What's The Average Lifespan Of A Pillow?

If someone were to ask you when you bought the pillows on your bed, you might not be able to answer. Making note of when we purchased bed pillows is not exactly something we all think to do, but believe it or not, this is an important detail to know. Like many items in our homes, pillows have a specific lifespan, though this may be news to some. 

While the lifespan of a pillow will depend on the specific type of material, in general, it's advised to replace your pillows every 1 to 2 years. However, this range can vary from polyester to down pillows. After a certain amount of time, these highly used items can lose their texture and quality, leaving you with poor sleep and even neck pain. Plus, if you're someone who tends to forget to wash their pillows, these items can even be a gathering place for allergens, mold, or bacteria. 

Of all the popular pillow materials, polyester, foam, and cotton tend to have the shortest lifespan. While polyester usually lasts 1 to 2 years, foam can last up to 2 to 3 years, and polyester can last 2 to 4 years. Meanwhile, higher quality (and often more expensive) pillows, made of materials like latex and down, can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. In short, natural materials tend to last longer. Your individual pillow's lifespan could be cut shorter if you notice warning signs like foul odors, lumpy textures, or if you are experiencing skin breakouts or constant allergic reactions. If you want to extend the life of your pillow, there are a few DIY tactics you can try. 

If you want to take better care of your pillows and extend their lifespan as much as possible, there are some pillow-focused tasks you can add to your regular chore list. They won't take too much extra time out of your day, and they will most likely save you from having to buy new pillows every other year. While opting for a high-quality, long-lasting material like down for a pillow isn't always in everyone's budget, you can still care for your more affordable, lower-quality pillows to make them last. 

You may have a regular habit of washing your sheets and pillow cases every few weeks, but you may not know that your pillows are the most important bedding to wash properly. It's typically recommended to wash your pillow at least every three to six months. Avoid making the laundry mistake of placing your pillow on any washer setting. For down or feather pillows, you can use a cool wash cycle and a mild detergent. For polyester, you can wash on a warm cycle with only about one tablespoon of detergent. For latex or foam, you should avoid the washer and spot clean with a rag instead. You can also add a hypoallergenic slip to any of your pillows to keep them from any excess buildup. 

If, however, your pillow is badly stained, produces odors despite washing, and causes any allergic or poor respiratory reactions, or you don't remember when you bought it, it may be time to say goodbye. If you prefer to recycle an old pillow, there are a ton of money-saving up-cycling hacks you can try to give it a new life.