How Often to Replace Your Pillow?

At least every year, according to The Today show expert:

"Reduce allergies: Replace pillows every year

Hair and body oils will have soaked into a pillow's fabric and stuffing after a year of nightly use, making it a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria and allergy-triggering dust mites. Using protectors can double the life of your pillows."

Link via achoo!Blog.



Dust mite allergen avoidance. The main allergen is in the dust mite feces. Use 3 control measures for 3-6 months to see an effect on the allergy symptoms (click to enlarge the image).

Where are highest concentrations of dust mites found in home? Pillows, stuffed animals, mattress, bedding? http://goo.gl/l6KtR -- A: Mattress.

Related reading:

House dust mite impermeable bedding as an isolated intervention is unlikely to offer benefit (Allergy, 2011).

Dust mites: Lifestyle and home remedies - Excellent summary by Mayo Clinic.

Bed covers reduce exposure to dust mite and improve adult atopic asthma http://buff.ly/1bSHY9g

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous7/11/2008

    I have had my pillows for several years and can't imagine throwing them away. They are washable and the ticking is made from a special allergy-proof fabric so they don't need special covers. I bought them at Allergystore.com and they told me they were guaranteed for 5 years. It seems wasteful to me to throw something away that is still good. I thought the first part of being environmentally friendly is "reduce". Sheesh

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  2. I work for a company that makes pillows and even I am guilty of 'old' pillows :-) We always tell folks to wash pillows every other month and to repalce most pillows after two years. Always use a pillow protector and considering buying a pillow using tencel fabric which helps wick mositure and also feels great. If you do need a pillow come to my website and use coupon code secret08 for an extra 10% off.

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