatten your pillow and attain the ideal height.

How To Flatten A Pillow Using Two Techniques

Technique #1. Consistent usage

Using a pillow on a regular basis will naturally cause it to deflate. If you use it every day, you’ll notice a decrease in loft after a few weeks. The fluffiness of a pillow can be reduced by sleeping on it, lying on it, sitting on it, or hugging it.

When you’re not using the cushion, you can set a heavy object on top of it to keep it in place. There are no limitations as to what you can put in it. Remember to cover the cushion with a cloth to keep it clean.

Technique #2. Stuffing removal

The second technique to lower the loft of your pillow is to remove some of its fillings. Sometimes, even constant use of the pillow won’t flatten it, or it might take longer to happen before you can use the ideal flat pillow. Removing some of the stuffing and then distributing it equally in the pillow is an option.

Why Flatten A Pillow

Removing some of the pillow’s stuffing is a second way to reduce its loft. Even if you use the pillow all the time, it may not always flatten, or it may take longer than expected. Removing some of the stuffing and then distributing it over the pillow evenly is an option.

The Best Thin Pillows Money Can Buy - Proper Neck Support is Important

A high-loft pillow will put additional strain on these areas, so avoid using one. It is best to sleep with a thin, supple pillow to keep your spine properly aligned and minimize body ache. You can also place a flat pillow beneath your hips to assist your posture further.

As a last point, flat pillows aren’t just good for sleeping on. Pillow inserts give our decorative pillows a fuller, more attractive appearance, but flat pillows can also be used as decorative accents. There is a wide range of ways to incorporate them into a room’s decor, and you may use them as both adornment and cushions.

What To Consider When Using A Flat Pillow

When utilizing a flat pillow, your sleeping position may be the most important consideration. Flat pillows are best for folks who sleep on their stomachs, so keep that in mind. You can, however, use a flat pillow to sleep on your back if your body is properly oriented in bed.

Flat pillows aren’t suitable for anybody. If you move around a lot in bed or are a side sleeper, a fluffy pillow is preferable to a flat one. Because of the lack of elevation, a flat pillow will not be sufficient for neck support in these situations.

Finally, familiarize yourself with the normal pillow lofts or heights—the filling of the pillow has a direct impact on this pillow quality. As an example, a low-loft cushion can measure between two and three inches high. Make sure your head and neck are aligned with the rest of your body by selecting a pillow that is comfortable.

What Materials Are Used For Flat Pillows?

Flat pillows can be made from a wide variety of materials, especially those that adapt and mold to the shape of the user. Latex foam, down, and memory foam are all examples. Because they conform to the shape of your head and neck, thin blocks of memory foam or shredded memory foam are great for flat pillows.

If you want a more breathable option, you can go with the softer down material. There are many methods you can lessen the loft of your pillow, such as adjusting the amount of stuffing or simply using it more frequently. You don’t want to sleep on a clumpy and uncomfortable pillow if you pay attention to the distribution inside.

How To Sleep On Your Stomach Using A Flat Pillow

As a general rule, it is not suggested to sleep on your stomach since your neck and spine are out of alignment. To help enhance your sleeping position, though, a flat pillow can be used. To ease the strain on your lower back, rest your head on a flat pillow and place another under your pelvis.

Can You Re-Fluff Pillows That Become Flat Over Time?

Flat and Shapeless

While it may seem counterintuitive, it’s really beneficial to fluff your pillow to allow air to circulate throughout the piece. If you’re looking for a flat pillow, you’ll have to use one that’s been compressed, says Essentia founder and CEO Jack DellAccio. As the amount of air that may be released and recovered varies, different fill materials and encasing materials will respond differently.” DellAccio points out that the act of fluffing may not put your pillow back to its original state depending on the materials it is made of. In order to maintain their flatness, he claims that “loose fibers and foams link together, making it more difficult for air to circulate”. Adding dust mites to a fiber cushion may also cause the fibers to flatten even more, reducing airflow and making the pillow more dense.

