You use your pillow about 7 to 8 hours every night. No wonder you are very attached to it. But how often should you replace a pillow? And how can you tell if your pillow is still good to use? In this blog, we explain everything.
When should you replace your pillow?
The average lifespan of a pillow is between 2 and 3 years. After this time, you should replace your pillow. Many people don’t know that a pillow only has such a relatively short lifespan. This is mainly due to the simple fact that you use it very intensively every night.
From a hygiene standpoint, it is also good to change your pillow regularly. You sweat, breathe and lose saliva. And also your hair contains all kinds of products such as hair gel, dust and so on. Did you know that after just one week there are more bacteria in your pillowcase than on an average toilet seat? Really! Read about it in this article.
A timely replacement of your pillow is also important for ergonomic reasons. This way you maintain proper support for your head, neck and shoulders. If you experience neck pain after sleeping, a new pillow may offer a solution.
How do you know if a pillow is still good?
Maybe you don’t remember when you bought your pillow. Or you have a pillow that you think will last a while longer. So how can you check if this pillow is still good?
There are a number of indicators by which you can tell if your pillow is still good. Check the items below to see if your pillow needs replacement:
- Are there many spots or a yellow rash?
- Do you need to shake up the pillow often?
- Is the pillow floppy? Put it on your hand for a moment, does it fall down? Then the support is gone!
- Do you wake up with neck or back pain?
Doubting whether your pillow is still good? And do you often wake up with a sore neck or aching back? Then it’s not a bad idea to replace your pillow with a new one. If your pillow is worn out, the ergonomic support to your neck and head disappears. As a result, you may suffer from your neck or back pain more quickly.
Why buy a new pillow?
Replacing a pillow has a number of benefits that will help you sleep better. A new pillow can also prevent health problems. Here are some reasons to replace your pillow:
- Hygiene: After 2-3 years of intensive use, your pillow consists of about 15% dead skin cells. Also, oil from the skin and other dirt often cause your pillow to need replacement after 2-3 years. Especially if you don’t use a pillow protector.
- Support: Your pillow should provide proper support. After years of use, it will “sag” a bit, giving your head, neck and neck inadequate support.
- Neck pain: To prevent neck and back pain, replace your pillow on time. A worn-out pillow does not support enough, which can cause pain.
How long can you sleep on a pillow?
Of course, how long you can sleep on your pillow also depends on the material and quality. Do you have a pillow of moderate quality? Then you may have to replace it rather than one of excellent quality. And if you really perspire a lot, then your pillow may also need replacing sooner.
Use a pillow protector, then your pillow is less likely to yellow anyway and often it lasts longer. You’re going to wash out the protector often, extending its life.
How do you choose a pillow?
Most people reading this article will think they desperately need to replace their pillow! Don’t panic, in this comprehensive blog we will help you choose a pillow: How to choose the best pillow? We would like to give you some useful tips in advance:
- Choose a pillow that suits your sleeping position.
- Choose more support if you have a higher body weight.
- Make sure your neck and spine are in a straight line in side-lying position.
- Choose the right material, such as a hypoallergenic pillow if you are allergic.
Conclusion
On average, it is best to replace your pillow after 2 to 3 years. A timely replacement of your pillow is good for hygiene and support. You sleep on your pillow every night, so it is an important part of good sleep. When replacing your pillow, it is wise to do proper research. In other words, if you can, test your new pillow in the bed store beforehand and ask for enough information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kan een kussen verslijten?
Yes indeed, your pillow loses support over time and also gets dirty. Therefore, it is a good idea to replace your pillow after 2-3 years.
Waarom wordt mijn kussen geel?
Your pillow can turn yellow because of sweat and oil from your skin or hair while you sleep, among other things. If your pillow looks yellow, it’s time to replace it.
Hoe vaak was je een kussen?
If you may wash it, it is best to do so after each season. This is how you keep your pillow clean, which helps you sleep better! Use a pillow protector that you wash weekly.