A doctor has sounded the alarm over a common household item that could be overdue for the bin. Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, an expert in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, shared her insights with her substantial TikTok following of over 125,000 fans.
Under her handle @neenziemd, Dr Chandrasekaran dropped a bombshell: “Pillows, like everything else in life, have an expiration date. Typically, they last one to three years.”
She explained that a pillow’s longevity hinges on various factors including its quality, shape, smell, comfort level, and whether it triggers allergies consistently. The doctor pointed out unmistakable signs that it’s time to bid farewell to your pillow, reports Gloucestershire Live.
A bad pillow can affect the quality of your sleep
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Image:
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“If your pillow’s shape is lumpy, it doesn’t bounce back when you squeeze it, or it’s completely flat,” she said, “then it’s time to switch it out and get a new one.”
She also mentioned odour as a tell-tale sign: “If the pillow smells bad and you clean it and it doesn’t smell good again, that is a sign it needs to be replaced and it’s expired.”
Discolouration is another red flag, with Dr. Chandrasekaran emphasizing, “if the pillow is discoloured, it’s time to go.”
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She wrapped up by linking poor sleep quality to the state of your pillow, noting, “Comfort is a big one. If the pillow causes you neck pain or some type of head pain, it’s time to go.”
The post raises questions about pillow maintenance and replacement frequency. How can you extend the life of your pillow? And just how often should you be shopping for a new one?
If the pillow causes you neck pain or some type of head pain, it’s time to go
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The Sleep Foundation experts are crystal clear about binning your tired pillows for fresh ones, advising: “Most experts recommend replacing pillows every 1 to 2 years. Doing so helps to ensure that you’re using pillows that are supportive, clean, and free of allergens. It is also important to care for the pillows you use to ensure their longevity.”
They hammer home the dire consequences of clinging onto old pillows, alerting that such pillows can become hotbeds for allergens like dust mites, fungus, mould, and pet dander: “For some people, sleeping near those allergens can cause a runny or stuffy nose, itchy skin, and irritated eyes that may impact sleep quality. Replacing your pillows frequently or investing in a pillow that is designed to be antimicrobial and breathable may help prevent pillow-related allergies.”