Reviving Tips

Depending on the type of pillow you have, Rachael Durkin, general manager of Allswell, says the ideal technique to re-fluff it will be different. Therefore, when trying to achieve the nicest fluff, it’s crucial to keep the filling material in mind, she says. By gently shaking and striking the pillow a few times, you can fluff a classic fiber fill cushion to properly distribute the contents. Durkin recommends using a down pillow in the same way. “On the other hand, gel and memory foam pillows require no fluffing—they retain their shape and hold up well over time.”

Is there a better way to re-fluff? Shaking the pillow and pressing the edges together will help revive a flat pillow. Then press the top and bottom together. If your pillow is looking a little worn out, “another fantastic trick is to give it some fresh air,” says Durkin. Put your pillow outside for a few hours if the weather is dry and sunny, to allow the feathers and filling a chance to breathe. Remember to remove any additional encasements, such as pillows, throughout the procedure; according to DellAccio, these can limit ventilation.

When to Replace Your Flat Pillows

There are some pillows that can’t be revived simply by re-fluffing, says DellAccio. When it comes to pillows, especially those made of fibers, there is an expiration date, and if you leave yours around too long, you could end up with a build-up of dust mites and other allergens. As a result of this, he advises avoiding using your pillows for longer than three years. There are exceptions to this rule, and if you discover that your loose-fill pillows are no longer evenly fluffy, it may be time to get rid of them, especially if the inside feels congested. To him, the inability of “the contents of the pillows to link and no longer act as loose fill, as planned,” is evidence that “the contents of the pillows have bonded.”

Are Flat Pillows Good for All Sleep Positions?

Mattresses and pillows must be tailored to each sleep position’s specific needs. Flat pillows and firm beds are not suitable for all sleep postures. However, they are ideal for specific sleeping positions, such as stomach and back sleepers, which account for about 30% of people. They can be useful for those with petite frames who sleep on their sides and those who sleep with an arm under the pillow to raise the pillow’s height.

To prevent their heads from being forced back in an unnatural arch, stomach sleepers need a lower profile pillow. This might cause migraines, disturbed sleep, or back problems.

Back sleepers are in the same boat. Tossing and turning for a disturbed night’s sleep might arise from a curvature of the spine caused by a too-thick pillow.

How to Flatten a Polyester Pillow | eHow

In general, side sleepers require a higher-density pillow. If you have a large gap between your head and shoulders, you’ll need a larger pillow cover to accommodate it. If you’re a side sleeper who habitually tucks an arm beneath their pillow due to their short stature, a flat pillow may be an option. For the most part, side sleepers should avoid flat pillows. If you’re a side sleeper looking for a comfortable cushion, have a look at our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers.

Children and Flat Pillows

We can’t neglect the little ones when talking about flat pillows. When a child is 18 months old, he or she begins to use a pillow. Their body proportions are not suited to the loft of an adult cushion, thus flat pillows are a crucial consideration until they are fully grown up. Take a look at our list of the greatest children’s pillows!

Advantages of Sleeping on a Flat Pillow

General Health

A good night’s sleep is not an exaggeration, as sleep and health are so connected. You can’t get a good night’s rest without the right pillow, and that’s no small matter. Your sleep quality will suffer if you can’t get comfortable or if your neck is unsupported, causing you to toss and turn. Health can be improved by getting a good night’s sleep, and for many of us that means a low-profile pillow. A good night’s sleep provides a number of essential benefits, including:

  • Boosts the body’s ability to fight off illness.
  • Diabetes and other diseases are less likely to develop.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight is made easier by this supplement.
  • Memory is improved
  • Clears the mind to aid in decision-making and education.
  • Boosts stamina during the workday.

The majority of individuals would rush to improve their sleep if they recognized how much it may enhance their health and quality of life. Making sure you sleep on a good pillow can have a big impact on your overall health.

