If you think there’s a standard answer to the question, “How often should I replace my pillow?” you’re wrong. Some experts say you should replace your bed pillows every three years, while others recommend getting new pillows every six months or every year.
Without a generally accepted answer to the question, how can you know when you should replace your pillow? As a rule of thumb, remember this – if you think it’s time to get new bed pillows, it probably is.
Reasons to Purchase New Bed Pillows
While the timeline for getting new pillows may be up for debate, there are certain steadfast reasons that you should buy new pillows for your bed. Here are a few of the reasons you may want to consider purchasing new bed pillows sooner rather than later:
Your Pillows Are Causing You to Breakout
If your face is breaking out for no discernable reason, your bed pillows might be to blame. When you think about it, your pillow collects plenty of dirt, oil and dead skin cells. When you put your face on a dirty pillow, it can cause acne. If your pillow is causing you to breakout even after you wash it, it may be time to replace it.
Dust Mites Have Moved In
No one likes to think about bugs being in their bed, but they’re often there. They’re just too tiny to see in many cases. Dust mites are related to spiders and they feast on the things your pillows collect, such as oils and dead skin cells. Dust mites are widely considered the most common cause of allergies and asthma that last all year. If you’ve been sniffling non-stop for months and can’t figure out why dust mites may have taken up residence in your bed pillows.
You Haven’t Cared for Your Pillows Properly
If you’ve failed to care for your current pillows properly for an extended period of time, it’s probably time to get new ones. When you do get new ones, read their care instructions and follow them to make your new pillows last. As a general rule, you should plan to wash synthetic pillows in your washer while having down pillows dry-cleaned on a regular basis.
Your Pillow No Longer Provides Support
A bed pillow is supposed to provide support for your head and neck while you snooze. As you use and wash your pillow, its filling breaks down over time, which can affect the pillow’s ability to provide support. To see if your pillow is still able to support you, fold it in half and then let go. If your pillow doesn’t unfold on its own, you need to get a new one.
Ask Ben’s
As a leading discount mattress and furniture retailer, people ask us questions all the time. While we’re sometimes asked about the timeline for replacing a bed pillow, we’re asked certain questions even more often. Look through our list of frequently asked questions now. If you have a question that’s not included in our list, contact Ben’s so we can respond to your inquiry directly. We look forward to helping you with your mattress, mattress accessory, and furniture needs soon.