How Often Do You Change Your Pillow And Duvet? (Probably Not As Frequently As You Should)
How Often Do You Change Your Pillow And Duvet? (Probably Not As Frequently As You Should)
The Huffington Post UK
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WARNING: The following may disrupt tonight's sleep.
Did you know that the pillow you lay your weary head upon each night may be putting you at risk of health problems?
According to research, the average Brit keeps their bedding for two years longer than they should - which could put unnecessary strain on the neck and lead to health problems associated with dust mite infestations. (Yuk.)
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"Not only are they increasing their chances of having restless nights," said Jed MacEwan, managing director of Ergoflex.co.uk, in a statement. "They’re also risking sustained periods of sleeping without an adequate level of support to the neck and head, along with various hygiene problems that may arise from dust mite infestations in older bedding."
In fact, experts suggest that pillows should be changed every two years and duvets every five. But the average Brit keeps using them for 3.2 years and 7.6 years, respectively.
The survey, which polled almost 2,200 adults, found that 82% of people do not know how often to replace their pillows and duvet.
According to results, 57% of people only think about replacing their bedding once it starts to wear out.
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What Your Sleep Position Reveals About You
What Your Sleeping Position Says About Your Personality(01 of07)
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(credit:Alamy)
Foetus (02 of07)
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"Those who curl up in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside but sensitive at heart. They may be shy when they first meet somebody, but soon relax. The foetus is the most common sleeping position, with women more likely to adopt this position than men." (credit:Alamy)
Starfish (03 of07)
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"Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow. These sleepers make good friends because they are always ready to listen to others, and offer help when needed. They generally don't like to be the centre of attention." (credit:Alamy)
Freefaller (04 of07)
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"Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side. Often gregarious and brash people, but can be nervy and thin-skinned underneath, and don't like criticism, or extreme situations." (credit:Getty Images)
Soldier(05 of07)
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"Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides. People who sleep in this position are generally quiet and reserved. They don't like a fuss, but set themselves and others high standards." (credit:Getty Images)
Yearner(06 of07)
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"People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front are said to have an open nature, but can be suspicious, cynical. They are slow to make up their minds, but once they have taken a decision, they are unlikely ever to change it." (credit:Getty Images)
Log (07 of07)
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"Lying on your side with both arms down by your side. These sleepers are easy going, social people who like being part of the in-crowd, and who are trusting of strangers. However, they may be gullible." (credit:Alamy)
Jed added: "We hope that Britons will look at the results of this study and think long and hard about the various risks they’re posing on themselves by hanging onto their bedding longer than they should – after all it’s a decision that will result in altogether healthier, better quality sleep."