If you’ve ever suffered from persistent neck pain and discomfort because of your pillow, it’s time to look for an upgrade.
But does upgrading your pillow guarantee a better night’s sleep? Yes, a good pillow will. However, even if you buy the right pillow for your sleeping needs, your body will need some time to get used to the feel of your new sleeping solution, especially when you’re changing your pillow’s material. Like your favourite mattress, a new pillow goes through a breaking-in period to soften its feel.
Breaking in and getting used to a new pillow may take a while, but it doesn’t have to be stressful and uncomfortable. In this guide, we’ll talk about some easy and achievable steps to soften up your new pillow.
Before we proceed with the guide, do note that different types of pillows have different break-in periods and processes involved. With this in mind, it’s good to check the manufacturer’s label to get the specific requirements of your pillows.
Why Does a Pillow Require a Break In Period?
If you notice that your new pillow does not feel as comfortable as you imagined it to be, do not fret. It’s completely normal for a pillow to feel a bit uncomfortable, especially when you’ve been using your old one for a long time. With a bit of effort, time, and consistency, you’ll soon enjoy the quality of your new sleeping solution.
Ways to Break in Your New Pillow
The best way to break in a new pillow is to sleep on it regularly. In this way, the pillow will soften according to the shape of your head and neck. There are also many ways to speed up the process to help you enjoy the comfort of your pillow faster.
Here are some tips to swiftly break in your new pillow.
Cover Your Pillow with a Pillowcase
Before anything else, give your new pillows the protection they need by covering them with appropriately sized pillowcases or pillow protectors. This ensures that your pillows are protected against dirt and dust mite buildup while also helping them attain the shape that you want.
Increase the Temperature in Your Bedroom
Some pillow fillings, like memory foam, are sensitive to temperature. Since a new memory foam pillow is firmer than down or feather pillows, the best way to soften it up is to expose it to a higher temperature. Memory foam uses heat to contour your head. Using the same principle, increasing the temperature in your bedroom will soften up the material to make it more comfortable. Your body heat will also help soften the material, so using it regularly can help you break in your new pillow.
You may adjust your thermostat or use a heating pad or warm blanket for a while to soften your pillows. However, it’s good to remember that memory foam is flammable and should not be exposed to extreme heat. Also, make sure that the temperature is still ideal to help you sleep comfortably.
Use Pressure on Your Pillow
Apply some pressure to your pillows to loosen up the fibres or foam filling. Aside from using your pillows regularly, pressing, kneading, or fluffing your pillows may also help you achieve the structure that you need. You may also place heavy objects like books on top of the pillow to soften its stiff structure. The process will depend on your pillow materials. For memory foam, latex, and bamboo pillows, frequent usage is the best way to soften the materials.
Press or fluff your pillows before laying down to make them more comfortable within the first few nights of use.
Let the Pillow Rest
Many pillow types, especially those that are made of memory foam, require some time to fully expand before use. Some pillows with memory foam materials also release off-gassing smells, so it’s important to give your room enough ventilation. Let your pillow breathe by opening the windows and letting it expand without a pillowcase.
Somnuz pillows don’t require long hours to be comfortable, but you might want to give them a couple of hours to be at their comfiest on the first night.
Fill Your Pillow with Other Soft Materials
In case you don’t feel comfortable sleeping on a firmer new pillow, you may stuff your pillowcase with a soft towel or piece of fabric on top of the pillow. This is to improve your comfort while letting the pillow itself soften with use. Make sure to properly distribute the extra padding to prevent uncomfortable lumps.
Use Your Pillow
Ultimately, the more you use your pillow, the faster it softens and molds to your head and neck. For the quickest results, you may use your pillow as a footrest when watching television or reading a book in your bedroom.
How Long Does It Take to Break in a New Pillow?
It could take five days to a week to get used to your new pillow, depending on the materials and how often you use it. If you’re switching from one material to another, your new pillow will feel a bit different than what you're used to.
Is the waiting time worth it? Yes, it is! High-quality pillows can significantly improve your sleep and overall health. High-quality pillows also last for at least two years, so the first few nights of settling in are definitely worthwhile.
Conclusion
When buying a new pillow in Singapore, it’s not only important to get the right one but also follow some tips to make the most of it. This means breaking in and helping your body adjust to your new sleeping solution. This may seem like a daunting and time-consuming task, but it is surely worth your effort.
Somnuz pillows do a good job of supporting the natural contour of your head while adjusting to your weight and sleeping position. Somnuz pillows are also made from breathable materials that allow air to move freely, giving you a cosy and worry-free rest. Our specialised contouring pillow provides ergonomic support, ideal for back and side sleepers. This gives your head enough elevation while giving your neck cradle comfort.
Check out our range of premium mattresses and supportive pillows by visiting our experience centres or browsing our online catalogue.