

6 signs you need a new pillow

Posted by lorrainelea on Jul 15, '15

Be honest... how long has it been since you replaced your pillows?

Considering they are the thing you lay your head on and breathe next to for hours every night, you want them to be the cleanest and healthiest they can possibly be, right?

We spend almost a third of our lives in bed, and that means wear and tear for your head-rest, as well as an accumulation of dead skin, dirt, oil and dust mites. Holding on to an old but beloved pillow can even lead to skin irritations and aggravate asthma and allergies.

The filling inside your pillow will naturally break down over time, so it's best to replace them regularly (too frequently is better than not frequently enough!). If you're not sure exactly how long you've had your current pillow for, here are some quick ways to tell if you're due for an update:

  1. Fold it in half. If you have a non-foam pillow (ie: Latex, tri pillow, body pillow or Microfibre) try folding it in half. If the pillow doesn't spring back to its usual flat form, it's time to buy a new one.
  2. Feel for lumps and bumps. This is a sure sign the material your pillow is made up of is starting to decay. Not only does this make the pillow less comfortable, but it also means you're no longer getting the proper head support. Our suggestion? Make a clean break (excuse the pun) and invest in a new one.
  3. Take the pillowcase off. Strip the pillow of its pillowcase and protector to get a good look at its colour. If it is marred by yellow sweat stains and you feel a little repulsed by its appearance, then it's time to purchase a new pillow.
  4. Check the tag. Did you know some pillows have an expiry date? Some polyester pillows  will have the manufacturer's suggested used by date marked on the tag. This will give you an indication of when to replace it, but make sure you take other factors into consideration, like frequency of use, if the user is prone to tossing and turning and if a pillow protector is used to extend the life of the pillow.
  5. Consider the type. Depending on what your pillow is made of, it will have a recommended lifespan. A polyester pillow will require replacing every six months to two years, but if you invest in a good quality Memory Foam pillow, or something with a bit more structural integrity, it will last anywhere from 5 to 7 years (sometimes even longer if you take the proper steps to protect it). Latex pillows in particular have a great lifespan and, because they are fully hand washable, can last up to 10 years in some cases without needing to be replaced.
  6. Keep it regular. If you can't remember the last time you replaced your pillow, chances are it has been too long. Over time, pillows contain a build-up of body oils, dead skin and dust mites (ewww!) so to keep things fresh and healthy, it's best to get rid of the old and bring in the new.

You can protect your favourite pillows by encasing them in a pillow protector. Lorraine Lea offers a range of stain resistant, and Coral Fleece Pillow Protectors to help extend the life of your pillow. Most pillows will also be able to be hand washed and tumble dried to revive them when they start to get a little bit flat.

Think it's time to replace your pillows? There's no time like the present!
With 10 types of pillows to choose from, there is sure to be something for every kind of sleeper and every member of the family. See our pillow range.

Topics: advice, bed, bedding, bedroom, FYI, healthy, healthy bedroom, healthy home, lifehack, pillows, tricks, pillow, pillow protector, replace, tips, update

Our Blog Is Your Style Guide & Success Manual


Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts