If there is one constant among consumers it's that they love to hold on to their favorite pillows. Many folks think that their pillow is so special and unique it can never be replaced. And that if they were replaced they would never feel the same - never get that 'just right' feeling. In fact of all the items on your bed - from the mattress to the comforter - your bed or sleeping pillow is the most important article. A proper pillow not only helps you feel rested and good in the morning but can also prevent unnecessary neck or spinal issue caused by improper head support based on your sleeping style.
When you go to sleep at night your body naturally settles into the sleeping position it finds most comfortable. These sleep styles translate to the type of pillow you should use. If you sleep on your back, you need a medium density pillow so that your head has enough cushion at night. If you sleep on your side then you should opt for a firm density pillow so that your head's weight is properly help at the right angle to prevent neck aches. Finally if you are a stomach or face sleeper you should consider using a bed pillow that is very soft. This soft density pillow allows your airways to have free room to breathe versus being cramped next to excess pillow filling material.
Many experts say that the average bed pillow should be replaced every couple years. This advice is probably adequate if you purchase and use cheap pillows. However, many more expensive pillows that contain down can last a dozen years and simply need to be cared for properly. The biggest determination of when to replace your pillow is the filling material inside. Aside from longevity the filling material has its own unique characteristics that cover topics like machine washing/drying to having to use a pillow protector.
Generally if the bed pillow contains down filling material it can last several years as long as a pillow protector is used and if it is washed perhaps on a yearly basis. Most down pillows can be machine washed but folks have a perception that they have to be dry cleaned. In fact dry cleaning usually hurts the down fillings so don't dry clean unless the pillow fabric contains silk or rayon. A feather pillow can last longer than a down pillow as the filling is so rigid and firmer. Feather pillows can also be machine washed as long as they are dried extra - at least 3 cycles. Finally for polyester pillows they usually break down after a couple years (except for PrimaLoft which can last quite a bit longer - usually 4-5 years).
The newest concern many consumers have is around dust mites and how to 'prevent' them. Dust mites are a natural organism that is all around us in our homes. They feed of your skin cells and leave irritants which cause allergy issues for some consumers. Down bedding tends to be very allergy resistant due to its higher thread count fabrics needed to keep the down in place. This in turn means tighter fabrics which block many household allergens.
