Experts Named 7 Signs of a Pillow That Destroys Sleep and Health 0 11

Many have heard that bed linens should be changed once a week. However, blankets and pillows should not last for decades either: they have expiration dates, after which it is better to throw them away.

How Often Should You Change Your Pillow

As Irina Lyulina, acting dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the State University of Education, told "Doctor Peter," the lifespan of pillows primarily depends on the filling material: what is inside it — down, synthetic, latex, foam?

Other factors that affect the lifespan of a pillow include:

• care for the product and cleaning — how often you air it out and wash it;

• frequency of use;

• quality of manufacturing;

• individual characteristics of the user — for example, tendency to sweat or allergies.

Orthopedic, Down, or Buckwheat: The Doctor Named the Main Rule When Choosing a Pillow

According to Irina Lyulina, an old pillow should be replaced with a new one approximately every 1.5–2 years.

"Some types of pillows, such as those made of down and feathers, can last up to 3 years with proper care. This includes washing with treatment of down and feathers followed by drying annually. Orthopedic pillows can last 2-3 years — depending on quality and usage," adds Irina Lyulina.

Neurologist Artem Myachin from the Gatchina Clinical Interdistrict Hospital confirms: the lifespan of a pillow primarily depends on its filling. According to the specialist, pillows:

• with hollowfiber or synthetic filling last up to 3-4 years;

• with down, feathers, or buckwheat — up to 2-3 years;

• orthopedic pillows with polyurethane or latex filling — up to 5-10 years.

It is important to get rid of old pillows in a timely manner: they accumulate dust, skin cells, bacteria, fungi, and dust mites. All of this can cause allergies and worsen sleep quality. Additionally, over time, a pillow loses its shape, which can also affect your health.

"A pillow is a bedding item designed to support the head of a person lying down during sleep. Accordingly, an old pillow disrupts its supportive function, which can lead to a prolonged non-physiological position of the head in space, overstrain of the neck and shoulder muscles, which can manifest as headaches, neck pain, insomnia, irritability," explains neurologist Artem Myachin.

How to Tell When It’s Time to Change Your Pillow

First of all, this can be understood by the expiration of its lifespan. If you bought your pillow more than five years ago, it is unlikely to be serving you well anymore. Therefore, it is a good idea to assess its condition and consider purchasing a new one soon.

Experts also advise paying attention to the following signs that indicate your pillow likely needs to be thrown away, even if its lifespan has not yet expired. Check if your pillow has any of these signs.

• Small lumps, bumps, or indentations have appeared inside.

• It has become too hard or too soft.

• The pillow has developed an unpleasant odor that does not go away after washing.

• You toss and turn for a long time before falling asleep or suffer from insomnia.

• You experience neck and head pain after sleeping because the pillow has lost its shape.

• You have or experience worsening allergic reactions in the morning after contact with such a product: sneezing, itching, tearing.

• The pillow has simply become uncomfortable.

"It is important to remember that a pillow is the foundation of quality, healthy sleep, and saving on it can negatively affect your condition and health," concluded Artem Myachin.