Last Updated on November 13, 2023

How To Know When You Need A New Pillow?

Written By Filip

Sleep Advisor

Pillows are usually at the bottom of our list of concerns. Rarely do they come up in our thoughts or conversations. Ignoring them is reasonable, even though they have an expiration date – like most things in life. So, we should definitely think from time to time of a new pillow.

On average we spent about a third of our lives sleeping or lying in bed. Since most of us do that with a pillow under our head, it makes sense to check when to get a new one. The parts that get shed from our body while we sleep (skin, oil, dirt, dust) remain in the pillow itself. If unchecked that can lead to skin irritations, allergies and even asthma.

The filling inside most pillows will break down as time passes in addition to the previously mentioned particles that accumulate within it. Thus, a checkup on the state of your pillow is in order. You can do so by testing it using some of the tips in this article.

Signs you need a new pillow

Fold it in half

In case you have non-foam pillows (Latex, Microfibre or Body Pillows) have a go at folding it down the middle. On the off chance that the pillow doesn’t spring back to its standard flat form, it’s probably a good time to make a purchase.

Remove the pillowcase

Take a look at your pillows without its pillowcase. If the colour is starting to turn yellow, that’s on you. Everything our head discards during our sleep gets trapped within the pillow itself. If the colour is followed up by funky smells, you should seriously consider getting another pillow.

Lumps and bumps

These are a no-no if you want a pillow in good shape. Lumps within the material are a red flag that signals that the material the pillow is made out of is starting to lose consistency. This affects the quality of comfort while also compromising the head support your pillows offer. Again, a clear sign to get new pillows.

Expiration date

Some pillows come with these, no joke. Polyester pillows notoriously have expiration dates marked on their tags. This is due to the natural decomposition of the pillow material, but don’t be scared by that. A lot of other factors determine if your pillow is good for garbage. The amount of wear and tear, using a pillowcase and the frequency of sleep on it are all factors. Still, check the expiration date, especially if your pillow has aged a bit.

Type of pillow

Depending on the material, producer and conditions of use, pillows last from a couple of years up to a couple of decades for some. The material it is made of, however, is the key factor in how long your pillows will last. The table below will compare the longevity of a pillow's life according to the material it is made out of:

Natural materials clearly come out as winners here. The quill within feather and down is the reason such materials have longevity, but even they will break apart with frequent use or age. Synthetic materials seem to break up a lot faster, but with care, they will last a couple of extra years down the line. In any case, the longevity should be taken in to consideration if a new pillow is what you are looking for.

Conclusion

Getting fresh pillows is often overlooked, especially if sleeping is something that isn’t an issue. Changing your pillows isn’t only a matter of comfort, but also a matter of hygiene. Ignoring the life cycle of a pillow in favour of established sleeping patterns can be detrimental to one’s health – especially if prone to allergies or other dermatological conditions.

It honestly isn’t that difficult or expensive. I can guarantee that most of us, infrequently at best, change this part of our bed. Try it out, especially if you have problems falling asleep. Changing the surroundings of our bodies is essential in order to change unhealthy sleep patterns. So, add a new pillow to your basket if you have any of the signs – you won't regret it.

About the author

Filip

Since I'm a light sleeper, I know the importance of creating the perfect sleep sanctuary. Every little disturbance means a poor night's sleep for me. Armed with earplugs and a sleep mask, I navigate the nocturnal world, ensuring every corner is dark and silent.

Recommended reading:

• Best pillows in the UK