Last Updated on February 17, 2023
Do you know how often should you change your pillows? It’s an important question, and the answer might surprise you. You may think that a pillow can last forever, but nothing lasts forever – not even your trusty pillow. In this blog post, we’ll explore what factors determine when it is time to replace your pillow, the different types of pillows available on the market today and finally, come up with an answer to our original question: How often should you change your pillows? So grab yourself a cup of tea (or coffee.) and get ready for some serious pillow talk.
Table of Contents:
- The Pillow Lifespan
- Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Pillow
- Types Of Pillows
- FAQs in Relation to How Often Should You Change Your Pillows
- Conclusion
The Pillow Lifespan
The average lifespan of a pillow is about 18 months. It’s important to replace your pillows regularly because, over time, they lose their shape and support, leading to neck pain and poor sleep quality.
Pillows are made up of different materials that all have varying lifespans. Natural fillings such as feathers or down can last for up to five years, while synthetic fillings such as polyester or memory foam will usually need replacing after two years. It’s also worth noting that the more you use your pillow, the shorter its lifespan will be due to wear and tear from regular use.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Pillow
Pillows are an essential part of a good night’s sleep. But, like all things, they eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Knowing when it’s time to replace your pillow can help you get the best rest possible. Here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a new one:
1. Your Pillow is Flat – Over time, pillows lose their shape and become flat due to regular use and washing. If your pillow has lost its loft or thickness, then it may be time for a replacement.
2. You Have Neck Pain – A worn-out pillow can cause neck pain because it doesn’t provide enough support for your head and neck while you sleep. If you wake up with neck pain more often than not, then consider replacing your pillow as soon as possible in order to alleviate the discomfort associated with sleeping on an old one.
3. It’s Been More Than Two Years – The average lifespan of a quality pillow is two years; however, this depends on how often you wash them and how much wear they receive over that period of time (if you’re using the same one every day). If it’s been longer than two years since you’ve purchased yours, then chances are that it needs replacing sooner rather than later.
If you notice stains or odours coming from your pillow, it may be time to replace it. This could mean that dirt or dust mites have built up inside the material over time, which can lead to allergies and other health issues if left unchecked for too long. To avoid aggravating any existing conditions further down the line, consider investing in hypoallergenic covers/pillowcases.
Finally, another telltale sign of needing a new pillow is simply feeling uncomfortable when lying down on yours at night. If there isn’t enough cushioning anymore or if parts feel lumpy or unevenly distributed, then these could be indicators that something needs changing as soon as possible.
When it comes to pillows, it’s important to be aware of the signs that indicate when it’s time for a replacement. Knowing what type of pillow is best for you can help make sure your sleep is comfortable and restful every night.
Types Of Pillows
Pillows come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common types are down, feather, synthetic fiberfill, memory foam and latex.
Down Pillows
Down pillows are filled with feathers from ducks or geese. They provide a soft yet supportive feel that is ideal for side sleepers. The lifespan of a down pillow can vary depending on how well it’s cared for and maintained; however, they typically last between two to three years.
Feather Pillows
Feather pillows are similar to down pillows in terms of their construction; however, they contain more quills than actual feathers which makes them firmer than down pillows. They offer excellent support for back sleepers as well as those who prefer sleeping on their stomachs. A feather pillow will usually last up to five years if properly taken care of.
Synthetic Fiberfill Pillow
Synthetic fiberfill pillows are made from polyester fibres that have been spun into a batting-like material which provides cushioning and support without the need for feathers or other natural materials like wool or cotton fillings used in some traditional bedding products. These types of pillows tend to be less expensive than other options but also don’t last as long—typically lasting about one year before needing replacement due to flattening out over time from use and washing cycles (if machine washable).
Memory Foam Pillow
Memory foam is a widely used pillow filling, as it moulds to the shape of your head while providing outstanding neck support compared to other materials such as synthetic fiberfill or goose down/feather blends found in high-end brands like Tempur-Pedic® beds & mattresses. Memory foam’s ability to retain its form after multiple uses makes it ideal for people who move around throughout the night, seeking out just the right spot. Generally, memory foam pillows last up to three years before needing replacement; however, this may differ depending on usage frequency and quality of the product purchased at the time of purchase (higher-end memory foams often have longer warranties).
Latex Pillow
Latex is another popular option when shopping for a new pillow because it offers both comfort and durability not seen with traditional synthetics or even natural fills like goose/duck down/feather blends mentioned earlier. Additionally, latex tends not to hold heat, so you won’t wake up feeling hot during the summer months. As far as longevity goes, these types of pillows should last anywhere between two to four years depending on the quality purchased at the time of purchase (higher end latex models often carry longer warranties) and how frequently they are used and washed etc.
FAQs in Relation to How Often Should You Change Your Pillows
What happens if you don’t change your pillow?
If you don’t change your pillow regularly, it can lead to a variety of issues. Over time, the material in the pillow will break down and lose its supportiveness, leading to neck and back pain. Dust mites and other allergens can accumulate in an old pillow, causing respiratory problems or skin irritation. Furthermore, not changing your pillow could cause it to become stained with sweat or oils from your hair and face, which can be difficult to remove. Ultimately, replacing your pillows every few years is essential for maintaining good health as well as comfort while sleeping.
Why do men’s pillows turn yellow?
Pillows turning yellow is a common issue that many men face. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sweat and oils from the skin, dust mites, bacteria, and even certain cleaning products. Sweat and oils from the skin can cause discolouration due to oxidation when combined with air or light exposure. Dust mites can also accumulate in pillows over time and create an environment for bacteria to thrive which will lead to discolouration. Finally, some cleaning products may contain bleaching agents that can cause yellowing if not properly rinsed off after use. To prevent this problem from occurring, it’s important to wash your pillowcases regularly and keep them away from direct sunlight or other sources of UV light.
Can a pillow last 10 years?
Yes, a pillow can last 10 years with proper care. Regularly fluffing and rotating the pillow will help to maintain its shape and support. Additionally, using a protective cover or pillowcase can help protect it from dirt, dust mites, and other allergens that may reduce its lifespan. With regular maintenance and care, your pillow should be able to provide you with comfort for up to 10 years.
How often should pillows be washed?
Pillows should be washed at least every six months to keep them clean and free of dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens. Washing your pillows regularly can help reduce the risk of respiratory issues such as asthma or allergies. To ensure thorough cleaning, use hot water and mild detergent when washing your pillows in the washing machine. For extra protection against dust mites, you may also want to add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil into the wash cycle. After washing, make sure to dry them completely before using them again for optimal comfort and hygiene.
Conclusion
When it comes to changing your pillows, the answer is not a one-size-fits-all. Depending on the type of pillow you have and how often you use it, you may need to replace your pillow more or less frequently. To ensure that your sleep quality remains high, make sure to check for signs of wear and tear regularly so that you know when it’s time to switch out your old pillow for a new one. After all, if there’s one thing we should all be aware of, it’s how often should you change your pillows.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.