A good quality duvet and pillows are essential for sleeping soundly, but experts believe that we aren't replacing them as often as we should.
They can be an expensive purchase to make, especially due to the current cost of living crisis.
However, people have been warned that by not replacing them regularly enough, it can lead to problems with our sleep and even our health.
So, here's exactly how often you should be repurchasing your duvets and pillows so that you're always getting the best night sleep possible.
How often to replace your pillows
Pillows can lose their elasticity over time, becoming flat and worn away by dust mites.
Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director at Woolroom, said: "Generally, you will be able to tell when it’s time to replace your pillow, however I always recommend replacing them every one to two years.
"They get worn out surprisingly quickly, as on average, the pillow does its job for 2,500 hours a year (around 100 days)."
He says certain types of pillows last longer than others, due to the materials used in production. For instance, antimicrobial textiles like linen, wool, and hemp offer natural defence against bacteria, mildew, mould, and other microbes.
Fabio Perrotta, director of buying at Dreams, agreed: "To get the most out of your pillows, it’s advised to replace them at least once every two years.
"This is because over time there will be a build‐up of dust mites and the pillow is most likely to have lost a lot of its elasticity, meaning it won’t provide adequate support."
How often to replace your duvet
Fabio advises that you should be buying a new duvet every two to five years.
There are ways to try and extend the length of a duvet’s life – such as using a protector, which can be washed to protect from stains and dust mites.
But Chris thinks that replacing them every five years should do the trick: "Like pillows, if they are filled with more natural fibres, they needn’t require replacing so often, eg. wool is self-cleaning. Moreover, having a washable duvet or pillow will save the need for regular replacing."
How to know when it's time for a change
There are several ways to tell it’s time for a new pillow, suggested Chris: "The obvious traits include it starting to smell, turning yellow and stains on the pillow – this will be from sweat.
"Alternatively, your pillow may begin to cause you discomfort with neck or shoulder aches, leading to headaches."
You can simply fold your pillow in half if you think you need a new one - and if it doesn't spring back then it's time to replace.
When it comes to duvets, you should think about purchasing another one if yours has become limp and thin.
Chris added: "Similarly, the filling being unevenly spread – which will happen naturally or after a few too many washes – or leaking out indicates it’s time for a refresh."
Why you should replace your duvet and pillows
Over the years, the time we spend in bed can lead to damage in the bedding.
Chris said: "Every night our bodies shed hair, dead skin, and body oil that your bedding absorbs, and these combined with natural perspiration create the perfect environment for dust mites."
He says this could impact those with asthma, and could lead to irritated eyes, a runny nose and disrupted sleep.
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