The obvious answer to this question ”Do pillows expire?” is Yes! Pillow does expire, though they don’t often have a label that showcases an expiry date, they certainly don’t last forever.
Different pillows are made up of different materials, which also determines the lifespan of the pillow. For instance, synthetic pillows tend to keep their original shape, but may also not provide adequate support as they compress over time while Down and feather pillows tend to hold their shape best, but can make a mess when they lose their loft and the feathers poke through the cover.
In this article, we provide a detailed answer to the question— do pillows expire? We also give you some tips that will help make your pillow last for the best possible time while still providing great support for your head and shoulder.
Do pillows expire
There’s no specific time frame for when your pillow reaches its expiration date — However, you will know it is time for a new one when your pillow sets start to lose their ability to keep your head and shoulder supported when you sleep.
How long can you keep a pillow?
If you’re a side sleeper or someone who sleeps with your stomach down, your pillow is probably the first thing people notice when they visit your bedroom.
Most experts recommend replacing your pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you’re using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of dust mites. It is also important to care for the pillows you use, as this will ensure their longevity.
Tips that will make your pillow last longer
Pillows won’t last a lifetime, but if you take care of them properly they will stay awhile. Although, there are no single rules for pillow maintenance,, there are some things you can do to make your pillow lasts as long as possible.
Here are three simple steps:
- Wash your pillows every 3–6 months on the hot water setting.
- Use mild liquid detergent; avoid fabric softeners.
- Run them through a second time on the rinse cycle without detergent.
- Air them out once a week to expose them to fresh air and sunlight — this helps to kill germs and reduce odors.
- Keep them in pillowcases and pillow protectors
Alway check the label on your pillow to see if there are any specific manufacturer guidelines before adopting the steps above.
How do you know if your pillow is bad?
Pillows are useful for supporting your neck and head. However, most experts recommend that you throw out your pillows every 1 to 2 years.
However, if you aren’t sure whether you should replace your pillows, these few signs can help you figure out whether your pillow is bad and need to be replaced.
Do you feel uncomfortable when sitting or lying on your pillow? If yes, you probably should consider replacing your pillow.
Does your pillow have the ability to keep your neck supported or has lost its loft? If not, then it is time to replace it.
The next sign of a bad pillow is when it has an unpleasant odor, which is often caused by dust mites living in the pillow.
With that being said, it is essential to keep your pillows free from allergens like dust mites. In order to stay healthy, one must remove the old pillows and get fresh ones as soon as possible after noticing the symptoms mentioned above.
Are old pillows safe?
Old pillows evolve over time. In fact, most of them look worn after six months of average use. But the pillow itself may still be safe for sleeping — for some people, at least.
If you wear glasses, throw your old pillows away. That’s because eyelet fabrics can easily transfer small fibers and cause an eye infection.
Also, if you have kids or pets in your home, look out! Caring for a pillow can be tricky–especially if it features down or feather fillings that became dust-mite magnets or mold-friendly environments over time.
What happens if you don’t replace your pillows?
If you don’t replace your pillows, they will lose their loft over time – especially if you don’t wash them regularly, says Ann Romaker, MD. “They offer less neck support, which can lead to neck, shoulder, and upper back pain.”
Can an old pillow make you sick?
If you haven’t gotten around to getting a new pillow, then you haven’t been warned of the incredible dangers that your old pillows pose to your health. And here’s how they can make you very sick — old pillows can quickly become hotbeds for germs, dust mites, and mold.
Should new pillows be washed before use?
Washing new pillows before you use them is one of the best things you can do to prevent future mold growth. If you buy your pillows from a store, chances are they aren’t clean when you take them home. Laundering the pillows after purchase is the easiest way to clean them.
What happens if you never wash a pillow?
While your pillowcase may look clean at first glance, it’s actually a bad habit. Not washing your pillowcase regularly will result in a build-up of many things including oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, thereby becoming a breeding home for dust mites.
Final thoughts!
While pillows often don’t have a label that says they expire, they obviously have expiry dates — although this varies depending on the pillow material.
If you are the kind of person who enjoy using the same pillows for 20 years and does sleep in a perfect position with no health problems, you likely can continue using your old pillows for a lifetime. But if you are not such a person, then it is time to replace that old pillow.
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