How Often Should You Replace Your Pillows? Know It From The Experts
Nov 27, 2024
News
Pillows play a vital role in ensuring quality sleep and supporting spinal health
A good and uninterrupted sleep is essential for your physical and mental well-being. According to experts, one of the best ways to set yourself up for better sleep is by optimizing your bedroom environment and bedding – which includes mattresses and pillows, and replacing them when necessary.
How often should you change pillows?
Pillows play a vital role in ensuring quality sleep and supporting spinal health. However, over time, they accumulate dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens, which can impact hygiene and trigger allergies. “Pillows also lose their shape and firmness, reducing their ability to provide proper neck and head support,” Dr. Shankar S Biradar, Medical Director in association with Magniflex India, told Times Now.
According to Dr. Biradar, you must replace your pillows every 1-2 years, depending on their material. “Feather and down pillows may last up to 2 years with proper care, while foam or memory foam pillows might maintain support for slightly longer. However, synthetic pillows generally have a shorter lifespan, requiring replacement within a year or two,” he said.
Also, there is an “ick” factor as well since the pillows absorb things all the time, like skin oils, dead skin cells, facial and hair product residue, fungi, and even dust mites. So, if your favourite pillow – which is five to 10 years old, can cause you a lot of allergies and infections,.
“Signs that it’s time for a new pillow include lumps, loss of fluffiness, or waking up with neck pain or allergies. Regular maintenance, such as washing covers and fluffing pillows, can extend their lifespan, but replacement is essential for optimal comfort and hygiene,” said Dr. Biradar.
Also, make sure to clean your pillow and pillowcase regularly to protect it and improve its lifespan. You should wash your pillowcases every time you wash your sheets, and many pillows themselves can be periodically machine-washed and dried.
Taking care of your neck and back
Most importantly, experts say pillows are meant to support your neck and head as you sleep, relieving muscle tension and promoting healthy spinal alignment. And so, any sagged or flattened pillow will not provide the required support, and you might wake up feeling sore or unrefreshed. Side sleepers may also experience sore shoulders from a flattened pillow. If your pillow is not offering the support that it once did, it might be time to replace it.
Tips to buy neck-appropriate pillows
According to experts, you must always buy pillows that are customized according to your needs, body type, and condition. For those who have back problems, their needs would be different from those suffering from cervical spondylitis. And so, you must follow these tips to select a dream-worthy option:
- Try before you buy – look at various fills, styles, and shapes. If you are buying online, check the return policy so you can physically try it out before buying.
- Pay attention to a pillow’s inner fill but also note its outer material as the outer layers range in plushness and thickness.
- If you have allergies or asthma, consider hypoallergenic options over a normal pillow.
- Once you have a perfect pillow, do not keep it forever; change it when the time comes.
- Do not go for decorative pillows and always prioritize your health and wellness by making your head’s rest a top priority.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
Health and wellness blog.
