Whether to throw away or keep an old pillow is a dilemma many people face. Pillows can seem fine on the outside but actually be full of allergens, dust mites, and oils from your hair and skin. This builds up over months and years of use. But pillows aren’t cheap and it seems wasteful to throw away something that still feels comfortable. In this article, we’ll go through the pros and cons of keeping or replacing your yellow pillow to help you make the right decision.
How Long Do Pillows Last?
Most experts recommend replacing your pillow every 1-2 years. After this time, it has likely built up enough allergen particles, dust mites, dead skin cells, and body oils that it can affect your sleep quality and health. Even with pillow protectors, most pillows deteriorate after regular use over 12-24 months.
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to replace your pillow:
- It’s lost its shape and doesn’t provide enough support for your head and neck anymore.
- You keep fluffing or punching it but it doesn’t spring back.
- There are visible yellow stains from sweat or skin oils.
- It has an odd smell from absorbed body oils and sweat.
- You wake up with allergy symptoms like a stuffy nose that improves when you’re away from the pillow.
If your yellow pillow is more than 1-2 years old and shows any of these signs, its time to consider getting a new one. But what if it still seems in fair condition despite its age? Let’s go through some pros and cons of keeping or replacing it.
Pros of Replacing Your Old Yellow Pillow
Here are some benefits you may see if you bite the bullet and buy a new pillow:
Improved sleep quality: A lumpy, misshapen older pillow likely doesn’t provide proper spinal alignment and head/neck support anymore. This can cause pain and discomfort resulting in poor sleep. A new pillow that still has its original shape and fluffiness is more likely to cradle your head comfortably and allow you to sleep deeply through the night.
Allergy relief: Over time, pillows accumulate dust mites, mold spores, and other allergens no matter how well you clean them. These can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and irritated eyes when you use the pillow. Getting a new hypoallergenic pillow can solve these issues.
Eliminate odors: Sweat, body oils, drool, and hair products can cause yellowing and unpleasant odors in an old pillow no matter how much you clean it. A new pillow brings back that “clean linen” smell that makes bedtime more relaxing.
Visual appeal: A discolored, misshapen headrest doesn’t look very appealing on your neatly made bed. Updating to a fresh white or yellow pillow makes your bed look more welcoming and put together.
Peace of mind: Knowing your pillow is clean and replacing it regularly can give you satisfaction and confidence that you’re optimizing your sleep environment.
Pros of Keeping Your Old Yellow Pillow
On the other hand, holding onto your older pillow a bit longer has some advantages too:
Saves money: Pillows range widely in price from $10 to over $100. Keeping your current one avoids this new expense, especially if it’s still in fairly usable condition.
Prevents waste: Over 300,000 tons of bedding and mattresses enter landfills yearly in the U.S. alone. Holding onto an older pillow you’re used to prolongs the need to discard it and buy a replacement. This gives it more use and is the eco-friendly choice.
Familiar comfort: If your pillow is broken in just how you like it, its unique indentations and shape may give you a comfortable, familiar feeling you won’t get from a stiff, new replacement.
Sentimental value: If the pillow has sentimental meaning, like a gift or memento, you may want to hold onto it despite its age for psychological reasons.
Still usable: Even if it’s not like new, you may feel your pillow still does its main job fairly well by cushioning your head during sleep. No need to swap it out yet if it’s still decent.
When Should You Definitely Replace Your Pillow?
While the pros above make reasonable cases for keeping or replacing your yellow pillow, there are certain circumstances where you should definitely throw it out:
- It’s more than 2 years old. The material degradation is likely too advanced at this point.
- You see black mold spots anywhere on the pillow. This is unhealthy to breathe in.
- It emits a strong mildew or musty odor suggesting mold growth inside.
- There are large visible stains that haven’t come out after washing.
- The filling is lumpy or starts poking out through the cover.
- You have frequent allergy symptoms or respiratory issues that improve away from your bed.
If you notice any of these, buy a new pillow right away. The potential negatives for your sleep and health outweigh any benefits of prolonging your old yellow pillow’s lifespan.
How to Dispose of Your Old Pillow
Once you decide to get rid of your yellow pillow, make sure you dispose of it properly:
- Check if the manufacturer offers trade-in or recycling programs. Some will take back old pillows and keep them out of landfills.
- See if anywhere in your area will recycle pillows, like recycling centers or charity drives.
- Rip open the pillowcase and see if the filling is suitable for reuse, like stuffing pet beds or sewing projects.
- Remove the cover and foam filling. Recycle the cover if possible and bag the foam for regular garbage pickup.
- Tear the pillow into pieces so it takes up less space in a landfill.
- Contact your local waste management department for pillow disposal guidelines.
Following environmentally conscious disposal methods reduces waste and stops materials like foam from sitting untouched in landfills for years.
Buying a Replacement Pillow
Once your old yellow pillow is discarded, it’s time to choose a replacement. Here are some tips for picking the right new pillow for you:
- Select the right size for your bed, usually Standard, Queen, or King.
- Choose a reputable brand with good reviews.
- Consider your sleep position and preferred cushioning level.
- Compare materials like memory foam, down, and microfiber.
- Opt for machine washable and hypoallergenic if you have allergies.
- Buy two pillows and rotate them to prolong their lifespan.
- Test pillows in the store for comfort and support.
Be willing to spend more for better quality since you use your pillow daily. Paying upfront extends the time before needing another replacement.
Bottom Line
Replacing your yellow pillow is recommended every 1-2 years for optimal cleanliness, comfort, and allergen control. But keeping an older pillow isn’t always a bad idea if it’s still in fairly usable shape. Evaluate your specific pillow’s condition and trust your instincts on whether an upgrade is worthwhile for improving your sleep. If you do opt for a new pillow, dispose of the old one properly and take time to find the right replacement for your needs. Investing in a quality pillow pays dividends through better rest over time.
Conclusion
Deciding the fate of an aging pillow requires weighing practical factors like cost, waste, and your current comfort against potential perks like improved sleep, allergy relief, and overall hygiene from starting fresh. There’s no single right answer for everyone. Pay attention to signs your yellow pillow needs replacement like odor, visible stains, or increased allergy symptoms. But don’t feel guilty keeping it a bit longer if it still seems in reasonable condition. When you do opt for a new pillow, choose carefully and sustainably dispose of the old one. Taking time to make thoughtful pillow decisions benefits your wallet, health, and peace of mind.
