How Often Should You Change Your Pillows? Replace Pillow for Better Sleep

Do you have a favorite pillow that you’ve had for years? Are you wondering if it’s time to start shopping for a new one?

Most of us are guilty of holding onto our pillows for far too long. When it comes to replacing our bedding, we rarely think about when they need changing out.

How often should you change your pillows? The answer depends on what kind of material the cushion is made of. But if you have had the same set for over two years, it’s probably time to pick up some new ones.

1. How Often To Change Pillows

The general recommendation is to replace your pillows every 1-2 years.

Depending on the pillow type, you may want to consider replacing them more frequently or less often.

• Foam pillows are usually good for 12-18 months, while down and feather pillows can last up to 2 years.
• Memory foam pillows typically last between 1-3 years, depending on how well they are cared for.

Other lifestyle habits also come into play for determining when it is time to switch out one’s bedding. If someone smokes around their bedding, consider replacing them more frequently than usual due to the buildup of unhealthy toxins in the materials over time.

Inspecting your cushions regularly for signs of wear and tear is important, as this can reduce their lifespan.

2. Why You Should Replace Your Pillows

Replacing your pillows regularly is important for maintaining a healthy and comfortable sleep environment.

As pillows age, they lose their shape and firmness, which can cause problems with alignment while you’re sleeping.

The fill material may shift, clump, or flatten due to regular use and washing, leading to uneven weight distribution across the pad. This can cause neck pain and shoulder discomfort or strain during sleep.

Additionally, after long periods of use, cushions can accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, body oil, and other debris that can harbor dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens.

3. Signs Your Pillow Needs Replacing

We’ve discussed how often you should replace your pillows. Now it’s time to talk about the signs they need replacing. Noticing these symptoms can ensure optimal comfort and hygiene when sleeping.

• Your pad is lumpy or has depressions from regular use (you can try if a spin in a washing machine and dryer with a gentle cycle helps).
• You often wake up with a sore neck, headaches, or stiff shoulders.
• It has an unpleasant odor despite washing and airing it out regularly.
• It’s yellowed, stained, or discolored.
• It’s over two years old and/or shows signs of wear and tear, like fraying seams or exposed stuffing material inside the pillowcase.

Once the cushion loses its original shape and becomes difficult to fluff, it’s time to replace it.

4. Care And Maintenance Tips

The right pillow can help you stay comfortable throughout the night, but how do we keep these in tip-top shape? Let’s look at five care and maintenance tips to ensure your cushions last as long as possible.

• Use a pillowcase and have a pillow protector as an additional layer of protection under your pillowcase.
• Protect your pads from direct sunlight and moisture, as both can degrade the materials over time.
• Vacuum or shake out your cushions regularly to remove dust and debris that can accumulate over time.
• Spot clean when necessary – check manufacturer tag recommendations for the best way to clean your type of filling material (e.g., synthetic vs. feather).
• To ensure even wear and tear, rotate which side of each pad you sleep on periodically!

Verify the care tag on your bedding to see if it can be machine washed.

Read more: How To Wash Memory Foam Pillows.

These simple steps will help extend the life of your current set of cushions while also keeping them fresh and hygienic – both essential components of having good quality sleep!

5. Types Of Pillows To Consider

When your pillow no longer provides good support, it’s time to consider replacing it. But how do you know which type of product to buy?

There are a variety of options available that can suit different kinds of sleepers and sleeping positions.

• Memory Foam Pillow: These conform to the shape of your head and neck for optimal support. They are usually made of a combination of foam and other materials, such as latex or polyester.
• Down/Feather Pillow: Feathers provide cushioning, while down creates a softer feel. This type is often softer than memory foam but can offer extra durability if cared for properly.
• Gel Pillow: These are filled with tiny beads or liquid gel capsules that contour to your body’s natural shape, making it extremely comfortable and cool.
• Buckwheat Hull Pillow: These are composed of organic hulls that mold to your head and body weight when placed between two fabrics. The hulls move freely within the fabric allowing this cushion to adjust to multiple sleeping positions throughout the night, providing comfort for any sleeper.
• Latex Pillow: Made from 100% natural latex, these are bouncy yet supportive, reducing pressure from your shoulders, neck, and back while remaining cool at night.

Finding the right pillow could mean all the difference between having restful nights or dealing with aches and pains each morning – whatever you decide should ensure quality sleep for your sleep position!

6. What to Do With Old Pillows?

Old pillows can be reused or repurposed for many creative projects.

You can upcycle them into pet beds, quilt batting for patchwork quilts, decorative floor cushions, and stuffing for handcrafted toys.

For more crafty ideas, you can also check our other article about what to do with old pillows.

The Bottom Line

Pillows should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on the amount of use they get. It’s worth investing in quality products designed to last to ensure a good night’s sleep every time!

Having comfortable and supportive cushions can make all the difference between a restful and fitful night.

So make sure to replace your cushions regularly and enjoy sweet dreams!