When Do You Need To Replace Your Pillow?

We have shared a lot about how to clean and maintain your mattress and bed sheets. But equally important are your pillows. Our pillows support our head and neck to enable us to rest our heads comfortably for a good night’s rest. Therefore, it is important to maintain our pillow, and to replace it when the time comes. But how do you know when you need to replace your pillow?

When Should You Replace Your Pillow?

Material used

The life expectancy of your pillow really depends on the material it is made with. Usually, it takes 1 to 10 years to replace your pillow. But based on the material, here are some suggestions to help you along.

Synthetic: Synthetic pillows are also called ‘fibre fill’, ‘microfibre’ or ‘cluster fill’. These pillows need to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. They are inexpensive, machine-washable and easy to maintain. Hotelier Prestigio™ Luxe Pillow is made with microfibre with 50% cotton and 50% polyester as casing to ensure a longer lasting pillow.

Buckwheat: Buckwheat hull pillows are great because they mould perfectly to the shape of your head and neck. This allows you to feel supported in the right posture all night while you sleep. It helps to align your head, neck and spine. The lifespan of a buckwheat pillow is about 3 to 4 years.

Down and Feather: Down and feather pillows are also easy to maintain. You can wash them regularly every 6 months. The filling is durable and can last 5 to 10 years or more.

Signs to replace your pillow

Besides knowing the types of material used to make your pillow, the following are signs to help you know when you should replace your pillow,

  • Lumps in your filler material
  • Permanent stains on your pillow from sweat and body oil
  • When you wake up with neck and shoulder aches (Around one in three Singaporean complain of neck pain)
  • You wake up tired
  • You wake up suffering from headaches despite seeing a doctor
  • You constantly have to fluff your pillow
  • When you fold your feather fill pillow, it remains folded and does not go back to the original position


Besides the above signs, there are times you need to change your pillow due to allergic reasons. It also depends on whether you have changed your sleeping positions.

It is also important to maintain your pillow by checking the washing label to check if it is machine washable. Pillows with microfiber or down are usually washable. For others, you need to dry clean or to spot clean.

It is recommended that you wash your pillows once every 6 months if it is machine washable. Use mild detergent and dry your pillow on a low-heat setting. Keep drying until no more moist or damp clumps are felt in the pillow.

About Affairs Living

Affairs Living is one of Singapore’s leading smart furnishing solutions. Dedicated to helping you create a cosy living space you’d look forward to at the end of the day, our selection of bedding accessories—ranging from quilt covers to fitted sheet sets—can truly provide you with the ultimate sleeping experience. 

Whether you’re looking for an adjustable bed base for the perfect sleeping position or a mattress that can alleviate your back pain, we can be your one-stop solution. Our smart home technology also carries the promise of ending morning grogginess through an AI Function SMART Alarm, head and foot controls, and presetting your favourite positions!

Here at Affairs Living, we have everything you need to make your bedroom feel like a luxury hotel. Grab the best deals, enjoy same-day delivery services and visit our newest showroom to start the most romantic affair of your homeownership journey. Shop now!

July 06, 2021 — hue lai