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How many years have you been using your current pillow? The lifespan of a pillow varies depending on the materials used in its filling, but many last only about 1 to 2 years, so it might already be past its prime.
This article introduces the lifespan of pillows based on their materials and the right time to replace them. We'll also cover the disadvantages of using a pillow past its lifespan, so if you haven't changed your pillow in years, please consider this an opportunity to re-evaluate your bedding.
How long do pillows last?
The lifespan of a pillow varies depending on the material used for its filling. There are various types of pillow materials, and their main materials and lifespans (durable years) are as follows:
| Material | Lifespan (Durable Years) |
|---|---|
| Buckwheat Hulls | Approximately 1-2 years |
| Down/Feathers | Approximately 1-3 years |
| Urethane Foam | Approximately 1-3 years |
| Polyester Fiberfill | Approximately 1-3 years |
| Beads | Approximately 2-3 years |
| Pipes | Approximately 3-5 years |
From here, we will introduce the lifespan (durable years) and replacement signs for each material.
Buckwheat Hulls
The lifespan (durable years) of a buckwheat hull pillow, made from the hulls remaining after processing buckwheat, is approximately 1 to 2 years.
Buckwheat hull pillows, as they are used, will have the buckwheat hulls break down under the weight of the head. Therefore, if the pillow feels lower or if crushed hulls start to produce powder, it's a sign to replace it. Buckwheat hull powder has high hygroscopicity, making it prone to dust mites, and inhaling it can cause allergies or rhinitis. It's best to replace it before powder starts to appear.
If you're reusing it by replacing the filling, it's recommended to replace the entire contents rather than just adding more.
Down/Feathers
The difference between down pillows and feather pillows lies in the ratio of down to feathers.
Down refers to the dense, fluffy, coreless plumage found on the breasts of waterfowl. Feathers, on the other hand, are slightly stiffer and have a hard quill in the middle.
In terms of pillow material ratios, pillows with 50% or more down are called down pillows, and those with 50% or more feathers are called feather pillows.
The lifespan (durable years) of down and feather pillows varies depending on the ratio of down and feathers in the filling, but it is generally about 1 to 3 years. If you feel that the pillow has lost its elasticity and volume and has become lower, or if the feather quills start to poke through the fabric, you should consider replacing it.
Urethane Foam
The lifespan (durable years) of urethane foam material used in low-rebound pillows is approximately 1 to 3 years. The higher the quality of the urethane material, the longer it will last.
Urethane foam, like sponges, does not return to its original shape once it has compressed. So, if it loses volume or the indentation no longer returns, it's a sign to replace it.
Urethane foam deteriorates with moisture and UV rays, so protect it from dampness and dirt with regular airing in the shade and by changing pillowcases.
Polyester Fiberfill
The lifespan (durable years) of pillows made with processed polyester fibers is approximately 1 to 3 years.
With prolonged use, the initial fluffy softness will gradually diminish. If the pillow loses volume or feels harder, it's a sign to replace it.
When washing, make sure to thoroughly loosen the fiberfill to prevent it from tangling and clumping, then dry it in the sun.
Beads
Pillows made with tiny expanded beads have a lifespan (durable years) of approximately 2 to 3 years. Beads are resistant to crushing and highly durable, so the pillow fabric may wear out or tear first, reaching the end of its life.
If the pillow has lost volume, become lower, or the beads feel crushed, it's a sign to replace it.
Pipes
Pillows made from pipe material, which resembles cut straws, have a lifespan (durable years) of approximately 3 to 5 years. Pipes are generally made of plastic and are highly durable, so similar to beads, the pillow fabric often reaches the end of its life first.
When the pipes are crushed and lose volume, the pillow becomes lower, or the feel changes, it's a sign to replace it. If the fabric is still in good condition, you can extend its life by refilling or replenishing the pipes.
When to replace your pillow
The lifespan (durable years) of pillows varies depending on the materials used. However, if any of the following changes occur, it is generally time to replace the pillow, regardless of the material.
- Lost volume
- Became uncomfortable to sleep on
- Material or fabric has deteriorated
- Odor cannot be removed
If you don't know when you bought your pillow or how long you've been using it, you can use the above as a guide to consider replacing it.
Lost volume
A flattened pillow is a sign that it needs to be replaced. "Pillow flattening" means that the materials used in the pillow's filling have deteriorated or been crushed, causing a loss of volume.
The head accounts for about 10% of an adult's body weight, making it a very heavy part. Pillow fabric and materials gradually deteriorate and flatten due to prolonged and continuous pressure from this weight, as well as the accumulation of sweat and sebum.
Became uncomfortable to sleep on
In addition to reduced volume, if you "somehow feel uncomfortable sleeping," it's also a sign that your pillow has flattened. When a pillow flattens, its height no longer matches your body, leading to a decrease in sleep quality. It's not uncommon for people to continue using the same pillow for 5 or even 10 years if there are no visible problems.
However, continuously using a pillow that doesn't fit your body can lead to posture distortions, body aches, sleep deprivation, and other physical and mental ailments. Consider replacing it before physical discomfort becomes apparent.
Material or fabric has deteriorated
For pillows with removable fillings, such as buckwheat hulls, pipes, or beads, checking the condition of the material by removing the filling is one option. If the material is crushed or deformed, it's a sign that it should be replaced.
