2023-04-24 07:30:04
A pillow “gives signals” so you know when to replace it. Failure to do so has consequences for your rest and your health.
When was the last time you brought new pillows to your bed? They are an element of great importance to enjoy a restful rest. If the cushions are in poor condition, they cause bodily discomfort and harm your health. That’s why you need to know how often to change your pillow.
Like the mattress, pillows are detrimental to your comfort. This means that a once their useful period is over, they lose their comfort. Plus, they look unsightly and unsanitary.
To ensure that you always have a comfortable pillow that meets your requirements, we will explain why to replace it, the right time to do it and how to prolong its life.
The importance of changing your pillow from time to time
We only rest well if there is alignment between the head, neck and spine. The pillow is very valuable for this purpose.
The Back Canvas alludes to the effectiveness of postural hygiene and ergonomics in preventing back pain. And this hygiene is also relevant at bedtime. The characteristics of the pillow and the mattress are therefore essential in the process.
When we have a comfortable pillow, we enjoy restful sleep which, as claimed by the World Sleep Society, is necessary for daily functioning. The same organization has included in its guide to recommendations, entitled Healthier Sleep in Adults, the use of comfortable and cozy bedding; this category covers pillows.
In addition to promoting good rest and preventing pain, by changing your pillow you contribute to your hygiene and reduce allergies. How is it possible ? Body fluids and dead skin cells stick to pillows, making them a breeding ground for mold and allergens.
This was concluded by scientists from the University of Manchester in an experiment. Researchers looked at 10 synthetic and feather pillows, with regular use for up to 20 years. In them they found a substantial load of many species of fungi (For example, Aspergillus fumigatus ).
Experts have warned that the closeness between the airways and pillows, in the middle of sleep, will lead to asthma and sinusitis.
Read also: Does lettuce tea help you sleep better?
How often do you change your pillow?
The Sleep Foundation reports that in theory, pillows should be changed every 1 or 2 years, because that’s how you make sure that the support cushions are clean and free of allergens. It is necessary for these objects to maintain an adequate state so that they support the head during sleep and promote posture in relation to the spine.
Anyway, it’s time to replace the pillow if you prefer a different shape to feel more comfortable or if some of the scenarios we detail below occur.
less height
Every time you use the pillow, it compresses a little, even if you don’t notice it. Compression increases each night; as it flattens, the pillow loses functionality and causes discomfort.
Deformation
If you no longer feel like your pillow is padded and if, on the contrary, you find it hard, it must be replaced. Deformations represent an alert to change.
Do the following test: take the cushion and try to fold it in half. You can do it ? So it’s time to change it.
Perceiving bumps in the pillow is another reason to make the change.
You have allergies
It is easy for microorganisms, such as mites to settle in the pillows. The effects of this contamination are, among other things, a runny nose, rashes, itchy throat and respiratory problems.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests using anti-allergen pillow protectors. These attachments establish a barrier between the mites and the person.
However, this is a measure that you cannot extend for many years with the same cushion. The right thing to do is to cover them with a blanket, but when their useful life is over, change them for a new one.
Are you looking for another sleeping position?
It is possible that due to certain medical conditions, pregnancy or injury, you need a specific sleeping position. With regard to these cases, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) suggests replacing the old pillow with one suitable for the transition.
Stubborn stains and unpleasant odors
Those yellowish stains imprinted on your pillow are the result of your sweat, body oils, sleeping with wet hair, or dust mite droppings. Added to this is the bad smell that the cushion sometimes acquires. If you wash the cushion, but the mark and stink persist, it’s time to replace it.
You wake up with back and neck pain
Waking up with body aches, especially in the shoulder and neck area, is another warning to change your pillow. A study by Norbert Wiener University found that the effectiveness of the use of pillows positively influences the reduction of neck pain and improved sleep. This is independent of the material of manufacture and other characteristics of the product.
Read also: 4 tips for washing and disinfecting your pillows
Now that you know how often to change your pillow, we teach you how to choose the best one.
Among the considerations for choosing a good pillow, the material of construction stands out. Depending on the padding, they will offer more or less comfort. This padding is also related to the duration of the cushion.
For example, latex pillows are more elastic, hypoallergenic and dust resistant. They could last up to 4 years. This same scope applies to memory foam, which is designed to conform to the neck and shoulders.
Feather pillows, with proper care, last 5-10 years. Those that offer the shortest lifespan are those made of synthetic material. Although they are hypoallergenic and you can even wash them in the washing machine, you should use them for a maximum of 2 years.
Either way, the pillow you choose should help align your head and neck for a good night’s sleep. If you prefer to sleep on your side, make sure the pillow provides firm support; if you like to sleep on your back, opt for a medium-firm pillow; while, for sleeping on your stomach, a soft pillow would be preferable.
As the Argentine Association of Sleep Medicine argues, the resting position is a determining factor when buying a pillow. The thickness and hardness of the product you choose will depend on this, which will result in the desired comfort when sleeping.
Useful tips for taking care of pillows
While it is true that the pillows need to be replaced from time to time, it is also true that before the period suggested by the experts, the object deteriorates. How to extend the life of cushions? The key is in the interview.
It is essential to “dress” the pillows with protective covers and that these are washable. If the cushion manufacturer says so on the label, wash every 4 months in hot water to remove allergens.
Clean stains as soon as they form so that they do not seep through the lining and damage the cushion. Apply these tips and you will see how you will keep your pillows in good condition until their mandatory replacement arrives.
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