Can Pillows Be Stored in Vacuum Storage Bags?

The ideal pillow is often fluffy and voluminous, or at least supportive and substantial, making it a challenge to store in smaller spaces. Vacuum storage bags are a home organization and storage product that can make storing pillows simple by removing the air and compressing the contents of the bag to produce a flat package that can be easily stored under the bed, in a closet or in a suitcase for travel. Vacuum storage bags can be used to store most types of pillows.

Most synthetic pillows are made with polyester, either as typical fluffy pillow fill or with polyester puffs that mimic down pillow fill. Most polyester filled pillows can be safely compressed in a vacuum storage bag, but consult the manufacturer if you have any doubts. Other synthetics, like latex and memory foam pillows, will not compress well as there is less air to be removed inside the pillow, and should not be stored in vacuum bags.

Feather or down pillows should only be compressed about 50 percent and no further. Compressing them more can damage the feathers and compromise their ability to insulate and come back to their previous form when removed from the vacuum bag. The same rule should be followed for other feather- and down-filled items, such as comforters or sleeping bags.

Place your pillows into the vacuum storage bag. Most bags will mark a maximum fill line to avoid overfilling the bag, so arrange your pillows towards the bottom of the bag and below this line. Slide the zipper to close the bag. Vacuum the air out of the bag to compress it, and store or pack the flattened items. Only vacuum out about half of the air for feather and down pillows. For synthetic pillows, compress the bag as much as possible or desired. Pillows are ideal for vacuum bag storage because they are soft and will compress as much as 75 percent to increase your avalable storage space.

To remove your pillows from storage, carefully unzip the bag gently pull the sides of the bag apart from the center. Pull your pillows out of the bag, and toss and plump them or tumble them in a cool dryer to restore the loft. If you are storing pillows long term, perform this procedure every six months before returning them to storage.