How often should you change your pillow? Muscle aches and skin allergies may be related to your pillow! 4 signs that indicate you need to change your pillow!

Pillows are a necessity in our homes, but they need to be replaced after a period of use. But how often should you replace your pillow? Many people are interested in this question, but seem unable to find a definitive answer. Indeed, if you ask different people, some will say every few months or even every six months, while others may only replace it every 3-4 years, or even longer. How long have you used your own pillow? When should you replace it? The following article should help you.

How often should you change your pillow? Four signs that indicate you need to change your pillow!

Symptom 1: Yellowing of the pillow surface

First, the first sign that you need to replace your pillow is yellowing of the surface. Pillows are in contact with our bodies for an average of 6-8 hours a day. Even with a pillowcase, the body sweats and secretes naturally during sleep, and as a textile, the pillow's surface can become dirty, yellowed, and stained over time. These stains are not only unsightly but also pose hygiene problems and may even cause allergic reactions in some people. Frequent washing and changing pillowcases can help keep the fabric in direct contact with the skin clean, but this is only a temporary solution. If the pillow surface is yellowed and the pillow cannot be washed or remains stained after washing, then it's time to replace it.

Symptom (2): The pillow has lost its support (feeling back pain when getting up).

Another sign that your pillow needs replacing is when it loses its support and fails to properly support your neck and head, causing discomfort upon waking, such as lower back pain or neck and shoulder pain. This is also one of the signs that your pillow needs to be replaced. Pillows are, to some extent, consumables and are unlikely to remain unchanged for long periods. Generally, the support will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, in the initial stages of wear and tear, the pillow should still be usable comfortably, but later on, when the pillow's support is truly insufficient, it needs to be replaced.

If the pillow you're using is a filled pillow, meaning it's like a bag containing the filling material, you can try shaking and patting it to loosen the filling, as the material can move freely. This will soften the compacted filling and also move the less compressed filling from the sides to the center, extending the pillow's lifespan. Depending on the materials used, filled pillows can sometimes be dried entirely in a dryer. If possible, this will also dry the moisture inside, further extending the pillow's lifespan. If the pillow is pre-made and has a fixed shape, such as a latex or memory foam pillow, these methods won't work.

Symptom (3): The pillow filling becomes clumpy or uneven.

Another sign that your pillow needs replacing is clumping in the filling or an uneven surface. Hong Kong's humid climate, especially during spring and summer, exacerbates this problem. With humidity affecting most of the year, pillows can become deformed, clumpy, or uneven due to prolonged dampness and the pressure from the user. If this happens, it's time to replace your pillow. If you're using a filled pillow that can be dried in a dryer, you can also try the dryer tips mentioned in point two above to remove moisture from the pillow before deciding to replace it.

Symptom (4): The pillow is deformed and cannot fit snugly against the neck.

The last sign that you need to change your pillow is that it has deformed and can no longer fit snugly against your neck. After prolonged use, a pillow may deform and therefore no longer fit snugly against your neck. This can create a gap between your neck and the pillow during sleep, causing neck and shoulder discomfort and making it feel different than before. At this point, you need to change your pillow.

Why change your pillow?

If you notice any of the four symptoms mentioned above, it's time to consider replacing your pillow. If the pillow is deformed or has lost its support, leaving your neck unsupported while sleeping, it keeps your muscles tense and unable to relax, leading to muscle soreness the next day. In more severe cases, it can cause you to toss and turn at night, affecting sleep quality. If the pillow is yellowed or has mold spots, it may also trigger skin allergies since it's in direct contact with your skin every night.

Proper pillow maintenance extends pillow life.

Pillow Care Tips (Part 1): Keep your pillow dry and avoid absorbing moisture.

If your pillow is still in good condition and none of the above points apply, then you can refer to these pillow care tips to extend its lifespan. First, like clothing, keeping a pillow dry and preventing it from absorbing moisture will make it more durable. This is because the inner materials of pillows are often affected by moisture and can deteriorate, becoming either softer or firmer. If your home is humid, poorly ventilated, your bed doesn't get much sunlight, or you are hot and sweaty, the impact will be more severe. Therefore, we recommend placing your pillow in a well-ventilated area daily, and thoroughly drying your hair after washing it before lying on it. This will prevent the pillow from absorbing moisture and extend its lifespan.

Pillow Care Tips (Part 2): Use Pillowcases and Wash Them Regularly

Another way to care for your pillow is to use a pillowcase and wash it regularly. If possible, choose pillowcases made of pure cotton or natural fibers, as these materials are absorbent and sweat-wicking, making them more comfortable and better for your pillow. Washing your pillowcase frequently also reduces the chance of bacterial growth and minimizes the risk of skin irritation.

Pillow Care Tips (Part 3): Wash Your Pillow Regularly

If possible, wash your pillows regularly! Washing your pillows is the most thorough way to extend their lifespan, and the best and most convenient way is to machine wash them completely. However, be aware that not every pillow can be washed completely, and even those that can are washed have different methods. Therefore, it's best to consult the pillow company or read the instructions inside the packaging before washing them using the appropriate method. If your pillow cannot be washed, you can use a mite remover and place it in a well-ventilated area.

Washable pillow recommendation — Re Pillow 2

Looking for a fully washable pillow after learning the above information? Try Re Pillow 2! Made in Hong Kong, Re Pillow 2 pillows use NANOTEX waterproof and stain-resistant fabric, which more effectively prevents stains from penetrating the pillow core compared to regular pillow fabric. It's also easier to clean general stains and can be machine-washed and dryed entirely, making pillow cleaning more convenient. We also offer a one-year refill pack service, allowing you to replace the core and add more filling, making the pillow more durable. The pillow's design allows users to adjust the height to suit their individual needs. You can adjust it to your preferred height after purchase, so you don't have to worry about buying a pillow that's too high or too low. Learn more here: https://repillow.co/learn