Reduces Wrinkles

Pillows do have an impact on the condition of your skin, despite what you would think. Sleeping on a pillow that is too soft or too firm could lead to skin conditions like acne or wrinkles. Wrinkle-reducing properties of flat pillows are well-known in the pillow industry. Why? Because a higher pillow has more mass, compressing the face and causing folds in the skin, whilst a lower one does not.

Sleeping with your face folded over for long periods of time can cause temporary wrinkles to form, which can lead to permanent wrinkles in the long run. A flat cushion, on the other hand, doesn’t provide enough pressure to keep wrinkles at bay, so the absence of pressure is to blame.

How Often Should You Change Your Pillow?

Having a decent supportive cushion is critical, regardless of whether you’re considering a flat pillow. There is almost always a reason to buy a new cushion. You may not be getting enough rest. To achieve the right amount of support, you may find yourself waking throughout the night to reposition your pillow. Or perhaps you’ve heard that switching to a new pillow will improve the quality of your skin.

There is a general consensus that pillows should be replaced every two to three years, for whatever reason they may be used. If you see any symptoms of wear on your pillow, the National Sleep Foundation recommends that you replace it. If any of the following occur, you should consider making the change sooner rather than later.

  • In the event that your lumpy pillow keeps you awake and prevents you from getting the 7-9 hours of sleep you need each night, it’s time to get a new one. It’s easy to mend a pillow that’s preventing you from getting enough shut-eye.
  • Your Pillow Isn’t Helping You Any More: That all-too-familiar tossing and turning and continual fluffing of your pillow scenario can be brought on by a flat pillow, meaning one that isn’t supposed to be flat. Because pillows are meant to provide comfort and support, they must be replaced when they stop doing so. Even if they appear to be in decent condition, if they don’t work, find another.
  • The collection of dead skin cells, dust mites, and oil on an older pillow, especially one that can’t be washed often like down, can cause skin disorders including acne, wrinkles, and other wrinkles. Eczema has been connected to dust mites that feed on the dead skin cells in your pillow, and acne has been linked to what skin comes into touch with. Wrinkles can be caused by a pillow that is too big, causing your face to fold over itself. If you suffer from any of these issues, a new pillow can assist.
  • Do you sneeze in the middle of the night? Do you have a sore throat and snore? Allergens such as dust, pollen, germs, and dust mites can build in these areas. Try a new pillow if your allergies have worsened or if you suffer from persistent sinus problems linked to dust mites. Check to see if it’s allergy-friendly.
  • Smells: If your pillow’s cover is discolored or yellowed, it could be time to buy a new one. Get a new mattress if it smells and you can’t wash it like memory foam. Protect your pillow with a pillow protector and wash it in hot water every few weeks to keep dust mites and fluid at bay.

The Best Flat Pillows for a Refreshing Night’s Sleep

Best Bang for the Buck: Nectar Original Pillow

It’s like receiving a whole bunch of pillows for one price with the Nectar Original. You can tailor your sleep experience to suit your needs thanks to the flexible design.

The outer pillow is covered in quilted Tencel fabric designed for coolness and breathability, with high-quality memory foam underneath. The inner pillow contains two types of shredded foam so that you can remove or add the filling until you achieve the most comfortable height and shape for your sleeping position.

  • The outer pillow is covered in quilted Tencel fabric designed for coolness and breathability, with high-quality memory foam underneath. The inner pillow contains two types of shredded foam so that you can remove or add the filling until you achieve the most comfortable height and shape for your sleeping position.
  • High-quality memory foam is sandwiched between a quilted Tencel fabric cover for cooling and breathability. You can adjust the height and contour of the interior pillow by removing or adding the filling, which is made up of two types of shredded foam.
  • a score of 4.8 on a scale of 1-5, with 255 reviews

Best for Back Sleepers: DreamCloud Best Rest

People who sleep on their backs need a pillow that is both comfy and supportive of their neck. As it turns out, the DreamCloud Best Rest pillow manages to strike a good balance between softness and firmness.

