Fluff, Flip, or Replace? How to Keep Your Pillows Feeling Fresh

Let’s face it—your pillows go through a lot. Night after night, they support your head, soak up your sweat (ew, we know), and take a serious beating from tossing, turning, and Netflix marathons. So, how do you keep them feeling fresh and comfy for the long haul?

At Pillows and Fibers, we know a thing or two about what goes into a good pillow—and more importantly, how to make it last. Here’s our quick guide on whether you should fluff, flip, or replace to keep your pillows in tip-top shape.

Fluff: The Quick Fix

If your pillow is starting to feel flat or lumpy, a good fluff can work wonders. Most pillows—especially those with down, feather, or synthetic fills—just need a little daily TLC to bounce back.

Here’s how to do it:

• Give it a solid shake each morning.

• Press the pillow in and out like an accordion.

• Toss it in the dryer for 10–15 minutes on low heat with a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls for extra fluff power.

Bonus tip: Fluffing your pillow daily helps redistribute the filling and keeps it feeling plump and supportive.

Flip: Don’t Let One Side Do All the Work

Flipping your pillow is the simplest move in the pillow-care playbook—and one that many of us forget. Sleeping on the same side every night can cause the fill to compress unevenly, leading to one sad, saggy side.

Flip your pillow once a week (or even every other night) to keep things even and extend its lifespan. And if it’s an envelope-style or box-edge pillow, don’t forget to rotate it too—top-to-bottom as well as front-to-back!

Replace: When It’s Time to Say Goodbye

No pillow lasts forever. Even the highest-quality ones eventually lose their shape, support, or cleanliness—especially if they’re absorbing oils, sweat, and allergens.

So how do you know when it’s time to replace?Try this quick test:

1. Fold your pillow in half.

2. Let go.

If it doesn’t spring back into shape, it’s probably time for a new one.

Other signs it’s time to move on:

• Lumps you can’t fluff away

• Stains or funky odors

• You wake up with a sore neck or headaches

In general, we recommend replacing pillows every 1–2 years, depending on the fill and how well they’re maintained. (Feather and synthetic fills tend to need replacing more often than high-quality down blends.)

Want to Upgrade? We’ve Got You Covered.

If your pillow is past its prime, don’t worry—we’ve got plenty of fresh, high-quality options at Pillows and Fibers to get you back to sleeping like a dream. Whether you're into soft and snuggly or firm and supportive, we manufacture pillows that fit your sleep style.

Keep your pillows fresh by fluffing often, flipping regularly, and replacing when necessary. It’s a small effort that can make a big difference in your sleep quality—and your mornings.

Got questions about the right pillow for your needs? Reach out—we’re always happy to help you find the perfect match.