Life gets pretty busy, doesn’t it? With work, social commitments, and everything else on your plate, your pillow might be the last thing on your mind. But think about it your bed pillow cradles your head at night and supports you in the morning. Maybe it’s time to give a little thought to taking care of it.
Whether you’re snoozing on a feather pillow, bamboo pillow, or good old polyester pillow every night, the filling can wear down over time, How Often to Replace Pillows, we’re here to make taking care of your pillow a breeze. Let’s skip the guesswork and keep your pillow in top-notch shape.
Replacement Reason #1: Pillows Can Get Pretty Dirty
While we catch some z’s, our pillow and bed sheets become home to the oils and debris from our dead skin cells and we’re not just talking about the pillowcase, but the pillow itself.
Illness-causing bacteria
Allergy-triggering dust mites
Acne-inducing oil and sweat
The daily accumulation of grime on your pillow doesn’t necessarily mean you need to swap it out entirely. When it comes to how often you should switch up your pillows, it’s a good idea to start with the pillowcase. The best practice for pillow care recommends washing your pillowcase every one to two weeks, especially if you tend to be a bit of a sweaty sleeper. As for the pillow itself, a thorough wash every three months should do the trick.
Now, not all pillows are created equal. Some, like the Original Casper Pillow, are completely machine-washable. However, pillows made of different materials might need a bit of special attention. Take a memory foam pillow, for example – tossing it in the washing machine could lead to a misshapen disaster, so spot cleaning is the way to go. For more detailed tips on pillow cleaning, check out our guide on how to wash pillows.
While keeping your pillows clean is a hygienic habit, the question remains: how dirty is too dirty to warrant a replacement?
It depends on a few factors, such as how many pillows you snooze with. If you have a duo, with only one in direct contact with your head and the other beneath, the latter might be more exposed to potential germs or stains.
Stains
Unpleasant odors
New allergy symptoms
Persistent cheek acne
In essence, if your pillow doesn’t feel fresh even after a thorough wash, it’s probably signaling that it’s time to bid adieu and find its worthy replacement.
Replacement Reason #2: Your Pillow Has Lost Its Shape
As our pillows grow older, they have a tendency to lose their once-plush shape, and this becomes even more noticeable if you have a habit of folding, bending, or squeezing your pillows during the night. As time marches on, you might find that your go-to pillow no longer regains its form the way it did in its youthful days.
This issue can manifest rather swiftly, especially if you’ve been snoozing on a lower quality pillow, particularly one of the synthetic variety.
Lumps: A lumpy pillow is the arch-nemesis of a restful night’s sleep. If the filling inside your pillow has decided to congregate in unconventional clumps, it’s a clear signal that it’s time to part ways. This is especially true if no amount of fluffing can resurrect your pillow’s former glory.
Flatness Over time, pillows tend to lose their once-plump thickness. A flat pillow can disrupt the alignment of your spine and leave you waking up with a stiff neck. If your pillow is resembling a board rather than a fluffy cloud, it’s a strong indicator that it’s time for a replacement – your neck will undoubtedly express its gratitude later.
In essence, a good pillow should be consistently fluffy, thick, and smooth on the surface. If it’s showing signs of lumps, bumps, or a lack of support, consider it a cue to bid farewell and welcome a new pillow into your sleep sanctuary.
Replacement Reason #3: Your Pillow Just Isn’t Comfy Anymore
The primary role of your pillow is to offer comfort and support as you embark on your journey to dreamland. Regardless of expert opinions on the lifespan of pillows, if your pillow fails to serve its fundamental purpose, it’s time to bid it farewell.
The absence of comfort can arise from various factors. While dirt and lumps are definite sleep disruptors, they’re not the sole culprits behind an uncomfortable pillow.
Bodily Changes: Our bodies are in a perpetual state of evolution. Whether you’ve undergone an injury or a shift in lifestyle, a pillow that once catered to your needs might no longer suffice. As people age, they often require more neck support in bed, and periodically replacing your pillow ensures a better night’s sleep in the long run.
A New Bed: If you’ve recently transitioned to a different mattress with varying firmness or size, your pillow’s support requirements can change accordingly.
In essence, the crux of the matter is comfort. Regardless of where your current pillow stands in its supposed lifespan, it might be time for a replacement if it no longer aligns with your sleep quality needs. After all, a good night’s sleep is the ultimate goal.
