Quick answer
Clean your camping pillow by spot-cleaning the air bladder and machine-washing the down topper on a gentle cycle, then air-dry thoroughly to prevent mildew and maintain loft.
Why regular cleaning matters for your camping pillow
Dirt, sweat, and body oils accumulate on your pillow over time, breaking down the down fill and reducing the air bladder's airtight seal. Regular cleaning not only keeps your pillow fresh but also extends its lifespan, so you get consistent comfort and support on every trip.
The SoftTop™ system combines a down topper with an inflatable bladder. Each component needs a different cleaning method: the down topper requires gentle washing to preserve its loft, while the bladder needs careful spot-cleaning to avoid punctures.
Step-by-step cleaning and care guide
- 1. Separate the components: Remove the down topper from the pillowcase and deflate the air bladder. Check each piece for stains, holes, or damage before cleaning. Common mistake: washing the bladder in a machine can cause leaks or tears.
- 2. Machine-wash the down topper: Use a front-loading washer on a gentle cycle with cold water and a down-specific cleaner. Add two tennis balls to the dryer on low heat to restore loft, or air-dry flat if your dryer lacks a low-heat setting. Checkpoint: never use fabric softener or bleach—they strip natural oils from the down.
- 3. Spot-clean the air bladder: Wipe the bladder with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse with a clean cloth and let it air-dry completely before storing. Do not submerge or machine-wash. Common mistake: using harsh chemicals can degrade the TPU coating and cause leaks.
- 4. Air-dry everything thoroughly: Lay the topper flat on a drying rack until fully dry. Hang the bladder in a well-ventilated area. Ensure no moisture remains before reassembling to prevent mildew. Checkpoint: partial drying is the top cause of odor and mold in camping pillows.
- 5. Store loosely, not compressed: Store the clean, dry pillow in a mesh bag or open bin. Avoid storing it in a stuff sack long-term, as constant compression can reduce down loft and stress the bladder seams. Common mistake: leaving the pillow compressed between trips shortens its lifespan significantly.
Product facts
-
SoftTop™ Pillow Topper: Filled with 650+ FP down, the SoftTop™ Pillow Topper delivers soft, home-like comfort that compresses easily for backpacking. Washing with down-specific cleaner preserves the high fill power, keeping the topper fluffy and warm for years.
SoftTop™ Pillow Topper
-
SoftTop™ Pillow Bladder: Built in dark 20D polyester taffeta, the SoftTop™ Pillow Bladder is lightweight, durable, and sleek. The thin fabric is prone to punctures from rough handling, so spot-cleaning instead of machine washing is essential to avoid damage.
SoftTop™ Pillow Bladder
