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The 15-minute dryer step is meant to fluff a new MyPillow and loosen its fill after it has been compressed for packing and shipping. The warm air and tumbling help the small foam pieces spread out, giving the pillow more loft before you sleep on it.
“Loft” simply means the pillow’s height and puffiness.
Older MyPillow instructions described this as “activating” the interlocking fill and advised drying the pillow for 10 to 15 minutes before first use. It does not mean the pillow contains a chemical that must be activated. Think of it as a strong first fluff.
What the Dryer Does to a New MyPillow
A MyPillow contains many small pieces of foam rather than one solid slab. When the pillow sits inside packaging, those pieces may become packed together. The pillow can look flatter, firmer, or less even than expected when you first open it.
A short dryer cycle helps in several ways.
It Restores the Pillow’s Loft
Compression pushes air out of the pillow. As the pillow tumbles, the fill moves around and air gets between the foam pieces again.
The pillow may come out:
- Fuller
- Softer
- Easier to shape
- More evenly filled
- Less flat around the edges
This is similar to shaking out a comforter after taking it from a storage bag. The fill needs room and movement before it settles into its normal shape.
It Separates Foam Pieces That Are Packed Together
Small foam pieces can press against each other during shipping. Dryer movement helps separate them.
This matters because loose fill should move when you adjust the pillow. If the pieces remain packed into one area, the pillow may feel lumpy or oddly firm.
The tumbling action is doing most of the work. The heat helps the foam become more flexible, but the pillow also needs enough room to move inside the drum.
It Helps the Fill Spread Through the Pillow
A compressed pillow may have more fill in the middle and less around the corners. As the dryer turns, the pieces move through the pillow shell.
You may still need to shape the pillow by hand afterward. Hold opposite ends, shake it gently, and move the fill where you want it.
The dryer is not a tiny pillow wizard. It starts the process, but a little hand fluffing can finish the job.
Do You Really Have to Dry It for Exactly 15 Minutes?
Not necessarily. Fifteen minutes is a simple starting point, not a magic number.
Dryer size, drum movement, heat level, and how tightly the pillow was packed can all affect the result. A large dryer may fluff the pillow quickly because it has more room to tumble. A small, crowded dryer may not do much at all.
Check the instructions attached to your pillow or included in its packaging. Product instructions can change, and different MyPillow models may have different materials or care needs.
The current MyPillow care page says its standard pillows can be tumble-dried on high heat. It also says not to use dryer balls, fabric softener, or dryer sheets. Follow the care label on your own pillow when it differs from general advice.
Should You Add a Damp Washcloth?
Some older MyPillow instructions advised placing the pillow in the dryer with a damp washcloth during the first 10 to 15 minutes. The damp cloth can add a small amount of moisture to the warm air and may help the compressed pillow relax.
However, do not automatically add a wet towel or washcloth to every pillow. Check the current instructions that came with your model.
If the label calls for a damp washcloth:
- Wet a clean washcloth.
- Wring it out well.
- It should be damp, not dripping.
- Place it in the dryer with the pillow.
- Use the heat and time listed on the pillow instructions.
- Remove the pillow and fluff it by hand.
A soaking-wet cloth adds more moisture than needed and may make the pillow take longer to dry.
Does the 15-Minute Cycle Clean the Pillow?
No. A short dryer cycle before first use is mainly for fluffing. It is not the same as washing the pillow.
The cycle may warm the pillow and help remove some packaging wrinkles, but it does not wash away body oils, sweat, spills, or other buildup.
When the pillow needs cleaning, follow its full washing and drying instructions. The current manufacturer guidance for standard MyPillow products says to wash them in cold or warm water on a regular cycle, not a delicate cycle. It also recommends extra spin cycles to reduce drying time.
Do not assume those instructions apply to every foam, feather, latex, or down pillow in your home.
Can You Use the Pillow Without Putting It in the Dryer?
You can usually place a newly opened pillow on the bed and allow it to expand on its own, but it may remain flatter or less evenly shaped at first.
Hand fluffing can help when you do not have access to a dryer.
Try these steps:
- Remove all packaging.
- Lay the pillow flat.
- Press and release different parts of the pillow.
- Pull gently at the corners.
- Shake the pillow from each end.
- Move the fill away from thick areas and toward thin areas.
- Leave it uncovered in a dry room for several hours.
