How Pillows Can Make You Sick

The moment we wait for after a busy and eventful day is when we put our heads on the pillow to rest.

This seems like the most natural thing we do every day, but we rarely think that our sleep can be affected by … the quality of the pillow we sleep on.

As we rest, we do not even think that this object could hide many dangers for our health.

Few people know that the pillow becomes a fertile ground for all kinds of insects, fungi, bacteria, and mold.

How can a pillow make you sick?

We spend many hours a night with our faces on a pillow that can be a germ reservoir. Studies show that during a person's lifetime, he sleeps for 25 years (a third of his life) on a pillow full of fungi, dust mites, and potential pathogens.

This cannot be treated superficially, as mites, fungi, and bacteria can seriously damage our health.

Mites, for example, can also cause allergic reactions during sleep. In addition to mites, your pillow can accommodate spiders and ticks that are friendly to the bed and pillow environment. While mites do not directly cause health problems, their stools can trigger hay fever, asthma, eczema, and rhinitis.

Studies show that it is estimated that 500 million people worldwide are sensitive to these tiny but harmful creatures.

In addition, even if you are not prone to asthma, allergies, or other respiratory conditions, your immune system is declining. Although your body can fight these pathogens, it distracts you from other more important things that can help your body function properly.

Mites, fungi, and mold have one thing in common, namely the hot and humid environment. And the pillow is the perfect object to grow. During sleep, our body heats up and sweats. In addition, these small invaders feed on dead skin cells.

To prevent your pillow from becoming a friendly ecosystem for bacteria, mold, and dust mites, here are some handy solutions.

We can see that these harmful factors that we come in contact with are never eliminated, but maintaining a clean environment reduces their number.

Dry your hair before bed

Bacteria, fungi, mold, and mites need moisture to survive. If you choose to sleep with wet hair, you will create the perfect environment for these unwanted visitors. Dry your hair before bed or take a shower long before bed if you want it to dry naturally.

Keep animals away from the bedroom

As much as you love animals, they attract bacteria and help damage the pillow. Thus, to prevent contact with harmful guests, arrange a special place for your furry friend.

Reduce the number of pillows

Although you may be a fan of an elegant bedroom, beautifully arranged with many pillows on the bed, this attracts pests by expanding the space where mites and fungi can live. In addition to this, because we are not used to sleeping on decorative pillows, we tend to wash them less often.

Make the bed, dust more often, and vacuum

Just as furniture can attract dust mites and other unwanted visitors, so can decorative objects. Dirt on the bed piled things, and dusty surfaces create an unhygienic environment for you. Keep the decor to a minimum to reduce dust, clean, and vacuum regularly, especially if you have carpets in your bedroom.

Avoid sheepskin blankets

On the one hand, they are warm and soft, but on the other hand, they attract dust mites and are difficult to clean.

Replace the pillow often

There are times when we cling to the pillow we sleep on, but it has an expiration date, according to specialists.

As a general rule, you can use a synthetic pillow for 2 years, after which it is advisable to get another one.

Wash pillow regularly

According to studies, it is recommended to wash the pillow with as little detergent as possible in hot water at least once a week, including the bed cover and duvet. Carefully read the instructions on the label to wash them and then allow them to dry in the sun.

Sunlight and hot water destroy mites, mold, and bacteria.

Cover the pillow with a pillowcase

During sleep, our body sweats, and bacteria are transferred from the skin to the mattress and pillow, creating an environment conducive to the growth of bacteria.

In this sense, try to have a suitable temperature in the bedroom and do not dress too thick when you sleep.

How to choose the right pillow

When you notice that the pillow does not look like a new one, the shape is irregular or if you bend it and it does not quickly return to its original shape, it is time to buy a new one.

Opt for a pillow that is as non-toxic as possible

Some pillows contain chemicals that are potential allergens to the body. In addition, some goose-down pillows may contain toxic pesticides. Before deciding on the pillow model you want to buy, gather information about the manufacturer.

Buy a quality pillow

Although it may be more expensive, a pillow with a low level of toxicity is recommended if you do not want to deal with invaders who may make you ill. It is an investment in you and quality sleep, so necessary for your rest.

Choose to breathe safely

Organic cotton, according to experts, is an excellent option because it can be less allergenic. Your pillow is airier and doesn't hold back from sleeping.