Sleep tight and right. Why your pillow might be causing pain and allergies

Second only to the mattress, the pillow plays a pivotal role in the quality of our sleep. Choosing the wrong one can lead to waking up with soreness each morning. Pillows need replacing fairly regularly; though it might not be obvious, they can harbor dirt and germs. But what happens if we keep using an old pillow?

Regularly updating our pillows is essential for both sleep comfort and hygiene. Pillows have an expiration date, and beyond that, it’s wise to get a new one. If you're struggling with back pain or skin conditions or wake up with a runny nose, it's time to pay more attention to your pillow.

A pillow is used extensively every night, leading to a quick deterioration of its qualities. The filling can become hard and lumpy, losing its original shape. This makes for an unpleasant and unhealthy night's sleep.

The most common cause of back and neck pain is indeed an improper pillow. Feeling wrecked in the morning isn’t normal and can exacerbate existing posture issues, affecting your health in the long run. Is it worth enduring this discomfort to save a few dollars annually? That’s for you to decide.

Do you think back problems are the only consequence of using an old pillow? Think again. Even with regular pillowcase changes, bacteria, and allergens can still seep into the filling. If you're experiencing acne on your face or upper body, your old pillow might be the culprit.

As we sleep, our skin directly contacts the pillow's surface, leaving skin cells, cosmetic residue, and sweat behind. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to pimple outbreaks.

An old pillow also becomes a nest for various allergens, primarily dust mites, a major factor in respiratory issues and chronic runny noses. Sometimes, simply replacing your pillow can significantly reduce these symptoms.

With various pillows available, each offering different fillings, durability varies. Feather-filled pillows, for instance, are the most enduring and can last three to five years. Their natural properties provide antibacterial and anti-allergic benefits, minimizing pathogen growth.

Memory foam pillows, or orthopedic pillows, last up to three years. However, over time, their structure might compress, leading to deformation and loss of therapeutic benefits. Polyester pillows are the least durable, necessitating replacement annually. They tend to collect the most bacteria and dust mites, and the quality of their filling leaves much to be desired.

Disposal of an old pillow varies based on its filling. Polyester and synthetic materials should go into the plastic recycling bin, while feather-filled pillows belong in mixed waste. An alternative use for an old pillow is as a pet bed; if you don’t have pets, many animal shelters will happily accept them for their animals.