This method may be useful in a dorm, apartment laundry room, RV, hotel, or rental where dryer access is limited.
Still, use the dryer step when the product label clearly calls for it and you have a suitable machine available. The dryer usually provides more even movement than hand fluffing.
What Dryer Setting Should You Use?
Use the setting printed on your pillow’s care label.
The current MyPillow care instructions say standard MyPillow products should be tumble-dried with high heat. They also say not to add dryer balls, dryer sheets, or fabric softener.
That advice is specific to the product. It is not a general rule for all pillows.
Many other pillows require low heat, no heat, air drying, or spot cleaning. High heat can damage some foam, fabric coatings, waterproof layers, adhesives, or decorative materials.
Before starting the dryer, check for:
- A sewn-in care label
- A removable pillow cover
- Foam type
- Special cooling layers
- Zippers or removable inserts
- Warnings about heat
- Instructions for commercial dryers
- Instructions about dryer balls or tennis balls
Never choose high heat simply because another pillow handled it well.
Give the Pillow Room to Tumble
A pillow cannot fluff properly when it is wedged tightly against the dryer walls.
Use a dryer with enough drum space for the pillow to lift and fall as the drum turns. Do not pack the machine with sheets, blankets, towels, and several pillows at the same time.
A crowded drum can cause:
- Uneven fluffing
- Damp areas after washing
- Longer drying time
- Fill collecting in one section
- Extra stress on the dryer
This can be a problem with king-size pillows, body pillows, and large pet beds. Some home dryers are simply too small for bulky bedding.
The 15-minute dryer step is meant to fluff a new MyPillow and loosen its fill after it has been compressed for packing and shipping; learn why pillows turn yellow, how sweat, oils, drool, skin products, moisture, age, and laundry habits contribute, and when cleaning or replacement helps.
When the pillow barely moves, check whether the manufacturer allows the use of a larger laundry machine. Follow laundromat rules and avoid forcing oversized bedding into a small drum.
What If the Pillow Still Feels Flat?
First, remove it from the dryer and fluff it by hand.
Hold the pillow by the short ends and shake it. Then press your hands into the center and push some of the fill toward the edges. Turn the pillow over and repeat.
You can also let it cool for a few minutes before judging the final feel. Warm foam may feel different from foam at room temperature.
If it is still flat:
- Check that all shipping material was removed.
- Make sure the dryer was not overcrowded.
- Confirm that the drum was turning normally.
- Repeat only if the care label allows another cycle.
- Check whether the pillow has the correct fill level for your order.
- Contact the manufacturer when it does not expand as described.
Do not keep adding long heat cycles without checking the label. More drying is not always better, especially when you are unsure which pillow model you have.
What If the Pillow Smells After Opening?
New bedding can sometimes have a packaging smell. Remove the pillow from its bag and let it air in a clean, dry room.
The first dryer cycle may reduce a mild trapped smell by moving fresh air through the pillow. However, it should not be used to cover a strong burning, chemical, or damp odor.
Stop the dryer if you notice:
- Smoke
- A burning smell
- Melting fabric
- Unusual dryer noise
- A pillow becoming extremely hot
- Damage to the outer shell
Check the lint filter before drying bulky bedding. The dryer should also have enough airflow and drum space.
When an odor remains strong after airing and following the product instructions, contact the seller or manufacturer rather than adding perfumes or fabric softener. Fabric softener may coat fill materials, and the current MyPillow instructions specifically say not to use it.
Is the First Dryer Cycle the Same as Drying After Washing?
No. They serve different purposes.
The first 15-minute cycle is a quick fluffing step for a dry, newly opened pillow. Drying after washing may take much longer because moisture must be removed from the center of the fill.
A pillow can feel dry on the outside while moisture remains inside. After washing, continue drying according to the care label and check several parts of the pillow before putting on a pillowcase.
Press the middle and corners. If any area feels cool, heavy, or damp, it may need more drying.
Do not place a damp pillow on the bed or store it in a closet. Let it dry fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can You Put Other Pillows in the Dryer for 15 Minutes?
Only when their care labels allow it.
The MyPillow instruction should not be copied across every pillow in your home. Different fills react to heat in different ways.
Solid Memory Foam Pillows
A solid foam pillow is made from one shaped piece of foam. It may not be suitable for machine washing or high dryer heat.
