How Often Do You Really Need To Replace Your Pillow?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CHANGE YOUR PILLOWS
While your mattress is often thought of as the first culprit for a bad night’s sleep, a flat, worn-out pillow can be just as bad, if not worse. When looking for a replacement pillow, what kind should you go for? Here are some factors to consider.

Are you constantly fluffing and trying to reshape your pillow every night? Perhaps you’re waking up with muscle pain or headaches from sleeping on a lumpy pillow.

Every pillow and person who sleeps on them is different. Some pillows will last longer than others and everyone sleeps in different positions. With this being the case, you need to keep a few things in mind when looking for the perfect one.

Keep reading for everything you need to know about replacing your pillows!

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Can you remember the last time you bought a new pillow?

It’s easy to forget about your pillows. If you’re putting your pillow in the wash and find yourself wondering when you bought it, it’s time for a replacement.

As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your pillows every year or two. However, you might need to replace them earlier if you’re waking up sore or can’t find a comfortable sleeping position.

Replacing pillows may seem like a hassle, but pillows that are past their prime can contribute to a range of issues outside of a bad night sleep like allergic reactions, breakouts and a muscle soreness.

Regular pillow replacement and adjustments are extremely important for people with sleep issues, especially sleep apnea. In these cases, finding the right pillow might be challenging, and it’s important to experiment with different types to find what best works to alleviate symptoms. Different types of pillows adjusted to accommodate CPAP machine are also available, helping to reduce pressure points and mask displacement during sleep, as well as elevation pillows that help alleviate mild sleep apnea symptoms.

What type of pillow do you have?

While the general rule of thumb is to replace your pillow every 1 to 2 years, keep in mind that how long a pillow lasts is largely dependent on its material. Polyester pillows will need to be replaced more frequently and can last as little as six months.

For a more durable option, look for pillows that are made from latex or buckwheat – these types of pillows can last up to 3 years. Feather, memory foam and synthetic down can also last for anywhere between 18 months to 3 years. THXSILK silk pillow is another variety altogether and these will have their own suggested lifespans to be aware of.

Do you have allergies?

If you have allergies or sensitivities to dust mites, then it’s important to replace your pillow frequently. Pillows can become dirty very easily as we shed dead skin cells, body oil and hair as we sleep, and over time this can lead to the attraction of dust mites. While dust mites themselves aren’t dangerous, if you have allergies or sensitivities to them, it can greatly affect your sleep.

If you suffer from allergies, you might need to replace your pillow a little more often than others. When looking for a replacement, opt for a high-quality hypoallergenic pillow that can help reduce your allergy symptoms.

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Have you switched sleeping positions?

If you’ve slept on your back your whole life and have recently switched to being a side sleeper, or vice versa, you’ll definitely need to change your pillow.

You see, there are a range of different pillows for different sleeping positions. A back sleeper, for example, should opt for a flatter pillow with a medium level of firmness – supporting the head and neck. However, if you’ve switched to being a side sleeper then your neck and shoulders will need the extra support of a firm, higher pillow.

It’s generally not a good idea to sleep on your stomach as it can lead to neck and back strain, however if it’s the only way you can get a good night’s sleep, a soft and flat pillow is the way to go to keep your back and neck as level and supported as possible.

How do you take care of your pillow?

Another factor to consider when replacing your pillow is how you take care of it. Some people wash their pillow by hand or in the washing machine, while others just put their pillow in a pillowcase and wash the case every so often. You may even do both.

If you want to start washing your pillow, check that it’s machine washable first. If it isn’t, a handwash with warm water and a small amount of detergent will do the job. If it is machine washable, washing it twice a year will keep it clean, reduce allergen build-up, and can prolong its life.

Incorporating laundry detergent strips into your pillow care routine is a convenient way to keep your pillows fresh and clean. Simply add a strip to the washing machine when laundering your pillows, and they will come out smelling great and free from dirt and allergens.

Stock up on essentials

Buying a new bed is the perfect opportunity to deck out your entire linen collection and it serves as a great reminder to replace your pillows! Along with your new pillows, make sure to grab pillow protectors.

While pillowcases provide some level of protection for the pillow from the body’s skin, oils and hair, a pillow protector is more effective, acting as a barrier between the pillow and the pillowcase. With this additional layer of protection, you can easily enhance your pillow’s lifespan.

Much like your pillows, your pillowcases and protectors should be replaced at least every one to two years. With a brand new bed, bedding and pillow, you’ll definitely get a good night’s sleep and feel like a brand new you.

MORE – 4 Key Tips For Choosing The Perfect Bed

MORE – 4 Tips To Create The Ultimate Sleep-Friendly Bedroom For Deeper Rest

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