A good pillow should be able to support your head and neck, and unfortunately their ability to do just that diminishes over time.
Advocacy group Choice shared some sound advice to know when it's time to replace it. Your body and mind will thank you for it when you do.
It doesn't pass the fold test
Pillows should be able to hold their shape. Put your pillow on a flat surface, fold it in half, and hold it in that position for a minute. Then, let go. If it bounces back, it's still usable. If it doesn't, it's time for a replacement.
Choice suggested repeating this test every six months.
The filling is at the end of its lifespan
Pillow materials deteriorate at different rates. Here is a guide for their lifespan.
- Memory foam: 5-10+ years
- Latex: 5-10+ years
- Feather and down: 5-10+ years
- Polyester: 6 months to 2 years
- Cotton and wool: 3-5 years
Its expiry date has passed
Some pillows come with a printed expiry date. While it does not need to be strictly adhered to, it can help act as a reminder to check its health.
With sweat, dead skin cells, drooling and other organic matter collecting on your pillow, it might pay for your own hygiene to change it over.
Waking up with pain
Pillows should support your head and neck so they're in a neutral or 'midline' position. If you are waking up with a sore neck each morning, or you're folding your pillow for support, it's time to replace it.
Your pillow has lost its shape
Lumpiness, sagginess, softness - no amount of shaking or fluffing with rejuvenate your pillow. If it's exhibiting these signs, it's time to replace it.
