HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE REPLACING YOUR PILLOWS?
When was the last time you treated yourself to new pillows? Let's face it, we're all guilty of leaving our mattress or duvet on our beds for too long, and the same goes for our pillows. After all, they don't come cheap! If you've purchased new pillows in the last two years you're probably okay for a while, but any longer and you might want to consider an upgrade.
HOW DOES THE PILLOW'S MATERIAL AFFECT THIS?
If you travel regularly or sleep across different properties, your pillows will probably last longer since you're not using them as frequently. However, the main factor affecting the lifespan of your pillow is the material it's made from.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU NEED A NEW PILLOW?
Besides the age of your pillow, there are a few signs you should look out for to help decide if it's time for a new one. The first is general wear and tear. 'It’s time to consider investing in new pillows when they begin to feel lumpy,' says James. 'When it's a little low with a loss of spring, this means the fabric has become overused and worn down.'
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF NOT CHANGING YOUR PILLOW?
With those prompts in mind, it's no surprise that a pillow that's seen better days won't be benefitting your health. 'If you leave it too long to change your pillow it can cause neck strain as there is not enough support for your head throughout the night,' explains James. Not only can this damage your posture, but it will likely interrupt your sleep, too.
HOW TO PROLONG THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR PILLOW
If this news has dampened your mood, you might be pleased to hear there are several ways to prolong the lifetime of your pillow. Firstly, it's a good idea to invest in a pillow protector as these act as a barrier that stops body oils and dirt burrowing into the inner filling of your pillow. 'Another thing you can do is wash your pillows every three months to increase their lifespan,' says James. 'It’s important to check the care label and the manufacturer’s instructions on how to best do this for the filling you have, but this will help keep the filling hygienic and bring back the spring in the fabrics.' 'A built-in cover also goes a long way to preserving a pillow,' adds Stephen. 'For example, Nolah’s Squishy Pillow features a removable and machine-washable bamboo blend cover that wicks away sweat, keeping the pillow dry.'