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How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?

Aug 18, 2020

The cozy pillow you dream on every night harbors some unpleasant things, dried saliva, dead skin cells, dust mites, sweat, and pet fluff. You may not be able to see many of these things (apart from the stains) but they can harm your sleep health and physical health by activating allergies. If you’re wondering, how often should you replace your pillows? We delve into the topic further, here.

What makes old pillows unhealthy? The accumulation of dead skin cells, saliva, dust mites, and dander.

How Often Should Bed Pillows Be Replaced?

Replacing your pillows every 1-2 years ensures you’re sleeping on a clean and healthy surface. Allowing saliva, sweat, and dust mites to accumulate on your pillows activate allergies and can cause skin problems. If it’s not providing adequate support, it may be time to replace it with a fresh supportive pillow.

Why Is it Important to Replace Your Pillow?

You spend 7-9 hours enjoying your cozy pillow and mattresses every night. What makes old pillows unhealthy is the accumulation of dead skin cells, saliva, dust mites, and dander. Breathing this in and skin contact on the pillow can cause allergies and skin problems like acne.

Consider replacing pillows if there is:

Build-up of odors
You think dust-mites are present
There is a lack of long-term neck support
The pillow is flat and/or lumpy

When Is it Time to Replace Your Pillow?

How long should you keep a pillow? Take a good look at your pillow and how you feel when you wake up in the morning. If you notice any of the following, it may be time to consider replacing pillows.

Permanent stains
Noticeable lumps
Waking up with a stiff or sore neck
Sneezing related to dust mites
Waking up with headaches
Constantly having to fluff the pillow
Pillow can be folded in half
Increase in acne

How Long Are Pillows Supposed to Last?

Pillow Type

Lifespan

Memory Foam

12-36 months

Down

12-36 months

Feather

18-36 months

Latex

3+ years

AirFoam™

3+ years

How Choosing the Right Pillow Can Improve Your Sleep

Changing pillows can:

Reduces allergies
Improves neck and back pain
Better quality sleep
Alleviate neck and back strain
Could improve headaches

How often should you buy new pillows will be determined on the type of pillow and how it’s being treated. How often should you replace bed pillows will be much less if you’re using a pillow protector and cleaning bedding regularly.

In the market for a new pillow? If you struggle with a stiff or sore neck, choosing the best pillow for neck pain will be important. Consider our Adjustable Shredded Foam Pillow, which features flexible foam cut into small cubes for customization.

How to Take Good Care of a Pillow

Wash your pillows regularly if machine washable, every 3-6 months
Wash your pillowcases regularly in hot water
Use a pillow protector and wash regularly
Change your pillowcases every 3 days if you suffer from skin problems like acne and psoriasis

How Often Should You Clean Your Pillow?

Cleaning your pillow regularly keeps allergies at bay and can prolong the lifespan of the pillow. Wash your pillows every 3-6 months. Check the label and machine wash on a hot cycle or dry clean if necessary. A clean pillow could also improve skin problems by sleeping on a clean surface every night.

How to Properly Clean Your Pillow

How long do pillows last will depend on how often you wash your pillow? To clean adequately, remove the pillowcase and wash it on a hot setting. Vacuum the pillow, treat any stains, and machine wash on a hot setting if possible. Otherwise a professional dry clean will remove stains and freshen the pillow

How to Protect Your Pillow

When should you throw away a pillow will be less of a concern if your pillow is protected. A pillow protector can prolong the lifespan of your pillow and limit allergies and skin conditions. A mattress protector, clean sheets, and pillowcases can also keep your pillow clean, comfortable, and could prolong its lifespan.

Tips for Memory Foam Pillows

How often should you replace a memory foam pillow is a concern for those wondering how long do memory foam pillows last. If you live in a cold climate, memory foam can get firm and uncomfortable. To counteract this, you can ensure your bedroom is kept at a cozy temperature. A bedroom of 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit is an optimal and comfortable sleep temperature.

Bonus: How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress and Bedsheets?

Washing your sheets once per week ensures a clean and healthy sleep surface. Replace your sheets when they become uncomfortable, worn out, or have stains that can not be removed. Check out our Cooling Sheet Set or see our Bedding Types Guide to learn more about bedding options.

Disclaimer: Nolah does not provide medical advice. All resources on the Nolah blog, including this article, are informational only and do not replace professional medical counsel. Talk to your doctor about any health, mental health, or sleep-related issues.

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