How Often Should You Replace Pillows?

Everyone needs at least one good pillow in their life. A pillow that will help you sleep well at night and avoid any unwanted spine issues or neck pains. To achieve this level of comfort, you need a feather or down pillow that is the perfect balance between soft and firm that you can count on to keep you well-rested and happy every night you go to sleep. 

Once you find that perfect solution for your bed, you may wonder how often you should replace pillows. 

Like any other item you use regularly, you must replace pillows regularly. How often you need to replace them will depend on the durability, quality, material, and how often you use them. 

We're here to walk you through how often to change pillows, so you can keep getting a good night's rest. 

Let's take a closer look at how long pillows last:

Why Pillow Replacement is Important

According to The Sleep Foundation, pillows last only one to two years. That means even the best pillows don't last forever. There are a few reasons you’ll want to replace your pillows regularly.

For starters, pillows lose shape, size, and volume over time, so you may experience neck or back pain when you go to sleep.

Old pillows are also a breeding ground for dirt, grime, and bacteria. If you aren't washing them regularly with the rest of your bedding, it could impact your immune system or lead to skin irritation, illness, or infections.

Lastly, when you have pillows for a few years, they don't look as great as they once did. They may smell bad, have discoloration, or stop complimenting your bedding like they once did. 

Signs You Need to Replace Your Pillows 

If your pillows are worn down, dirty, or old - you should be able to notice just by looking at them. 

Here are some of the warning signs to look out for:

  • Your pillows are lumpy and don’t have the same shape they once did 
  • The pillow covers are stained or discolored 
  • You’re waking up with pain in your neck or back
  • Your skin is itchy, red, or irritated. 

How to Take Care of Your Pillows

The best way to increase the longevity of your pillows is to learn how to take care of your pillows properly. Here are some tips for cleaning your feather and down pillows:

Fluff Your Pillows Regularly 

Feather and down pillows need fluffing regularly to maintain their shape. If your pillows are flat, compressed, or last fluffed a while ago, you may experience discomfort while sleeping. If you're having trouble fluffing your pillows, pop them into the dryer with a tennis ball for 5-10 minutes to help restore the shape. 

Machine Wash Pillows and Pillow Covers

Yes, you need to throw your pillows in the washer, too! Pillows should be washed at least once every six months to help you avoid bacteria, dirt, and grime build-up. 

However, You don’t want to overwash your pillows either. If you wash them too frequently, they’ll lose their shape. The more often you wash your pillows, the more the feathers and down material will break down, making you need a pillow replacement quicker than intended. Make it a habit to wash your pillows at least twice yearly for the best results.

Treat Stains and Odors Regularly

Since you only wash your pillows twice yearly, treating stains and odors regularly is best. You can do this by using a spot treatment for any visible stains. If you notice any unwanted odors, consider applying baking soda to help deodorize the smell. 

Upgrade Your Bedding with Beddy's 

Ready to shop for new pillow replacements? You’ve come to the right place. At Beddy’s we have a variety of feather pillow inserts available made with 100% duck feathers. Our feather pillow inserts provide next-level comfort every time you go to bed, so you can feel like you’re waking up in a 5-star hotel in your own bed!

Explore our collection of pillow inserts today.