How often should you replace your pillow?

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The Importance of a High-Quality Pillow for Restful Sleep and How to Find the Right Pillow

An old pillow or even the wrong pillow can negatively affect your sleep. It no longer provides the appropriate support. A form of "pillow" has existed for thousands of years - starting with stone pillows that were used for sleeping in ancient Mesopotamia around 7000 B.C. These ancient pillows were certainly not comfortable and served a different purpose than today's popular pillows. Back then, stone "pillows" helped people avoid the intrusion of insects into their mouths, noses, and ears while sleeping - if that was even possible with a literally "hard as stone" pillow, right?

Nowadays, pillows provide comfort and support while sleeping and are a billion-dollar industry. In fact, pillows have evolved so much over the years that there are many different types, including pillows designed for specific sleeping positions or to address sleep issues such as excessive sweating or snoring.

When should you replace your pillow?

"You have probably heard many tips about when to replace a mattress or how often bed linens should be washed. However, pillows are the unsung heroes of sleep and require just as much attention as the rest of your bedding, including regular replacement."

But why do we even need to replace pillows? Well, there are several reasons, but let's start with the most important one - sleep quality. An old pillow or even the wrong pillow can affect how well and how long you sleep at night. A tired, worn-out pillow no longer provides the proper support for your head and neck, which can impact your sleep quality.

Sleep tip: The right sleeping position mimics an upright standing posture and keeps the head, neck, and spine in a line.

But there is still the "Eww" factor. Pillows are constantly busy absorbing various things. What things exactly? Well, skin oils, dead skin cells, residues from facial and hair products, fungi, dust mites, and more "Eww" than you can imagine. Therefore, your favorite pillow, which is already over 5 or 10 years old, probably weighs more than it did when you bought it, thanks to all the remnants that have accumulated inside.

How long should you keep a pillow?

As pillows can lose comfort over time and accumulate many "things," let's talk about when you should replace pillows. Now that you understand why this is necessary, how often should it happen?

Our research shows that you should replace your pillow every 2.8 years. Pillows can become old and flat and ultimately no longer provide the comfort and support we need. They can also get dirty (with all the "yuck" - dust, oils, allergens, etc.). Visual signs that it is time to replace your pillow can include sagging, lumping, or yellowing on the pillow itself.

Different types of pillows and their cleaning

"After we have shown you what your pillow absorbs every night, you may want to include the regular cleaning of your pillow in your task schedule. However, the care and cleaning of the pillow depends on the type of pillow, e.g., down/feather pillows, memory foam pillows, etc. Here is a brief guide for each main type:"

A brief note: Our cleaning recommendations should not replace the manufacturer's instructions. Therefore, always check the care instructions provided with the product.

Down or feather pillows:

Some down/feather pillows can be cleaned in the washing machine, while others should be dry cleaned.
Wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent.
You may need to run the rinse cycle several times to remove all detergent residues.
Let them air dry or use the dryer on a low temperature for about 20 minutes.
Wash them every 3 to 6 months until you replace the pillow.

Memory-Foam-Kissen:

Memory foam pillows cannot be cleaned in the washing machine or dryer.
Clean stains as needed spot-wise.
Or wash them by hand every 2 months with a mild detergent and water.
Let them dry in the air.

Polyester/Down Alternative Pillow:

Wash them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent and cold water.
Dry them in the dryer on a low temperature.
Wash them every 3 to 6 months.
Down alternative pillows typically last about 1 to 2 years, while polyester pillows should be replaced every 6 months to 2 years, as they are the least durable.

Latex pillows:

Latex pillows should not be cleaned in the washing machine.
Clean stains as needed spot-wise or wash them by hand with warm water and a mild detergent.
Clean them every 2 to 3 months.
"Do not submerge it in water or wring it out to dry. Instead, lay the pillow flat to air it out."

Tips for Buying Pillows

Now that we have uncovered the secret to the lifespan of a pillow, are you ready to look for replacement pillows? Here are some tips that can help you choose a dreamy option:

"Try the pillow out before you buy it. Look at different fillings, styles, and shapes. If you are buying online, check the return policies so you can physically try it out before purchasing."
"Pay attention not only to the filling of the pillow but also to the material of the outer cover. These outer layers differ in terms of softness and thickness."
If you have allergies or asthma, you should consider hypoallergenic options.
As soon as you find the perfect pillow, don't plan to keep it forever. Do enough research to know what makes it special so that you understand which features are important to you when the materials wear out over time.
Although pillows can be decorative, do not be tempted to buy them based on their appearance. Invest in your health and well-being by providing your head with the best rest and choosing the pillow that offers the best support and sleep quality.