Each type of pillow has a different lifespan, but you should generally change your pillow every 1-2 years. Some experts and companies claim that pillows should be replaced every 2-3 years.
So, the answer depends upon many factors, like what type of pillow you have, the room’s atmosphere, how well you care for it, and how often you wash it.
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Readers need to understand factors affecting the lifespan of pillows to better understand how often they should be replaced. Memory foam pillows, natural, synthetic, and latex pillows have different lifespans.
We aim to make pillow care more affordable and convenient for our readers. With little effort, you can save money and time while sleeping peacefully on your favorite pillow.
How often Pillows should be replaced?
Replacing pillows 1-2 years is a good practice to avoid possible allergies and lack of neck support.
After continued use, bedding accessories like mattresses and pillows start losing their original form.
Pillows with improper neck or shoulder support start causing muscle tension and pain. When it starts happening, sleep quality starts deteriorating.
Waking up with sore neck or shoulder muscles and feeling itching on your face are clear signs that it’s time to change the old pillow.
Signs of Pillow Wear and Tear
Even without these signs, you will clearly know that the pillow needs to be changed. Lumpy or saggy pillows not only look aesthetically bad, but they don’t do the intended work.
Not every pillow starts losing form after one year. Expensive pillows like latex pillows can survive 3-4 years without losing support and form.
But not everyone can afford a latex pillow. Buying the right pillow will also determine how often bed pillows should be replaced.
Replacement and Care Guidelines for Pillows
The quality, type, and price tag of pillows define their possible lifespan, but proper care and maintenance can increase their life.
When buying a pillow, check the material type and quality. Here are some basic guidelines about how to wash a pillow, how to take care of pillows, and when to replace them with new ones.
|
Pillow Type |
Replacement and Care Guidelines |
| Memory Foam | Memory foam pillows can be replaced in 2-3 years. Please don’t wash them in the washing machine. Occasionally spot clean the pillows and wash with hands every 2-3 months. |
| Polyfoam Pillows | Polyfoam pillows can last 2-3 years without losing shape or form. Hand washing and spot cleaning are the best options for maintaining them. |
| Down Pillows | 1-3 years is ideal for replacing down/feather pillows. Dry cleaning and machine washing are also viable options. Dry them properly to avoid any odor after washing. |
| Down Alternative Pillows | These are fragile pillows and may need replacement every 6-36 months. After every 3-6 months, wash these pillows in the washing machine and then air dry them. Proper care can increase their lifespan. |
| Latex Pillows | Latex pillows can last longer, 2-4 years, but avoid washing them in the machine. Use cleaning spray or a wet cloth to spot-clean the pillow. You can clean them for 2-3 months without submerging them in water. |
| Buckwheat Pillows | If the pillow starts flattening, Buckwheat hulls can be added after 2-3 years. Protecting these pillows with a cover is better because moisture is bad for them. |
| Pillowcases | You should replace pillowcases for all pillows after 2-3 years, but you can wash these covers monthly. Washing and maintaining these pillowcases is a lot easier than cleaning a pillow. |
This table clearly states the best time to change a pillow. Depending on the pillow, material time, and personal habits, you can use this data to determine if your pillow needs replacement. Always remember that things last if you take care of them.
7 Signs Your Pillows needs to be Replaced
We want you to take care of pillows to avoid extra expenses. But, if the cost of doing so is your night’s sleep, don’t waste even a moment and buy a new pillow.
Spilled liquids, torn pillows, and other severe damages are the clear signs of the time to replace the old pillow. Here are seven clear signs that your old pillow is done:
- Lack of proper support for neck and shoulders
- Muscle tension and pain in the neck and shoulders in the morning
- Allergies start affecting your face skin, and you feel itching or irritation
- Uncomfortable pillow or flattened pillow
- Sleep quality is affected, and you don’t fall asleep easily
- Every night, you re-fluff your pillow or don’t find it a perfect fit as per your sleeping position
- There are clear stains and yellow marks that won’t go away with wash
While buying a new pillow, make a note in your phone app or save the receipt so that you know when to replace it. At no cost should you compromise on the quality of sleep.
Why Replacing a Pillow is Important?
The pillow is the main connection between you and your bed.
A deformed or broken pillow can affect sleep quality and cause serious neck and shoulder pain.
When you can somehow make the old pillow work, why should you replace it with the new one? Well, here is your answer.
Replacing Pillow is Hygienic
While sleeping, most body parts are covered with a sleeping suit, but hair and face come directly in contact with the pillow. Over time, pillows keep absorbing sweat, body oils, and dust particles. These factors can lead to skin allergies and problems like pimples and acne.
Lack of support for Neck and Shoulders
As you sleep, pillows should provide essential support to keep your head and shoulders at a neutral angle with your spine. When an old pillow starts flattening, you don’t get the desired level of support.
Healthy spinal alignment is important for sound sleep. When you experience any type of muscle tension in the morning, it is a clear sign to replace the pillow.
So many other personal and health-related issues might force you to replace an old pillow. These insights clearly define how often pillows should be replaced.
But there is no universal law or rule for the exact lifespan of any product. If you can afford to spend hundreds of dollars every 6-8 months, go ahead.
Common Tests to determine if Pillow needs Replacement
Sometimes, there are no visible signs or indicators about the time to replace the old pillow. There are some simple tests or tasks that you can perform to check if the pillow is done.
Folding it in Half
Fold the pillow in half and leave it. It probably needs replacement if it does not return to its original shape. This test is easy to use for judging synthetic and hollow fiber pillows. Memory foam or latex pillows are not easy to fold like this.
Saddlebag Test
Extend your arm and place the pillow over your extended arm. In ideal condition, the pillow is supposed to hold its form. It’s time to replace the pillow if it flops around your arm. Not every pillow responds to this test in the same manner. It is just a common way to tell if your pillow needs replacement.
Press Test
Press your arm on the pillow, and if it does not quickly return to its original shape or takes too long, you might consider replacing it. This test to determine how often pillows should be replaced is more suitable for foam pillows.
What to do with the old Pillow?
Now, you have decided to replace the pillow, as most tests and signs indicate that its lifespan is complete.
What about the old pillow? What should you do with it? You can leave it in your bedroom, but you cannot simply throw it in the bin. There are some possible uses for the old pillows.
- Donate the old pillow to an animal shelter after wash
- Leave the natural fillings out for birds to build their nests
- Use the old pillows as beds for the pets
- Use them as padding or protective layer while moving furniture or other items
- Make floor cushions by adding new covers.
Creative people can come up with many other ideas related to possible applications of old pillows. In every case, make sure to dispose of or use the pillow in a sustainable way so that you don’t contribute to environmental pollution.
Conclusion- How often should Bed Pillows be Replaced?
What’s your opinion about how often pillows should be replaced? An ideal time to replace a pillow is 1-2 years, and 3-6 months to wash a pillow.
Individuals have different hygienic preferences, so they can also follow their own schedules. This debate aims to ensure quality sleep, so do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.
