Fact checked by Jonathan Eilenberg, CPE
Jonathan Eilenberg, CPE
Jonathan Eilenberg is a Certified Professional Ergonomist who is a Senior Ergonomics Engineer at Casper with over 6 years of experience in occupational injury prevention.
Life can be hectic. From work to social life and everything in between, your pillow may be the last thing on your mind when responsibilities take over. But your bed pillows are the last thing that cradles your head at night and the first thing that supports you in the morning.
So maybe we should spend a little time thinking about the care of our bed pillows.
When you’re sleeping on the same feather pillow, bamboo pillow, or polyester pillow every night, the filling can break down, lose its comfort, and even harbor harmful debris. Fortunately, we’re here to take the guesswork out of your pillow care.
So how often should you replace your pillows? Ideally, you should replace your pillows every one to two years, but this time frame can vary based on several factors. Below, we’ll break down how often to replace pillows and the reasons why you may need to.
Old pillows can impact your sleep quality more than you might realize. Different pillow types, such as feather pillows, bamboo pillows, memory foam pillows, and polyester down-alternative pillows, each have unique lifespans and maintenance requirements. Regardless of the pillow type, one thing remains consistent: regularly replacing your pillows is key to ensuring better sleep. Over time, pillows accumulate dirt, lose their shape, and become uncomfortable, all of which can lead to a poor night’s rest. By understanding when and why you should replace your pillows, you can improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
While we sleep, the oils and debris from our dead skin cells become embedded in our pillow and bed sheets (and not just the pillowcase—the actual pillow). A chronically dirty pillow can present various dangers, including:
The daily dirt that builds up on your pillow isn’t grounds for replacing it entirely. When it comes to how often you should change your pillows, you might want to start with the pillow case. Best pillow care practice suggests that you wash your pillowcase every one to two weeks (or more if you’re a sweaty sleeper). As for the pillow itself? That should be washed every three months.1
Some pillows—like the Original Casper Pillow—are fully machine-washable. However, other pillows made of different materials may require alternative care. For example, a memory foam pillow can get misshapen in the washing machine, so spot cleaning is recommended for this type of pillow. For more tips on cleaning pillows, you can refer to our guide on how to wash pillows.
While washing your pillows is a hygienic practice, how dirty do pillows have to be to replace them?
It depends on a number of factors including how many pillows you sleep with. You may sleep with two pillows, with only one touching your head and the other underneath, meaning it may be more exposed to potential germs or stains.
With that said, if you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, it may be time to start shopping for a replacement:
The bottom line: If it doesn’t seem fresh (even after a good wash), then it’s time to find your pillow replacement.
As our pillows age, they tend to lose their shape. This goes double if you fold, bend, or squeeze your pillows at night. Over time, you may notice that your favorite pillow doesn’t bounce back to shape like it would when it was a younger pillow.
This problem can occur fairly quickly if you’re sleeping on a lower quality pillow—especially a synthetic pillow. These are just a few of the warning signs to look out for in an old, misshapen pillow:
The bottom line: A pillow should be fluffy, thick, and smooth on the surface. Any lumps, bumps, or lack of support means it’s time for a new pillow.
Over time, pillows can accumulate allergens like dust mites, mold, mildew, and pet dander, leading to health issues such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and skin irritations that disrupt your sleep quality. While regular washing of pillowcases and using pillow protectors can help reduce allergen build-up, they don’t entirely eliminate allergens from the pillow itself. Therefore, it’s important to replace pillows every one to two years to maintain a clean and allergen-free sleeping environment.
If you’re experiencing unexplained allergy symptoms or your pillow is showing signs of wear, it’s time for a replacement. Consider switching to hypoallergenic pillows or those designed to resist allergens, as they may provide relief and contribute to a better night’s sleep.
Your pillow’s purpose is to provide comfort and support as you drift off to dreamland. No matter what the experts say about how long pillows last, if your pillow’s not fulfilling the reason for its existence, it’s time to retire it.
Lack of comfort can stem from a variety of factors. While dirt and lumps are no friend to a good night’s sleep, they’re not the only causes of an uncomfortable pillow. Other reasons you may want to replace your old pillow include:
The bottom line: Comfort is key. No matter where you’re at in your current pillow’s lifespan, replacing it may be necessary if it’s not working for your sleep quality anymore.
To get the most out of your pillows and ensure they provide comfort and support for as long as possible, consider following these practical tips:
Avoid Excessive Moisture: Keep pillows away from excessive moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Use a dehumidifier in humid climates and ensure pillows are completely dry before use or storage.
If you’re in the market for a new pillow, Casper has the replacement you need. We offer our patented comfort and support in three types of pillows:
Whether you’ve got a misshapen, dirty, or simply old pillow on your hands, Casper has the replacement you’ve been dreaming about.
Related Content: What is a Down Pillow?
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