A sleep expert revealed that pillows should be replaced once a year and washed every three months to avoid health issues, reported The Daily Mail.
If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep at night or wake up feeling groggy, with a sore throat or bad neck, it might be time to replace your pillow.
According to experts, pillows should be replaced every one to two years, or they can sag and fill with dust mites causing a myriad of health issues.
Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay told FEMAIL: “It's recommended that you change your pillows every one or two years, but it really depends on a number of factors, such as the type of pillow and your sleeping position.”
There is, however, a test you can do to see if it needs to be replaced. Simply fold your pillow in half and squeeze out the air. Let the pillow go and if it unfolds back to its original shape, then it has enough filling to support your back and head.
“If it doesn't spring back, then it lost its support and needs to be replaced,” Martin explained. “Common signs that your pillow needs to be replaced include taking you a while to fall asleep at night as your pillow feels uncomfortable, or that your head and shoulders are no longer supported,” he added.
“Pillows need replacement to ensure you're using something clean, supportive, and free from allergens,” said Barbara Santini, psychologist, sex and relationship adviser at dimepiecela.com.
“It also helps increase their longevity. While I recommend changing your pillow after one or two years, it does not always have to wait that long,” she noted. Different factors determine how often a pillow can be replaced. For example, if you wake up with a sore neck, it could signal that your pillow is not granting the required support.
