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If you have trouble falling asleep at night or wake up feeling groggy, with a sore throat or a bad neck, it may be time to replace your pillow.
According to sleep experts, pillows should be replaced every one to two years because they can sag and fill with dust mites, which cause countless health problems.
Martin Seeley, CEO and sleep expert at MattressNextDay, told FEMAIL: "It's recommended that you change your pillows every year or two, but it really depends on a number of factors, such as the type of pillow and your sleeping position."
"However, there is a test you can do to determine if it needs to be replaced. Simply fold your pillow in half and squeeze out the air.
Here, FEMAIL reveals how to determine when you need to replace your pillow and why you need to do it.
If you have trouble falling asleep at night or wake up feeling groggy, with a sore throat or a bad neck, it may be time to replace your pillow. According to sleep experts, pillows should be replaced every one to two years because they can sag and fill with dust mites, which cause countless health problems (stock image).
KEEP TO TELL WHEN IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED
“Release the pillow and when it unfolds back to its original shape, it will have enough filling to support your back and head.
“If it doesn’t spring back, it has lost its grip and needs to be replaced,” Martin explained.
“It is worth taking this test if you notice that your sleep is being disturbed.
Sagging pillows and neck pain mean your pillow needs to be replaced
"Common signs that your pillow needs to be replaced include taking a while to fall asleep at night because your pillow feels uncomfortable, or your head and shoulders are no longer supported," Martin continued.
“Or you wake up with a tension headache, probably caused by the lack of head support.”
"Pillows need to be replaced to ensure you're using something clean, supportive and allergen-free," said Barbara Santini, psychologist, sex and relationship counselor at dimepiecela.com.
"It also helps increase their longevity. While I recommend changing the pillow after a year or two, you don't always have to wait that long.
"How often a pillow can be replaced depends on various factors. For example, if you wake up with neck pain, it could indicate that your pillow is not providing the support you need.
"A sagging pillow or one with lumps also implies an early replacement. Sometimes you may notice excessive yellowing or sensitive skin that reacts mainly upon contact with your pillow. In this case, it may be necessary to purchase new ones.
WASH EVERY THREE MONTHS TO AVOID DUST MITES ATTACHMENT
“You should also make sure to wash your pillows to extend their lifespan,” Martin said.
“Since the average person spends a third of their life in bed, your pillow naturally becomes home to bacteria, dead skin cells, and dust—all of which can cause acne flare-ups and more.
“That's why you should wash your pillows in the washing machine every three months, but be sure to check the washing label to see which wash suits you best.
Carl Walsh, sleep specialist and owner of Bed Guru, added: "The reason you should replace pillows is simple and pretty disgusting - over the years your pillows will build up dead skin cells, dust and oils from our hair and skin, as well as all the liquids, spills and stains. In short, they deteriorate.
"Washing your pillows every three months or as needed is a great way to keep dirt buildup under control. However, it is recommended that you replace your pillow every 1-2 years anyway."
USEA CUSHION PROTECTOR
Jonathan Warren, director of bed specialist Time4Sleep, added to FEMAIL: “While mattresses can last between 7 and 10 years, pillows typically have a much shorter lifespan.
“You should replace your pillows every two years, or sooner if you notice that they no longer provide the same neck support.
"Using pillow protectors can help extend the time between replacements and also keep them hygienic for longer. If allergies are a concern, protectors can also provide a barrier between you and dust mites."