You can learn how to make a memory foam pillow in two steps. This would be a useful skill, especially when you need to replace your memory foam pillow. You’ll also have more control over your pillow structure and customize it more according to your needs.
You can modify it with the simple guide below if you want to use a whole block of memory foam or shredded pieces. If you have a memory foam pillow that you no longer use, perhaps it’s possible to transform it into shredded stuffing and get a more comfortable pillow. Feel free to modify the steps to what’s comfortable.
Easy DIY Memory Foam Pillow
The following guide is an excellent way to reuse your old pillows. You can upcycle your used pillow cover or stuffing, or create a new pillow and reuse its memory foam. For the latter, it would be best to turn your memory foam block into shredded stuffing.
Cut the foam block into smaller pieces until you have enough stuffing to achieve your desired pillow structure. Using shredded memory foam for bed pillows is advantageous anyway because the pieces will provide better air circulation and breathability. You might also notice a more conforming effect when lying on a shredded memory foam pillow.
Step #1. Design
The first step is creating the pillow liner for stuffing. Choose a fabric that is comfortable, breathable, and durable, and cut it into two pieces. You can follow the length and width of the pillow you want to have when finished.
Once you have the two fabric pieces, you want to fold each of them to create a seam. For example, fold the outer edge of the long side where you intend to have the opening. Iron and pin this area after folding and do the same on both fabric pieces.
Step #2. Sew and stuff
After pinning the seam, you want to sew the bottom edge to create a more aesthetically pleasing seam. You can then pin the fabric pieces with their right sides together and cuffs aligned to get a clear design on where the opening will be. Stitch around the three sides except for the one end for turning and stuffing.
You can reinforce the stitches with another line for additional security of the pillow liner. Some even prefer to only leave a small gap for turning and stuffing instead of an opened side. However, you can also use this opportunity to add a zipper or modify the opened end into your preferred closure style.
Remember that you’re stuffing the pillow with shredded memory foam, and having the option to adjust its filling will be useful later on. Flip the liner and stuff it with the shredded memory foam until you achieve your desired firmness and loft. Finally, stitch the opening close or secure the closure you’ve chosen.
What Is Shredded Memory Foam?
From the name itself, shredded memory foam is a filling made of smaller pieces of memory foam. Compared to the contoured singular memory foam block, the smaller pieces will allow you to mold the pillow to your desired configuration. Some brands even blend shredded memory foam with other materials to create different feels.
Advantages of shredded memory foam pillows
As mentioned previously, being shredded makes the stuffing more malleable unique to the user. One can also fluff a shredded memory foam to restore its form compared to a block that can form dents over time. You’ll notice that sleeping on a shredded memory foam pillow is supportive while also relieving pressure as it shapes itself accordingly.
Another significant advantage of shredded memory foam pillows over solid memory foam pillows is they allow better breathability. Manufacturers typically add other materials like a gel to make the pillow feel cooler. Lastly, shredded memory foam pillows are relatively easy to clean because you can remove the stuffing or cover.
How To Make The Best Memory Foam Pillow
Making your own memory foam pillow means you can select quality materials. However, the emphasis is necessary for considering your sleeping position. Remember that its firmness and loft should ensure an aligned spine to prevent neck and back pain when making a memory foam pillow.
Since memory foam itself is viscoelastic, you can expect it to conform to your sleeping position easily. Just remember to add pillows on the gaps between the mattress and your body if necessary. You can also combine the shredded memory foam with other materials such as gel layers.
Conclusion
Do you have a memory foam pillow that you want to upcycle? Perhaps it will be useful to learn how to make a memory foam pillow using the materials you hand-selected and create a more personalized pillow. You can use an old memory foam block and cut it into smaller pieces.
Then, cut two fabric pieces and sew them together. Leave a seam allowance and opening for turning and stuffing. Flip the liner and stuff it with your shredded memory foam before sewing the gap close or adding a closure you prefer.
It might benefit you to use a zipper closure to replace or adjust the stuffing later on. Otherwise, feel free to stitch the pillow close. You can also modify the guide discussed to create the best pillow for your sleeping position.