A doctor has issued a warning about an everyday item you might be using right now that needs to be thrown away. Dr. Neena Chandrasekaran, a specialist in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, took to TikTok, where she has over 125,000 followers, to reveal what many of us may not know.
Posting under the username @neenziemd, Dr Chandrasekaran said: “Pillows, like everything else in life, have an expiration date. Typically, they last one to three years.
“But their lifespan depends on factors like quality, shape, smell, the comfort and if it causes you constant allergies.” She highlighted key signs that indicate it’s time for a replacement.
“If your pillow’s shape is lumpy, it doesn’t bounce back when you squeeze it, or it’s completely flat,” she advised, “then it’s time to switch it out and get a new one.” Other signs also include the smell. “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.”
The same applies to your pillow if it has an odd colour, with the expert stressing “if the pillow is discoloured, it’s time to go.” She concludes if you’re not getting a good night sleep, it could be down to what you rest your head on.
The doctor explains: “Comfort is a big one. If the pillow causes you neck pain or some type of head pain, it’s time to go.”
How to make my pillow last longer?
- Use a pillow protector
- Wash your pillows every couple of months
- Put your pillows in dryer once a month on a high heat
How often should you replace pillows?
Listing the same reasons to chuck your old one out for a new pillow, the experts at the Sleep Foundation say: “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.”
The experts further warn that if you don’t replace them, your old pillows can easily gather allergens like dust mites, fungus, mold, 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.”