While you might regularly swap out your air filter or your toothbrush, you might not think much (or ever) about replacing your pillows. But it's time to change that.

No matter the quality or price point, the pillows on your bed should not just be washed but also fully replaced at regular intervals. It's a matter both of good hygiene as well as physical support and comfort. Here's why and how often to replace pillows for a healthy, comfortable, and restful sleep night after night.

Why Should You Replace Your Pillows?

Let's start with the reasons why pillows need to be replaced. The first reason is that they get dirty and, well... just plain gross. As we sleep, we shed dead skin cells and oils that nestle inextricably into our bed sheets and pillows. Bacteria, dust mites, fungus, mold, and pet dander can all also accumulate in your pillows, contributing to allergies, illness, and acne. (Yuck!)

Some pillows can be washed by machine or by hand, but even these must eventually be replaced altogether.

Second, over time pillows simply lose shape. (This is especially true for pillows belonging to sleepers who manipulate their pillows heavily by folding or squeezing them to get comfortable during sleep.) When a pillow gets lumpy or flat, it's time to replace it with a robust new one that supports your head and spine and prevents muscle soreness.

The third reason to replace a pillow is that it's simply no longer comfortable. That can happen because it's flat or misshapen, or because you changed your mattress and now the pillow does not complement your new bed with the proper firmness or softness. Beyond that, your taste preferences and body's needs change over time, and a different pillow may suit you better.

How Often to Replace Pillows

If you wake up sore, can't get comfortable, or have trouble sleeping, it may be time to replace your pillow. If allergies or acne flareups seem to spike, old pillows could be the culprit. It's also time to replace your pillows if they're flat or just plain misshapen.

So how long does a pillow last? Experts recommend replacing a typical pillow every one to two years. Doing so helps ensure that you and your loved ones are sleeping on clean and hygienic pillows that adequately support your body and spine for rejuvenating, pain-free sleep.

For a more specific timeline, consider your pillow's material – how often to change a pillow depends in large part on its construction. Let's take a closer look at maintenance for some of the most common pillow types:

Memory Foam

How long do memory foam pillows last? This type of pillow is longer-lasting and might need replacing every 2 to 3 years. Memory-foam pillows shouldn't be machine-washed. Instead, they may be hand-washed with gentle detergent.

Down or Feather

These pillows should be replaced every 1 to 3 years when they lose their shape. Many pillows in this category can be machine-washed for thorough cleaning every 3 to 6 months. They should be machine-dried on low or air-dried. (Some must be dry-cleaned – make sure to check the manufacturing label!)

Polyester

Polyester pillows generally wear out more quickly than pillows made from other materials – they should be replaced as frequently as every 6 months or up to 2 years. Pillows made from this type of synthetic material can be washed every 3 to 6 months in cold water with mild soap on a gentle cycle and then dried on low.

Article by Alesandra Dubin.