Frequently Asked Questions on Pillows

The average American pillow is two to three years old, even though foam pillows are generally effective for only two years. Down pillows, on the other hand, last up to ten years. If your back, neck, knees, or ankles are sore when you wake up in the morning, it may be time for a new pillow. In addition, many people want a new pillow when their current pillow is especially lumpy or especially stained, though dirt on your pillow does not impact your sleeping comfort.

 

If you have a down or feather pillow, test it by folding it in half and squeezing out the air. If the pillow stays folded when you release it, it has lost its effectiveness. If your pillow is filled with synthetic foam, again fold it in half, but this time, put an average-sized hardback book on it and set it down. When you release, the pillow should “toss” the book and spring back to its original shape. 

Pillows provide a home for dust mites, fungal spores, and other allergens, and consequently, a poor or dirty pillow can contribute to asthma or allergic sinusitis (not to mention the headaches or nasal congestion that are unrelated to allergies). Ask your doctor for pillow suggestions, and look into pillows that advertise allergy protection. Cotton pillows in particular are often better for allergy sufferers.

 

Many people use pillows of all sizes for decoration. These novelty pillows come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, and you can put them on living room furniture, in decorative baskets, on the bed, or any other number of places. 

 

You can also look for pillows that are designed to alleviate certain physical problems. If you suffer a broken tailbone, for example, a doctor may direct you to a donut pillow, which you can place in a chair before sitting. If you suffer from back pain when you spend long amounts of time in the car, try putting a small back pillow behind your lower back. Frequent fliers, on the other hand, often use a U-shaped pillow that prevents their head from falling to the side when they sleep sitting up.