{"id":189,"date":"2020-09-09T17:39:45","date_gmt":"2020-09-09T17:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/?p=189"},"modified":"2022-04-29T06:50:31","modified_gmt":"2022-04-29T06:50:31","slug":"how-often-should-you-replace-your-memory-foam-pillow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thebeddingplanet.com\/how-often-should-you-replace-your-memory-foam-pillow\/","title":{"rendered":"How Often Should You Replace Memory Foam Pillows?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This post is part of\u00a0the\u00a0complete memory foam pillow buyers guide<\/a><\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam pillows are a favorite for many people and with good reason. First, and what\u2019s most famous about them, is their ability to take your shape, so you are more comfortable and relaxed as you sleep. This means you can finally kiss your shoulder, neck, and back pains goodbye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Memory foam pillows also do wonders in keeping your spine’s natural posture, regulating your temperature at night, and helping keep your airwaves open so you don’t snore at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, even with all these benefits, memory foam pillows are prone to wear and tear which means that eventually they needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, how often should you replace your memory foam pillow? Sleep experts seem to agree that pillows need replacing after one or two years. Memory foam pillows can, however, go for as long as 36 months, which is an added advantage. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should expect your pillow to lose some of its features and signals over time, especially in the last year of use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comfort will be compromised, and you may even start noticing a few pains and aches on your neck and back in the morning. If you don’t remember the last time you bought a new pillow, it’s likely been too long. Dump the one on your bed for a new one, and you’ll notice the improved comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will learn how long your pillow should last, how often you should replace it, why pillows need replacing, and how to know it\u2019s time to ditch that pillow for a new fluffy one. Let\u2019s dive in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How often should you replace your memory foam pillow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Just because sleep experts say your memory foam pillow will last 36 months does not mean you should use it that long. How often you replace your pillow will, however, be dependent on your personal preference, use, body weight, among other factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you are on the heavier side of the spectrum, your pillow will likely lose its natural fluff sooner than lighter people. Also, if your pillow takes more abuse, especially if you fold, unfold, and scuffle it often, the wear and tear will be realized sooner. In fact, the more abuse your memory foam pillow takes, the more likely it is to crack or break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, forget about those pillow fights when you have a night in with the girls and binge watch movies, play card games, or do something that\u2019s not related to your pillow. Memory foam pillows are sensitive, meaning they are delicate, so be careful how you treat yours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you should replace your pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Promotes hygiene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sweat, saliva, body oil, hair, and skin all meet for a party on your pillow each night. In fact, research says you can shed approximately 8 pounds of skin each year. Add that to the body oils, hair, and saliva, and you have yourself a nasty mess. Pillowcases are great to have, but they don’t provide enough protection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your pillow will still have dirt buildup, which may cause mold, mildew, and are the perfect breeding ground for allergens. How about washing your pillow? Does that help? While this is a good idea, cleaning doesn’t always get rid of all the allergens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. May be why you have acne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pressing your face on dirty things causes acne. These kinds of acne are bad because they don’t come from inside you. Dirty surfaces could include your phone and football helmet, but the usual culprit is your pillowcase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, pillows still hold some allergens even after washing, and this dirt builds up over time. If you are still waking up with zits, even after cleaning your pillowcases and pillow, now you know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. A breeding place for dust mites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All the dirt we\u2019ve mentioned above may be harmful to your health, but it\u2019s breakfast, lunch, and dinner for dust mites. These eight-legged suckers aren’t visible to the naked eye, but they feed on flakes on your skin. Although you only shed around 0.001 to 0.003 ounces of skin an hour, what you shed in a day is enough to feed a million dust mites, as researched by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dust mites are the common trigger of allergies and asthma. No wonder you can’t stop coughing and sneezing at night, right? Although memory foam pillows have hypoallergenic properties, it doesn’t always keep all these suckers out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Prevents pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Combined with your mattress, memory foam pillows should keep your spine neutral while supporting your neck and head. Your pillow has to bear your head’s weight, around 5kgs or 11 pounds, so it’s only natural that it will wear down with time. As it wears down, your memory foam pillow develops soft spots over time, so it can’t provide the needed support your head and neck need\u2014the result, neck, and back pains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other reasons include:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n