We are tucked up in our beds for almost 3000 hours a year, so it's safe to say that our duvets and pillows are getting well used. Over the years our bedding (no matter how diligent you are with your cleaning routine) gets dirty, collects dust mites and will eventually need replacing, but when's the right time do it?
We have all the need-to-know info on when to change your duvets and pillows, and how to make them last that little bit longer.
When to replace your duvet
You should replace your duvet when it starts to feel limp, the filling isn't as evenly distributed across the duvet, or the filling starts to come through the casing. You might also find that that it just isn't keeping you as warm as it once was.
As your duvet rests on top of you at night, rather than taking any of your weight, it should last longer than your pillows. The Sleep Council suggests that a duvet should last at least 5 years, but a good quality duvet, with high quality filling could last at least twice that, especially if it's rotated with another for the change of season.
How to make your duvet last longer
With your bedding, the higher the quality, the longer it's going to last. Making sure you do the research on how your duvet is made could make all the difference, and even improve how well you sleep.
Look for a duvet with a cotton casing; this will make the duvet more breathable, keeping you cooler and keeping the duvet cleaner. A higher thread count case also helps your duvet last as it stops any stray feathers from seeping out. We don't use a casing with a thread count lower than 233 on any of our duvets.
A duvet with a baffle wall construction will last much longer than one without. This method of filling creates small sewn pockets within the duvet, so your filling stays firmly in one place. Your duvet will look and feel much fuller and more evenly filled.
Providing your duvet is cared for properly, it shouldn't need to be washed too regularly - maybe only every 4 or 5 years - and we recommend instead a refresh rather than a wash. To make your duvet feel fresh as a daisy again, pop it on the washing line on a dry breezy day. We tend to do this every couple of months (weather permitting, of course) to keep our bed at its best.
We also like to rotate our duvet 180 degrees when we change our bed linen; this helps redistribute the filling and spread the wear and tear.
Your bed linen acts as a protector for your duvet. Protecting it from hair, dust mites and oils, so making sure you wash and change your bed linen regularly will keep your duvet fresh too. Read our helpful guide on how often you should change your sheets.
When to replace pillows
If you take proper care of your pillows, they can last a few years. A natural filled pillow will likely last longer than a hollow fibre filled pillow, as they are slightly less likely to develop lumps and bumps (especially a super soft 100% down pillow).
If you suffer from allergies then it's always best to replace your pillows more often, especially if you start to notice that you're suffering more frequently.
It's probably time to invest in a new pillow when you start to notice yours is sitting flat (even after a good wash or plump up). A pillow that's lost its shape will start to give you neck pain and should be replaced straight away.
How to make your pillow last longer
The best way to make sure you get the longest life from your pillows is by taking care of them and washing them properly.
A pillow protector is the easiest way to do this, and means your pillows will stay cleaner for longer. They pop onto your pillow, underneath your pillowcase. Bedtime beauty and hair products often contain oils that can go straight through your pillowcase, onto your pillow. A protector will stop any nasties from reaching your pillow, and affecting your lovely filling.
Airing and washing your pillows regularly also helps keep them fresher for longer. Pillows should be aired regularly and washed every 6 months. Always check the washing instructions, and if you're in any doubt, it's best to take them to a professional cleaner.
When you're making your bed, it's a good idea to plump up your pillows to separate the fibres and make them feel fuller. We have more tips on how to take care of your lovely bedding right here in our Bedding Care Guide.
If you're thinking about treating yourself to some lovely new bedding bits, we're always here to chat feathers, togs and fillings. Learn a little more about our brilliant quality and why we hand fill all our bedding to order right here in the UK.
