We spend about a third of our lives in bed, making it essential to have the right bedding for comfort and cleanliness. Studies have shown that many of us hold onto our duvets and pillows for far too long, which can impact sleep quality and hygiene. So how often should you really be replacing those essential bedding items? Here’s a handy guide on when and why you should replace your duvets and pillows.
How Often Should You Replace Pillows?
Pillows are crucial for a good night’s sleep as they support your head and neck. Over time, pillows lose their shape and support, which can lead to discomfort and poor sleep posture. And if you sleep on pillow that no longer supports you as it should, you’ll start to wake up with a sore neck. There are also hygiene reasons for replacing your pillow fairly regularly, and generally, you should be thinking about replacing your pillow every 1-2 years.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Pillow
If you're considering whether now is the time to replace your pillow, here are some of the signs to look out for:
- Lack of support for head and shoulders, or waking up with headaches or neck pain.
- An increase in allergies or respiratory issues while sleeping.
- Your pillow feels flat and uncomfortable or needs fluffing frequently. Press down on your pillow. If it doesn’t spring back quickly, it’s lost its support.
- Your pillow has become discoloured.
- If you fold your pillow in half and it doesn’t bounce back, it’s time for a new one.
Tips for Extending Pillow Life
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Use Pillow Protectors: For hygiene reasons we recommend having an additional layer between your pillow and pillowcase to protect against stains and extend the life of your pillows.
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Consider Your Pillow Material: Natural/feather pillows tend to have a longer lifespan than cheaper synthetic pillows. Memory foam pillows and latex pillows can last even longer: 2-4 years. The more you invest in your pillow, the longer it is likely to last.
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Plump Your Pillows: Regular daily fluffing can help your pillows keep their shape for longer.
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Regular Washing: Check your care label, and if your pillow is washable we recommend you wash it every six months to prolong its life.
Shop our full range of pillows here.
How Often Should You Replace Duvets?
Duvets generally last longer than pillows because they don’t bear your weight. The good news is, with proper care a duvet can last up to 5 years or more. However, it’s essential to watch for signs that your duvet needs replacing.
Signs It's Time to Replace Your Duvet
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Limpness and uneven filling: If your duvet filling isn’t evenly distributed or feels lumpy, it’s time for a new duvet.
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Reduced warmth: If your duvet no longer keeps you warm, it’s past its prime and you should consider replacing it.
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Leaking filling: If the filling starts coming through the cover, it’s definitely time to replace it.
Tips for Extending Duvet Life
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Use a Duvet Protector: These protect against dust mites, stains, and wear, extending the life of your duvet.
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Regular Washing: It is recommended to wash or launder your duvet at least every six months if possible, following the care instructions.
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Seasonal Rotation: Consider an all-season duvet or rotate between lighter summer tog duvets and cosy winter duvets to reduce wear.
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Invest in Higher Quality Duvets for a Longer Life: Choosing duvets with high quality covers will prevent fillings from leaking. A good quality duvet tends to last longer than a cheaper one so it can be worth the investment.
Shop our full range of duvets here.
Conclusion
Maintaining fresh and supportive bedding is essential for a restful night’s sleep. Regularly replacing your duvets and pillows ensures better support, improved hygiene, and a more comfortable sleep environment.
