To ensure that your investment is worth the extra money, a pillow’s reliability is based largely on its ability to maintain its shape. So given that memory foam has become more popular over the years, do memory foam pillows go flat?
I’m going to provide the answers in this article, starting with a quick summary to start us off…
Solid and shredded memory foam pillows are expected to last 2-3 years before showing signs of going flat. Density and firmness play an important factor in ensuring the loft of a pillow, as well as finding a balance between comfort, heat retention, and ease of movement.
Pillow loft and firmness are two significant factors to consider when purchasing a pillow. Density is also a major factor in retaining loft. Here. we’re focussing more on solid memory foam more so than shredded memory foam.
Pillow loft
Loft refers to the pillow height, typically low-loft, medium-loft, and high-loft. Low-loft pillows are typically under 3 inches thick, medium-loft pillows are generally 3 to 5 inches, and high-loft pillows are 5 inches or more. Loft typically suits different sleep positions, side, back, or stomach.
However, without a guarantee of the pillow’s durability, these features may quickly become meaningless. After all, a short-lived comfort isn’t worth a large sum of money.
Why do pillows go flat?
The quality of the filling used in your pillow determines how well it keeps its shape.
Even the most robust of filled pillows can clump up with time as a result of constant use. Your not-so-resilient pillow filling will often form lumps due to the pressure exerted by your weight. As a result, the pillow loses its loft and eventually flattens out.
Moisture and oils from your skin tend to collect in your pillow too. This is true of all loose-filled, or feather-filled pillows.
All pillows go flat over time
You will need to replace your pillow periodically regardless of what type it is. But memory foam pillows are both durable and long-lasting when compared to many pillows at a similar price point.
Due to a more solid pillow shape, and robust firmness and density, When pressure is applied to memory foam, they have the ability to conform to your neck and head shape. Yet, when the foam cools and the pressure is relieved, a memory foam pillow returns to its original form rather than flattening.
But memory foam pillows are not to everyone’s taste…
People often look at memory foam pillows as getting too hot to lie on, and because they contour to your shape they make it more difficult to move on with ease during the night.
All pillows eventually go flat. Even the finest memory foam pillows will inevitably degrade. Worn-out memory foam pillows generally become lumpy, and one-piece pillows become prone to permanent indentations over time.
A solid memory foam pillow has a lifetime of 2-3 years, which is longer than most filled pillows.
Although higher-density memory foam is generally more long-lasting than lower-density memory foam, it will also degrade eventually, and they also tend to trap more heat.
Cleaning and fluffing a memory foam pillow on a regular basis will help it last longer. Since one-piece pillows are susceptible to mildew, it’s advisable to keep them clean and wash the pillowcase regularly to extend its lifespan.
Since traditional pillows do not absorb your body pressure, they often flatten – even after a few months of use. They often begin to lump in areas of consistent pressure while unused areas remain intact.
Memory foam pillows are robust
Because memory foam pillows have the ability to conform and adjust to your body weight, memory foam pillows are more likely to keep their shape for a longer period of time.
They will stay as good as new after months of use because they aren’t stuffed with materials that will compress easily, or spill out.
A memory foam pillow will last up to 36 months which is quite impressive.
For shredded memory foam pillows, since they contains so many different pieces of foam, the shredded memory foam pillow is less likely to flatten with time than many otherpillows, and with proper care – even a solid memory foam pillow.
As a result, memory foam pillows, both solid and shredded are good pillow options for better sleep, and you won’t have to think about replacing them every few months.
Why a memory foam pillow retains its shape over time
Originally developed by NASA for the space program. Memory foam is made up of polyurethane, along with additional chemicals which improve density and viscosity.
The foam cells – or bubbles – remain open in order to effectively create a matrix through which air can pass freely.
The high density of memory foam gives the pillow a major feature, it conforms and shapes itself to the user’s body very quickly. but is able to consistently spring back into shape.
What factors help a memory foam pillow maintain its shape
When looking for a pillow that will hold its form, then pillow filling is the most important aspect to consider.
Pillows that can return to their original form consistently after pressure is exerted on them have a better chance of keeping their shape for a long time.
High density pillows are less likely to flatten out with use and keep their loft for longer.
For this, usually, pillows that lie on the more dense side of the scale are the most durable and the least likely to sag or go flat over time. Higher density levels denote quality and usually equates to a longer life span.
The trick is to get the density balance right verses aspects like comfort, reasonable temperature levels, and ease of movement.
Memory foam pillows offer mid to high density, but at the same time offer a soft firmness to them. They are comfortable, and durable. But for some, tey may fall short of ease of movement and become too hot.
The viscosity of memory foam enables them to retain their shape for longer. The expected lifespan of a memory foam mattress is 8-10 years, so that gives you some indication of similar durability expected of memory foam pillow.
But it’s all in the numbers…
Different manufacturers produce foams with varying density and firmness settings. Memory foam is no exception. So be sure to look for the density and firmness levels of the memory foam pillow before buying. Here’s the important information about density and firmness.
Why a memory foam pillow is a good choice
Many conventional fillings, such as down and feather, lose their shape over time, becoming lumpy and flattening out, but newer, more modern foam and pillow material have changed the game.
Memory foam, traditionally more of a mattress material, conforms to your head and neck while also offering support – you can even get memory foam pillows with customizable fillings to get just the right amount of fluff, firmness, and shape.
Memory foam helps with headaches, neck pain, or back pain
It is annoying When your smooth, fluffy pillow becomes flat and lumpy over time.
In fact, it’s not just annoying. Waking up with your head on a sagging pillow can be detrimental to your spinal cord.
That’s why it’s important to find the right pillows that don’t flatten out so you can sleep soundly with your spine in good alignment.
Bad spinal alignment is the most common cause of headaches, neck, pain, and back pain. Sleeping on memory foam pillows has many health advantages, one of which is spinal alignment.
The weight and warmth of your body cause the foam to reshape itself, the same is true as you lay your head and neck on the pillow too.
This forces the pillow to provide more protection under the head’s heaviest sections while still supporting the lighter, more pressure-sensitive neck section.
It can help your muscles to relax properly while still providing natural spinal support and adapting to your specific shape to promote deep, restful sleep.
Memory foam is non-toxic and safe to use. And memory foam pillows are naturally hypoallergenic, preventing bacteria, mold, fungi, and dust mites from growing. It is a good option for those that are allergic to dust mites, feathers, or other natural pillow toxicants.
It’s just as important to find a pillow that cradles and supports your head as it is to find a comfortable mattress.
Consider the type of fabric and any special features when looking for a memory foam pillow, and look for one that is made to accommodate the type of sleeping you do, whether you sleep on your back, your side, or your stomach.
You might also want to understand more about how flammable memory foam is.
To finish
Who would have thought finding a pillow could involve so much science and material knowledge! But most of the time, finding just the right pillow for you is mostly a matter of trial and error. Memory foam pillows, both solid, and shredded, should certainly be on your list of options to try.