Pillow-Induced Neck Pain: When to Replace Pillows & Why They Need to Be Washed Sleep Women's Health Kids' Health Men's Health Family Health

Neck hurt? Research has revealed that one in five people wake up with a sore neck every morning due to keeping their pillow longer than its recommended lifespan. This research was uncovered by Happy Beds when analyzing the results of their bedding calculator survey. Happy Beds has revealed the most shocking findings from the results and provided expert guidance on the ideal methods and timing for cleaning and replacing your bedding.

Pillow Pain

”Our pillows can affect our physical health with 18 percent stating they wake up with a sore neck every morning due to their pillow," says Rex Isap, sleep expert and CEO at Happy Beds. “When you sleep, it’s important that your neck and spine are aligned and your neck isn’t positioned at an odd angle that is out of alignment with your spine. However, a lumpy pillow, one that no longer has support, will not hold your neck in the correct position."

There is a way you can check, however, if your pillow is no longer up to standard. "If you hold it up vertically with one arm, check to see if the pillow folds over while you hold it as that’s an indicator that it no longer provides the support you need.”

One in three have had their pillow too long. “Pillows are just as important as comforters, but they have a shorter lifespan," says Isap. "Happy Beds bedding calculator has revealed that over one-third (35 percent) have had their pillow longer than they should."

Pillows last no more than two years and should be replaced every one to two years, or sooner if you feel a lack of support from your pillow. "Dust mites and their droppings make up to around a third of the weight of pillows over two years old. One study also found fungi across pillows older than one and a half to two years, which pose particular problems for people with respiratory issues. This can also lead to further sleep disturbances if you suffer from the likes of sleep apnea.”

It’s not only pillows that people have had too long. One in 12 have had their comforter for over a decade risking E. coli. Eight percent (or 1 in 12) admitted to having their comforter for more than 10 years; more than double the lifespan for a comforter. But what could be thriving on these long-loved comforters? The answer is a myriad of bacteria and dust mites.

During an average night, we shed over one million skin cells, or 3.6 billion skin cells over 10 years. Combine that with the sweat and body oils you secrete each night, and your comforter fast becomes an item that could potentially make you ill – particularly if left unwashed.

Researchers have also found that bathroom towels – those that people often leave on their bed – can host bacterial species, including E. coli, which can spread to other items in the home, including your bedding. This is why it is essential you wash your comforter every few months or, at least, twice a year. Unfortunately, many do not do that.

Comforters

Forty one percent have never washed their comforter. Hundreds of dust mites can live in just one gram of dust present on your comforter.

“While you might wash your bedsheets weekly, comforters can become a breeding ground for bacteria," says Isap. "They are used every night and, subsequently, can hold dead skin, sweat and body oils that can host thousands of dust mites and all other types of bacteria. If your comforter isn’t washed regularly, that bacteria can build up over time, discoloring your comforter and even triggering allergies for some people."

To maintain a healthy sleep environment, comforters should be washed two to three times a year, even if you've recently acquired them. "A useful tip is to time comforter washes with the change in season. So, if you swap your winter comforter for a summer comforter when it gets warm, wash your winter comforter before storing it to avoid any mold and mildew growing on it.”

Your skin cells, oils and sweat can build up over time.. Not to mention, hundreds of dust mites can live in just one, singular gram of dust. If that comforter hasn’t been washed or laundered in years, you can imagine how many dust mites could be living in your comforter.

Studies have identified a high association between those who are sensitive to dust mites and trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. So, your comforter can actually impact how long you sleep, too. And, we have news, dirty comforters can hold up to 20,000 live dust mites at a time. That is in addition to the bacteria, stains and dust mite feces.

Note: The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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