A form of the “pillow” has existed for thousands of years – beginning with stone pillows used for sleeping in Mesopotamia around 7000 BC. However, these ancient pillows, which could not have been comfortable, served a different purpose than the beloved pillows of today. Back then, stone “pillows” helped users avoid insects crawling into their mouths, noses, and ears during sleep – if even possible with a literal “hard as a rock” pillow, right?

Fast forward to today, where pillows provide comfort and support while sleeping – and represent a multi-billion dollar industry. In fact, pillows have evolved so much over the years that many types are available, including pillows designed for sleep positions or to address sleeping issues, such as sleeping hot or snoring. 

So, although “pillow talk” is pretty common in bed – actually talking about pillows isn’t, and the subject deserves attention – especially when it comes to pillow life cycles. So, keep reading for everything you need to know about pillow longevity, upkeep, types, washing, and more.

Why replace your pillow?

You’ve probably heard plenty of advice on when a mattress should be replaced or how often you should wash your bedding. However, pillows are one of the unsung heroes of sleep, and  they need as much TLC as the rest of your bedding – including periodic replacement.

But wait – why do we need to replace pillows at all? Well, there’s actually more than one reason, but we’ll begin with the big one – sleep quality. An old pillow, or even the wrong pillow, can impact how well and how long you sleep at night, and a tired, worn-out pillow no longer provides the appropriate support to your head and neck, which can impact your sleep quality. 

Sleep Tip: the correct sleeping position mimics standing with good posture and keeping the head, neck, and spine aligned. 

However, there’s the “ick” factor. Basically, pillows are very busy absorbing things all the time. What kinds of things? Well, skin oils, dead skin cells, facial and hair product residue, fungi, dust mites, and more “ick” than you can imagine. So, your favorite pillow that is over 5 or 10 years old probably weighs more than it did when you bought it, thanks to all the lovely leftovers living in the stuffing after years of use.

How long should you keep a pillow?

So, given that over time, pillows can wear down, affecting comfort, and absorb lots of “things” – let’s talk about when to replace pillows. Now that you understand why it’s necessary, how often should it happen? 

Our research indicates we should reset with a new pillow every 2.8 years. Pillows can get old and flat – and basically cease to provide the comfort and support we need. They can also become dirty (with all the “ick” – dust, oils, allergens, etc.). So, visual signs it’s time to replace your pillow can include sagging, lumpiness, or yellowing on the pillow itself.

Pillow types & washing.

Now that we’ve opened your eyes to what your pillow may be absorbing every night while you sleep, you may want to add cleaning your pillow regularly to your chore list. Pillow maintenance and cleaning will depend on the type of pillow, i.e., down/feather, memory foam, etc. Here’s a quick tutorial for each main type. 

Quick side note – our cleaning recommendations should not replace manufacturer’s instructions, so always check the care instructions provided with the product. 

Feather or Down Pillows – 

• Some down/feather pillows can be machine washed, but some should be dry cleaned. 
• Machine wash on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild detergent.
• You may have to run the rinse cycle more than once to remove all the detergent.
• Air-dry or use the dryer on a low setting for about 20 minutes
• Wash them every 3 to 6 months until you replace the pillow.

Memory Foam Pillows – 

• Memory foam pillows are not washing machine or dryer friendly.
• Spot clean when necessary.
• Or hand wash every 2 months with a gentle detergent and water.
• Air-dry. 

Polyester/Down Alternative Pillows – 

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold water.
• Dry in the dryer on a low setting. 
• Wash every 3 to 6 months. 
• Down alternative pillows tend to last approximately 1 to 2 years & polyester pillows can be replaced every 6 months to 2 years, as they are the least durable.

Latex Pillows – 

• Not washing machine friendly.
• Spot clean stains as necessary or hand wash with warm water and mild detergent.
• Clean every 2 to 3 months.
• Don’t submerge in water or wring to dry. Instead, lay the pillow flat to air out. 

Pillow shopping tips.

Now that we’ve unraveled the mystery of a pillow’s life expectancy, are you ready to shop for replacement pillows? If so, here are some shopping tips to help you select a dream-worthy option. 

