Let’s face it: many of us are guilty of sticking with the same old pillow for years on end without realizing that it no longer provides the support or comfort needed for a good night’s rest. Considering that many pillows aren’t washable, things like bacteria, oil, dust mites, dirt, and sweat can build up on the pillow and deteriorate it over time. Here are telltale signs that it’s time to move on to a new pillow.
1. You wake up with neck pain or a headache.
Most likely, you’re feeling sore when you wake up because your body isn’t in proper alignment while you’re sleeping—meaning your pillow isn’t providing the support you need because it's gone flat.
2. You're still tired in the morning, even after sleeping for the recommended amount of hours.
You probably spent the night tossing and turning because you didn’t feel comfortable on your pillow and needed to continuously readjust your sleep position or pillow.
3. Your pillow has a strong odor, mold, or mildew.
Do you go to sleep with wet hair or sweat a lot during your sleep? When your pillow is exposed to a damp environment, it can grow mold or mildew. Mold can cause congestion, throat irritation, cough or wheezing, eye irritation, and even skin irritation; meanwhile, mildew can cause headaches and respiratory problems. Just the idea of fungus growing on our pillows is plain gross!
There are a few methods to banish mold and mildew from pillows, but if you try them out and still can't manage to clean the pillow, it's definitely time for a replacement.
4. You wake up sneezing every morning.
If you wake up sneezing in the morning, but your symptoms subside once you go along your day, the culprit is likely your pillow. A buildup of dust mites in your pillow can aggravate the symptoms of those with allergies, leading to congestion and sneezing. If you're regularly washing your pillow but still end up sniffling every morning, it's time to upgrade your pillow to a dust mite-resistant one.
5. Your pillow fails the fold test.
The fold test can determine whether or not you need a new pillow. Here's how to do it:
-
Fold your pillow in half lengthwise and place your hand on the top.
-
Keep your hand in this position for 30 seconds and then release.
The pillow should spring back to its original form. If it remains folded or springs back very slowly, it's time for a new pillow.
Time for a replacement? Upgrade to a COOP pillow for your best sleep ever.
-
Our pillows are machine washable so you can easily keep yours clean and hygienic for endless comfortable nights.
-
They're dust mite-resistant so you'll wake up refreshed, not congested.
-
Our proprietary memory foam fill is made here in the USA and is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning that it's safe for you and your family.
-
Best of all, COOP pillows are fully adjustable so you can add, remove, or shape fill to reach your perfect amount of support. Each purchase comes with free loft customization so you can finally enjoy a pillow designed around you and your unique sleeping style.
-
Our pillows come with a 100-Night Sleep Trial, so you can try it out for yourself at home risk-free. Adjust it, sleep on it, and make it yours. If you decide that the pillow just isn't for you, return it to us for a full refund.
Related content
The Best Pillows and Sleep Positions for Chronic Pain
Why You Need to Wash Your Pillows
What an Adjustable Pillow Can Do for You