Home LivingWellnessSleep7 signs you need to replace your pillow, according to sleep expertIs your pillow past its best? Here are 7 signs you need to watch out for…When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessSleep7 signs you need to replace your pillow, according to sleep expertIs your pillow past its best? Here are 7 signs you need to watch out for…When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Is your pillow past its best? Here are 7 signs you need to watch out for…
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels)
(Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels)
Is your pillow feeling a little lumpy? Maybe it’s starting to smell or give you neck pain? If this is the case for your current pillow, it could be time to replace it.
Having the proper sleep set-up is the catalyst to whether you get a great night’s sleep or you have a restless night, which is why we invest so much into getting thebest mattressandbest duvet. However, something that’s often overlooked is pillows.
With a mattress, we know it’s getting old if the springs are stabbing us in the ribs or the middle is sagging, but pillows are a whole other story. If your pillow isn’t doing its job properly, it can cause serious health issues, so it’s vital that you recognise the signs that it needs replacing, and invest in one of thebest pillowsright away.
To understand when pillows need replacing, we spoke to sleep expert, Karen Yu fromZinus UK. Zinus UK is a furniture brand that makes comfortable mattresses made from natural ingredients, alongside bed frames, sofas, desks and tables.
If you’re thinking about getting a new pillow, here are 7 signs your current one needs replacing.
1. You’re waking up with neck & back pain
One of the first signs is if you’re experiencing a stiff neck or back pain during the night or when you wake up. A pillow’s primary function is to support the head and promote alignment of the neck and spine, so if your pillow isn’t doing its job, you’ll experience aches, pains and knots.
“As pillows age, they begin to break down and provide less support. Improper support can cause neck, back and shoulder problems, and can also cause headaches and migraines,” Karen told us. If these issues go untreated, it can affect you later in life, so if you’re experiencing neck and back pain from your pillow, it’s time for a change.
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2. Your pillows are lumpy & misshapen
A big giveaway that your pillow needs replacing is if it looks out of shape, lumpy or overly flat. While nothing can stay in pristine condition forever, if your pillow looks nothing like when you first got it, it’s time for a change.
Karen told us that if your pillow looks misshapen, “it means the supporting material in your pillow is starting to wear out. Having a lumpy pillow can be uncomfortable for some which can lead to “restlessness and poor sleep.” If your pillow has lots of lumpy sections, these lumps can also press on your head, neck and top of spine uncomfortably, which can cause aches and pains.
(Image credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels)
(Image credit: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels)
3. They need constant fluffing
It’s important to note that feather pillows will be different compared to down, memory foam and other materials. If you’re unsure what pillow material to choose, check out ourdown vs memory foam vs featherscomparison.
4. Fails the fold test
Just like the pillow fluff test, there’s a fold test that can determine whether your pillow is in good condition. For the fold test, take your pillow, fold it in half and hold it like that for 30 seconds. “When you release it, the pillow should return to its normal shape. If it doesn’t spring back, then it’s time for a new one.”
5. They smell
Pillows collect dust, mould, dead skin and other bacteria, so after a while, your pillow will start to smell. “Pillows can trap hair and body oil, and when these build up in combination, this can cause them to smell. This is natural, and most pillows bounce back after a wash, but if the smell persists after multiple washes, it’s time to find a replacement,” says Karen.
Pillows won’t smell as bad as your bedding as you put less of your body on them, but not many people think to clean their pillows, so check outhow to clean a pillowfor cleaning advice.
(Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels)
(Image credit: Kampus Production / Pexels)
6. Allergies are acting up
As we mentioned previously, “most pillow materials attract dust which can get trapped in the material and build-up. This can cause sneezing and be particularly bothersome for people with allergies.”
Other allergies or conditions like asthma and eczema can also be affected, which not only makes your health worse but can impact your sleep quality. So, if you’re experiencing itchiness, eye watering, sneezing, congestion and a runny nose while you sleep, it could be time to replace your pillow.
7. Your pillows are past their expiration date
According to ourhow often should you replace your pillowguide, most pillow types should be replaced every 2-3 years, so if your pillow is 3+ years old, you should consider replacing it. If you’re not sure how old your pillow is, Karen’s advice is to check “its expiration date which can be found on their tag.” While you don’t have to throw out your pillow right away, it’s a good time to evaluate how well your pillow is performing, and if it’s lacking, you can get rid and replace it.
For pillow buying advice, check out ourbest pillowguide for our top picks and shopping tips. For example, we’re big fans of the Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Pillow which holds the number one spot on our list, but we also love thePanda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillowfor memory foam fans or theSoak&Sleep Supremely Soft as Down Pillowwhich is a cruelty-free alternative to feathers.
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