Can I wash my orthopedic pillow?

For a good rest, we all need a good night's sleep under comfortable conditions. To this end, most choose orthopedic mattresses and pillows, the popularity of which has been growing recently. They contribute to the maximum relaxation of a person during rest, improve blood circulation due to the correct position of the body. But the lucky owners of such bedding ask themselves questions: is it possible to wash an orthopedic pillow, how to care for it? To preserve all the useful features, you need to know the rules for cleaning it, which we will tell you about in this article.

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Hand or car wash - what to choose?

The manufacturer of orthopedic pillows, as a rule, provides recommendations on the care and maintenance of their products. Therefore, you do not have to guess, choose a machine or hand wash.

In the absence of such, you can use the general rules:

• natural filler is allowed to clean only by hand;
• synthetic filler can be washed using household appliances.

Important! For machine washing of orthopedic products only gentle modes are suitable - “Manual” or “Delicate”.

So, is it possible to wash an orthopedic pillow - figured out: it all depends on the type of filler. Further on how to properly clean such products.

Important! When choosing a detergent, you should give preference to a professional shampoo designed specifically for orthopedic products. He gently cleans the product without changing the appearance and useful properties.

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Types of orthopedic pillows and care for them

Cleaning rules for orthopedic products vary, depending on the type of filler. Each of them has its own characteristics that require specific care.

Natural latex

It is considered the most valuable material for the filler of orthopedic products of the highest class.

Important! The raw material for natural latex is milk of Brazilian hevea, rubber wood.

Natural latex filler gives the pillow unique properties - softness and elasticity at the same time.

Important! Due to the ability to "adapt" to the shape of the body, orthopedic products from this material are prescribed for the prevention of diseases associated with the cervical spine.

Washing products made of natural latex is contraindicated; there are the following recommendations for cleaning them:

• remove contamination by hand only in warm water using liquid laundry detergents;
• if necessary, it is allowed to use soft sponges with caution;
• squeezing latex products is strictly prohibited;
• Do not use a heater when drying;
• it is forbidden to dry latex in the sun, which destroys its beneficial properties.

In general, the care of orthopedic products with natural latex is reduced to the timely replacement of the pillowcase, the systematic turning of the product to the other side.

Important! When airing a pillow in the fresh air, remember that natural latex does not withstand low temperatures (below -4 ° C).

Proper operation of products with natural latex will help to maintain all its beneficial properties for more than 20 years.The disadvantages of such products include only high cost.

Synthetic latex

Synthetic latex, otherwise polyurethane foam, is a hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly product. Its advantage is a lower price, in contrast to natural material. Such products are allowed to be washed in the machine once every six months, while choosing a fast and gentle mode.

Important! Indication of other manufacturer recommendations is of paramount importance.

Mixed latex

Mixed filler products, which include natural and synthetic latex, are also in demand. Products with this material are lightweight, flexible and resistant to mechanical stress. As for care, products with such a filler must not be washed and squeezed in a machine.

The recommendations on how to wash an orthopedic pillow with mixed filling are as follows:

• wipe with a soft sponge with liquid cleanser;
• use only cold water when rinsing;
• wring only with palms, slightly pressing against each other;
• dry in a ventilated area for more than 12 hours;
• Avoid exposure to ultraviolet light and heaters.

Important! The cost of products with mixed filler depends on the amount of natural latex in the composition (usually from 20% to 80%).

Buckwheat husk

The action of the pillow with buckwheat husk filler on the cervical spine is similar to the effect of acupressure.

Important! Owners of such products claim that they forgot about insomnia and headache, chronic pain in the shoulder girdle and back as a whole has decreased.

However, caring for such natural material is not easy, since buckwheat husk is hygroscopic and categorically afraid of contact with water. As a result of this, products are forbidden not only to be washed, but even to wet.

Recommendations for caring for a product with buckwheat husk are mainly in:

• vacuuming 2 times a month;
• airing it in the fresh air.

Important! In addition, buckwheat filler can be sifted periodically through a colander. Only the pillowcase and product cover are allowed to be washed.

Memory effect

Pillows with a memory effect are distinguished by the property of preserving the shape of the human body, obtained by physical action of the head and neck. The product slowly adjusts to fit the person, and after use - straightens back.

The following materials are the basis of memory fillers:

• porous polyurethane foam with high breathability;
• elastic viscolatex - latex-based foam;
• gel with a cooling effect;
• silicone base.

When asked whether it is possible to wash an orthopedic pillow with a memory effect in the washing machine, the answer is unequivocal - no. To preserve the properties of the product, washing it is not recommended. Water can destroy the structure, as a result - all the useful properties of the material. It is enough to air it once a month in the fresh air. Only removable cushion covers are washable.

Important! You will find more information about the different materials used for such bedding in our special review. "Pillow filler".  

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Determine the type of filler yourself

There are simple ways to determine the quality of the filler for orthopedic products:

• The manufacturer of products with natural filler must mark it with the marking “100% latex”. In the absence of such, we can conclude that the filler is synthetic or mixed.
• Natural latex has a porous structure, and its color is matte. If the pillow filler is smooth, and its color is white with a glossy sheen, then it can be argued that this is a synthetic material.
• Natural latex is reluctant to absorb moisture, while synthetic material can absorb water like a sponge.

Important! You might also be interested in information abouthow to choose an orthopedic mattress.

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What can not be done?

In order to extend the useful properties and service life of orthopedic pillows, there are general prohibitions in operation:

• ironing;
• exposure to abrasive detergents;
• drying on and near heaters;
• whipping a wet product;
• use in rooms with humidity over 65%;
• spin wet product using force;
• frequent washing (often once every two months).

Important! Remember that comfort and quality of sleep also depend on the textiles used. To learn how to accurately determine quality, check out our separate publication. "The choice of bedding".

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General care recommendations

Orthopedic products are made on the basis of specially developed technologies. It does not require special care, only following some recommendations to increase the service life:

• do not cover the product with a blanket or blanket, contributing to the violation of natural ventilation;
• it is recommended to ventilate bedding in the fresh air once a month, for example, on the balcony;
• knocking out and shaking the pillow is not worth it - just turn it over after each rest;
• storage of orthopedic products in places with ultraviolet radiation is not recommended;
• use the pillow for its intended purpose; do not let children jump on it;
• protect the product from moisture;
• It is not recommended to use heating devices for drying the product.

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Stock footage

Compliance with such simple recommendations will extend the life of the orthopedic pillow model and protect it from premature deformation. But it is worth noting that a professional dry cleaning will help get rid of microparticles, the removal of which is impossible at home.