How often should you change your pillows? 8 Great Things You Need To Know When You Need To Change Your Pillows

Pillows are one of the most important yet underrated items in the house. We use them every night to provide comfort and support while we sleep. But just how often should you change your pillows? This guide will discuss why and how often you should change your pillows and include tips on investing in a new one.

How Long Does A Pillow Last? 

A pillow can last anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on the type of pillow and how often it is used. Pillows made from natural materials such as down, feathers, or wool may last longer than those made with synthetic materials. Generally, the higher quality materials used in constructing a pillow will give it more longevity. Additionally, proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep a pillow in good condition and extend its life, but ultimately you’ll have to change your pillows.

8 Things You Need To Know When You Need To Change Your Pillows

Several signs can indicate it’s time to change your pillows, such as:

1. Foul Smells 

A bad smell from your pillow often indicates something is living inside it, such as dust mites, mold, or mildew. While you can try to clean the pillow with a mixture of water and detergent and even put it in the washing machine, changing your pillows is best if you can smell anything. 

2. Noticeable Lumps

Another telltale sign you need a new pillow is if it has developed noticeable lumps. This can happen due to long-term compression, which gradually breaks down the support and structure of the pillow, making it difficult to use. A lumpy pillow can cause neck and shoulder pain and won’t let your head rest comfortably.

3. Getting Acne 

A pillowcase can harbor bacteria, dirt, and sweat from your night’s sleep, which can then be transferred onto your face and cause acne. If you suddenly notice more acne on your face after sleeping on your pillow, it may be time to change your pillows for fresh new ones.

4. It’s Flat Enough to Fold

If your pillow is so flat that you can fold it in half, it’s time for a new one! Even if the flatness isn’t that extreme yet, the choices for head positioning when sleeping on it are getting increasingly limited due to its lack of fluffiness, then replace it with a new one, as this could be causing neck or shoulder pain in the morning.

5. Frequently Waking Up Sneezing 

Frequent sneezing during or after sleep could indicate an allergic reaction to something in your pillow or pillowcase, such as dust mites or feathers. You should switch out your pillow if this is happening to you frequently.

6. Neck and Shoulder Pain

When using a pillow that’s too low or soft, you might wake up with neck and shoulder pain in the morning. The same goes for when your pillow is too high or too firm; either way will strain your body as you try to find a comfortable sleeping position suitable for your neck and shoulders. It’s best to switch out your pillows every year or two if this happens to ensure you have proper support while you sleep.

7. Tough Stains

Even if you change your pillowcases regularly, there’s still a chance that sweat and oils from your skin will leave permanent stains on the fabric of your pillows over time. If this happens, you should consider replacing them with a new one so that you don’t have to keep looking at the stains every time you go to bed. 

8. Constantly Re-Fluff 

When pillows become old and worn out, they will lose their shape and support fairly quickly, making them almost impossible to fluff back into their original shape. If you constantly have to re-fluff your pillows to sleep comfortably, it’s probably time for a new one!

Why are pillows so important?

The purpose of a pillow is to provide comfortable support while sleeping. It helps to keep the sleeper’s head and neck in an optimal position, reducing strain and helping to maintain the natural curvature of the spine. This helps reduce back, neck, and shoulder pain while sleeping. Pillows also help to keep the sleeper warm by insulating the body’s warmth and preventing heat loss. Furthermore, it reduces the number of movements during sleep, allowing for a more restful sleep.

Pillows can also provide security and comfort and help improve mood. Depending on the type of fabric and fill used, pillows can offer a sense of relaxation and even help with stress relief. Pillows with calming scents, such as lavender, can help reduce anxiety. Pillows also offer a way to express one’s style with various designs, patterns, and colors.

In addition to providing comfortable sleeping support, pillows can be used for decorative purposes like adding texture and color to a bedroom or living room. Pillows are often used as accent pieces on furniture or as cushioning for seating areas. They can even be used as floor cushions to provide extra seating when entertaining guests. Finally, pillows can also prop up comfortably while reading or watching television in bed.

How often should I wash my pillows?

Your pillows should be washed at least every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much they are used. During those months, fluffing and turning them over is important to keep them fluffy and in the best condition. When it is time to wash them, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions. 

Usually, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle using cold or warm water or hand wash them as needed. If you’re using a detergent or fabric softener, look for a hypoallergenic product for pillows.

Finally, you should aim to dry your pillows with low heat on the tumble dry setting. If you have any questions about the care of your pillows or the best washing practices for your specific pillows, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or contact customer service for more information.

Conclusion

Change your pillows regularly to maintain sleep quality and properly support your necks and spines. Ideally, we should change our pillows at least twice a year or every 18 months. But if you notice signs of wear or discomfort during sleep, don’t hesitate to invest in a new one sooner. When buying replacement pillows, select ones with the right support for your sleeping position and made from breathable materials to ensure optimal sleep comfort.