Memory foam is used to make the Best Rest pillow, which is 5.5 inches tall, yet it doesn’t completely engulf your head. The foam conforms to the curve of the head, providing enough support for most back sleepers. Additionally, the CopperGel-infused memory foam is made to wick away sweat while also keeping you cool.

  • Standard: $99, king-size: $129 a night
  • Larger sizes: Standard, 16-inch-by-25-inch; King, 16-inch-by-32-inch;
  • 18 reviews give it a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5.

Best for Stomach Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow

The CertiPUR-US-certified CertiPUR-US memory foam in the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Pillow is ideal for stomach, back, side, and combo sleepers.

The memory foam delivers a firmness that is well-balanced with the ability to flex and move. The 4′′ height is best for stomach sleepers, while the 5′′ is best for back and side sleepers. Cooling characteristics are found in both the cover (a breathable cotton-polyester blend) and the core of the pillow (foam infused with cooling gel and copper-graphite).

  • Price: $129 (queen) and $149 (king) (king)
  • Queen 20′′ x 30′′ and king 20′′ x 36′′, both with a 4′′ or 5′′ height, are available.
  • 119 people have given this product a rating.

Best Washable Pillow: Xtreme Comforts

Your pillow can be missing from your laundry regimen if it appears that something is amiss. This issue is addressed by the machine-washable Xtreme Comforts, which makes it easy to clean every part of your bedding, including your pillow. The bamboo cover and the complete cushion can be washed and dried in your washing machine on a regular basis (every six months is advised).

The shredded memory foam inside the Xtreme Comforts pillow can be added or removed to tailor the pillow’s height and comfort. Having a non-solid foam core allows the cushion to circulate air and cool the sleeper. It’s also a great deal at under $35.

  • This item costs a total of $34.99
  • Inches in length: 20′′ x 17.01′′ x 4.02′′
  • Overall, it received a rating of 4 stars out of 5.

Best Memory Foam Pilllow: Serta TempActiv

Fans of memory foam mattresses will be pleased to know that the Serta TempActiv pillow has many of the same benefits. Molded memory foam is used to create the TempActiv, which is intended to provide support without being overly firm. However, side sleepers may prefer a pillow that provides more support, like this one does.

A gel-infused top and other characteristics of the pillow’s TempActiv technology keep it cool, while the foam core is ventilated to keep it fresh. The TempActiv pillow retails for over $100, but Serta backs it with a 5-year limited warranty.

  • The cost is $109.99
  • A queen-sized bed measures 26 inches by 16 inches by five inches.
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 11 reviews.

Best Cooling: Bluewave Bedding Ultra Slim Gel Memory Foam Pillow

For those of us who want a more breathable sleep environment, this gel-infused memory foam mattress is a great option. Back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the thin, flat rise and memory foam support for the neck and head. Memory foam’s harmful off-gassing and foul odor are also factors to consider. This is not the case with the Bluewave, which has been certified by the CertiPUR-US to verify that the foam is devoid of flame retardants, mercury, lead, formaldehyde and phthalates. If you suffer from allergies or asthma, the Bluewave will help you breathe more comfortably.

The Bluewave was chosen because it is designed to help spinal alignment in addition to its warmth and nontoxicity. As a flat cushion, this could be the right choice to choose. Among its many benefits include pain relief for the back and neck as well as a reduction in snoring, migraines, and TMJ.

For added freshness, the mattress has a removable, machine-washable cover composed of bamboo and polyester to help wick away moisture.

  • In the $40-$50 range
  • A king-sized mattress is also available but is 3 to 4.5 inches taller.
  • 646 customers gave it a rating of 4.5 stars.

FAQs

How do you flatten a thick pillow?

As you sleep on the pillow, your head’s weight will gradually flatten it over time. Pillow flattening has never been easier than it is with this technique. Eventually, your head and neck’s particular weight and curvature will cause it to flatten down.

Do memory foam pillows go flat?

