Pillow Perfection

A proper pillow is essential to a good night’s rest. But, with time, pillows change shape due to regular use and washing, which can make them less comfortable to sleep on. Even more troublesome is, over time, a pillow’s fabric can become permeable to dust mites, promoting allergies. How can you ensure a quality night’s rest and avoid a pillow that is under performing? Our design team recommends proper pillow selection, regularly replacing pillows and appropriate care and maintenance to extend the life of your pillows. 

How Often to Replace Pillows

Aim to replace sleeping pillows every two years or sooner, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. Here are common signs that it’s time for replacements:

Discoloration: Over time, pillows can become discolored from frequent use with a buildup of sweat, oil and dead skin cells. This can create a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens. 

Loss of Shape: A pillow that has lost its shape, is no longer able to provide the proper support for your head and neck when you sleep. A good test is if you fold the pillow in half and it doesn’t spring back to its original shape, it’s time to get a new one! 

Smell: Unpleasant odors coming from your pillow could be a sign of mold, perhaps from sleeping on your pillow with damp hair. Replace immediately, as inhaling mold can pose health risks, even to those without an allergy to it. 

Allergies Have Worsened: If your allergies worsen at night or are triggered by your bed and washing your pillows doesn’t help, toss them out. 

How to Find The Right Pillow for You

Depending on how you sleep, pillow firmness will play a big factor in selection. If you have a strong preference for sleeping on your side, a firm pillow will be the best for keeping your neck and shoulders in optimal horizontal alignment. Back sleepers, and those without a specific sleeping position should opt for a medium density pillow. A medium pillow will allow the head and neck to remain in line with the spine’s natural curvature. For the stomach sleepers, the soft pillows work great because they allow the head to sink to a perfect level with gentle support. 

Pillow Care and Maintenance

As with anything, taking care of your sleeping pillows will ensure that they last as long as possible before needing to be replaced. Here are some helpful tips for cleaning and caring for pillows. 

Downright at Saybrook Home

At Saybrook Home, we offer Downright Genuine Down (and down alternative) Pillows in four different styles. Each style (see below) has a different fill power and is available in soft, medium and firm options.

Downright pillows and comforters are 100% hypoallergenic. The down used in these inserts is sustainably sourced, cruelty free and goes through a double wash, quadruple rinse process for the cleanest down available. Manufactured in Brooklyn, NY, products are made to order, not sitting on shelves and shipped fresh. 

Learn more about our bedding department and amazing brands we carry here!

To connect with a designer to customize your bedding selections, click here.