There’s nothing quite like the comfort of a body pillow. A good body pillow can quickly become your favorite sleep companion for back support, pregnancy, or extra coziness at night.
But like any bedding, it needs proper care, especially when unused. Storing your body pillow incorrectly can lead to musty smells, dust buildup, or damage over time.
The same goes for its pillowcase, which keeps things clean and breathable. If you’ve ever pulled your body pillow out of storage only to find it flat, smelly, or worse, this guide is for you.
Let’s go through seven simple and effective ways to store your body pillow and its case so they stay fresh, clean, and ready to use whenever you need extra comfort.
1. Always Start With a Clean Pillow and Case
This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. Ensure both are freshly laundered before putting your body pillow and case away.
Dirt, oils from your skin, sweat, or even faint smells can settle in and become harder to remove. Think of it as storing leftovers; you wouldn’t stick half-eaten food in the freezer without wrapping it up neatly. The same idea applies here.
Use a gentle detergent and avoid heavily scented fabric softeners, which can leave a chemical smell that lingers in storage. Ensure the body pillow and case are completely dry before storing them to prevent mildew, especially in humid climates.
2. Use a Breathable Storage Bag
Plastic bags might seem like a good idea, they’re airtight, right? But that’s part of the problem. Body pillows need airflow to stay fresh. Storing them in a plastic bag can trap moisture and cause odors or mildew.
Instead, go for a breathable cotton or linen storage bag. Some even come with zippers or drawstrings, making them easy to seal. A clean cotton duvet cover or an old pillowcase can work in a pinch if you don’t have a fancy bag. The idea is to give the pillow room to breathe while removing dust and dirt.
This is similar to storing shoes. Ever notice how leather shoes in a box smell funky without ventilation? The same principle applies here: Breathability equals freshness.
3. Keep It in a Cool, Dry Place
Where you store your body pillow matters as much as how you store it. Avoid areas with high humidity, like basements or attics, unless they’re climate-controlled. High temperatures and dampness can encourage mold growth, which no one wants.
Instead, try storing it in a closet that stays relatively cool year-round. If you’ve got extra room under the bed, that works too, just make sure it’s not near a heat vent or a spot that gets musty. Even tucking it on the top shelf of a wardrobe can be a good option, especially if it’s used less often.
4. Fluff It Regularly
Even in storage, body pillows benefit from occasional attention. Every few weeks, take it out and give it a good shake or fluff. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming flat or lumpy.
If you’re like me, you might hug it while fluffing to ensure it’s still as comfy as ever—no shame. A quick fluff is also a good way to check for any odd smells or signs of moisture you might not have noticed before.
And here’s a small tip: if it’s a sunny day, let your pillow soak up a little sunshine near a window. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant; a few hours can help kill lingering bacteria or dust mites.
5. Rotate Pillowcases and Use a Protector
Using a pillow protector under your pillowcase is a simple step that can add an extra layer of defense. It’s like wearing socks inside your shoes; it keeps everything fresher for longer. Protectors are great for catching sweat, hair oils, and other invisible grime.
If you have multiple pillowcases, rotate them. That way, you’re not constantly using and washing the same one, which helps your case and pillow last longer. Some people even match their pillowcases to their mood or the season, flannel in winter, cotton in summer. It’s a small detail, but it adds nice comfort and variety.
6. Vacuum-Seal with Caution
Vacuum-sealing can save space, but it’s not ideal for all body pillows. If your pillow has memory foam or any special fill, compressing it too much can damage its shape and support. You can vacuum-seal standard polyester-filled pillows, but try not to store them like that for too long.
If you need the space, vacuum-seal it gently and only for short-term storage, maybe during a move or if you’re rotating bedding seasonally. Just be sure to air it out and fluff it as soon as it comes out of the bag.
One of my friends once vacuum-sealed her giant pregnancy pillow and forgot about it for a year. When she opened it, it never fluffed back to its old self. Lesson learned: long-term squishing is not your pillow’s friend.
7. Add Natural Fresheners
You don’t need to spray your pillow with synthetic scents to keep it smelling good. Natural options like dried lavender sachets, cedar blocks, or even a small pouch of baking soda can do wonders. Don’t place them directly against the pillow; wrap them in cloth or tuck them into the corners of your storage bag or drawer.
Lavender in particular has a calming effect, so the scent lingers just enough to be comforting, not overwhelming. Plus, it naturally repels moths and other bugs. It’s a small touch, but a good-smelling pillow is a joy to rest on after a long day.
Final Thoughts
Body pillows are more than just long cushions; they’re part of your comfort routine. Whether you use one to ease back pain, for pregnancy support, or just because you love that cozy cocoon feeling, taking care of your pillow means it will take care of you.
Cleaning it properly, storing it in the right conditions, and giving it occasional attention will keep your body pillow fresh, inviting, and long-lasting. And who knows? Maybe down the line, you’ll pass your storage wisdom to someone else who just got their first oversized pillow companion.
After all, the little routines we create around comfort, like fluffing a pillow or tucking it in for the season, quietly support our day-to-day well-being.
