The right time to change your pillow
Cosmetic surgeon Karuna Malhotra, founder of Dr Karuna Dermatology Clinic (India) - said that you should change your pillow after 1-2 years of use to maintain hygiene and skin health. Because, over time, pillows accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells and oil, which can cause allergies or skin problems.
Additionally, using an old pillow for too long can contribute to acne and skin irritation due to bacteria and debris that accumulate over time.
“When a pillow becomes misshapen or loses its elasticity and no longer holds its shape or feels uncomfortable, it is a sign that it should be replaced,” says Dr. Karuna Malhotra.
Sharing the same view, Dr. Arvind Mehra, Senior Director, Orthopedic Doctor at Paras Health Center Gurugram (India) - said that people can replace pillows sooner if they show signs of lumpiness, flattening or discoloration.
“Replacing your pillow at the right time is important to maintain spinal health and prevent orthopedic problems. Old pillows that don't provide proper alignment between the neck and spine can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, and even long-term posture problems,” notes Dr. Mehra.
Doctors advise that if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or have sensitive skin, changing your pillowcase regularly (once a year) is important to prevent bacteria and dirt from accumulating and to protect your skin's health.
You can also wash your pillow regularly (about once a month) to keep it clean and durable.
Broken pillows affect spinal health
According to doctors, pillows play an important role in maintaining proper sleeping posture, helping the spine maintain its natural alignment. If the pillow is damaged, loses its elasticity or does not provide good support, it can cause the following problems:
Muscle tension and back pain: An inadequately supportive pillow can cause the neck and spine to not stay in the correct position while sleeping, leading to muscle tension, back pain, and neck pain when waking up.
Misaligned spine: A pillow that is the wrong size or shape can cause the neck and spine to be out of alignment, leading to spinal misalignment. This can cause long-term health problems, such as degenerative disc disease or other spinal conditions.
Sleep deprivation: A broken pillow can cause discomfort while sleeping, preventing you from getting deep, restful sleep. Insufficient and poor quality sleep can cause stress, fatigue, and reduce the body's ability to recover.
