It has been revealed that the pillows we use every day are dirtier than a toilet seat.
Experiments conducted by researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK revealed that a single pillow cover could harbor up to 100,000 bacteria, up to 17 times more bacteria than the number on a toilet seat. Despite their clean appearance, pillows are a haven for bacteria and mites because they retain body heat, perspiration, saliva, and dead skin cells every night.
Staphylococcus aureus can cause dermatitis, folliculitis, and acne and even increase the risk of infection in people with weak immune systems. E. coli causes digestive diseases, and if it accumulates on a pillow, it can easily enter the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes. Fungi are more likely to cause asthma, rhinitis, and allergies.
The filling of your pillow is also a problem. Sweat and moisture cause the filling to become moist over time, creating an ideal environment for mold and bacteria growth. Research findings specifically indicate that cotton and fur pillows are less breathable, promoting bacteria growth. According to experts, dust, dead skin cells, and dead mites can generate around 10% of a pillow’s weight if it is used for over two years.
However, many people are relatively indifferent to pillow hygiene. Even though they frequently wash their bed linens, they change the covers of their pillows only once every few weeks and leave them unchanged for years. This may result in respiratory disorders, conjunctivitis, and facial skin issues.
Dermatologists stress that maintaining hygiene involves changing the pillow every six months to a year and washing the pillow covers at least once a week. To get rid of bacteria, wash the pillow in hot water of 140°F (60°C) or higher and let it air dry in the sun. Selecting a pillow composed of memory foam or other functional materials with superior breathability and antibacterial qualities is also beneficial.
Above all, hygiene management is the basic condition for healthy sleep.
The pillow is one of the bedding components that needs the most attention to hygiene because we spend an average of 6 to 8 hours a day on it, and it directly affects our skin and respiratory system. Beyond just causing discomfort, the bacteria in the pillow, which has become known as a “hidden threat,” can directly affect health.
If the pillow isn’t cleaned and replaced regularly, it can become a “bacteria lump,” regardless of how cozy and familiar it is. Check your pillow, particularly if you have persistent facial issues or unidentified allergy symptoms.
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