When to Replace Old Pillows – and How to Dispose of Them Responsibly

Have you seen our expert commentary on pillows in the media recently? Our interior specialists joined the great pillow debate in The Independent (and other top publications), sharing useful advice on how often you should really be replacing your pillows. Spoiler alert: it’s more frequently than you might think!

Make sure you stay ahead of the game with our top tips for keeping your pillows fresh, hygienic, and ultra-comfortable, so you get the best possible good night’s sleep.

Pillows play a key role in the quality of our sleep, yet many of us are guilty of using the same one for far longer than we should. While common advice suggests replacing pillows every one to two years, the reality is actually a little more nuanced. Rather than relying on a set timeframe, our experts advise assessing the hygiene, material quality, and support of your pillow to determine when it’s time for an upgrade.

If your pillows are discoloured and misshapen, it probably time for an upgrade (Getty Images / CanvaPro)

So, when should you replace your pillows?

Instead of blindly following a one-size-fits-all rule, it really does pay to consider what’s really going on inside your pillow – from hygiene issues to the quality of the materials. After all, a pillow isn’t just a soft place to rest your head; it’s a repository for dust mites, moisture and all sorts of unwelcome guests, which can affect both your sleep quality and overall hygiene. Here are some key factors to consider…

Hygiene matters

If you’re sleeping on the same pillow night after night, replacing it every couple of years is absolutely a good rule of thumb. This decision, however, can also depend on how washable your pillow is and what it’s made from. Natural materials pillows, like those made from feather and down, should ideally be professionally cleaned every six months, while synthetic memory foam or latex pillows, made with today’s advanced washable pillow fibres, can be popped into the washing machine on a 60°c wash to help eliminate dust mites and dirt. You can also prolong the life of your pillow with a pillow protector which can be washed more frequently.

TEMPUR® Cloud Smartcool Medium Pillows

How often is the pillow used?

There’s no blanket rule here. Guest room pillows that see only occasional use don’t wear out as quickly as those in your main bedroom that are used nightly. If a guest pillow is well-protected with a washable cover and only used sporadically, you can almost certainly extend its lifespan well beyond the standard timeframe.

Has it lost its shape?

One key factor when considering how often to change your pillows is whether they’ve maintained their shape and structure. There’s a huge difference between a £2 pillow, made with low-cost fibres that tend to break down faster and lose their shape, and one designed with higher-tech materials like memory foam or advanced synthetic fibres, that allow airflow and maintain their structure over time. In other words, you often get what you pay for.

If your pillow has become flattened or lumpy pillow, chances are it’s no longer providing the proper support that your head and neck need. If you find yourself fluffing your pillow constantly or waking up with and aching neck, it’s time to invest in a new one.

How often do people actually replace their pillows?

We asked our customers about how often they replace their pillows and, despite expert recommendations, only 22 percent said that they replace pillows every two years old. Another study indicated that the average lifespan of a pillow in most households is 3.2 years.

Interestingly, more people ask if washing pillows kills dust mites and bed bugs over whether washing pillows will fluff them. Despite these concerns, it seems that few people prioritise replacing them quite as frequently as they should.

How to dispose of old pillows responsibly

Replacing your pillow doesn’t mean that the old one has to go straight to landfill. Here are some eco-friendly ways to dispose of or repurpose old pillows:

Donate (where possible) - While many charity shops won’t accept used pillows due to hygiene concerns, some animal shelters welcome them for bedding. It’s always best to check with your local shelter first.

Recycle through local schemes - Many councils offer textile recycling services that accept soft furnishings, including pillows. Check your local council’s website for guidance on designated drop-off points or special collection days.

Repurpose at home - If pillows aren’t in a state to be donated or recycled, there are other creative ways to give them a new lease of life. The stuffing can be reused for making floor cushion inserts, pet beds, or even as padding for kneeling pads in the garden. Feathers are also a rich source of nitrogen, making them a great addition to your compost bins. They break down efficiently, enriching your compost with natural nutrients while offering an eco-friendly way to fertilise your plants. If you’re not green fingered but have lots of faux plants around the house, old pillow fibres can also be used to support faux plant bases within decorative pots. Just sprinkle faux moss on the top for a designer-style look.

For more inspiration, there are tons of creative upcycling ideas on TikTok under hashtags like #Upcycling, #DIYHome, and #Recycle.

If all else fails, dispose of them responsibly - If your pillow has truly reached the end of its life, disposing of it via household waste may be the only option. However, always explore donation, recycling, or repurposing first to minimise environmental impact.

Invest in Better Sleep

Think of your pillow as an investment in your comfort and wellbeing. Forget rigid rules – instead of following a set timeframe, regularly check the hygiene, shape, and support of your pillows. If they’re showing signs of wear and tear and no longer serving you well, it’s time to upgrade.

A good pillow leads to better sleep, and better sleep leads to a better you.

Upgrade your sleep experience by exploring our range of bedroom furniture, beds, mattresses and pillows here.