How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow? A Complete Guide

Let's be real. Pillows are often the unsung heroes that help you achieve the coziest sleep, but they are frequently overlooked and neglected. Once bought, we tend to take them for granted and let them be. Year after year, we use the same pillow without another thought. Infact, when was the last time you replaced your pillow? Because it is a necessity.

Pillows, like anything else in life, come with an expiration date. Following this is important as it can directly contribute to your health and sleep. But fret not. We come bearing all the information you need. In today's article, we are here to tell you how often you should replace your pillows and more. Let's dive in!

Why Is It Important To Replace Pillows?

Quality sleep is a must for a quality life. Here, a good pillow guarantees a comfortable snooze that keeps you healthy, supports your immune system, and ensures your productivity never takes a hit.

But old pillows are no longer equipped to do a satisfactory job. From becoming saggy to harboring allergens, they can no longer offer the support you need. So, this can make it harder for you to fall asleep, cause aches and pain, and lead to a disrupted slumber. Thats not all. Old and worn-out pillows can cause allergy flare-ups, headaches, and more. To save yourself the unnecessary discomfort, it is best to replace pillows on time.

Signs Its Time to Replace Your Pillow

Your pillow sends out warning signals when its time for a change. If you notice any of them, it may be time for a switch.

Loss of Shape and Support

You do not put anything under your head and call it a pillow, do you? You choose one because of its shape and firmness. But when your pillow starts deteriorating, it becomes flat and uneven. At this stage, it can no longer offer the support it once used to. However, if you continue to use the same pillow, you will end up experiencing bouts of tossing and turning, neck stiffness, etc.

Yellowing or Stains

If you are a sweaty sleeper, yellow stains are quite common. But washing them regularly and using protectors will keep the patches to a minimum. However, as your pillow grows older, the stains may become darker. Now, it's not just about the looks, but it can be a sign that your pillow has been exposed to moisture and bacterial buildup. This means it's time to bid goodbye.

Frequent Sneezing or Allergies

Let's say you had no allergies or never woke up sneezing or coughing since the time you have been using your pillow. Even if you did, it was an insignificant amount of time. But these days, it has become the norm. If not sneezing, it's itchy eyes every morning, and at times, it's a scratchy throat. Well, your pillow may be to blame.

Pillows can collect dust mites, dead skin cells, and allergens over time, even if you wash them occasionally. These allergens can trigger sneezing fits, runny noses, or allergy flare‑ups. So, if you notice that you feel fine during the day but start sneezing as soon as you lie down, it's time for a switch.

Waking Up with Neck or Shoulder Pain

The main job of your pillow is to keep your neck and shoulders supported and prevent aches or sprains. But when your pillow loses its shape, becomes lumpy or flat, it can no longer provide the support you need. Hence, you wake up in pain every other day.

You might feel fine when you go to bed, but notice stiffness or soreness as soon as you wake up. This means your pillow is no longer doing its job and needs to be replaced.

Smells Bad

If you notice a lingering odor that doesn't seem to go away even after multiple washes, it's time for a change. Over time, pillows absorb sweat, natural body oils, drool, and even environmental odors. And, they seep deep into the filling.

So, no amount of surface cleaning can fully remove them. A bad smell can also mean that bacteria or mold might be growing inside, especially if your pillow has been exposed to moisture.

How Often Should You Replace Your Pillow?

Let's get straight to the point. Expert opinion suggests replacing your pillows every 1-2 years. Even with regular washing and good care, your pillow becomes home to dust, sweat, and allergens over time. They also lose their shape and support, which can affect your sleep quality and neck health.

However, the timeline can differ from one brand to another, and as per the material used in the pillow. The table below unpacks the ideal replacement time of the pillow according to the type.

Pillow Lifespan and Hygiene Practices

Is there a way to extend your pillows lifespan? Here are a few pointers to help you out.

Can Proper Care Extend Its Life?

