Did you know that having the wrong pillow can hurt your health?

Your pillow's firmness plays a role in how it can prevent neck pain or lead to sleep problems. Old pillows can bend your neck in the wrong way and worsen neck pain. Having the right pillows can help fix these problems and improve your sleep quality.

Are your pillows starting to lose their firmness? It might be time to check if it's time for you to get new pillows. Continue reading and check out our guide to know when it's time to replace your old pillows.

1. It's Way Past Its Expiry Date

Everyone has a pillow in their household that they've had since their baby was born. Many people develop some kind of sentimental value to their pillows.

There's nothing wrong with using old pillows, but remember that their quality fades over time. Most people don't know that pillows have an expiry date.

If you have polyester pillows, check their tags. These tags often have an expiry date that shows when to replace your old pillows with new ones. Unlike food, you don't have to replace your old pillow as soon as the expiry date comes, but you will have to soon.

Even if your other pillows don't have an expiry date on their tag, you should still replace them after some time. Most experts recommend replacing your pillows every 1 to 2 years. Replacing them helps ensure that they are clean and have enough firmness to support you.

2. Your Pillow Smells and Looks Off

If your pillow still smells bad after a wash, it might be time to toss it. A smelly pillow might be a sign of bacteria growing in your pillow. This is because pillows collect dead skin cells and body oils that build up over time.

This buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and dirt can also cause health problems. You might wake up sneezing due to the dead skin cell buildup or even have allergens in your pillow. Having dirty pillow cases also increase your chances of getting acne or worsens it.

Old pillows also tend to have stains that can't become removed even with the toughest bleach. Drool stains, period stains, food stains, you name it. Some pillows have seen better days, but you should see better pillows.

Having a stained-up pillow can be embarrassing. Stained and dirty-looking pillows are also a sign that the inside is also dirty. If your old pillow has too many stains or even tears, then it is time to get a new pillow.

3. You Notice Some Lumps

Having lumps in your pillow is never a good sign. Lumps are a great way to know that your pillow can no longer provide the support you need. Having several lumps in your pillow is not only uncomfortable but is a sure sign that it is time to get a new pillow.

A lumpy pillow also indicates that your pillow has collected too much dirt, oil, and even debris. This dirt and oil cause the material of your pillow to clump with each other. Moisture can also be a reason why your pillow starts to become lumpy.

Whatever the reason, one thing is for certain: It's time to let it go. This is important to note if you have a specialty pillow like an orthopedic one.

4. It Fails the Fold Test

The fold test is one quick way to check if your old pillow needs replacing. You can do the fold test on your old pillow by folding your old pillow in half. You have to keep folding it for 30 seconds before releasing it.

After releasing your pillow, you should observe what happens. If your pillow returns to its original shape, it is still in decent shape. On the other hand, if your old pillow stays folded, then it's time to get an upgrade.

5. You Wake Up Feeling Tired

If you start waking up tired even after a long night's sleep, that might be because of that old pillow. Not having a firm, comfortable pillow can cause sleep problems. An old pillow causes a variety of problems, such as back pain and neck pain.

Your lumpy pillow may no longer be able to give you the support you need, or you keep waking up due to allergies. Soon, your fatigue from lack of sleep may begin to affect your mental health. The best way to ensure a good night's sleep is to optimize your sleeping environment, and this starts with your bed.

These pains are a few of the discomforts that can result from having an old pillow that doesn't support you. Waking up stiff, in pain, or tired is a clear sign to get a new pillow.

If you get a new pillow and you still feel these things, then you might have gotten the wrong type of pillows. There are many kinds of specialty pillows out on the market that caters to a wide variety of sleep problems. Knowing what kind of support you need and the problems you have will help you in choosing the right one.

Get New Pillows and Improve Your Sleep Today

These are only a few of the ways you can know when it's time for you to get new pillows. Follow these tips, and you are sure to throw those old pillows away and get new pillows sure to help you sleep better. Take this opportunity to not only get new pillows but pillows that can get you the best sleep.

If you want to know more about how to know when it's time to get new pillows, then you are in luck. Are you looking to upgrade your bedroom? Contact us today to find quality mattresses, sheets, pillows, and more!