The tumbling can tear the foam, while heat may affect its shape. Many solid foam pillows are cleaned by washing the removable cover and spot-cleaning the foam.
Shredded Foam Pillows
Shredded foam pillows contain small foam pieces, but they do not all use the same foam or shell fabric. Some can be machine-dried, while others require low heat or air drying.
Check the label even when the pillow looks similar to a MyPillow.
Down and Feather Pillows
Down is the soft layer found beneath a bird’s outer feathers. Feather pillows contain feathers with firmer quills.
These pillows often need careful drying to prevent damp clumps. Their labels may call for low heat or no heat. Do not use high heat unless the manufacturer allows it.
Latex Pillows
Latex pillows are often made from one solid piece or molded layers. Many should not be tumble-dried because heat and movement can damage the material.
Decorative Pillows
Throw pillows may have glued trim, beads, tassels, embroidery, or delicate covers. Even when the insert can be dried, the decorated outer cover may not be dryer-safe.
Remove the cover when possible and follow separate care instructions for the cover and insert.
How to Fluff Your MyPillow After the Dryer Cycle
Once the cycle ends:
- Take the pillow out promptly.
- Let it cool briefly.
- Hold it by two corners and shake it.
- Press the center to loosen packed fill.
- Move fill toward any flat edges.
- Place it inside a clean pillow protector and pillowcase.
- Adjust the fill again after lying down.
Because the pillow contains loose pieces, you can shape it around your head or shoulders. Avoid expecting it to behave like a solid foam block. It is supposed to move when you press or bunch it.
Should You Use a Pillow Protector?
A removable pillow protector can make regular care easier.
The protector goes between the pillow and pillowcase. It helps catch skin oils, drool, makeup, and small spills before they reach the pillow shell.
Choose one that fits without squeezing the pillow too tightly. A protector that is too small can flatten the pillow and limit the movement of the fill.
Check the protector’s own care label. Its washing and drying instructions may be different from those of the pillow.
Wash the pillowcase more often than the pillow itself. This is especially useful in hot bedrooms, kids’ rooms, guest rooms, and homes with pets that enjoy borrowing human pillows without asking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Care Label
The exact pillow model matters. Instructions printed on an old box, online post, or another household’s pillow may not match yours.
Copying MyPillow Instructions for Another Brand
High heat may be suitable for one pillow and harmful to another.
Overcrowding the Dryer
The pillow needs room to tumble. A packed dryer may warm it without actually fluffing it.
Adding Dryer Balls Automatically
Dryer balls are often recommended for bulky bedding, but the current MyPillow care instructions say not to use them with its standard pillow.
Using Fabric Softener or Dryer Sheets
These products can leave a coating on fabric or fill. MyPillow’s current instructions say to avoid both fabric softener and dryer sheets.
Assuming 15 Minutes Fully Dries a Washed Pillow
The short first-use cycle is for a dry pillow. A washed pillow needs enough time for the inside to become fully dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does MyPillow say to put the pillow in the dryer?
The dryer helps loosen and spread the compressed foam pieces. This restores loft and makes the pillow easier to shape before first use.
Does the dryer activate chemicals inside the pillow?
No. “Activate” is a product term for fluffing and loosening the fill. It does not mean you are starting a chemical reaction.
Do I need to wash MyPillow before using it?
The 15-minute dryer step is not a washing step. Whether you wash a new pillow before use is a personal choice, but follow the current care label because a full wash requires much more drying.
Can I use low heat instead of high heat?
Use the setting printed on your pillow’s label. Current standard MyPillow guidance calls for high heat, but another model or another brand may require a different setting.
What can I do if I do not own a dryer?
Remove the packaging, shake the pillow, press and release the fill, and let it expand in a dry room. Hand fluffing may take longer than machine tumbling.
Can I put a regular memory foam pillow in the dryer for 15 minutes?
Not unless its care label says that dryer use is allowed. Solid memory foam can be damaged by tumbling or heat.
Why is my pillow still lumpy after 15 minutes?
The dryer may have been overcrowded, the fill may still be compressed, or it may need hand shaping. Check the care label before repeating the cycle.
Should I put dryer balls in with MyPillow?
The current manufacturer care instructions say not to use dryer balls with the standard MyPillow. Check the label for your exact model before adding anything to the dryer.
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