If you want to know more about how often change pillow, it will depend on the pillow material. Perhaps it’s surprising for some that memory foam pillows are not the only type that needs replacement. In fact, all pillows require replacement now and then.
Why is this important to learn? Regardless of the quality and care of the pillows we have, their daily use will eventually wear them down, and we’ll lose support. You also want to ensure that you’re using clean pillows for your health.
How Often Should You Change Your Pillow?
If you’re looking for a specific timeline, it’s best to change your pillow yearly or every two years. However, remember that pillows use different materials, and some would last longer than others. You also want to consider how well you take care of your pillow and if the manufacturer has created a good-quality product that will last through wear and tear.
So how long should you wait before replacing a specific type of pillow? For example, the everyday polyester pillow will need changing between 6 to 24 months, while a buckwheat pillow can take three years before you need to replace it. What is the reason behind this enormous gap between the two pillow types?
Polyester vs buckwheat
Remember that polyester tends to clump and result in a lumpy pillow quicker. It no longer will feel comfortable and supportive, so you must replace it or the stuffing itself. On the contrary, buckwheat hulls are tough and will continue to create a firm and supportive pillow for years to come.
Latex vs memory foam
What about latex and memory foam pillows? These synthetic materials also have an excellent lifespan before needing replacement. Latex pillows can provide service from 3 to 4 years, while memory foam, depending on the quality and maintenance, can be useful for one and a half to three years.
Feather and down vs down alternative
Finally, soft and fluffy pillows like feather and down will need changing after one and a half to three years and two years or longer consecutively. Remember that these natural materials shouldn’t get wet, or they will lose their quality. On the other hand, the synthetic down alternative will only be satisfactory for one and a half to two years.
How To Know When To Replace Your Pillow
While you have already read the expected lifespans and times of changing for every pillow type, it can still be hard to determine when’s the specific date to replace your pillow. Therefore, here are some signs and tests to do to confirm the need for a new pillow.
Tests
Your pillow should be smooth, fluffy, and free of clumps and dents. Test your pillow by folding it in half and if it can expand back out. You also want to give it some punches or pressure to see if the material will bounce back.
If you continuously fluff your pillow or distribute the lumps, it’s a good sign that it needs replacement. You should also check for odors and stains that are hard to remove no matter what techniques you’ve tried. Just remember that these tests are only suitable for specific materials.
Signs
Other than testing your pillow itself, you should also monitor your overall experience. A pillow should ensure that your body is well-aligned, so if you wake up with neck or back pain, it’s a good indication that the pillow has lost its ideal form. As a result, you might feel tired due to interrupted sleep and poor sleep quality, and you may even develop allergies from dust mites and headaches from tension.
Why Should You Change Your Pillow?
Why should you change your pillow? Well, why not? Consider this a must-have for hygiene and health.
As gross as it is to imagine, your pillow tends to collect dust, natural oils, skin cells, hair, sweat, drool, makeup, moisture from wet hair, and sometimes, even pet hair and snack residues. This collection of nasty stuff, moisture, and allergens can cause respiratory problems and even skin irritations. Over time, cleaning is not enough, and the pillow might even attract dust mites and fungi.
How To Maintain Pillows To Help Them Last Long
Using a pillow cover will indeed protect your pillow from daily use. More so, it serves as a barrier against dust and other things that can build up on the pillow itself. As part of maintenance, you can wash your pillowcase weekly to get fresh pillows.
You can also wash your pillow according to the label instructions monthly or more often to prevent stains and odor. If you can’t wash your pillow, freshen it by aerating the pillow outdoors and let the sun kill the bacteria and other pathogens on it. Then, sprinkle some baking soda over the pillow, let it sit, and vacuum it off before usage.
Conclusion
Nothing lasts forever, and this is also applicable to the pillows we use. So the question is how often change pillow correctly? One must replace their pillow every year or two to ensure that it still has its optimal support and comfortable structure.
However, every pillow material will differ from its expected lifespan and service. Some materials last for more than two years, while others require changing after six months. The bottom line is to take care of your pillow, keep it clean, and invest in good quality materials for the best sleeping experience.