When to replace your pillow depends on the quality of your pillow. Pillows tend to accumulate body oils sweats and body fluids like saliva drool. It is essential to clean them or add a protective case to make them hygienic. Pillows tend to have a shorter lifespan, therefore, requiring a replacement often. You should change your pillow on an average of two years.

Besides, pillows tend to absorb dust and bugs over time making your pillow unable to be supportive due to added weight. It can also cause allergies for those with allergic reactions. Your pillow will eventually wear out at some point. The bottom line is, the durability of your mattress depends on how much you take care of it.

How to take care of your pillow.

Cleaning

When cleaning your pillow always check the label to get the cleaning instructions. Cleaning instructions vary depending on the materials used to make your pillow. Some pillows are not washable, and you will need to dry clean or spot clean them.

A pillow that is washable should be cleaned every six months. Use a hot water setting and a very mild detergent. Do not stuff too many pillows in the washer. Clean an average of two to three at a time. Rinse your pillow without a soap.

When your pillow is not washable, it should be air dried with a low heat setting until it is thoroughly dry. Feather pillows with shredded fillers should be fluffed daily to maintain shape.

Pillow toppers

In addition to your pillowcase always use a pillow topper. It will protect your pillow from body or hair oil, saliva drool and even dust. My pillow mattress has some great pillow topper collection that is worth looking at.

Here are the signs that you need to replace your pillow.

You have changed sleeping positions

When you are buying a pillow, you should consider your sleeping position. A back sleeper just needs a pillow to support their necks while a side sleeper will get the one that promotes their heads keeping it from tilting.

When you switch your position per your pillow, you need to get a new one. Lying flat to avoid back pain or turning from a back sleeper to avoid snoring are common signs. You change positions or toss around because your pillow does not give you the necessary support any longer.

You wake up with pains.

A pillow is supposed to give you enough comfort through the night. Enough support means adequate sleep. When a pillow loses its shape, it fails to support you giving you inadequate sleep.

You end up spending a night of tossing and turning with a twisted spine. You are likely to wake up with a back, neck and shoulder pain. You can also have a severe headache which will go away during the day. You are likely to have a gloomy and inactive day.

You wake up sneezing.

Pillows usually are breeding grounds for allergens like dust and mold. Your face tends to lie too close to the pillow, and you absorb these irritants. When you have an allergic reaction to dust, they tend to irritate you making you sneeze especially when you sleep on it.

If you tend to sneeze in the morning and it goes away after some time more so when you get off your bed your pillow is no longer suitable for you, you should replace it.

You have used it for more than two years.

Pillow life is not as long as other bedroom items. Some pillows can last up to 4 years while the majority serves you for only two 2 years.

Latex pillows last for 3-4 years, Buckwheat pillows takes 3 years to sag while Feather pillows stay fit for 18-36 months. Memory foam takes 18 to 36 months, Down pillows take two years and synthetic pillows should be replaced in 18 to 24 months with polyester pillows losing support in 6 to 24 months.

After the recommended time, your pillow will not be supportive enough and should be replaced immediately to avoid adverse effects on your health and sleep in general.

There are noticeable lumps in the foam or filler materials.

When placing your pillows on your bed, you might notice small creases that won’t go away when you try to straighten them up. Your pillow must have lost its firmness as a result of usage. It will not give you the comfort you desire.

To avoid lack of sleep, back pains or headaches it is advisable to replace it.

When the shoe test fails.

A shoe test is an effective way to test your pillow for effectiveness. It involves folding your pillow into two halves. Take a shoe, preferably a clean one to avoid soiling your pillow and place it on the top. If it falls off, your pillow is firm enough. If it does your pillow is flat and overly soft. You should get a new pillow.

The stains won’t come off.

Washing your pillow doesn’t have to be difficult. The stains should come off effortlessly. When you remove your pillow and notice the yellowing spots that do not come off easily, you should buy a new one. Bleaching can help you, but you shouldn’t have to go to that extent. Stains form as a result of sweat, oils or spillage.

You regularly fluff your pillow to get comfortable

Feather pillows are filled with a classic feather. They are useful because you can fold them to fit your perfect sleeping position or to support particular areas. They are favorable for all kind of sleepers. They are very soft and tend to lose their firmness every now and then requiring you to fill them. If you find yourself have to fill them all the time, you should consider getting a replacement.

Conclusion.

Like your mattresses and beddings, pillows too are essential for good sleep. Taking care of your pillow will make them last longer. However, a time will come when you will have to replace. These signs are indicators to when you might need to replace your pillows.