Reviewers Suggest These 4 Non-Flapping Pillows. To achieve the proper amount of fluff and firmness and shape, you may now get memory foam pillows with customizable fillings.

How to Re-Fluff Flat Bed Pillows | Martha Stewart

Do pillows flatten?

Why do pillows lose their shape? The most common cause of pillow flattening is prolonged contact between your head and the pillow’s loose filling. This causes the material to lose its fluffiness, resulting in a flattened product in the long run. Moisture can also cause a cushion to become flat.

How do you flatten a pillow after washing it?

Fluff the pillows while drying with drier balls or clean tennis balls tied inside sock. When drying, down pillows, in particular, may get clumpy. Open the dryer and fluff the pillows with your hands after around 30 minutes.

What if my pillow is too high?

To retain the spine in its natural position, a good pillow is developed. Neck and shoulder pain and discomfort can result from sleeping on the back or side with a pillow that is excessively high, which causes the head and neck to be bent abnormally forward or to one side.

How can I tell if my pillow is too high?

Check your chin’s position when sleeping on your back in bed to determine whether or not your pillow’s height is too high Is your chin raised as a result of your backwards tilted head? Is your pillow too high? If so, this could cause pain.

What is the correct position to sleep on a pillow?

When sleeping on one’s side, a pillow should be used to keep the spine in a natural horizontal position by supporting the head and neck. Having a thicker pillow for sleeping on the side is preferable to having a thinner pillow for resting on the back. Place an additional pillow between your knees to maintain a neutral spine position.

How do you reshape a pillow?

Take hold of both edges of the cushion as you lay it down. Compress and decompress the pillow by lifting it up and doing so fast. Then, flip the pillow over and grab it on the longer sides for another 30 seconds of this motion.

How do you reshape a foam pillow?

Your pillow should be shaken and squeezed. By gently squeezing and shaking it, you may quickly restore the pillow’s shape to its natural state. The air between the fillings of a shredded memory foam cushion makes this an especially good option.

How do you fix a flat pillow?

Put the object on your bed, make a fist, and whack the pillow till it swells up again. Repeat as necessary. Give Your Pillow a Good Scrub. Incorporate a Tennis Ball into a Sock Method. You may dry your pillows without using tennis balls.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

What’s Wrong With My Pillows? Sweat stains pillows yellow. In addition to damp hair and lotions and oils on the skin, moisture, and lying asleep with wet hair can cause a pillow to yellow. The pillow will turn yellow if there is a lot of moisture or perspiration on it for a long time.

How do you make a flat pillow Fluffy?

Put a tennis ball in the dryer with the pillows. Once a month, you could dry your cushions. Tighten the sock around the tennis ball and place them both in a clothes dryer for a few minutes. For a nice night’s sleep, the pillow will be fluffed up and ready.

Why is my my pillow lumpy?

They become lumpy over time due to the accumulation of dirt, debris, and moisture in the stuffing. Clumping occurs because of these materials. In order to bring your pillow back to its natural shape, you’ll need to clean it thoroughly. Using a washing machine and a dryer is the best way to accomplish this.

How do you fix a lumpy pillow without tennis balls?

How to repair a lumpy dryer pillow without the use of tennis balls Dryer balls made of wool are recommended. Add a ball of aluminum foil to the dryer after it has been crumpled up. In theory, it should help your cushion dry more rapidly. Make use of Ecoegg Dryer Eggs. Place a second (dry) pillow in the dryer and repeat the process. Place a few soft, dry towels in the dryer.

Conclusion

If you sleep on your stomach, a low-loft pillow might be best for you. Two simple methods for flattening a pillow can be learned in little time at all. Use it every day, or lay a heavy object on top of it when you’re not lying on the cushion to become used to it. Removing a small amount of stuffing will make your pillow flat again.

But when are you going to utilize a flat pillow? High-loft pillows are bad for stomach sleepers because they strain their necks and lower backs. A flat pillow can also be used as a decorative and functional cushion to enhance the aesthetics of a space.