How to properly wash orthopedic pillows? More than one owner of such a product asked this question. Recently, it is they, as well as mattresses of this variety, that are gaining increasing interest among the population.
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:
- 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.
- Pillows with natural performer. For this type, hand washing is recommended using a regular soap solution.
Types of orthopedic pillows and methods of washing them
Modern manufacturers provide their consumers with various types of orthopedic products. Speaking of pillows, they may seem the same, however, they are not. There are several varieties of such products. They all differ in price category, properties and washing features. Of course, you can contact special cleaners, but why, if you have the opportunity to wash the product yourself without harming it.
Filling: polyester.
Such products are among the most inexpensive. It would not be appropriate to draw a connection between the words “inexpensive” and “poor quality” here.Products of this type help the neck, shoulders and spine in general to be in a comfortable position. The filling here is made of small polyester balls, which were initially subjected to a number of treatments and feel like a regular down pillow. With proper care, such orthopedic pillows last about 10 years.
Washing this product. First, get rid of the pillowcase and put the pillow itself in the washing machine, separately from the pillowcase (or pillowcases if you are using several). The next step is washing powder (it is better to use liquid detergent). Pour it according to the weight of the product. Set the washing machine to “warm” mode and set the wash cycle to 40-60 degrees. Clean the product using the quick wash mode, which will last about 10 minutes. Also, you should repeat the last step two to three times to rinse the pillow thoroughly. Shake it vigorously when removing it from the washing machine. This will help distribute the filler more or less evenly.
The penultimate stage is drying. You can use the washing machine again, which will save you a lot of time: set the drying cycle and stop the machine after 10-15 minutes to shake the product. This will help it dry a little faster, but please note that complete drying may take 1 hour or more. Before using the pillow for its intended purpose, shake it well.
Filler – latex.
This is a subtype of orthopedic products that is gaining popularity among consumers.Latex is a natural material that is a specially processed milky sap of some plants. The process of making such products involves giving it an anatomical shape, which later includes one or two bolsters to properly support your neck and head, as well as a separate recess for the head. Such an orthopedic product will help stimulate blood circulation in the brain and ensure the delivery of sufficient oxygen to all vessels of the brain.
- Wash. It is believed that you should not wash latex pillows in a washing machine, as this can damage the structure of its filling and generally lead to undesirable consequences, after which you will have to change the product. So, before washing, remove the pillowcase. Then find a bowl, or any other convenient container. Fill with warm water, the temperature of which should not exceed 40 degrees. Now you need to add detergent. Pour the required amount of liquid detergent into the container. Here, as with polyester fillers, it is not advisable to use powder. Now, using a sponge, clean the pillow completely, but remember to do it carefully and slowly. When the product is washed, hang it by clothespins so that the water completely drains, and then use two clean towels and dry it thoroughly.
Do not forget that when cleaning a latex product, you do not need to wring it out, otherwise it will lose its shape. And also do not dry it near heating devices, as this can lead to deformation. It is better to hang it in the fresh air or in a sufficiently heated room.
Filler – viscoelastic foam.
The price of these products is the highest among the other types mentioned above. The fact is that they are considered the most high-tech. The material for the filler is called polyurethane foam, which has been known for its properties for over 30 years. It differs from other pillows by the "Memory Effect". This product is able to remember the position of your head and neck during sleep, and then helps maintain optimal conditions for them.
Another positive side of a product with such a filler is the property of not heating up, regardless of the high temperature in the room. It also helps to distribute pressure evenly throughout the body. This all happens due to the fact that this product is able to absorb mechanical energy. The high cost of such orthopedic pillows completely pays for all their positive properties.
- Washing products of this type. In this case, it is contraindicated to use a washing machine to clean the pillow. And in general, you should avoid frequent washing, as this will lead to the loss of an important property of a product with such a special filler - the "memory effect". You can wash the pillowcase, removable covers, but not the pillow. It must be aired every three months in the fresh air. The product with viscoelastic foam filler requires dry care. As a last resort, take a clean cloth, slightly moisten it with warm water and wipe the dirty area. Then place it in the fresh air to air out.
Care tips
As mentioned above, it is better to wash these products as rarely as possible if you do not want to spend money on a new pillow twice as often.This depends on its filler, which, due to frequent exposure to moisture, can quickly lose its shape, and, more importantly, its orthopedic properties.
Also, while drying the product, you should not twist it or squeeze it, because all this can also damage the fragile structure of the product being filled. To reduce the number of washes, it is recommended to ventilate orthopedic pillows in the fresh air once or twice a month. Small stains and various contaminants should be cleaned immediately. To avoid this, use a pillowcase made of natural material.
To find out if it’s time for you to change your pillow, simply fold it in half, and if it remains in this position, it means that its expiration date has expired and you should change this product. And if, when bending an orthopedic pillow, it springs and returns to its original position, it will be enough to simply wash it.
