We know changing pillows can be expensive, and often way more complicated than it should be. So we’ve created a definitive guide on when to change them, from their pillow type, to getting the most out of them before you need to bid them goodnight.
When to change them
How often should you replace pillows? The amount of time you should keep your pillows for varies, but as a general rule of thumb, you should consider changing yours once every 1 to 3 years. Some might last for longer, and some for less time based on how well you care for them, but this is the figure you’ll see most experts recommending.
How long do pillows last?
To find out a more specific timeline for your pillows, you’ll need to bear in mind quality, materials and pillow types. Higher quality pillows are likely to last you much longer – especially if they use more advanced, luxury, certified materials, have a more premium cover and stitching, and you’re buying from a brand that follows more responsible, transparent production practices.
Signs it’s time to replace your pillows
First things first: if you’ve had your pillows for a while – or beyond the recommended amount of time – there may be some ways you can tell it’s time to replace them. Regardless of whether can see any visible wear and tear, a lot of changes will happen to the inside. Even a quick feel can tell you all you need to know, but here’s how to make a more thorough assessment:
- Ask yourself if you’ve kept up with pillow maintenance, like cover washing and using a pillow protector. If not, this may mean it’s best to invest in new ones.
- Assess the shape of your pillow. Is it too flat? Not fluffing up? Lost its springiness? If this is the case, you’re unlikely to be getting the support you need.
- Feel for any lumps and clumps. Filling can disperse over time, leading to uneven comfort and support. You might already have noticed this discomfort as you sleep.
- Watch out for neck, back or shoulder pain. If you feel stiff upon waking or are feeling more strain on your spine where you didn’t used to, it could be that your pillow has lost its intended support features.
- If you notice your pillow is holding onto any unpleasant smells you can’t seem to remove – despite regular washing or airing out – it’s time for a new one.
- The same goes for allergens. If you’re sneezing more than usual or you’re not breathing as smoothly, it could be that dust mites, mould and allergens have built up and are causing irritation.
Keeping your Simba pillows fresh
There is no better feeling than fresh bedding – pillows included. Nothing quite matches up to the first day you open them, but there are some steps you can take to prolong their life and keep them in top condition:
- > Air out regularly in dry, breezy weather to expel more stubborn sweat and odours.
- > Change your pillowcases frequently – ideally 1-2 times a week (or more if you use lots of hair and skincare products!)
- > Use linen sprays sparingly, misting lightly and not too close to your pillow. Otherwise, essential oils may cause staining. Try aromatherapy-friendly scents to help you sleep better or wake you up in the morning.
- > Wash your pillow covers (and inners if possible) every 3-6 months only if your care instructions allow.
- > Spot clean for minor accidental spillages with mild detergent, using baking soda to neutralise odours and absorb moisture.
Damage control
Pillow protectors are also a great way to keep the body of your pillow safe from any spillages, direct heat damage or damp, but there are other ways to ensure your pillows don’t run into any serious damage and staining:
- > Unless otherwise stated on your pillow care label, never wash your pillow or tumble dry on a high heat. This can displace or damage the filling.
- > Don’t place your pillows next to any direct heat sources, for example hair dryers or hair straighteners. This can melt synthetic fibres in the pillow and could potentially cause a fire.
- > Try not to sleep on your pillows with wet hair, or hair with lots of product on. Water can create moist conditions for damp to form, while oils and serums can lead to yellowing, odour or clumping of your pillow. Avoid this by wearing a sleep cap or bonnet or place a towel over your pillow.
- > Don’t bend or fold your pillows – particularly if they have spring technology or memory foam in them. This can break or weaken the inner filling, severely impacting support.
- > Pet lovers, we’re sorry! It’s not a great idea to let pets sleep on your pillows. Their fur can carry allergens and dirt, while claws can damage the outside covers. To keep your furry friends nearby, simply place a blanket or cushion on their desired spot.
- >Fluff your pillows daily and let them breathe. This doesn’t just keep them fresh; airing them out ideally once a week to prevents the build-up of dust, sweat and odours. If your pillow is in storage for a while, ensure they’re kept in a breathable bag to prevent mustiness.
- > While you’re airing them out, avoid placing your pillows in direct sunlight. Certain materials like latex and memory foam can be broken down by UV over time.
Washing your pillows
The best pillows you can buy won’t just offer long term comfort and support; they’ll also be easy to care for so you can prolong the life of your pillows for as long as possible. Unfortunately, you can’t just pop any pillow in the washing machine, since this could leave them out of shape, damage the fill, or leave the cushioning uneven – therefore compromising their ideal level of support. Instead, you might have to spot clean, or hand wash or even pay for dry cleaning. Time and money might not allow for this kind of maintenance, which is why we’ve tried our best to make our pillows as easy to care for as possible.
While instructions vary slightly depending on each of our styles, our award-winning Hybrid™ Pillow, Hybrid™ Firm Pillow, Body Pillow and Stratos® Pillow each have machine washable covers you can zip off in seconds. Just make sure you reshape while they’re still damp to preserve their unique structure. Then air dry or tumble dry on a low heat, and you’ll be all set for bed.
Choosing new pillows
Pillows finally on their way out? When you’ve done all you can to prolong their life and it’s time to say goodbye, you have the joy of saying hello to an upgrade. And for this, make sure you invest in ones that’ll really go the distance, balancing cost and quality as a sure-fire way to help you sleep better for longer – without breaking the bank. Simba pillows are each designed to offer you exactly that and are engineered with durability and comfort in mind; with removable, machine washable covers, it’s easy to give them a refresh whenever they need it.
