A doctor has issued a warning over pillows. Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, an expert in the field of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, shared her advice with her TikTok audience of over 125,000 followers.
The doctor, who has the social media username @neenziemd, said: “Pillows, like everything else in life, have an expiration date. Typically, they last one to three years.” Dr Chandrasekaran broke down key indicators that determine a pillow’s lifespan, touching upon aspects such as its quality, shape, scent, level of comfort, and its tendency to provoke allergic.
She also raised signs it’s time for your pillow to go, saying: “If your pillow’s shape is lumpy, it doesn’t bounce back when you squeeze it, or it’s completely flat, then it’s time to switch it out and get a new one.”
On top of this, odour was highlighted as another definitive indicator. She said: “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 warning signal, with Dr Chandrasekaran pointing out: “if the pillow is discoloured, it’s time to go.” Concluding her insights, Dr Chandrasekaran made a connection between sub-par sleep quality and the condition of your pillow.
She said: “Comfort is a big one. If the pillow causes you neck pain or some type of head pain, it’s time to go.”
Wondering how to prolong the life of your pillows or when it’s time to start looking for new ones? Sleep Foundation experts state: “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 also highlight the negative impact it can have on your health.
Cautioning that pillows can become breeding grounds for allergens like dust mites, fungus, mould, and pet dander, they say: “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.”