Proper care helps your pillows last their full lifespan with ease, and in some cases, it can even extend their life by a few months. However, a pillow still harbors dust mites and other allergens after frequent use. Once its time is up, its always best to replace it with a new one.

Wash According to the Manufacturer's Instructions

How do you care for your pillows the right way? The care‑instruction tag on your pillow has all the details you need, so make sure to follow it closely. For example, it will tell you whether your pillow can be machine‑washed or if it needs dry cleaning.

It also includes other important instructions, like what kind of detergent to use and whether to dry it in sunlight or shade. If you ever feel unsure, don't hesitate to contact the brands customer support. They can guide you on how to keep your pillow in the best shape possible.

Washing Frequency and Pillow Protectors

Another great way to keep your pillow in good condition is by using a pillow protector. It adds an extra layer of protection and is especially helpful for people who sweat a lot while sleeping. A protector helps prevent stains and keeps dust and debris from reaching your pillow.

Just like a pillow cover, you can wash the protector once or twice a week. However, when it comes to cleaning the pillow itself, avoid over‑washing, as it can shorten its lifespan. Washing your pillow every three to six months is usually enough to keep it fresh and clean.

When Even Clean Pillows Need Replacing

A pillow may look immaculate on the surface, but even the cleanest ones must be replaced every 2 years or as per the brand-specified timeline. Pillows accumulate dust mites, oils, dead skin cells, and more with every use. While this may not be seen with the naked eye, it makes your pillow not-fit for use internally. And when you continue to do so, it can lead to allergies or worsen them, and even disrupt your sleep.

Another clear indicator that your pillow is past its prime is when you frequently wake up with neck pain, which was previously never the case. So, for clean support and better sleep, aim to replace pillows within that 12-year window.

Choosing the Right Replacement Pillow

Here are three important things to keep in mind while choosing the perfect replacement pillow.

Consider Your Sleeping Position

Your pillow should match your sleep style. There's no other way around it. Don't simply buy one because it looks fluffy or cozy. Now, a side-sleeper needs a high-loft, soft to medium-firm pillow to keep their neck aligned with their spine.

Coming back to sleepers, they need a medium-loft and medium-firm pillow to support the natural curve of their neck. Anything too high or too low can strain the neck. Finally, the stomach sleepers need low-loft, medium to firm pillows to keep their necks comfortable. If you are a combination sleeper. Try to strike a balance that satisfies both sleeping positions.

Material and Filling Preferences

After step number one, you know the height and firmness of your ideal pillow. So now, let's move on to the material. From SmartGrid to Microfiber, you have a myriad of options to choose from. That's why, see what else you need from a pillow.

For instance, SmartGrid is breathable, hypoallergenic, and can offer great medium-firm support. Whereas, microfiber pillows are fluffy and can benefit side-sleepers. So, go for a pillow that checks all the right boxes for you.

Budget

From budget-friendly options under ₹ 1000 to premium ones priced at ₹ 20,000 and beyond, pillows come in a varied price range. So, have a budget in mind and go from there.

For instance, if you are looking for premium quality in a mid-range pillow, The Sleep Company has got you covered. The Smart ErgoRelief Pillow, priced at just ₹ 4,899, offers the best ergonomic support ever. It is breathable, perfect for all types of sleepers, even the combination ones, and provides relief from neck, head, and shoulder stress. Remember, a good pillow equals a good night's rest.

Conclusion

As aforementioned, the ideal rule of thumb is to replace your pillows every two years. With good maintenance, you can slightly extend the lifespan, but not more. Remember, even if your pillow looks clean, an old one can be home to dust mites, bacteria, and more. And, this is where you rest your head, so a quality pillow is a necessity.

If you are browsing for the perfect pillow, The Sleep Company has what you need. We offer our patented SmartGrid Technology that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support in our pillows. From the Smart Hybrid Pillow to Smart Ergo Relief, you are spoiled for choice.

So, what are you waiting for? The Sleep Company has the ideal pillow replacement you need.