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Pillow Talk: How Often Should You Change Your Pillows?

by Mitchell Chitiz

Is Your Pillow Sagging? It May Be Time to Change It 


Remember how fluffy and plump your pillow was when you first bought it? How when you first laid your head on it, you felt like you were being hugged by a cloud? If it has been a few years since this memory, then it might be time to replace your pillows. 

Replacing pillows is a necessity when it comes to keeping our bedding essentials in tip-top shape. Not only because an old pillow can be gross (just think of those drool stains) but after a while, they can lose their structure too. Their once loved fluffiness can start to resemble a deflated and sad pancake. 

When this happens, it not only affects your sleep quality, but it can also negatively impact your posture and cause neck and back pain

 

Why It’s Important to Replace Your Pillows


With every use, your pillows collect and absorb sweat, skin, hair, and body oils that we shed during our sleep. Overtime, not only will the build-up of these particles cause your pillow to start to smell but it also provides the perfect environment for dust mites to breed. 

Dust mites are tiny little creatures that grow in your pillow if they are not maintained, cleaned or replaced regularly. These creatures add weight to your pillow and cause it to lose its stability, which impairs its ability to stay supportive in the long run. Additionally, for people with allergies, dust mites can make your symptoms worse and prevent you from getting the night of restful sleep you deserve. 

While regular washing will help to an extent, it won’t prevent your pillow from outliving its lifespan. If you are noticing that your pillow has more lumps than usual, needs to be constantly re-fluffed, and is giving you headaches and other bodily aches, then sadly, it is time to say goodbye. 

 

Lifespan of Pillows by Pillow Type


Are you now asking yourself the question: How often should I replace my pillows? If so, that’s exactly what we want to help you with! When it comes down to it, the longevity and durability of your preferred pillow will ultimately depend not only on how you maintain it, but also on what the pillow is filled with.

While many will recommend replacing this bedding essential every 1 to 2 years, knowing the material that your pillow is constructed of will provide you with a better idea of when you should be looking for a replacement. 


  • Latex - Latex is a substance that is sourced from the sap of rubber tree plants. As a material used in pillow filling, its expected life expectancy is between 3 to 4 years.
  • Feather - Feather is a popular filling for pillows. It’s soft and comfortable, and the firmness of the quills add to its durability. A feather pillow can last anywhere from 1.5 to 3 years. 
  • Memory Foam - Memory foam is commonly used in both pillows and mattresses. While its durability is on par with latex, its lifespan is about 1 to 3 years in pillows. 
  • Down - Down refers to the interior soft plumage that is found beneath the outer feathers of ducks and geese. When used as a pillow filling, it offers incredible comfort and softness. Depending on the pillow you choose, it could be made solely from Down or a combination of Down and feather. Here at Westex, our Down and feather pillows are guaranteed to last upwards of 5 years. 
  • Down-Alternative - Down-Alternative pillow options such as bamboo, silk or recycled microgel are sustainable, durable, and environmentally-friendly. By purchasing a Down-alternative pillow, its expected lifespan can be up to 2 years depending on the material used. 
  • Keeping Your Pillows Fresh: How to Maintain Them 


    Now that you have changed your pillows and replaced them with brand new ones, the next thing on this article’s agenda is to make sure that you are maintaining them correctly. 

    Believe it or not, but just putting a pillowcase on and washing it regularly isn’t going to cut it. To keep your pillow fresh on a continual basis, you need to protect it properly. Learning how to clean your pillows correctly is just one part of the process. Aim to fluff your pillows on a daily basis and wash at least every six months. This will keep those nasty dust mites from becoming a problem. 

    Additionally, you can give your pillows added protection by investing in a pillow protector. These help to reduce general wear and tear while also acting as a guard against moisture and stains. Our extensive range of Down-Alternative pillow protectors are designed to keep your pillows fresh and clean for longer.