• Try before you buy – look at various fills, styles, and shapes. If you’re buying online, check the return policy so you can physically try it out before buying.
• Pay attention to a pillow’s inner fill, but also note its outer material. These outer layers range in plushness and thickness. 
• If you have allergies or asthma, consider hypoallergenic options over a normal pillow. 
• Once you have a perfect pillow, don’t plan on keeping it forever. Do enough research to know what makes it special so that once its materials wear, you know what works for you.
• Although pillows can be decorative, don’t allow looks to drive the purchase. Invest in your health and wellness by making your head’s rest a top priority, and choose the pillow that offers the best support and sleep quality.

Any more pillow advice?

Next time someone asks, “how long do pillows last,” go ahead –  impress them with your sleep pillow knowledge! Quality bedroom pillows give your head and neck the support needed as you sleep, which promotes healthy spine alignment. We spend a good portion of our lives sleeping (or trying to!), and a good pillow can help you meet your sleep goals. 

Still have questions about pillow replacement, cleaning, or anything else pillow-talk related? We are here to help! Explore the Better Sleep Council blog to learn about emerging sleep trends, recent announcements, expert analysis, and more. Sleep well, friends!

Research from the Better Sleep Council (BSC) reveals that, when it comes purchasing our pillows, we undervalue our head’s rest. In fact, only one in three people who bought a mattress in the past five years also purchased pillows, according to a BSC consumer survey.

The other two-thirds of us? We’re hanging on to lumpy, frumpy pillows. When we do pick up fresh ones, research shows that many of us settle for bargain-basement sources.

It’s an interesting behavioral pattern: we adore pillows, but we don’t always value them. And when we do find that favorite pillow, we act as if it should last forever. But the materials in pillows, like any soft products, wear over time.

Knowing when it’s time to say goodbye to your old pillow

BSC research indicates we should reset with a new pillow every 2.8 years. What happens, though, is that we find “the one” and then hang on to it. Each night, we put on our favorite PJs, grab our favorite blanket and pillow, and assume we’re going to have a perfect night’s sleep. But what’s wrong with this picture? The pillow is old, flat and not giving us the comfort we deserve. At this point, it’s time to find a new pillow that will give us sweet dreams.

Understanding the possibilities when it comes to pillows

Consumers aren’t the only people focusing on pillows these days. Sleep product manufacturers are now using their best materials and product engineering to prop up the head and neck. Shop for a pillow made by an industry-leading sleep products provider and you’ll find the same collection of features and materials you’ve come to expect in mattresses and other sleep accessories.

It’s fair to wonder what the fuss is about. Would it really hurt to keep plopping your noggin on an old saggy pillow from the ’90s? Well, only if you don’t mind a musty face and a stiff spine.

Pillows give your head and neck the support they need throughout the night, and by supporting your head, they promote healthy spine alignment. They also aid with temperature control. The fabric, or combination of fabrics, in a well-made pillow or cover keeps you cool and dry. It regulates temperature and prevents moisture from piling between your pillow and your face.

For those of us who complain about sleep, pillows may be the source of our woes. Room temperature, another common cause for poor sleep, can also be corrected with the proper pillow. The ideal cushion surrounds your face space with cool air and can remedy an unintentionally tropic bedroom.

Use your head – and remember it – when you shop for sleep materials

Next time you’re buying pillows or a mattress, put a few tips to the test:

• Always use pillows when you’re deciding which mattress is right for you. Switch up your pillow selection, trying various fills, styles and shapes. Sometimes you lie on a mattress and think it’s not for you, when the real problem is that you haven’t found the perfect pillow pairing.
• If you’re in a pro-pillow mood, shop with your head as the top priority. Visit a sleep product provider and tell the sales associate that you want to select a pillow before you match it with your next mattress.
• Pay attention to a pillow’s inner fill, but also note its outer material. These outer layers range in plushness and thickness. Take your time testing them – you’ll get a sense of how the material regulates temperature. (Plus, who doesn’t enjoy research projects that are more like naps?) See if the pillow is meant to be used with a case or on its own, and test it as it’s designed.
• If you have allergies or asthma, you may want to look for hypoallergenic options. As a heads-up, the term hypoallergenic is not a certified term, so there’s no typical standard that these materials need to meet. The best type of pillow research is to test it for yourself in-store.
• Once you have a perfect pillow, don’t plan on keeping it forever. Do enough research to know what makes it special, so that once its materials wear, you can start anew with a supportive cushion.

Pillows may help the look and feel of your bed, providing dimension or pops of color. But as you can tell, they’re far more than decorations. Invest in your health and wellness by making your head’s rest a top priority.