How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?
Pillows are more than just a cosy addition to your bed – they’re an essential part of ensuring you’re getting quality sleep. Over time, even the fluffiest of pillows can lose their shape and support leaving you waking up without feeling refreshed. What’s more, pillows gradually build up dust, sweat and allergens which can impact your sleep hygiene. Proper pillow maintenance and timely replacement are key to maintaining a restful, healthy sleep environment.
In this blog, we’ll break down the telltale signs it’s time to replace your pillows, how to maintain your pillows and a few simple ways to extend their life. A fresh pillow isn’t just a luxury – it’s an investment into your sleep.
Why should you change your pillow?
We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again: changing your pillow regularly is essential to maintaining the quality of your sleep. There are two main reasons that your pillows need to be replaced, hygiene and comfort.
Pillows can accumulate allergens like dust mites and pet dander, which can cause some people to experience a runny nose, itchy skin and irritated eyes. Oils, sweat, and dirt can also seep through pillowcases, leading to yellow stains and skin irritation. Replacing your pillow offers a fresh start, while regular maintenance and washing can help to alleviate the build up and help you sleep easy.
After some time of using the same pillow, you may also find it doesn’t quite feel as comfortable. With prolonged use, the fill of your pillow can start to break down and become lumpy, misshapen or flat and will no longer provide the support and comfort it originally did. You may find you’ve started waking up with neck or shoulder pain or that you have to fluff and fold your pillow to get comfortable – if so, it’s time for a new pillow so you’re comfortable and supported all night long.
How often should you change your pillow?
While it is generally recommended to replace your pillow every one to two years, factors such as how you have cared for your pillow and what material your pillow is made of can affect their longevity. For a general guide on how long your pillow MAY last before you’ll need to replace it, see below:
Synthetic pillows (polyester or microfibre): up to 2 years
Memory foam pillows: up to 5 years
Feather pillows: up to 3 years
Down & Feather pillows: up to 10 years (the more down in the pillow, the longer it may last)
Latex pillows: up to 10 years.
Adding a pillow protector that’s easy to remove and wash regularly can also extend the lifespan of your pillow, as can washing the pillow regularly as per the care instructions. So how can you tell whether it’s time for you to change your pillows?
Signs you should change your pillows
There are a few key indicators that it might be time to start shopping for a pillow:
- You’re having trouble getting a comfortable sleep
- Your pillow has lost its shape, is lumpy or is overly flat.
- You wake up with neck pain, shoulder pain or headaches.
- You are experiencing symptoms of allergic reactions such as skin irritation, itchiness or sneezing.
- Your pillow is discoloured or stained.
- Your pillow has developed an odour.
If your pillow is showing any of these signs, you may find a small change in replacing it makes a big difference in how you feel when you wake up each morning. If you have a local Pillow Talk store, you can also pop into store to test the pillows so you can find the perfect new pillow for you.
How to maintain your pillows
If you’ve gotten to this point of our blog, you may be wondering – okay, I need a new pillow, but how do I make sure it lasts as long as possible? Not to worry! We’ve got a few tips and tricks to help extend the longevity of your pillow.
- Add pillow protectors to your pillow.
Pillow protectors are an easy way to improve your sleep hygiene and extend the life of your pillows. Acting as a barrier between you and your pillow, pillow protectors help shield against sweat, drool, allergens and dust mites. Easy to remove, pillow protectors can be washed more often for a more convenient and low-maintenance solution for keeping your pillow clean and fresh. - Fluff and air regularly
Fluffing and airing your pillows regularly is a simple yet effective habit to help maintain their shape and support. Pillows can become compressed from repeated use, reducing their ability to provide proper neck and head support. Fluffing can help redistribute the filling, keeping it evenly spread for the ultimate comfort while airing out pillows can help refresh them. Incorporating these practices into your bedding care routine can extend the life of your pillows, though there’s definitely a point where no amount of fluffing will rejuvenate the pillow, and you might need to look at getting a new one. - If machine washable, wash every few months as per care instructions.
Even with a pillow protector, washing your pillows every six months is a great way to maintain the cleanliness of your pillow. Regular washing as per your pillows’ care instructions helps to eliminate sweat, oils, dead skin cells and allergens reducing the risk of allergies, skin irritation and respiratory issues. If you experience allergies, you may want to wash your pillows more often. By following care instructions and washing your pillows periodically, you can extend their lifespan, keep them hygienic, and ensure a more restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
If you’ve made it this far and are realising it is time to change your pillow, Pillow Talk has a wide range of pillow options designed to suit every sleeping style. Not sure which pillow is right for you? Our handy pillow buying guide is here to help you make the perfect choice.
