To restore your lumpy pillow, regularly fluff it, avoid contact with moisture, and consider adding more fill.
After a long day, your bed should be a sanctuary of comfort. But as you wind down, a lumpy pillow can wind you up.
If your pillow feels more like a bag of marbles than a soft haven for your head, it’s time to take action.
Lumpy pillows can turn sweet dreams into restless tossing, but luckily, a few quick fixes can save the day (and your neck). Whether you’re a fluffer, a massager, or a dryer, we’ve got the 7 best tips to banish lumps and bring your pillow back to its former glory.
Tip 1. Fluff Your Pillow Regularly
Fluffing your pillow is essential for preserving its comfort, longevity, and support. Over time, pillows naturally accumulate pressure and lose their shape due to daily use.1 This compression causes the filling to clump together, resulting in an uneven surface that can disrupt your sleep and leave you waking up with aches and pains.
Moisture can also interrupt the fluff of your pillow, flattening the filling inside.1
Fluffing helps redistribute the filling, restoring the pillow loft and ensuring it provides consistent support for your head and neck. Plus, regular fluffing can extend the life of your pillow, saving you money in the long run.
To fluff your pillow by hand1:
- Hold the opposite ends of your pillow.
- Push and pull the pillow to break up clumps.
- Repeat as needed.
Tip 2. Use the Dryer to Break Up Clumps
If hand-fluffing isn’t restoring your pillow’s natural shape, you can toss your pillow in the dryer. However, it’s important to avoid using the settings you’d choose for drying your regular laundry.
To properly care for and fluff your pillow in the dryer, follow these steps:
- Set the dryer to the “air fluff,” “tumble dry,” or “no heat” setting.
- Add your pillow to the dryer, avoid combining it with other laundry.
- Include a tennis ball or dryer ball to fluff the pillow during the cycle.
- Let the cycle run for 20 to 30 minutes.
While using the dryer is a convenient way to fluff up your pillow, it’s not suitable for every type. Always check the care label on your pillow before using the dryer. The material of your pillow determines whether it can handle the heat and tumbling of a dryer cycle without losing its integrity or support:
- Memory foam pillows – Memory foam pillows, including solid and shredded varieties, should never go in the dryer. The heat can break down the foam, causing it to lose its supportive structure and become misshapen.
- Latex pillows – Latex pillows are another type to keep far from the dryer. Similar to memory foam, latex is sensitive to heat, which can cause it to degrade and crumble over time.
- Down and feather pillows – Down and feather pillows are typically safe for the dryer, but only on low heat or no heat settings. High temperatures can damage the delicate fill, reducing their fluffiness and lifespan. Add dryer balls or clean tennis balls to help fluff them evenly.
- Polyester fiberfill – Polyester fiberfill pillows are generally dryer-safe, making them an easy option for fluffing and maintenance. That said, over-drying or using high heat can cause the polyester fibers to become stiff or lose their elasticity, reducing the pillow’s fluffiness and comfort. To be safe, check the care label for specific instructions and monitor the drying process closely. A typical drying cycle for polyester fiberfill pillows should only last about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Decorative pillows – Pillows with embellishments, beads, or delicate fabrics like silk are not dryer-safe. The tumbling motion can snag, tear, or warp these materials, leaving you with a damaged pillow.
Tip 3. Massage Out the Lumps by Hand
If you’d rather skip the heat and protect your favorite pillow, try massaging out the lumps by hand. Think of your hands as your very own built-in dryer balls, ready to break up clumps and redistribute the filling.
To massage your pillow effectively:
- Start with a clean surface – Place your pillow on a firm, clean surface, whether that’s a memory foam mattress or your kitchen counter. Ensure that there are no breakable items near the pillow to avoid any accidents while you knead your pillow.
- Locate the lumpy areas – Run your hand along the pillow to identify where the internal material has clumped together. Pay attention to the corners, too, as the filling can migrate into these areas.
- Loosen the filling – With your hands, begin to massage the clumps in small, circular motions while applying gentle pressure. As you work with it, you’ll notice the clumps begin to dissipate. You can also knead the pillow if you encounter larger clumps.
- Spread out the filling – Once you’ve eradicated the clumps, you can begin to work the filling evenly throughout the pillow to redistribute its fluffiness. Start in the center and push the filling outward.
- Shake it out – To disperse the filling fully, grab the two opposite corners of the pillow and shake it. From there, you can gently work the filling into the places where the pillow lies a bit flat.
Tip 4. Try Sun-Drying to Reinvigorate Fill Materials
As mentioned, excess moisture can flatten your pillow. Specifically, when pillows become damp from sweat, drool, or spills, the filling—whether it’s down, polyester, or memory foam—absorbs the moisture, causing it to lose its loft and become compacted.
This flattening effect not only makes the pillow less comfortable but also promotes the growth of mold or mildew, which can lead to unpleasant odors and potential health issues.2
To avoid this, it’s crucial to keep your pillow dry and fresh.
On a warm and dry day, take your pillow outside and place it in a clean, sunny area. The sun’s UV rays have natural sterilizing effects, which help eliminate bacteria, germs, and dust mites, while the gentle warmth can help evaporate any trapped moisture.3
To properly sun-dry your pillow, check the label first. Pillows made with memory foam or latex may not benefit from direct sunlight since the UV rays can cause the materials to degrade or discolor.4 However, pillows stuffed with down feathers or polyester fiberfill can safely spend hours in the sun.
