People are just learning that pillows have an expiry date
There's nothing better for a good night's rest than some freshly-changed sheets, a cosy duvet and a dreamy fluffy pillow to complete the ensemble.
However, it seems that not many people are in the know about a pretty vital part of the bed-making routine and have been missing out a fairly crucial step.
It's not just the contents of your fridge and cupboard that has an expiration date as, believe it or not, pillows have one too and the internet is only just clocking on. Check it out:
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Now, you may or may not have noticed a date on your pillows, but never really thought much of it.
Well, turns out that date is actually pretty important as a guide for when you should chuck out your old pillows and replace them with new ones.
Not only is an 'in-date' pillow better for neck support, posture and comfort but it is also essential for cleanliness.
Things like skin breakouts, allergic reactions and even mould can become apparent when you don't regularly switch out what you rest your head on every single night.
According to the Sleep Foundation, most experts recommend replacing pillows every one to two years, as this is said to help make sure that you’re using pillows that are supportive and clean.
There are also some signs to look out for too when it comes to the changing of the pillow guard.
If you find yourself waking up with neck pain, if your pillow feels lumpy or if your pillow refuses to fluff then it's out with the old and in with the new.
You can also try out the fold test by folding your existing pillow in half and holding it for just under a minute or so.
After releasing it, an adequate pillow should spring back to its regular shape, but if the pillow remains in the folded position and doesn't retain its original shape at all, then you need to replace it.
While this isn't news to sleep experts all over - it's clearly blind-sighted a lot of people online.
One Instagram user revealed: "I wash ours but never knew about the expiration date."
"Me and my pillow are having our 10 anniversary!" admitted a second.
A third echoed: "My pillows are literally as old as me and I cannot sleep without them!"
"I was today years old when I finally found out why pillows have an expiration date on them," added another. "Always wondered what that date was for and it says do not tear off!"
Guess you really do learn something new everyday.
A final Instagram user declared: "Yellow pillows are God-given gifts."
Not too sure about that one mate, but each to their own - eh?
Rhiannon Ingle