How often do you change your pillows? If you can’t remember the last time you bought a new pillow, then it’s time to change.
Pillows harbor all kinds of eeky dust mites, mold, mildew and bacteria which can affect allergies, asthma, acne, and more. Additionally, a worn-out pillow can throw off neck alignment and affect the whole spine resulting in neck and back pain and poor sleep.
REASONS TO CHANGE YOUR PILLOWS
-
- Your pillows may be giving you acne. Yes, you can get acne by pressing your face into things such as your phone, football helmet, and your pillow. It collects dirt, oil, and dead skin. Wash your pillowcase at least once a week.
- Pillows collect dust mites. They feed off slothed off dead skin. Dust mites are the number one trigger of asthma and allergies. Use a zippered allergen-resistant pillow protector to keep them out. Wash it at least once a month.
- Read the care directions, and do an extra rinse cycle to make sure you’ve gotten all the detergent out of it. Can my pillow go in the washer? If it’s synthetic, yes; if it’s down, then you dry clean. In a time crunch? Put your pillow in the dryer on low for half an hour to freshen it up.
- Is my pillow supporting my head? The National Sleep Foundation suggests a test that will prove if your pillow is shot: Fold it in half. Now let go. If it stays folded, it’s time to send your pillow packing.
- Even before your pillow is flat enough to fold, it has expired. The exact timeline is debatable. Some experts say every three years. Others say replacing your pillow once a year is a must. We say, as soon as you’re wondering if you should replace it, the answer is yes. I write the date on my pillows when purchased and purchase new ones every year.
Recommendations
- Set of 2 Standard Size SureGuard Pillow Protectors
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProForm Essential Support Luxury Pillo
- Coop Home Goods
This post contains affiliate links. If you click the link and make a purchase I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Visit all my recommended products at Paula’s Picks on Amazon. Read my entire Privacy Policy here.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
I never even thought to date min. Duh me. But really, I should do more often as I have chronic arthritis and it’s bad in my neck too. I bought more pillows not too long ago and they’re orthopaedic too, but I don’t like them. They’re at that ‘new’ stage where they’re too fluffy. I like just 2 flat pillows otherwise I’m in pain the next day.
On the other hand my fella, the giant man-baby, likes having loads. He sleeps with at least 3 then has one that he snuggles into on his side and one around his back. Yup, he’s a right weirdo!
Paula says
I don’t like new one’s either, my neck will hurt for days until it goes a little flat.
Debi Bolocofsky says
Hey Paula,
This is great info, and I like the date tip. Thank you so much for sharing with Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party last week. This weeks Link Party is opened at
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/10/almond-sugar-body-scrub-and-wednesdays.html
from Wednesday until Sunday.
Hope to see you there.
Debi Bolocofsky
Adorned From Above
http://www.adornedfromabove.com
Karima says
Handy tip – I have never thought about dating them!
Michelle's Tasty Creations says
Paula,
This is great info. I don't buy a new one every few years because I use a down and they are so expensive but I do wash it every month because I get a neck ache when it's not fluffy. And the drying takes FOREVER! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Michelle
Paula Jones says
All natural feather is what I purchase because they have less allergens so I just toss in recycle.
Amanda @ Gratefully Growing in Grace says
How do you dispose of them?
Crystelle says
Good idea to write the date on those pillows!
Thanks for the tip!
Heaven's Walk says
Good to know! Nothing like a brand new fluffy pillow! Thanks for the tip!! 🙂
xoxo laurie
Michelle C {Krumble Cakes and Sweets} says
I just bought new ones… It didn't pass my mind to date them… I think I will change them again in January, just to be safe. Thanks for sharing.