How Often Should You Replace A Pillow?

In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of a good night’s sleep cannot be overstated. Sleep plays a crucial role in our overall health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being. One often overlooked factor that can significantly impact the quality of our sleep is the pillow we rest our heads on every night. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of pillows, the importance of replacing them every 2 to 3 years, and how pillow protectors can help prolong their lifespan and protect us from allergens and other irritants.

The Benefits of Pillows

Pillows offer several advantages that contribute to a more comfortable and restful sleep. Some of these benefits include:

1. Support: A good pillow provides adequate support to the head, neck, and shoulders, helping to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent aches and pains.
2. Comfort: Pillows can significantly enhance sleeping comfort by providing cushioning and conforming to the shape of the head and neck.
3. Temperature regulation: Certain pillow materials, such as memory foam and gel-infused foams, can help regulate temperature by drawing heat away from the body and promoting better airflow.
4. Reduction of pressure points: Pillows can help distribute body weight evenly, thereby reducing pressure points and minimizing the risk of developing sores or experiencing discomfort.

What Are Some Signs That Show It’s Time To Replace A Pillow?

There are several signs that can help you determine when it’s time to replace your pillow. This will help you maintain a comfortable and supportive sleep environment. Here are some common signs that it’s time for a new pillow:

1. Loss of shape and support: If your pillow no longer retains its original shape and fails to provide adequate support for your head, neck, and shoulders, it’s likely time for a replacement. A pillow that has become too flat, lumpy, or misshapen can cause discomfort and negatively impact your sleep quality.
2. Persistent odors: Over time, pillows can absorb sweat, body oils, and other fluids, which can lead to unpleasant smells. If your pillow has a persistent odor that doesn’t improve even after washing and airing it out, it’s a sign that you should consider replacing it.
3. Increased allergy symptoms: If you notice an increase in allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, or congestion, particularly when you’re in bed, it could be a sign that your pillow has accumulated allergens like dust mites, mold, or mildew. In this case, replacing your pillow can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your sleep quality.
4. Visible stains and discoloration: Over time, pillows can develop stains and discoloration from sweat, body oils, and spills. If your pillow has visible stains or has become discolored despite regular washing, it’s time to consider a replacement.
5. Worn-out or damaged outer fabric: If your pillow’s outer fabric is showing signs of wear and tear, such as fraying, thinning, or pilling, it’s an indication that the pillow has reached the end of its lifespan.
6. Reduced comfort and sleep quality: If you find yourself frequently waking up with aches and pains, tossing and turning, or struggling to get comfortable, it could be a sign that your pillow is no longer providing the support and comfort you need for a restful night’s sleep.
7. Age of the pillow: As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to replace your pillow every 2 to 3 years. However, the specific lifespan of a pillow may vary depending on the type, quality, and usage. If your pillow is older than 3 years and you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s likely time to invest in a new one.

By regularly assessing the condition of your pillow and replacing it when necessary, you can maintain a comfortable and supportive sleep environment

What Are Some Factors To Consider When Choosing A New Pillow?

Choosing the right pillow is essential for ensuring a comfortable and supportive sleep environment. When selecting a new pillow, consider the following factors:

1. Sleeping position: Your preferred sleeping position plays a significant role in determining the type of pillow that will provide optimal support.
   • Side sleepers generally require a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between the head and shoulder, maintaining proper spinal alignment.
   • Back sleepers often benefit from a medium-firm pillow that supports the natural curve of the neck without elevating the head too much.
   • Stomach sleepers usually need a thinner, softer pillow to prevent excessive neck extension and maintain spinal alignment.
2. Pillow fill type: There are various pillow fill materials available, each with its own unique properties and benefits.
   • Down pillows are soft, lightweight, and moldable, providing excellent comfort for various sleeping positions.
   • Memory foam pillows conform to the shape of your head and neck, offering pressure relief and consistent support.
   • Latex pillows are naturally hypoallergenic, supportive, and durable, with a bouncy and responsive feel.
   • Buckwheat pillows provide firm, adjustable support and allow for good airflow, helping to regulate temperature.
   • Polyester or synthetic fiber pillows are generally more affordable and offer varying levels of support depending on the fill density.
3. Firmness level: The firmness of a pillow plays a crucial role in providing proper support and comfort. Your personal preference, sleeping position, and body weight can all influence the ideal firmness level for you.
4. Pillow size and shape: Pillows come in various sizes and shapes, including standard, queen, king, and specialty shapes like contour or cervical pillows. Choose a size and shape that suits your bed dimensions and sleeping preferences.
5. Temperature regulation: If you tend to sleep hot, consider pillows with cooling features, such as gel-infused memory foam, breathable latex, or pillows with moisture-wicking and breathable covers.
6. Hypoallergenic properties: If you have allergies or sensitivities, opt for pillows made from hypoallergenic materials like latex, down alternative, or pillows with certified organic materials.
7. Ease of care and maintenance: Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain a pillow. Some pillows, particularly those with removable covers, are machine washable, while others may require spot cleaning or professional laundering.
8. Budget: Pillows are available at various price points, so it’s essential to choose one that meets your needs while staying within your budget. Keep in mind that investing in a high-quality, durable pillow may be more cost-effective in the long run.

