5 warning signs it's time to replace your pillows now

The quality and condition of your pillows play a large factor in the quality of your sleep. If you often spend the night tossing and turning, hoping that flipping your pillows one more time might do the trick, perhaps it's time for a replacement.

We talked to sleep experts to understand five key signs that it’s time for a person to replace their old pillows. If these signs ring a bell, part with your bedding and welcome a fresh set into your bedroom. Your weary head will be thanking you.

With one of our tested and rated best pillows under head, more restful slumber definitely awaits.

5 signs it's time to replace your pillows

1. You wake up aching

Have you ever gone to bed and woken up the next day feeling a neck ache out of nowhere? You hadn’t played sports the previous day or lifted too many heavy groceries. It could be your pillow leading to nighttime strain or injury.

Sleeping on a worn out pillow can cause a multitude of health problems to the user, including waking up in physical pain. Nichole Mondshein, a sleep product expert at Sleepopolis, shares, ‘An old pillow may not be great for your health as using one can cause alignment issues with your neck, shoulders, and back.’

If this sounds like you, or you’re beginning to question ‘if it is better to sleep without a pillow, it’s undeniably time to say goodbye to your current one. While you’re at it, it might be worth considering replacing your discarded pillow with one specially designed for neck support, such as this memory foam contour model from Walmart.

2. Your pillows are flat

When you first purchase a pillow it is plush, bouncy and a dream to lay on. However, as time goes by, it can resemble less of a pillow and more of a pancake. It doesn’t look appealing to lay on, and for sure feels even less of a luxury to try to rest with.

Jill Zwarensteyn, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor, shares, ‘If there is a noticeable decrease in the density and shape of your pillows, it’s time to consider getting new ones.’

Jill goes on to further explain how frequently a person should be switching up their pillows for optimum comfort. ‘It’s recommended to replace your pillows every two years, or earlier if they show signs of wear and tear.’ Although if you invest in a quality cushion from the get-go, it may have the benefit of longevity.

The Cozy Earth Silk Pillow is highly praised online for its premium comfort experience and promise to contain consistent filling. Jill recommends it too, so why not give it a try for yourself?

3. Your allergies have gotten worse

Our pillows and pillow cases become home to a lot of germs, as they catch our breath, saliva and more. So if your allergies are suddenly flaring up, the pillow beneath your head might just be responsible.

‘If you’re noticing an onset of allergies, it might be time to replace your pillows,’ says Jill. Once you are certain you definitely aren’t allergic to the material of your pillow cover or filling, take some time to consider how to allergy-proof your home and bedding better in the future. If you spent a gorgeous sunny day laying in the park then slept without showering, all those pollen residues from your skin and hair will have entered your pillows!

Toss them out to be on the safe side if your allergies are unbearable, and ensure that your replacement is hypoallergenic if your previous pillows weren’t. The Brooklinen Down Pillow is a great option for those looking to improve their slumber, and comes recommended by Nichole. Hypoallergenic, silky, and available in three different choices of plushness for support, it’s no wonder it has a high rating!

4. Your pillow has stains or odors

An obvious sign that your pillows should be shown to the door is if they’re beginning to smell. Not only is this a sign of toss-worthy wear and tear, but it won’t be good for your health to continue using the product.

Nichole says, ‘A clear sign that indicates you need to replace your pillows are when they start to become discolored or smell unpleasant.’

Attempting to rest in an unpleasant smelling room will only make snoozing more difficult for you. But fortunately there are plenty of little hacks out there to make your bedroom smell good for sleep.

This is especially the case if you have already learned how to wash your pillows, given it a go and found them still to be left wanting.

5. Your pillows are feeling lumpy

Your pillows might not be flat, but if they’re feeling bunched up and lumpy that won’t be great for your sleep cycle either. It’s frustrating, especially if your pillows are still relatively new, but investing in a new set of pillows that are lump-free will bring a world of difference to your comfort level.

Nichole recommends using the Saatva Latex Pillow for a restorative, hotel-esque sleep experience. This pillow comes in two different loft heights (amounts of filling) to cater for your preference, and promises breathability.

Now that you’re an expert on all things pillow-comfort, why not continue learning about them? ‘Can you wash pillows in the washing machine?’ sounds like the ideal place to start.