Tips to Choose and Keep a Pillow Clean Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. × Search search POPULAR SEARCHES SUGGESTED LINKS Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Leaving AARP.org Website You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

5 Things to Know About Your Pillow

Lay your head down on the right one for a better night s rest

Getty Images equals a comfortable sleep. While we may keep track of the life of our mattress, our pillow deserves some attention, too. The wrong one could be why you’re waking up cranky, or worse, achy. Get to know your pillow, and discover when it’s time for a new one, with these tips. 1. They need covers, too. Gone are the days when a nice pillowcase did the job. In addition, zip a protective cover over your pillow first. A good cover can block out dust mites, bedbugs and , plus protect your pillow from oil and dirt on your skin. Wash the cover at least once a month. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Join or Renew with AARP today — 2. They don't last forever. Waking up with a sore or stiff neck? It might be time to go pillow shopping. “If the pillow is lumpy or sagging, if a down pillow has lost its loft or a foam pillow is crumbling, then it's best to toss it,” says Carolyn Forte, director of the Home Appliances, Cleaning Products and Textiles at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Her tip: Try folding a fiberfill pillow in half and place a heavy book on it. If it springs back into shape when you remove the book, it's still good; if not, let it go. . Hand- wash down- or feather-filled pillows, then use your washer’s slowest spin cycle to draw the water out. Dry pillows for an hour using moderate heat. For a quick and thorough drying process, add a couple of dry towels and, believe it or not, a couple of tennis balls. The balls keep the filling from clumping. Flowers & Gifts 25% off sitewide and 30% off select items See more Flowers & Gifts offers > 5. You have choices. Synthetic is least expensive, great for and easy to care for. But this type of pillow doesn’t last as long — typically, six months to two years. Cotton is natural, hypoallergenic and soft, but clumps over time. The feather variety is soft and easy to shape but isn’t supportive or good for those with allergies. Down pillows are more expensive, super soft, lightweight and long-lasting. But if you need support, down isn’t for you. Memory foam offers the top-of-the-line neck and back support. It’s not cheap, but it contours to your body and is perfect for side and back sleepers. “The most important thing is to get a good night's sleep with a pillow that you’re most comfortable with,” Rao says. “Buying a different pillow merely because it was recommended, but results in poor sleep, is never a good option.” More on home-family AARP NEWSLETTERS %{ newsLetterPromoText }% %{ description }% Subscribe AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS