Saying goodbye to your fluffy loving friend, your favourite pillow can feel traumatic. We understand that you love your pillow and you two have been together for a long time, but you can’t keep it with you forever. According to the Los Angeles Times, many adults are indisputably attached to a pillow that they’ve had since their childhood, it may seem silly but it’s the truth. Maybe that’s the reason why most people feel a certain connectedness with their pillows.
Replacing your pillows regularly is necessary for both your sleep and your health. Your pillows provide support to your upper body and keep your spine in a neutral alignment as you sleep. If you’re not getting a restful slumber but a night of tossing and turning, and waking up with aches and pains, you’re due for a pillow upgrade.
WHY YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR PILLOWS?
Over time pillows absorb dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, saliva, body oils, makeup, and other allergens which can surely affect your hygiene. Well, a pillowcase can provide some protection and washing your pillowcases and pillows can help you to manage allergens, but you can’t prevent the dead skin cells, dust mites, and other unwanted materials from
sticking around your pillow. That explains the stains that develop on your pillows despite regular washing. Eventually, you can develop skin irritation and other symptoms of allergies that can affect your long term health and hygiene.
Most Importantly, pillows are meant to work with your mattress to properly support your head and neck. Proper alignment and a neutral spine help to minimise sleep disruptions and provide comfortable sleep. A proper support from your pillow protects you from muscle stiffness and pain. Eventually, all pillows experienced wear and tear and the stuffing inside your pillows will begin to sag and flatten which means your head will no longer get the right support from your pillow and you may wake up with aches and suffer from sleep disruptions.
10 SIGNS THAT YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR PILLOWS:
Generally, your pillows will usually give you certain clues that your relationship is over. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s probably time to upgrade your pillows:
- You wake up in the mornings with an aching and stiff neck
- Your shoulder muscles get stiff and hurt in the mornings
- You wake up tired due to pains interrupting your sleep
- You wake up with bad headaches in the morning
- You wake up sneezing from the allergens and dust mites
- You notice lumps in the filling of your pillows
- You can fold your pillows in half
- You notice permanent stains on your pillows
- Your pillows feel flat and you have to re-fluff them to get comfortable
- You experience breathing difficulties, itchy throat, runny nose, or skin rashes when going to sleep
WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR PILLOWS?
According to National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended to replace your pillow every one to two years. Although, the exact frequency in which you should replace them will definitely depend on the materials of your pillows along with your cleaning habits and allergies. If you’re wondering about the lifespans for different pillow types, we have got you covered! Here are average lifespans for different pillow types:
- Latex pillows: 3-4 years
- Buckwheat pillows: 3 years
- Bamboo pillows: 24 – 36 months
- Feather pillows: 18 – 36 months
- Foam pillows: 18 – 36 months
- Down pillows: 2+ years
- Down alternative pillows: 18 – 24 months
- Polyester pillows: 6 – 24 months
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR PILLOWS:
To ensure that your pillow reaches its maximum lifetime, you must pay attention to its maintenance by using a pillow cover and washing it regularly. Always follow the care label instructions before washing your pillows to make sure whether it is machine washable. If your pillow is washable, you must wash it every 4 months. Always use a pillow cover along with your pillowcase for some added protection. Using a pillow protector can double your pillow’s lifespan as it can prevent excess body oil and dust mites from getting absorbed by the pillow. Make sure to wash the cover every 3 to 4 weeks.
So, replacing your pillow regularly can help you to get healthier sleep every night and maintain your comfort and hygiene rather than breathing in germs and dirt. How often do you replace your pillows? Let us know in the comments below!
