Free MyPillow Care and Washing Guide

Understanding MyPillow Product Care Basics

MyPillow products are made from shredded memory foam fill and covered with various fabric materials depending on the product line. The shredded foam interior allows for customization—you can add or remove fill to adjust firmness to your preference. This unique construction means that caring for your MyPillow requires different approaches than standard pillows filled with down, polyester fiberfill, or solid foam.

The outer cover of a MyPillow is typically made from cotton or a cotton-blend fabric. The cover is removable and machine washable, which makes maintenance straightforward. However, the inner foam fill itself should never be placed in a washing machine or dryer, as the moisture and heat can damage the material and reduce its lifespan. Understanding this distinction between the removable cover and the interior fill is the foundation of proper MyPillow care.

MyPillow comes in several varieties, including the original MyPillow, MyPillow Cooling Pillow, MyPillow Premium Pillow, and specialty pillows like the MyPillow Body Pillow. Each version has similar care requirements, though some specialty models may have specific recommendations. The company provides care information with each product, but knowing the general principles helps you maintain your pillow's quality and comfort over time.

Regular maintenance extends the life of your pillow significantly. A pillow that receives proper care can maintain its support and comfort for many years. Without appropriate washing and maintenance, pillows can accumulate dust, allergens, and body oils that affect hygiene and comfort. The good news is that MyPillow care involves common household methods that don't require specialized equipment or products.

Practical Takeaway: Separate the removable outer cover from the inner foam fill in your mind—the cover needs regular washing while the foam fill needs protection from moisture and excessive heat. This distinction guides all care decisions.

Removing and Washing the MyPillow Cover

The removable cover on your MyPillow features a zipper that allows you to separate it from the foam fill. To remove the cover, locate the zipper (usually along one side or the bottom of the pillow) and carefully unzip it completely. Gently pull the cover away from the pillow. Be careful not to snag the foam fill on the zipper teeth. If the cover is tight, you may need to work it off slowly and methodically. Once removed, the cover can be washed separately from the internal foam.

MyPillow covers are machine washable using warm water, typically on a regular or normal cycle. Cold water also works well and may be preferable if you're concerned about color fading, particularly with darker covers. Use regular laundry detergent—you don't need anything specialized. The amount of detergent should match what you'd use for a similar load of clothing. Avoid bleach, as it can damage the fabric and create discoloration or weak spots.

When washing multiple covers, you can wash them together. However, separate them from other items that might snag or catch on the zipper. Wash the covers with like colors to prevent any potential dye transfer. If you have a cover with a printed design or logo, washing inside-out can provide extra protection for the graphics, though this isn't strictly necessary for durability.

After washing, remove the covers from the washer promptly and prepare them for drying. Inspect the zipper to ensure it's fully functional before drying. If you notice any issues with the zipper, address them before drying, as heat can sometimes make zipper problems worse. Following these washing steps keeps your covers fresh and hygienic without damaging the fabric.

Practical Takeaway: Use your washing machine's regular or cold water cycle with standard detergent to wash covers, keeping them separate from items that might snag on zippers. This simple process removes dust, sweat, and allergens while maintaining fabric integrity.

Drying Your MyPillow Covers Correctly

After washing, you have two primary drying options for MyPillow covers: machine drying or air drying. Both methods work well, and your choice depends on your schedule and fabric preferences. Machine drying is faster and more convenient for most people. Use a low to medium heat setting—high heat can potentially damage cotton-blend fabrics over time and may cause shrinkage. A typical drying cycle of 30 to 45 minutes is usually sufficient.

Air drying is gentler on fabrics and reduces energy consumption. Hang the covers on a clothesline, drying rack, or lay them flat on a clean surface. Air drying typically takes several hours depending on humidity levels and air circulation. During warm, breezy weather, outdoor air drying works well. In humid or cold conditions, placing covers near a window or in a well-ventilated room speeds up the process. Air drying is particularly beneficial if your covers have any printed designs, as it minimizes wear on graphics.

Some people prefer a combination approach: use the dryer for most of the drying time (around 20 to 30 minutes), then remove the covers while slightly damp and air dry the remainder. This method reduces wrinkles and heat exposure while still being time-efficient. Check the covers periodically during drying to ensure they're drying evenly.

Once covers are completely dry, they're ready to be zipped back onto the foam fill. Ensure the cover is fully dry before reassembling to prevent any moisture from contacting the foam. If you notice wrinkles, a cool iron on low setting can smooth them out, or you can simply put the cover back on the pillow where body heat and movement will naturally reduce wrinkles over a few days of use.

Practical Takeaway: Use low to medium heat in the dryer or air dry your covers to preserve fabric quality. Complete drying before zipping the cover back onto the foam fill prevents moisture damage to the interior.

Caring for the MyPillow Foam Fill

The shredded foam fill inside your MyPillow requires a different approach than the removable cover. The foam should never go into a washing machine or clothes dryer. Water exposure can saturate the foam, making it heavy and causing it to take an extremely long time to dry. During this extended drying period, moisture can encourage mold or mildew growth, which damages the foam and creates hygiene concerns. Therefore, keeping the foam dry is the primary principle of foam care.

To keep the foam fill clean, focus on regular cover washing rather than trying to wash the foam itself. The removable cover acts as a barrier between your body, skin oils, sweat, and the foam fill. By washing the cover regularly—most people wash covers every one to two weeks—you minimize the amount of debris and moisture that can accumulate on the foam surface. This practice is often more effective than any method of directly cleaning the foam.

If the foam fill does become wet due to an accident or spill, act quickly to minimize damage. Remove the foam from the cover and place it in a warm, dry location with good air circulation. A sunny spot with a breeze is ideal. Ensure airflow around the entire foam piece—don't bunch it up or place it where air cannot circulate. Depending on humidity and temperature, drying may take 24 to 48 hours or longer. You can gently squeeze the foam to release excess water, but avoid wringing or twisting motions that could damage the internal structure.

Over time, the foam fill may accumulate dust and allergens through normal use. Vacuuming the foam lightly with an upholstery attachment (while it's out of the cover) can remove surface debris. Do this gently and avoid aggressive rubbing that could damage the foam material. Another option is to take the foam-filled pillow outside on a sunny day and gently pat it to release loose dust particles.

Practical Takeaway: Keep foam fill dry at all times by washing only the removable cover. If the foam does get wet, remove it from the cover and air dry in a warm, well-ventilated location for 24 to 48 hours.

Handling Stains and Spot Cleaning

Stains on your MyPillow cover should be addressed as soon as possible after they occur. Fresh stains are generally easier to remove than set-in stains. For most stains, start with cold water and a clean cloth. Blot the stained area