By considering these factors and taking the time to research and test different pillows, you can find the perfect pillow to suit your preferences.

How Do I Know Which Pillow Is Best For Me?

Use the suggestions above in determining the pillow that best suits you, but the best way to determine which type of pillow suits you best is to test them out. All of our Best Mattress stores have different pillows in stock that you can try while lying down on one of our mattresses in our showroom. Working with our sleep experts you can find what is the best pillow for you, helps you get the best sleep ever, and compliments your new mattress!

Here are a few of our most popular pillows that offer the latest in sleep technology to help give you more restful sleep:

Tempur-Pedic Pro Mid Pillow

This premium pillow at a reasonable price is a customer favorite due to its excellent cooling technology, extra soft firmness, and medium profile. Most pillows are too large for proper neck and back alignment. The Pro-Mid King is an attractive option for those who sleep on their backs but experience neck pain throughout the night and in the morning.

Queen: $149.99

King: 189.99

Sub-0 Softcell Chill Pillow

The SUB-0° SoftCell Chill pillow features a unique, customizable construction combined with the cooling benefits of PureCare’s exclusive FRíO rapid chill cooling fibers. Clinically proven to cool 5x faster than traditional polyester, FRÍO fibers will help you find relief from sleep heat throughout the night.

Queen: $159.99

King: $169.99

Purple Harmony Pillow Medium

The Purple Harmony Pillow was designed for your ultimate comfort and sleep satisfaction. After reviewing hundreds of pillows, the Institute’s experts and sleep testers chose the Purple Harmony Pillow as a favorite for its “innovative latex cushioning.” Purple is a one-of-a-kind bedding brand recognized for its evolutionary approach to creating high-end, unique, and innovative sleep solutions.

Standard: $179.99

King: $219.99

The Role of Pillow Protectors in Enhancing Pillow Longevity and Hygiene

Pillow protectors are valuable and we might add a vital addition to go with your new pillow. They can help extend the life of your pillow and it makes it a lot easier to maintain a clean and healthy sleep environment. Here’s how pillow protectors can benefit you:

1. Barrier against allergens and irritants: By encasing the pillow in a protective cover, you can effectively shield it from dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens and irritants.
2. Protection against stains and spills: Pillow protectors can help safeguard your pillow from accidental spills, sweat, and body oils, preserving its cleanliness and extending its lifespan.
3. Improved durability and longevity: A high-quality pillow protector can help protect the pillow’s outer fabric from wear and tear, ensuring it can help you get a more restful sleep for years to come.
4. Easy maintenance: Pillow protectors are removable and washable, making it easy to maintain a clean and hygienic sleep environment.

A New Pillow Can Help You Get More Restful Sleep Tonight!

Pillows play a vital role in ensuring a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. However, over time, they can lose their effectiveness and become breeding grounds for allergens and irritants. To maintain good sleep hygiene and enjoy the benefits of a supportive pillow, it’s essential to replace them every 2 to 3 years. In addition, investing in a high-quality pillow protector can help prolong the pillow’s lifespan and protect you from allergens and other pesky irritants. This will significantly improve the quality of your sleep and, in turn, your overall health and well-being.  All of our Best Mattress stores are open most days until 8 PM so you can come in and get a brand new pillow and start getting more restful sleep tonight!

Visit your nearest Best Mattress store, or purchase online your new pillow and pillow protector. We are happy to help answer any questions that you might have and we are happy to help you get a more restful sleep!