| When you think of the ultimate bed pillow, a fluffy | | | | you should use a hypoallergenic zippered case on the |
| down filled pillow probably comes to mind. However, | | | | pillow and then you should cover that case with a |
| with all of the people who suffer from allergies, a | | | | case that matches your sheets. This keeps your |
| down pillow is a bad idea, right? Actually, many of | | | | pillow from becoming a haven for dust mites. |
| todays down pillows have been designed to be | | | | If your pillow becomes wet, remove all cases and |
| hypoallergenic. | | | | put it in a sunny spot to dry. Allowing your pillow to |
| Before you buy a down pillow, be sure you take a | | | | remain damp is a bad idea, because it could actually |
| close look at the information label on the pillow. Some | | | | grow mold or bacteria if it doesn't dry properly. |
| pillows are filled with a mixture of chopped foam and | | | | Although washing down pillows causes them to wear |
| feathers to save on manufacturing costs. These | | | | out more quickly, there are times when you just |
| pillows may be cheaper to buy, but they are not true | | | | have to wash them. Read the pillow's label to be sure |
| down pillows. Other pillows are filled with artificial | | | | that there are no special care instructions. Some of |
| materials that simulate down instead of true down | | | | these pillows must be dry cleaned if they are soiled. |
| feathers. Of course, even if you find a pillow that | | | | However, most down pillows should be washed in a |
| contains true down, you still need to check the tag. | | | | washing machine in cold water using mild detergent. |
| Be sure it says that the feathers have been cleaned | | | | Once you wash the pillow, you should carefully wring |
| to remove allergens and dirt before they were used. | | | | out as much water as possible by hand. Then, put |
| Once you find a quality down pillow, you will need to | | | | your pillow in the dryer and set the dryer to the |
| take care of it properly. After all, these pillows are | | | | most delicate setting. You may want to add a tennis |
| not cheap and you don't want to have to replace | | | | ball to the dryer as well. Believe it or not, this ball will |
| them any time soon. To keep your pillow from | | | | prevent your pillow from turning into a lumpy |
| becoming soiled, always use a pillowcase on it. Ideally, | | | | misshapen mess. |