How to Extend the Life of Your Pregnancy Pillow (Without Spending a Dime)
You don’t need to spend money to keep your pregnancy pillow fresh, firm, and supportive. With these simple tips, you can extend its life using what you already have at home — and make your pillow feel like new again.
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When I bought my first pregnancy pillow, I thought it would last me through my whole pregnancy and maybe even after. I was wrong. After a few months, it started losing shape, getting flat in certain areas, and looking worn out. That’s when I figured out how to make it last longer — without spending a dime.
If you’re like me and want to stretch every dollar, the good news is you don’t need fancy products or new pillow inserts. You just need the right habits to maintain your pillow’s shape, cleanliness, and comfort.
Fluff It Like Your Comfort Depends on It
I learned that regularly fluffing your pregnancy pillow redistributes the filling and helps it regain its shape. Every morning, I take a few minutes to shake it out and massage the sides, especially the parts that support my belly and back.
Rotate It Weekly to Prevent Flat Spots
It’s easy to keep sleeping in the same position, which wears out specific parts of the pillow. What I do is rotate my pregnancy pillow every week — head side becomes foot side, left becomes right. It helps keep the wear even and maintains its structure.
Use a Clean Blanket Instead of Washing the Whole Pillow
Washing the pillow too often can ruin the filling and cause clumps. Instead, I wrap mine with a soft, clean blanket as a makeshift cover. It protects against sweat, drool, and pet fur without throwing the entire thing into the washer.
Air It Out to Keep It Fresh
Every few days, I leave the pillow by an open window for an hour. Letting it breathe helps eliminate odors and moisture buildup, especially if you sweat a lot at night like I did during my third trimester.
Spot Clean, Don’t Soak
When I spill something or notice a stain, I spot clean it immediately using a damp cloth and mild soap. Soaking the entire pillow isn’t necessary and can damage the stuffing. Quick spot cleaning saves both time and the pillow’s shape.
Don’t Sit On It
I used to prop myself up on the pillow while watching TV. Big mistake. Sitting directly on your pregnancy pillow puts extra pressure on areas not designed to support your full weight. Use separate cushions or folded blankets for back support instead.
Let It Rest During the Day
Your pillow needs recovery time too. After I wake up, I take it off the bed and place it on a flat surface. This helps it decompress and release any pressure from overnight use. Just a few hours of downtime each day makes a big difference.
Tuck and Fold to Protect High-Wear Areas
Sometimes I fold a blanket and tuck it into the arm sections that get compressed the most. This adds support and reduces stress on those parts — extending the life of the pillow without replacing anything.
Train Pets to Sleep Away From It
If your pets love snuggling into your pregnancy pillow, you’ll need to gently train them out of it. Their claws, hair, and movement all shorten its lifespan. I started placing a designated blanket nearby for my dog to use instead.
Avoid Direct Sunlight for Long Periods
Too much direct sunlight weakens the fabric and fades the color. I learned this after leaving mine near a window all weekend. Now, when I air it out, I do it in the shade or with a thin sheet over it to avoid sun damage.
Use a Pillowcase From an Old Sheet
Before buying a new cover, I repurposed an old bedsheet to make a DIY pillowcase. It kept the pillow clean, added a layer of softness, and cost me nothing. A simple solution using what I already had at home.
Keep It Off the Floor
Leaving your pregnancy pillow on the floor attracts dirt, dust, and pet hair — especially if you have carpet. I started storing mine on a shelf or dresser when not in use. Clean storage means fewer washes and a longer pillow life.
One habit I picked up was gently stretching the pillow’s seams to prevent them from getting tight or tearing. It’s a small move, but doing this after washing or daily use helps the fabric stay flexible and resist long-term damage.
I also started vacuuming the surface with a brush attachment once a week. It removes dust, lint, and pet hair that can wear down the material over time. No need to wash it constantly — this trick keeps it clean and fresh with minimal effort.
When storing the pillow, I never stuff it into a closet. That compresses the filling. Instead, I lay it flat on top of my dresser or hang it over a clean chair. Letting it breathe keeps its natural shape intact.
If you’re like me and used your pillow post-birth for nursing or back support, keep it in rotation with other cushions. That way, it doesn’t get overused. Alternating your pregnancy pillow with other soft items reduces wear and tear without buying anything new.
I stopped folding the pillow in half when I wasn’t using it. It seemed harmless at first, but over time it caused a deep crease. Keeping your pregnancy pillow unfolded and supported properly when not in use will help it last much longer.
Sometimes I flip the pillow upside down at night. It might sound odd, but switching the orientation regularly helps avoid permanent indentations in the head and belly zones. It’s a free, easy way to keep the pillow feeling evenly plush.
I noticed that body oils build up quickly on the fabric, especially during the summer months. To solve that, I place a light cotton towel between me and the pillow. It absorbs moisture and reduces friction — no added cost, just smart layering.
If your pillow is looking a little flat, toss it in the dryer with no heat for 10 minutes with two tennis balls wrapped in socks. This trick works wonders to re-fluff your pregnancy pillow without damaging the filling or buying new inserts.
One time I accidentally dropped my pillow in the hallway and didn’t notice. It picked up dirt fast. That’s when I started assigning it a clean “parking spot” — like the corner of my bed — so it never ends up on the floor again.
I also got in the habit of checking the stitching regularly. When I saw a loose thread, I’d fix it with a basic needle and thread before it unraveled. A two-minute fix can prevent a major tear weeks later.
Another smart move was limiting how much my toddler played with the pillow. Kids love the soft texture, but climbing and jumping on it made it lose its shape. Setting boundaries saved my pillow — and my back.
Finally, if your pregnancy pillow starts smelling off but you can’t wash it just yet, sprinkle a little baking soda on it, let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum it up. That natural deodorizer keeps it fresh between cleanings.