After a few hours, flip the pillow, allowing the sun to penetrate both sides.
Tip 5. Wash Your Pillow
Similar to using a dryer, washing your pillow can help to redistribute the filling to create a more balanced sleeping experience. Memory foam pillows aren’t washer-friendly, but you can fluff synthetic, cotton, and down pillows in your laundry room.
When loading your washer, pay attention to its type. A top-loading washing with an internal agitator can’t take too many pillows, as this can overwhelm the washer or cause uneven distribution. Front-loading washers can typically withstand more material.
From there, you can wash your pillows as you would with any load of laundry: Add detergent, wash in warm water, and use a regular wash setting. That said, after the cycle is complete, it may be helpful to start another spin cycle to ensure there’s no excessive moisture built up in the pillows.
From there, you can add the pillows to the dryer for additional fluffing. Learn more about how to wash pillows in our blog.
Tip 6. Consider Replacing the Filling if the Pillow is Old
Sometimes, your favorite pillow has an expiration date.
Over time, the filling inside your pillow can lose its loft, become uneven, or even start to break down, leaving it flat, lumpy, or uncomfortable. While regular fluffing and care can extend your pillow’s lifespan, there comes a point when replacing the filling is the best option to restore comfort and support.
It may be time to replace your pillow’s filling if you notice:
- A lack of support – If your pillow no longer provides the support it once did, and you find yourself waking up with neck or shoulder pain, it might be time for a filling replacement.
- Visible clumps – If clumps of filling are noticeable and can’t be massaged or fluffed out, the material inside may be too compressed or damaged.
- Unpleasant odors – Over time, accumulated sweat, oils, and moisture can lead to unpleasant smells. If washing hasn’t removed the odors, the filling might be too worn to refresh.
- Flatness – If your pillow has become unnaturally flat and doesn’t return to shape after fluffing, the filling might have lost its ability to bounce back.
For pillows with a removable cover or accessible seams, you can replace the filling yourself. Choose a material like polyester fiberfill, down feathers, or memory foam shreds. Then, simply remove the old filling, add new material, and sew or zip the pillow closed. Learn more about memory foam vs down pillows in our blog.
If you’re not comfortable with DIY, or if the pillow is a high-quality or expensive one, many professional pillow repair services offer filling replacement. These services can also help restore your pillow to its original shape and quality.
Tip 7. Use a Pillow Protector to Prevent Future Lumps
Pillow protectors act as a barrier to sweat, oils, and other moisture that can degrade your pillow’s filling and cause lumpiness.
When choosing a pillow protector, find breathable fabrics like cotton, which don’t trap moisture or allergens. And, of course, wash it regularly per its label instructions to maintain its integrity and cleanliness.
Why Did My Pillow Get Lumpy in the First Place?
Your pillow gets lumpy because moisture, like sweat or saliva, and regular use cause the filling to clump together over time. Washing improperly or using a low-quality pillow can make the problem worse. Always refer to the manufacturer's care instructions when washing your pillow.
What Pillow Types are Prone to Lumps?
Types of pillows filled with low-quality polyester fibers or down alternatives are most prone to lumps because their loose-fill materials can clump together over time, especially with moisture or improper washing. Cheaper memory foam pillows with shredded foam can also develop uneven areas if the foam compresses or shifts.
If All Else Fails, Switch to a Casper Pillow
A lumpy pillow can lead to sleep that’s just as bumpy as the pillow itself. To restore your pillow’s natural shape, smooth out the clumps with regular fluffing techniques, ensure the material is moisture-free, and consider refilling (if it’s old).
If your pillow still refuses to cooperate, it may be time for an upgrade.
Casper pillows are easy to wash, clump-resistant, and ultra-breathable for easy breezy nights of sleep. With their signature supportive feel, you can rest assured that they’ll stay fluffy and fresh so that you can wake up rested and ready to take on the day.
Reviewed By
Jonathan Eilenberg is a Certified Professional Ergonomist (CPE) with a degree in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University, specializing in Human Factors and Ergonomics. His expertise in biomechanics and ergonomics has significantly contributed to improving workplace productivity and comfort. With over six years in occupational injury prevention, Jonathan now applies his knowledge at Casper, developing biomechanically supportive mattresses, emphasizing proper sleep posture to enhance comfort and recovery. His work integrates ergonomic principles into everyday life, aiming to improve physical well-being through thoughtful design.
Sources:
- Sleep Foundation. How to Fluff a Pillow. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-pillows/how-to-fluff-a-pillow
- House Digest. Dead Giveaways Your Pillow Is Filled With Mold & What To Do About It Read More: https://www.housedigest.com/1582581/signs-pillow-mold-clean-bedding/.
- Better Homes and Gardens. Social Media Is Debating If You Can Clean Your Pillows with Sunlight. https://www.bhg.com/cleaning-pillows-sunlight-8630258
- Sleep Junkie. Latex Vs Gel Memory Foam Pillow. https://www.sleepjunkie.com/latex-vs-gel-memory-foam-pillow/
