Pillows should be replaced every few years

While freshening rooms and linens during spring cleaning, don’t forget your favorite pillow. A pillow is one of the most overlooked personal possessions people have. Often times, it becomes so taken for granted that it’s not properly cared for. It’s good to remember that pillows get dirty and become heavily loaded with dust mites, mold, mildew and fungus.

Purchasing a hypoallergenic pillow, like Lands’ End PureLoft pillows, will help repel dust mites and bacteria that can trigger allergies. If you don’t own a hypoallergenic pillow, frequent cleaning and the use of pillow protectors can help rid pillows of allergens.

How often should I buy a new pillow?

A pillow should be replaced every couple of years depending on its condition. When the pillow becomes uncomfortable or requires too much fluffing to make it comfortable, it’s time to replace it. If it’s stained, dirty or has an odor, it’s time for a new pillow.

Depending on the number of years a pillow has been kept, a portion of its weight could be made of dead skin cells, dust mites and their waste, mold, mildew and fungus.

What is the easiest way to determine if a pillow is “broken”?

Feather pillows: The easiest way to determine if a down or feather pillow needs to be replaced is by placing the pillow on a hard surface and folding it in half. Press the air out and then let go. If the pillow doesn’t pop back into shape, it’s broken.

Synthetic pillows: To determine if a synthetic pillow needs to be replaced, put a shoe on the folded pillow and let go. If the pillow doesn’t throw the shoe and spring back into shape, it’s broken.

Information courtesy Lands End