Can the orthopedic pillow be washed in the washing machine

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 17:37

Orthopedic pillows are special products designed for patients with cervical osteochondrosis, as well as for the prevention of this disease. Like any other household item, they need periodic cleaning. But in connection with their thin internal structure, the question arises: is it possible to wash the orthopedic pillow in the washing machine. And if so, what modes should you choose for this?

What are the pillows

The effectiveness of the use of orthopedic pillows directly depends on their quality, so it is important to choose the right product. But it is not only the initial quality of the pillow that is important, but also how it remains over time. And in order for it to remain at the same level, it is necessary to properly care for it, because this is the only way to achieve a positive effect.

There are 3 main types of orthopedic pillows: natural (made from latex), with synthetic filling and mixed type. The most expensive are natural pillows, since incredibly valuable raw materials from Brazilian Hevea are used to make their filler. It is this material that provides the unique properties of latex, thanks to which the pillow becomes incredibly elastic and at the same time quite soft.

This allows her to adjust to the curves of her head and neck to support them while she sleeps. According to reviews of people with restless sleep, the right pillows can help to normalize it and help to achieve sound, healthy sleep.

How to care for

Experts advise periodically, at least every week, to leave it for some time in the fresh air. This is due to the fact that it is not always possible to wash an orthopedic pillow in an automatic washing machine, but it still requires good ventilation, so you should not cover it with anything.

That is, leaving the pillow on the street or even just on the bed when making the bed, covering it with a blanket or anything else is not required.

But still, the main part of caring for a pillow is washing it, as it, like any other item, has a tendency to get dirty, and stains can also appear on it. But it is important to remember that not all products can be machine washed, and how to wash the pillow - you also need to carefully choose, since some materials may not withstand such a load.

Interesting! How to machine wash pillows

Washing features

Orthopedic pillows made of polyurethane and natural latex must never be machine washed. This is due to the fact that with regular washing due to exposure to temperatures and water, latex simply loses its properties. Therefore, when dirt appears on it, you just need to wipe it with a regular cloth, towel or sponge, which should first be moistened in warm (but not hot) water.

Such pillows should not be left in the sun for a long time, as this can also negatively affect their properties. They cannot be wrung out, but only gently left to dry in a room under a fan, having previously wiped dry with a regular cloth.

As you can see from the video, only those orthopedic pillows filled with synthetic material can be washed. But this can be done no more than once every 6 months, because even such products can easily be damaged in the drum of the washing machine. To avoid this, you should choose the most delicate mode of all available.

In addition, it is advisable to set the shortest washing time and the lowest temperature. The manufacturer usually writes in more detail about the features of washing in the recommendations.

There are also pillows with a mixed filler of latex and synthetic material, pillows for newborns, but they also cannot be machine washed. Special care is provided for them, which includes the following activities:

• wiping the pillow with a soft damp sponge;
• rinsing in water at room temperature;
• wiping with a mild detergent solution;
• drying under a fan for 10-12 hours.

There are several ways to determine the material from which the pillow is made:

1. If there is a tag on the product where the material is indicated - 100% Latex - it is completely latex, if there is no such tag, then the filler is either synthetic or mixed.
2. Externally, the latex pillow has a porous appearance and a somewhat matte color. If the pillow has a gloss, the filler is not porous, but smooth, then it is most likely fake latex.
3. A synthetic pillow will absorb moisture very strongly, unlike natural latex.

Today, pillows with buckwheat husk are still quite common. They are intended for the cervical region, exerting an effect on it like a massage. It helps to cope with migraines and insomnia, helps patients with chronic neck pain and insomnia to fall asleep.

Such a pillow also needs special care, which consists in the periodic removal of dust, since it cannot be washed with ordinary means. In some cases, the filler can be sieved through a regular colander, but only the removable cover can be washed.

How to care for memory foam pillows

Like many orthopedic pillows, the memory foam pillow cannot be machine washed. This is due to the fact that during washing, the partitions formed between the filler bubbles simply collapse under the influence of pressure, water jets and temperature.

The main care of this type of pillow is done with regular cleaning. But it also cannot be carried out too often, because the material is porous and you can simply ventilate it. In addition, such material rarely gets dirty and does not accumulate dirt and dust. If there is an urgent need to wash the orthopedic pillow with memory effect, you can wash it with a regular damp sponge dipped in warm water or in a very weak cleaning solution.

To clean the pillows, you can also use very weak antibacterial compounds, but it is better not to risk it, as they can also destroy the structure of the product. You can only use them if they are in the manufacturer's recommendations. In any case, the pillows need to be ventilated sometimes by leaving them outdoors for a while. But this also needs to be done no more than once every 3 months. Often only pillow covers can be washed, because they do not have any special structure, and they are removable.