Your pillow can make a big difference to your sleep. It’s the thing that is closest to your face and whatever sits on or in your pillow is what you breath in through the night. It also supports your head and neck, which can mean the difference between a well-supported and relaxed neck or one that is tense and not aligned well.
Our pillow is something we use every night. Just like the rest of our bedding, our pillow is put through some rough treatment each night and needs a bit of tender care to make sure that it’s serving us in the right way. Over time, our pillows will become worn and interfere with healthy sleep. So, if you’re wondering ‘how often should I change my pillow?’ As a rule of thumb, conventional pillows should be replaced every one to two years. This will vary depending on the individual and the type of pillow.
How Often Should I Change My Pillow – Key Reasons Why
- The pillow is dirty and unhygienic
While we sleep, we lose dead skin cells and perspire. Over time, these penetrate through the pillowcase and into the pillow. The older and dirtier the pillow is, the more it can interfere with healthy sleep. Dust mites can trigger allergies and cause nasal congestion. Skin problems, such as acne, can also be the result of a dirty pillow. At night, dandruff, remnants of skincare products, and perspiration can contaminate the pillow and subsequently trigger inflammation of the skin.
But don’t worry: regularly washing your pillow case will help to remove the materials that have accumulated through the night. You should do this at least every two weeks, or once a week if you live in a warmer climate or are prone to perspire. By washing your pillowcase at 60 degrees Celsius, you’ll ensure that any bacteria are killed, and your pillowcase is hygienic.
Some pillows are completely machine washable, some you’re able to wash the outer cover, while others aren’t washable at all. Pillows that can be washed at 60 degrees Celcius can be kept hygienic for longer.
Signs that your pillow is no longer hygienic:
- Odours that persist even after washing
- Allergy symptoms, such as a stuffy nose in the morning
- Acne and impure skin
- The pillow has lost its shape
You may notice that your favourite pillow has lost its original shape. The older our pillows get, the more they tend to lose their shape. If you sleep on a low-quality pillow, or crumple your pillow together during sleep, this problem can occur quite quickly.
Signs that your pillow is no longer supportive:
- Over time, a pillow loses its original shape. This can disrupt the alignment of the spine and lead to neck pain and tension.
- If the inner workings of your pillow have formed lumps or bumps, you should replace it. Lumps and bumps interfere with the necessary support your head and neck needs.
- The pillow is just not comfortable anymore
Your pillow’s main task is to provide comfort and support for your head. Regardless how old your current pillow is, if it no longer promotes and supports your sleep quality, you should buy a new one.
Need a new pillow? Wenatex is guaranteed to have the right one for you!
Our pillows are designed to remain hygienic for many years and provide the support needed for healthy sleep. Wenatex offers two different types of pillows:
- The wenaCel sensitive Orthopaedic Pillow can be adjusted to suit you and the entire pillow can be machine washed at 60 degrees Celcius.
- The wenaCel® sensitive Ergonomic Pillow offers ergonomic support for your neck with the Sanitized hygiene function ensuring a hygienic environment.
Our sleep consultants will be happy to help and assist you in making the right choice for your personal needs.
Interested to learn more about ‘how often should I change my pillow?’ or how you can improve your sleep? Get in touch with the Wenatex orthopaedic beds team on 1300 858 139 or email us at enquiries@wenatex.com.au today!
Updated: 28/06/2023
