There are two techniques to learn how to flatten a pillow. But why should you flatten a pillow? Remember that different sleeping positions will demand specific pillow types.
For example, side and fussy sleepers should sleep on pillows with higher lofts compared to stomach sleepers to support their heads and necks. On the contrary, stomach sleepers must use flat and thin pillows to prevent stress on their necks and backs. Using the techniques below, you can flatten your pillow and achieve the ideal height if you sleep on your stomach.
How To Flatten A Pillow Using Two Techniques
Technique #1. Consistent usage
It’s not surprising that consistent usage of a pillow will naturally flatten it. Depending on the material, you’ll notice a lower loft within a few weeks if you use it every day. Sleeping on the pillow, lying on it, sitting on it, or hugging can lessen its fluffiness.
When you’re not using the pillow yourself, you can place something heavy over your pillow. It can be a thick book or a box with your items. Just remember to cover the pillow with a towel to protect it from getting dirty.
Technique #2. Stuffing removal
The second technique to lower the loft of your pillow is to remove some of its fillings. Sometimes, even constant use of the pillow won’t flatten it, or it might take longer to happen before you can use the ideal flat pillow. What you can do is remove some of the stuffing and distribute the remains equally in the pillow.
Rip the seam on one side carefully and pull as much stuffing as needed. Continue pressing the pillow to check if the leftover fill is well-distributed and the pillow remains snug. Once you’re satisfied with the pillow’s form, sew the seam securely.
Why Flatten A Pillow
You might wonder why one wants to use a flat pillow or even flatten a previously fluffy one. The answer is that some sleepers must use a low loft pillow for optimal comfort and posture. For example, sleeping on your stomach can be straining to your neck and back.
You can’t use a high loft pillow because it will cause further stress on these regions. A thin and soft pillow is ideal for aligning your spine and preventing body pain. You can also use a flat pillow under the hips to further support your posture.
Finally, flat pillows are not only useful for sleep. While it’s true that we use pillow inserts to make our decorative pillows look fuller and aesthetically pleasing, flat pillows are also decorative. They can offer variety to the eyes, and you can add them on seats both as decors and useful cushions.
What To Consider When Using A Flat Pillow
Perhaps the most significant factor when using a flat pillow is your sleeping position. Remember that those who sleep on their stomachs will benefit the most from flat pillows. But if you sleep on your back, you can also use a flat pillow as long as your body is well-aligned when lying in bed.
Who shouldn’t sleep on a flat pillow? If you’re a side sleeper or move a lot in bed, it would be better to use a fluffy pillow instead of a flat one. A flat pillow won’t provide adequate support in these instances because of inadequate elevation.
Finally, know about the standard pillow lofts or heights—the stuffing of the pillow influences this pillow characteristic. An average loft would be five inches, while a low loft pillow can be two to three inches high. You must select a pillow that will keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of the body.
What Materials Are Used For Flat Pillows?
Generally speaking, flat pillows can use most materials, especially those that conform and mold accordingly. They include latex foam, down, and memory foam. Thin blocks of memory foam or shredded memory foam are ideal materials for flat pillows because they adjust to your body’s profile.
However, you can select the softer down material if you prefer something more breathable. You can always adjust the stuffing inside your pillow to create a lower loft or use the pillow regularly to flatten it. Just be mindful of the distribution inside so you don’t sleep on a clumpy and uncomfortable pillow.
How To Sleep On Your Stomach Using A Flat Pillow
Before anything else, it’s not recommended to sleep on your stomach because your neck and spine deviates from a neutral position. However, you can use a flat pillow to improve your sleeping posture in this position. You can lay your head on a flat pillow and add another one under the pelvis to relieve the pressure on your lower back.
Conclusion
You might be more suitable to use a low loft pillow, especially if you sleep on your stomach. You can quickly learn how to flatten a pillow using two techniques. Start by using it every day or put a weighted object over it when you’re not lying on the pillow. If your pillow is still fluffy, you can remove some of the stuffing until it turns flat.
But when will you use a flat pillow? Those who sleep on their stomach shouldn’t use a high loft pillow because this puts stress on their necks and lower back. You might also need a flat pillow to improve an area’s aesthetic or use one as a decorative and useful cushion.