A good pillow is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. It plays a crucial role in supporting your neck as well as providing more overall comfort for your body. In certain positions, sleeping without a pillow can actually worsen or even cause neck pain. As something you spend countless hours on, investing in a quality pillow is well worth the expensive.
But just as a mattress should be replaced after an extended period of time, the same also applies to your pillows. Here we’ll take a look at why it’s important to replace your pillow and how often you should replace them.
Why It’s Important to Replace Your Pillow
Your body naturally sheds skin cells and hair that your pillow absorbs as you sleep every night. However, these materials start to gradually build up which can create an unpleasant odour.
Something else you may not know is that dust mites live off the skin cells you shed. That makes your pillow an attractive spot for these tiny creatures. Fortunately, dust mites aren’t as harmful to people as bed bug infestations and they don’t carry any diseases. But they can cause allergic reactions and even worsen symptoms to such an extent that they may interfere with your sleep.
Using pillow covers and regularly washing them along with your pillow can help, but pillows simply don’t last forever. Certain pillow like those made of memory foam tend to start sagging after an extended period of time due to their flexible materials. The structure of your pillow will start to weaken over time, which can lead to a sore neck or upper body pain.
How Often You Should Replace Your Pillow
If you honestly can’t remember the last time you changed your pillow, then you may want to think about replacing it soon. Pillows that are made with better quality materials tend to last longer, but a general rule of thumb to follow is to replace them at least once a year or two years at the most.
Common signs to watch out for include: Noticeable lumps in the filler materials, permanent stains from sweat or body oil, or areas of the pillow that have gone flat. If you notice any of these signs, then it’s time to replace your pillow with a new one. Other signs may include waking up with a sore neck or if your allergies seem to have gotten worse.
One thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your pillows is to use a pillow protector. These are zippered cases that enclose your pillow and help prevent it from absorbing excess skin and oil. Be sure to also wash your pillow covers once every three to four weeks.
Replacing your pillows doesn’t mean you have to throw out the old ones. You can easily repurpose old pillows into throw pillows or even donate them. There may even be a recycling facility near your location that would be happy to accept your old pillows.
Author’s Bio
Alex Morrison has worked with a range of businesses giving him an in-depth understanding of many different industries including home improvement, financial support and health care. He has used his knowledge and experience to work for clients as diverse as MyHome Clean, Acacia Pest Control and Me Bank to help them reach their business goals.
