Annie Walton Doyle
The internet has been left sickened after discovering that pillows are supposed to have expiry dates.
Of all of the most essential items we use in everyday life, pillows might just be up there among the most indispensable.
If you’ve ever tried to get to sleep without one, you’ll know just how important your bed’s pillows truly are.
But because we use these items every day, people may not notice them becoming worn out over time.
And this week, people have been left shocked after realising that pillows actually have expiry dates.
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If you really think about the wear and tear your pillow goes through, it only makes sense that they need replacing every now and then.
In fact, an older pillow might just be one of the most unhygienic items in your house.
As bedding brand Tontine puts it: “The average person sheds four kilograms of skin each year, much of which ends up in our beds. Not only that, but old pillows harbour sweat, oils, and other bodily fluids that accumulate over time.
“This causes visible yellowing, which indicates an unhygienic sleep environment that leads to skin irritation, acne breakouts, and potential infections. If washing your pillow doesn’t help, it might be time.”
Alongside this rather stomach-churning revelation, there are some other telltale signs it may be time to bid farewell to your old pillow.
Chantel, a TikToker and mum, shared her tips for how to know when to replace your pillow in a viral video.
She first introduces the 30-second test, explaining that after being held down for 30 seconds, a pillow should bounce straight back to regular size.
“Pillows should bounce back if fresh,” she confirms.
People have been left speechless by this pillow hack, with one writing: “This is such a good idea, I never knew you could do this.”
Another agrees: “Thanks for the tip – going to check mine right now.”
Chantel adds: “It’s definitely still important to wash your pillows quarterly.”
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Tontine explains that using an expired pillow runs the risk of neck and back pain, allergies and respiratory issues, acne and other skin problems, and subpar sleep quality.
Alongside Chantel’s infamous 30-second bounce-back test, the brand also recommends replacing any pillow that has uneven filling or visible staining.
Knowing how often to replace your pillow depends primarily on what your pillow is made of.
@mama_mila_ When was the last time you went pillow shopping? ☁️ #bedroomcheck #hometips
Tontine adds: “For other types of pillows such as wool and feather, you want to make sure to replace them every 3-5 years, and every 5 years for memory foam and latex.”
It’s also worth noting that many pillows are actually printed with an expiration date on their label.
But if you can no longer read the text, or can’t remember when you bought the pillows, it sounds like it’s time for a change!
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