Pillow Care and Replacement Guidelines
Different pillows require different care to keep them in top-notch condition.
Memory Foam:
Care: Spot or hand wash
Buckwheat Pillows:
Care: Spot wash and/or hand wash cover only. Air and dry buckwheat filler outside.
Down:
Care: Machine wash on a gentle cycle
Feather:
Care: Machine wash on a gentle cycle
Microbead and Gel (Cooling):
Care: Machine wash on a gentle cycle
It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure the longevity and hygiene of your pillows. Remember, each type has its own specific needs, and proper care contributes to a more comfortable and clean sleeping experience.
How to Keep Pillows Clean
Maintaining the cleanliness and freshness of your pillows is essential for a hygienic and comfortable sleep environment.
Spot-Clean Stains:
Immediately attend to any stains with spot-cleaning to prevent them from setting in.
Fluff Daily:
Shake out your pillows daily to release dust and dander, keeping them fresh and inviting.
Airing Out:
Cotton, down, and feather pillows benefit from being aired out. Consider placing them on a clothesline, deck, or similar space to let them breathe and refresh.
Regular Washing:
Follow the washing instructions on the pillow and wash them regularly. The frequency can vary; some experts suggest twice a year or quarterly, while others tie it to seasonal bedding changes.
Dryer Tips:
When drying pillows in the dryer, use dryer balls or add a couple of towels. This helps prevent uneven drying, which can lead to lumpiness.
Sunshine Freshness:
If you prefer, take advantage of natural sunlight by drying your pillows outside. The sunshine not only dries them effectively but also adds a natural freshness.
By incorporating these care practices into your routine, you’ll ensure that your pillows remain clean, comfortable, and conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Which Pillow Types Are Long-Lasting?
Proper care and attention to your pillows can significantly extend their lifespan, although the durability varies across materials, with certain types like latex or memory foam exhibiting more longevity, akin to mattresses.
It’s crucial not to treat your pillow as an afterthought. Much like high-quality mattresses, pillows play a vital role in providing the necessary support for your body. Staci Hildebrandt, PT, DPT, from OCS ProRehab in Henderson, Kentucky, notes, “Rubber and spring pillows do have better performance than feather pillows, but the research is inconclusive on one being more optimal for neck or back pain.”
The filling and material of pillows are key factors in determining their lifespan. Price, however, should not be the sole consideration when shopping for a new pillow. According to advice from experts like Rogers, the emphasis should be on quality. A good pillow should not only offer support but also possess cooling properties and relieve pressure, contributing to both comfort and durability.
What to do With Used Pillows
When it’s time to part ways with your pillows, tossing them in the trash isn’t the only option. There are numerous creative ways to upcycle them, breathing new life into their purpose.
Pet Bed or Knee Pad:
Repurpose your pillows as a cozy bed for your furry friends or use them as knee pads for gardening or other activities that require a little extra cushioning.
Floor Seating for Kids’ Playrooms:
Give your kids’ playroom a comfy upgrade by adding extra floor seating. Simply put a new cover on your pillows and create a cozy and versatile seating arrangement for little ones.
Donation or Passing Along:
If your pillows are still in good condition but you’re upgrading for cosmetic reasons, consider donating them or passing them along to someone who could use them. Ensure they are in good form and meet the standards for donation.
Upcycling not only reduces waste but also allows you to get creative with repurposing items that might have otherwise been discarded. So, before bidding farewell to your pillows, explore these options to give them a second life.
Conclusion
Selecting the right pillow is crucial for achieving a good night’s sleep, and the options are diverse, ranging from goose down to memory foam. It’s essential to recognize that pillows play a significant role in sleep hygiene.
Conducting a periodic assessment of your pillows, including those used by family members, can help determine whether it’s time for a replacement. Sleep experts generally advise purchasing new pillows every couple of years to ensure they continue to provide the necessary support and comfort.
When it comes to shopping for pillows, it’s wise not to skimp. As noted by Rogers, “Although bed pillows are available at various price ranges, it’s important to recognize that lower-priced options may not offer the same durability or support as their higher-cost counterparts.” Investing in a pillow that feels good and is crafted from quality materials is a worthwhile commitment to your sleep health and overall well-being.