This is a really good question; how long should we keep our bedding, your duvet and pillows, before they are deemed old or ineffective at doing what they were intended for?
There are a lot of different answers, and you would presume that the more money you spend the longer it should last. There are a lot of other factors however; frequent or over washing can cause certain fabrics and fillers to deteriorate and look worn out in just a few years.
The experts say that this can lead to aches and pains, more neck damage and an increase in dust mite allergies and infestations.
After a period of time any filling, whether it’s synthetic; like polyester hollowfibre, or natural like down, wool or bamboo, will lose its springiness. This is when you need to replace it.
Some interesting stats:
- Pillows should be changed every two years and duvets every five
- 82% of people do not know this and most keep their bedding for longer
- The average person keeps a pillow for 3.2 years and a duvet for 7.6 years
- 57% of people only replace their bedding when it starts to wear out
With regards to pillows and duvets these items can often last for up to 10 years if correctly washed and cared for.
A really simple way to freshen up your bedding is to air it outside for a couple of hours on a sunny, breezy day. Shaking your duvet and pillows every day to air them will help to keep them looking plump and fresh. This is very effective and can dramatically improve the longevity of your duvets and pillows.
But there will come a time when your pillows and duvet will eventually need to be replaced.
Here is some information I have gathered for you, to help you make an informed decision, when you are ready to buy your new duvet and pillows.
Choosing your duvet:
Duvet inserts are fluffy quilts filled with either natural down “duvet” is French for down, or other natural or synthetic materials. When used with removable quilt covers, duvet inserts eliminate the need for a top sheet and allow you to change up your bedding style more frequently.
Buying a quality duvet is a great investment, since you spend so much time sleeping, you should have bedding that keeps you comfortable at night. There's a lot to consider; such as whether you want a natural or synthetic filling, as well as which tog rating, or insulation rating, is best for you.
Before you buy your new duvet, you’ll need to understand the different kinds of fills and constructions in order to make the perfect choice. Natural fillings like duck or goose feathers, provide great insulation and warmth. They also let moisture escape, creating a soft, breathable duvet. Natural fillings are also better for the environment and are usually biodegradable. Take your time and investigate what is good for you.
Duvet inserts with down or feather alternatives may be filled with natural fibers such as; cotton, silk, wool, and bamboo, or synthetics such as polyester. Natural fillers like wool, silk, bamboo or cotton have great insulating properties and are more breathable than synthetic fillers. However synthetics are generally less expensive, and better for allergy sufferers, but they may not have quite the same feel of natural down.
If you’re looking for a synthetic, a good test is to squeeze the fibre-fill between your thumb and forefinger; if it rubs together smoothly and feels slightly slick, it will be less likely to clump in the long run. In addition to being hypoallergenic, duvets with synthetic fillers may be the right choice if you’re a vegan.
Choosing your pillows:
There are many factors that affect the quality of sleep you get each night, one of these factors is your pillow. Choosing the wrong pillow can exacerbate headaches, and neck and shoulder tension. Taking time to decide what the best pillow is for you, based on your sleeping habits and personal needs, will help ensure that you wake up refreshed and ready for each day.
Some people sleep on their back, some sleep primarily on their side and some prefer to sleep on their stomach.
Knowing which position you tend to sleep in is important for picking the correct pillow.
If you are a stomach sleeper; you will need a soft, fairly flat pillow, or you may not need a pillow at all. Having a soft pillow will allow your neck to stay in line with your spine.
If you are a back sleeper; look for a medium thick pillow. You don’t want it to be too thick, or it will push your head too far forward. You also don’t want it to be too soft, or your head will simply sink down to the mattress. In this case, you may want a pillow which is thicker and firmer on the bottom, to provide a bit of neck support.
Side sleepers will need a thicker, firmer pillow to help support the neck and keep their neck at a right angle to their shoulders. If you find that you are a mixed sleeper and you find many positions comfortable throughout the night, look for a pillow that is of medium thickness, and a bit softer so that it can be used comfortably in different positions.
When buying your pillows take into consideration if you have asthma, allergies, or chronic neck pain; you may need a particular filling or a dust mite proof cover for your pillow. There are many types of pillows, and each type has different things to offer.
Down or feather pillows are typically made from the inner plumage of geese or ducks and can be filled according to your preference.
They can last up to 10 years and are resilient and breathable because they are made of a natural material. You might wish to avoid down or feather pillows for ethical reasons, or because of asthma or allergies. In this case, there are other natural fillers, or synthetic varieties available.
A wool, bamboo or cotton pillow might be best for you if you suffer from severe allergies, as these pillows are not susceptible to dust mites or mold.
Latex pillows are made from the sap of rubber trees, making it elastic and resilient. These pillows are good for allergy sufferers, as they are mold resistant. They also tend to be cooler than memory foam and can form to fit your head and neck.
Memory foam pillows provide good support, especially if you have neck, jaw, or shoulder problems. They are long lasting and are good at forming to the contours of your head and neck. A high density foam is best in order to avoid the material breaking down; but be aware that this material can make you hot, as it doesn't breathe.
If you tend to move around a lot, these pillows may be uncomfortable since they take a bit of time to mould into different shapes.
As well as choosing the perfect duvet and pillows, take time and care in choosing the right duvet cover and pillowcases. Natural fibers and material such as bamboo or cotton are always best for getting a good night’s sleep.
Spring has arrived and it’s the perfect time to do a full audit on your bedding and bedlinen.
Freshen up your bedding, or buy new bedding if needed, and change your bedlinen ready for the new warm seasons.
Fresh bedding will only benefit your sleep!
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