How often have you woken up with a stiff neck in the past few weeks? Chances are that the majority of us will answer at least once or twice. Usually, this is a good indicator that your pillow may not be up to supporting your property anymore. Aside from the discomfort you could potentially receive from an old pillow, there are also possible skin and breathing concerns that could arise. That is why we felt it important to discuss when it is an appropriate time to replace your pillow or pillows.

Replacing a Pillow

Many times, people will wait entirely too long before replacing their pillows. Either they don’t realize the pillow is causing their issues, or they don’t believe it. Either way, sleep is the cornerstone of any proper day, just like food. Would you settle for rotted food? I doubt it. Your pillow should be no different. In light of this, replacing your pillows generally every 6 months is important.

Health Reasons to Replace a Pillow

One of the biggest reasons you want to replace your pillow is when it is no longer comfortable for an entire night’s sleep. However, there are health reasons that you should also be paying attention to. While we sleep, our bodies use the opportunity to shed skin and hair and secrete oils. All of this ends up on your pillow, and each week is just another layer of waste on and off your pillow. Eventually, this could lead to odors that you will find unpleasant.

Regular Pillows Versus Memory Foam Pillows

Regarding comfort, if you are using a standard pillow from the store, replacing it every six months or when you notice discomfort or issues is a good idea. However, if you have a memory foam or a pillow with more structural integrity, you can get by without changing your pillow for nearly 2 years or more. That’s not to say that every pillow will last that long. There are still hair and skin particles as well as oil, so to ensure the longevity of your pillow, it is important to keep your pillowcases clean and checked.

Prolonged Life

Some people say that if you clean your pillow at least every three weeks, you can get a long life out of it. This will help wash away all the skin and hair debris and oils you leave on your pillow while you sleep. However, cleaning your pillow can also cause issues with the inside stuffing or break seams. So ensure you follow proper instructions when using your washing machine.

Do you have a pillow horror story? We would love to hear it! Join us on Facebook today. For more tips on renting and home help, check out the Buckeye Northwest Realty tenant’s blog.