How do you know when it’s time to give up your trusty pillow? We don’t think about it often but our pillows do have an expiration date, and it’s important to know when it’s time to move on.
There are several reasons you might want to consider switching out your nightly bed buddy for a new one, and some things you should look for in a new pillow.
A New Sleeping Position
From side sleeper to stomach sleeper, a change in sleeping position can mean that it’s time to get a new pillow. Comfortable sleep position is largely about spinal alignment. So, whether you’re on your side, back, or stomach, what you need to be thinking about is your spine.
In general stomach sleepers need less elevation for their head area compared to back or side sleepers. So, keep this in mind to see if you need a new pillow to go with the new sleeping position. An adjustable height pillow allows you to explore different pillow positions and find what feels right for you and your spine.
Neck Pain and Back Pain
A pillow flattens over time, and when your old pillow lacks elevation, this can lead to improper spinal alignment which in turn can cause neck and back pain. If this is the case, it’s time to find a pillow that’s better suited to your needs.
When choosing the right pillow, try and see how it elevates your neck and how the material moulds to the shape of your head. Is it too hard? Does it sink too much?
Ecosa tip: Looking for a new pillow? Memory foam is a good idea when choosing material since it adapts to your needs better than feather pillows or down pillows.
Using an unsupportive pillow can lead to other health issues down the line including tension headaches and the morning stiff neck. If this is the case, it’s time to buy a new one so you wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested enough to take on the rest of the day.
Dirt, Oils, and Mites
A good rule of thumb when it comes to pillows is to replace them every 1-2 years depending on how well you care for it. And yes, while your pillow might still be elevated enough to support your head, it might be a good idea to take a look under the pillowcase.
Over time, dust, sweat, dead skin cells, and facial oils accumulate on your pillow. This build-up can make it the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and certain fungi, making your pillow unsanitary, all while likely causing bad odour.
Ecosa tip: Look for the type of pillows that are technologically built to resists allergens and dirt accumulation so your pillow stays fresher longer.
How to Increase the Your Pillow’s Lifespan
Pillow lifespan can depend on a lot of factors – material used, manufacturing quality, frequency of use, pillow maintenance, etc. Structural integrity of your pillows will deteriorate over time but in general there are ways to prolong their lifespan before you buy a different pillow.
- Wash your pillow every 6 months. Keep your pillow clean and odour-free by giving it a much-needed wash. A pillowcase can only do so much to prevent dead cells, body oil, dirt, and moisture from getting trapped in your pillow.
- Use a pillow protector. Think of this as a gap between pillow case and your actual pillow. Pillow protectors cover your pillow neatly to prevent dirt and allergen build-up on the pillow itself. Easy to maintain, just wash them every few weeks and they can help keep your pillows cleaner for a much longer time. The Ecosa pillow comes with a pillow protector, which you can remove and wash whenever you need to.
Ecosa tip: Pair your pillow with a luxurious silk pillowcase. Silk is soft, good for your skin and hair, hypoallergenic, and naturally temperature-regulating.
Take a closer look at your pillow and consider if it’s time for you to get a new one. Check out our memory foam pillow with antibacterial and odour control technology. It might just be bed buddy you’re looking for.
