Is It Time to Replace Your Pillow?
By Sara Butler
Nothing lasts forever, and that’s true of even simple things, such as your pillow. The quality and quantity of sleep you get at night has a huge impact on your overall health and wellness. If your pillow is past its expiration date you will notice an impact on how you feel in the morning, as well as an impact on your neck and spine. Here is what every chiropractic patient needs to know about their pillows – and when it’s time for a new one!
When to Replace It
There are a few things you need to consider when you’re thinking about a new pillow. Think about:
- How you feel when you wake up – When you wake up in the morning, does your neck hurt? If you wake up to neck pain more than once a week, it may mean your pillow has lost its ability to support your head properly and it’s not helping to keep your spine in proper alignment as you sleep.
- Look at your pillow – When you lay your pillow flat is it lumpy? If you can see a dent where you lay your head at night or if you have to fluff it up to make it comfortable, then it’s time for a new one.
- Do the fold test – Fold your pillow in half lengthwise and then put your hand on top of it, holding it down for 30 seconds. When you let go, does your pillow spring back to its original form or does it stay folded, looking sad and limp? If it’s the latter, it’s time for a new pillow.
- Think about its age – This one is a little disturbing, but think about how long you’ve had the pillow. Over time, dead skin cells, dust mites, and many other allergens can build up in your pillow, causing nasal congestion and other problems.
Get Some New Pillow Coverings
First, it’s important to replace your pillow about every 12 months. But, you can increase the life of a pillow 18 to 24 months by using pillowcases or pillow protectors. You should also try to wash your pillows as directed on the instruction tag.
If you need a recommendation for a new pillow to help give your spine proper support as you sleep, discuss it with your chiropractor during your next adjustment at The Joint Chiropractic. They will have some great tips for what to look for in a pillow to help you rest better at night.
