Why You Should Use A Shoe To See If Your Pillow Needs To Be Replaced

We spend a lot of time in bed — ⅓ of our lives, to be exact — and all of those hours can cause significant wear and tear on our bedding, especially our pillows. This can be a problem because healthy pillows are an essential component of a good night's sleep. The good news is that, with a single sneaker, you can perform an easy test to determine if it's time to replace your pillow. All you have to do is fold the pillow in half, place the shoe on top, and observe what happens next.

Pillows accumulate dust, moisture, skin cells, and natural oils, which makes them lose their shape and flatten out over time. Flat and lumpy pillows do not provide adequate neck support, which may cause you to wake up feeling stiff or sore. It goes without saying that this does not have great long-term consequences. If you suspect that it might be time to rest your head on something new, grab a shoe and give this quick test a try. You may discover that your bedding is in better shape than you thought. Or, you might confirm your suspicions and get inspired to properly dispose of your pillows and purchase a new set.

This simple test will tell you everything you need to know about the state of your pillow. While this particular method applies only to pillows made of synthetic materials, a similar test can be used on down and feather pillows as well.

Begin by placing your synthetic pillow on a flat surface, like a tabletop. Fluff the pillow, place it on the surface, and fold it in half. Next, grab a sneaker and set it on top of the folded pillow. If the pillow immediately unfolds and topples the sneaker, then it is in good condition with healthy filling to cushion your head and support your neck while you sleep. On the other hand, a pillow that stays folded with the sneaker undisturbed is a telltale sign that is flat, worn-out, and in need of replacing.

To test your down or feather pillow, place it on the table, fold it in half, and compress it to release the air. If the pillow bounces back to its regular shape, you're in the clear. If it stays folded, your pillow is likely well past its prime. It's important to care for and clean your pillows to preserve their condition and extend their lifespan, so keep in mind that down and feather pillows can be washed occasionally to restore their shape. Consider giving this a try and performing the test again to see if that makes a difference.