Additionally, if the pillow fabric is stretched or torn, there's a risk of the filling spilling out, so replacement should be considered.
Odor cannot be removed
If your pillow has an unpleasant odor that won't go away even after soaking or using deodorizing sprays, it's a sign that it's time to replace it. The main causes of pillow odor are sweat, sebum, and normal skin flora.
Furthermore, bacteria and viruses thrive in hot and humid conditions, so if moisture builds up inside the pillow, bacteria can easily multiply, leading to odors.
Disadvantages of using a pillow past its lifespan
Using a pillow past its lifespan for reasons like "it looks fine" or "it's not causing any problems right now" can lead to the following disadvantages:
- Unsanitary
- Skin problems occur
- Sleep quality decreases
Unsanitary
Surface dirt such as sweat, sebum, and drool during sleep can be removed by washing. However, pillows used for a long time accumulate dirt deep within the fibers, becoming a breeding ground for dust mites and dust.
In fact, a Brain Sleep study detected over 20,000 dust mites inside down pillows, even though none were visible on the surface of the pillows. (Verification period: June 15-29, 2020)
Reference: Actually this dirty! The correct way to wash a pillow!
Furthermore, mold growth tends to be more abundant inside pillows with longer years of use. In the same study, over 100,000 mold spores were detected in pillows used for more than 5 years.
Thus, continuing to use a pillow past its lifespan has the disadvantage of becoming unsanitary.
Skin problems occur
Pillows come into direct contact with your skin and hair. Therefore, continued use of an unsanitary pillow can lead to skin problems such as itching, rashes, and acne due to allergens like dust mite carcasses, excretions, and mold.
It can also negatively impact scalp health, causing issues like dandruff and an itchy scalp.
Sleep quality decreases
When a pillow flattens, its height no longer matches the body, leading to uncomfortable sleep.
Additionally, an unsanitary environment is not good for the skin and scalp, so sleeping on a pillow past its lifespan can lead to a decrease in sleep quality.
When sleep quality declines, you can become sleep-deprived even with the same amount of sleep, so caution is needed. This not only affects your daily life but also, if sleep deprivation continues for a long period, it is considered a risk factor for various diseases such as lifestyle-related illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as depression and dementia.
Brain Sleep Pillow: Combining Cleanliness and Sleep Quality
To get good quality sleep every day, it is important to use a pillow that is clean and suitable for your body. The Brain Sleep Pillow is Brain Sleep's flagship product that combines both cleanliness and sleep quality.
Washable with a shower
The Brain Sleep Pillow can be washed entirely with a shower. Not only is it easy to maintain because it dries quickly, but its structure also prevents moisture buildup, making it easy to keep clean on a daily basis.
In fact, compared to other materials such as urethane and feathers, the amount of mold growth is overwhelmingly lower.
Washing it with a 40-45 degree Celsius shower also helps restore its fluffiness, allowing you to use it hygienically for a long time in a shape that suits your body.
Cool your brain for faster, deeper sleep
If the room temperature and humidity are high, heat dissipation through sweating is difficult, which can make it hard to fall asleep smoothly. The Brain Sleep Pillow, however, is made of over 90% air layer, so heat and moisture generated during sleep do not accumulate in the pillow.
In sleep, the "golden 90 minutes" at the beginning of sleep is said to greatly influence sleep quality. The Brain Sleep Pillow, with its exceptional breathability due to its unique structure, achieves deeper sleep during these golden 90 minutes than typical functional pillows. It creates a comfortable sleeping environment and supports the improvement of sleep quality.
Personalized fit with patented technology
The Brain Sleep Pillow uses patented technology to create a 3-layer, 9-gradation structure that achieves a personalized fit for each individual's body.
Its unique structure gradually adapts to the size and shape of your head each time you sleep, reducing the burden on your head and neck and supporting comfortable sleep in any sleeping position, whether on your side or stomach.
Replace at a special price when recycling
There is a service called "Eco-Cycle Program" available to Brain Sleep Pillow purchasers to help maintain clean pillows in good condition.
The Eco-Cycle Program is a service where you can get a new product at a special price by cooperating with Brain Sleep in recycling pillows and mattresses purchased from them. This initiative is both wallet-friendly and environmentally conscious, offering the benefit of continuing to use clean pillows in good condition.
ECO CYCLE PROGRAM – BRAIN SLEEP OFFICIAL SITE
Know your pillow's lifespan and replace it at the right time.
The lifespan of pillows varies depending on the materials used, ranging from about 1-2 years to 3-5 years. However, most common materials have a lifespan of about 1-2 years, so regardless of the exact durable years, it's a good idea to check your pillow's condition every 1-2 years.
Also, even if it looks fine, if you feel it has "lost volume" or "become uncomfortable to sleep on," it's a sign to replace it.
Especially if you've been using the same pillow for 5 or 10 years, changes in shape or deterioration of hygienic conditions can lead to various problems such as posture distortion, sleep deprivation, and skin troubles.
Therefore, it is important to know your pillow's lifespan and replace it regularly at the correct time. Incorporate a clean pillow into your life for a comfortable and healthy everyday experience.
