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Memory foam pillows stand out for their incredibly supportive filling and unmatched longevity, but to really enjoy their many benefits, a proper care routine is mandatory.
Most people find themselves satisfied with the life of their memory foam pillows, but what if you could make them last longer? Knowing when you need to replace your memory foam pillows can keep away those backaches and save yourself some money. More importantly, learning to care for your memory foam pillows will increase their life and you will get your money’s worth.
Memory Foam Pillow Life – How Long Does it Last?
Memory foam pillows last for as long as 3 years, which is pretty close to the life of latex, down and feather pillows. However, without adequate maintenance, memory foam pillows may only last for 18 to 24 months.
Considered to be one of the most popular and resilient pillow materials out of all synthetic pillows on the market, memory foam pillows last you a very long time as compared to polyester pillows, granted that you follow the appropriate care instructions provided with the product. While they may undoubtedly be a terrific bargain when it comes to comfort, most people want to know just how long they can rely on their memory foam pillows.
Despite rough usage, memory foam pillows turn out to be surprisingly durable. Their firm, robust build may make it seem like they can last forever, but if not cleaned and dried properly, their tender filling may disintegrate within a few months.
As in the case of any other pillow types, knowing how to care for your memory foam pillows is key to their longevity. Memory foam pillows can last you for a fairly long time with proper maintenance and you will enjoy your money’s worth!
How Do You Know When Memory Foam is Worn Out
It is simple to gauge if it is time to replace your memory foam pillow. Signs of wear and tear can be seen in the form of lumps or if your memory foam simply does not hold shape. While incredibly sturdy, exposure to moisture and improper drying techniques will wear your memory foam pillow out.
Here are a few things you can do to check if your memory foam pillow has served it’s life:
Faint musty smells, permanent dents, soggy foam are all signs to change your memory foam pillow.
Fold Test
The fold test is the first thing you should try if you notice your memory foam pillow wearing out or losing its bounce and shape. It works with other types of pillows as well, but it is especially useful to test the condition of your memory foam pillows.
You can try by placing a weight of a couple hundred grams, approximately 400 to 600 grams, or even by folding the pillow for five to six minutes to check if it falls back to its original shape. After removing the weight, check for the time it takes for the memory foam pillow to stretch back into its original shape.
If it takes too long to get back in shape or if it remains dented, you should ideally replace your pillow with a new one since it no longer has the ability to keep your neck and spine aligned. New pillow immediately falls back into its original shape and bounce.
Other Signs
Keep an eye out for other signs which may indicate that your old memory foam pillow has lost its shape and bounce. Aside from the folding test, if you notice or feel odd lumps in one area or scattered around inside the filling material of your memory foam pillow, it suggests that the delicate foam filling has crumbled and fallen apart. You may not be able to enjoy the many benefits of your special memory foam pillow and it is time to get a new one.
Another sign that indicates that your pillow has worn out is if you constantly feel the need to scrunch up, fluff, or ball the pillow together throughout the night to feel comfortable. Memory foam pillows are sturdy and robust, offering a firm support for your head and neck and if that support begins to loosen, it indicates that the filling may have lost its support.
If you feel the need to switch your position in bed often or toss and turn consistently until you find a sweet spot, then the fault lies in your pillow. This may also cause you recurrent neck pain, backaches, shoulder aches, headaches, or fatigue. Memory foam pillows that have a damaged filling may result in lack of sleep, neck and shoulder pain, and odd aches around the body.
Lastly, if you notice your dust mite or mold allergy symptoms kicking in again and acting up more frequently than before, you should get a new pillow and ditch your old one as it may have been affected by bacteria and dust mites after loosing its hypoallergenic qualities.
Care Instructions to Make Your Memory Foam Pillow Last Longer
Caring for your memory foam pillow according to the correct instructions is absolutely vital if you wish to reap its benefits for 36 months or more. There are various preventative measures, as well as pillow care steps you can take to ensure your memory foam pillow’s longevity.
Firstly, we recommend using a pillow cover with your pillow. This is a tried and tested, simple yet effective precaution that can extend the life of your pillow. While your body weight, movement, and pressure may cause physical damage to the memory foam, the biggest culprits to its destruction are dirt and grime.
This causes early deterioration of the pillow and requires consistent washing and cleaning. With a pillow cover over your pillow, dust, debris, stains, and spills will not make it through the surface and inside the tender filling of the pillow. Dust mites, sweat, natural skin oils, body heat, cosmetic remnants, and other chemicals may damage the pillow, but a pillow protector will keep all external moisture at bay.
This way, instead of having to clean your pillow to get rid of spills or stains, you can throw the cover in the washing machine and slip it back on once it is clean. Pillow covers and protectors can be washed multiple times in a week, unlike a memory foam pillow which requires spot cleaning in case of a stain.
Always adhere to cleaning instructions mentioned on the care label. Memory foam pillows should never be thrown in a washing machine as their filling does not react well to aggressive thrashing and spinning, as well as excessive moisture. Instead, memory foam pillows should be washed by hand, using lukewarm water and a mild low-suds detergent.
To keep the structural support and integrity of your foam from disintegrating, we suggest thoroughly air drying your memory foam pillow for six to eight hours in the sun or in a well-ventilated room. Never use a tumble dryer on these pillows as the excessive heat coupled with rough spins and thrashing will break the filling entirely.
Cleaning your memory foam pillows frequently will also get rid of any dust mites, pungent odors, body oils, dust and debris, and dead skin cells or dander. As long as you follow the instructions on the label provided for your memory foam pillows, you will be able to maintain its longevity, keep it fresh and hazard free, and enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should memory foam pillows be replaced?
Experts advise that memory foam pillows should be replaced after two or three years of continuous use. In some cases, some brands may last longer but those are also high quality, expensive pillows.
Most pillow marketers claim that with proper care, as per instructed on care labels and tags, you can make memory foam pillows last for up to 36 months or more. This is way more than your traditional synthetic pillows making them the best alternative.