How to Flatten a Pillow & Make It Softer

Is your new pillow feeling a bit stiff? Don’t worry—pillows soften and loosen over time as they’re exposed to heat and pressure, and there are plenty of easy and creative ways to make that happen quickly. We’ve put together a handy list of ways to break in and flatten a new pillow. Read on, and then go get some shut-eye!

Tips to Flatten a New Pillow

Stick it in a tumble dryer for 15–30 minutes.
Cover the pillow with an electric blanket to soften it with heat.
Set the pillow near a space heater or radiator to warm and loosen up.
Lay the pillow in sunlight to break down firmness faster.
Beat the pillow with your hands or a hard object to fluff and soften it.
Weigh down the pillow right before you lie on it.
Boost your body temperature (with tea or quick exercise) before using the pillow.

1

Tumble Dryer

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Use your dryer to break down the pillow with heat and pressure. Put your pillow in the dryer on a low heat, low tumble setting to avoid damage (too much heat can cause clumps in conventional pillows).^{[1]
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- Always check the label or tag on your pillow to see if it can be machine dried. When reading care labels, the tumble dry symbol is typically a circle within a square. If this icon is crossed out with an “X,” it means the pillow can’t be put in the dryer.^{[2]
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- This is a great method for down and memory foam pillows. Feathers don’t do well in direct heat.

2

Heating Pad or Electric Blanket

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Use heat to soften stiff new pillows, especially memory foam. Turn on a heating pad or electric blanket to a medium heat and place it on top of the new pillow before bedtime.^{[3]
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- Alternatively, use a hot water bottle in place of an electric pad or blanket.

3

Radiator or Space Heater

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In cold months, soften your pillow with the heaters in your home. Place your pillow on a clean spot on the floor (or on top of a blanket) near a radiator or space heater for about 10 minutes. Be careful not to place it too close, since pillows are flammable. Softening with heat is especially effective on memory foam.
- Alternatively, just increase the room temperature of your bedroom to warm the pillow.^{[4]
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- Make extra sure your pillow is not touching the radiator or space heater—a hard pillow is more comfortable than a burnt one!
- Heat can be an effective way to break in pillows, which is why this method may work.^{[5]
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4

Sunlight

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Use the sun’s heat to soften your pillow while you go about your day. Place your stiff pillow outside (in a clean, protected spot) and let it bask in direct sunlight for no more than an hour per side. Flip the pillow halfway through, so both sides are evenly warmed and softened.
- The softening effects of sunlight might not be noticeable right away since you can’t use this method directly before bedtime.
- This is a good option for most pillows except feather ones, which shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
- The fresh air will help eliminate any odors or “new pillow smell,” too!

5

Beating the Pillow

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Use pressure to loosen the pillow fibers and make it feel softer. Lay the hard pillow on a flat, hard surface like a desk or the floor. Use a rug beater, broom handle, or another hard object and club the pillow a handful of times. Aim for the center (where your head goes) and any other particularly stiff spots.^{[6]
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- Alternatively, knead or punch the pillow with your hands. The pressure plus your body heat will relax the pillow and make it softer.
- Repeat before bedtime as necessary until the pillow is consistently soft enough for you.
- This method works on any type of pillow, including memory foam, feather, down, and wool.

6

Weighing Down the Pillow

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Use your hands or a weight to flatten the pillow right before you lay on it. Lay your head down in the depression before the memory foam regains its shape. This way, the pillow will form to your head and neck more quickly.
- Depress the pillow for about 2 or 3 minutes before you lay down.
- If possible, use your hands or something warm since the heat will soften the memory foam even more.

7

Increased Body Temperature

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Use elevated body heat to soften the pillow faster than your resting heat. Right before bed, do some physical activity, like jumping jacks, consume something hot like soup or tea, or take a hot bath. The extra heat (plus the weight of your head) will get absorbed by the pillow and break it down.^{[7]
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- This is more effective on memory foam pillows than on other kinds.
- If you tend to feel too warm while you sleep, this might not be the most enjoyable option. The good news is you’ll only have to do it for a couple of nights.

8

Stuffing the Pillowcase with Soft Material

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Surround the hard pillow with softer fabrics and cushions while it breaks in. First, put the pillow in a pillowcase that’s slightly too large for it. On one side, stuff the case with batting, cotton, feathers, polyester, or even towels or clothing.^{[8]
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- Distribute your extra padding evenly so there are no clumps in your pillow.
- Use clean, dry material for hygienic reasons.

9

Time and Sleep

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Use your pillow every night to break it in with your body heat and head weight. The more you use it, the faster it will soften or mold to your head shape. It takes some time—usually about a week, depending on the type and fitness of the pillow—so be patient while you get some shut-eye.
- Speed up the process by resting your legs on your pillow while you work or watch TV during the day.

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Tips

If you live in a cold environment, heat your pillow more frequently or after long trips away from home to help keep it soft.

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