This post is a part of the complete wool pillow buyers guide
How often do you replace your pillows? Do you remember when you last replaced your pillows? If you’re stumped on both of these answers, you’re in the right place.
Most people don’t think about replacing their pillows. We buy our pillows, we sleep on them, and we don’t consider replacing them.
Rather than replacing our pillows, we beat them to keep them in a supportive mode, wash them consistently, and buy new pillowcases. But every pillow, regardless of the filling type, needs to be replaced at some point, even wool pillows.
So, how long do wool pillows last? Wool pillows should be replaced every one to three years on average.
Why Should You Replace Your Wool Pillow?
When you sleep your body sheds skin and body oil, and it goes right onto your pillow. We also tend to sweat at night. After a time, this buildup causes your pillow to smell and stain and can be a gross experience within itself.
In addition to that, these conditions will attract dust mites to your pillow. Dust mites will add extra weight to your pillow and make it even more difficult for your pillows to stay supportive for the duration of its life.
Dust mites feed on your skin and can be even more of a problem for people who suffer from allergies. This can worsen allergy symptoms to the extent that it interferes with your quality sleep.
Even though dust mites are not a significant issue with wool pillows (since they are less prone to dust mites), the pillow itself is still infested with oils, body skin, and possibly other bacteria that build on your pillow over time.
Another thing is that once your pillow has become worn, it won’t be as supportive as you need it to be for your neck and shoulders to get a good, quality night of sleep as we’ve determined we all need.
Our heads are heavy, and bearing the weight of your head every night for years and years will eventually wear your pillow out and cause it to flatten.
At some point, you will need to replace your wool pillow.
How To Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Wool Pillow
Although your wool pillow should be replaced within one to three years, there are some signs to know when it’s time to replace it. Any of the following situations will alert you that it may be time to replace your pillow:
- Noticeable lumps in the filler material
- Noticeable permanent stains from body sweat and oil
- Waking up with aches and pains in the neck or shoulder area
- Waking up tired due to aches and pains
- Doing a lot of sneezing or other things resembling allergy symptoms
- Having to fluff your pillows often to get comfortable
Another reason why you may need to change your pillows could be you’ve changed sleeping positions. However, if this is not the case, consider replacing your pillows.
Tips to Consider When Replacing Your Wool Pillow
Here are six helpful buying tips when it comes time to replace your wool pillow:
- One hundred percent pure and organic wool pillows are highly recommended. Pure wool pillows are not mixed with other filling materials like synthetic polyester. However, there may be reasons to choose a wool pillow blended with synthetic materials. Check the authenticity of the filling on the pillow label.
- Consider the size and shape of your pillow. It’s important to have a pillow that can also support your shoulder. So, if you have a small body frame, a low-profile cushion is appropriate. Sleepers with a medium frame will need a medium-sized pillow. A high-profile pillow is needed for sleepers with larger body frames.
- Consider your sleeping position when it comes to the level of firmness that works best for you when choosing your pillows. The level of firmness is mostly based on your personal preference. But when in doubt, consider how you sleep. If you sleep on your stomach or your back, your level of firmness may fit better with pure wool since it’s naturally soft and smooth. Firmer wool pillows are usually blended with polyester, and this may work best for side sleepers.
- Wool pillows are more expensive than other pillow types. However, you can find less expensive alternative wool pillows by buying wool blended with synthetic materials like polyester.
- Consider also buying an external cover for your pillows when you buy your pillows. Skin, oil, and sweat will build on your pillows over time. Using an external cover over your pillow will help in ensuring your pillow has as long a life as possible. External covers for wool pillows are usually available in two varieties: cotton and silk.
If you’re looking for a new wool pillow, check out our post where we have listed the best wool pillows currently on the market.
Wool Pillows: A Complete Buyers Guide – Parts:
1. Why Use a Wool Pillow? The Benefits & Drawbacks
2. Wool vs. Down Pillows: Similarities, Differences & Which to Choose
3. How Long Do Wool Pillows Last? This is The Replacement Time
4. Do Wool Pillows Sleep Hot or Cool? Or Both Depending on The Climate?
5. Why do Wool Pillows Get Lumpy? How to “Unlump” Them
6. How to Soften a Wool Pillow: Step by Step Guide
7. How to Wash And Dry a Wool Pillow: Step by Step Guide
8. Best Wool Pillows of 2022 – Complete Review
