Washing and drying pillows
Hollowfibre-filled pillows are the most practical choice for regular washing as they dry out more quickly and easily than pillows filled with natural materials. For this reason, we recommend taking naturally filled pillows to a professional laundry for both washing and drying.
To wash pillows effectively, they should have the maximum available space to circulate in the water – either by using a large capacity machine or washing just one pillow at a time. The wash temperature should be at least 60˚C – the heat at which dust mites in the pillow will be killed.
Simple pillow upkeep
To prolong the life and comfortableness of your pillows, we recommend plumping them on a daily basis so they retain their original shape. A brief spell in a tumble dryer – say 10-15 minutes, once a week – will help to keep your pillows fresh and fluffy, and kill any latent dust mites.
Pillow protectors provide a simple means of keeping your pillows clean. They are easily removable and much more practical to wash than the pillows themselves.
When to give your child a pillow
There are various schools of thought on when it is first safe for a child to sleep with a pillow. We recommend that babies should be at least 12 months of age before being allowed a pillow and, more commonly, that you wait until the child has moved from a cot to a bed before introducing a pillow – normally around 18 months of age.
The reason many parents choose to wait longer to give their child a pillow is simply that they sleep well without one. Indications that your child might be ready for a pillow can include:
- restlessness at night
- difficulty sleeping without a head support
- propping their head on a soft toy or blanket
- propping their head on a pillow or cushion when lying on the sofa or in your bed
- their shoulders are now broader than their head
Choosing pillows for babies and children
When choosing a pillow for a child it is imperative to find the right blend of comfort and support. A baby’s first pillow, for example, needs to be soft enough to be comfortable, and not so thick that it strains their neck.
A good comfort check is to press down on the pillow, then ensure it returns to its original shape – if not, it is too soft and could present a risk of suffocation. Conversely, you should avoid pillows that are too firm as they won’t be comfortable enough to support a good night’s sleep.
Allergies are known to develop during childhood, so many parents choose to obviate such risks by buying anti-allergy pillows and duvets for their children from day one.
