What You Need to Sleep Better Every Night?
America has very much become a “throwaway” society, but there’s one area where we may be holding on to an item for too long … our pillows. Most people use the same pillow for more than three years, according to a study by Ergoflex UK. For some, it becomes like a security blanket, something you can’t possibly imagine sleeping without. Choosing a new pillow, then, can create anxiety and stress … will you ever find a pillow that’s as comfortable as your pillow? And isn’t it ok to hold on to your pillow, yellow stains and all? Here’s a quick trick that can help you answer that question. Fold your pillow in half. If this is possible, and it doesn’t spring back into its original shape, your pillow (or more like, your pancake) is overdue for replacement. As far as length of time goes, it depends on which ‘expert’ you ask. Robert Oexman, DC, director of the Sleep to Live Institute, says replacing your pillow every six months is reasonable. Interior design expert Robin Wilson believes you can get away with once every three years, if you wash your pillow regularly (including the pillow cover every three weeks and the pillow itself every three months). The UK’s Sleep Council comes in right in the middle. They recommend replacing your pillow every two years. There are even those who say a pillow can last 20 years if it’s properly care for. So who’s right? The answer probably depends on you.