FACT CHECK: Do pillows have an expiry date? The HIDDEN health risks of dirty bedding
CLAIM:
Pillows have an ‘expiry date,’ and if not replaced or cleaned regularly, they can cause acne, allergies, skin irritation, and even serious lung infections.
FACT:
Pillows can accumulate dust, dead skin, oils, fungi, and bacteria over time, potentially aggravating skin conditions and contributing to respiratory issues, especially in individuals with pre-existing lung problems. Regular washing of pillowcases and periodic replacement of pillows help maintain hygiene and reduce these risks.
For many of us, it’s a nightly ritual - fluffing up the same old pillow before drifting off to sleep, never once thinking it might have an expiry date. After all, it’s just a pillow, right? Well, according to internet claims, that cozy companion might be doing more harm than good.
In a viral Instagram reel, Dr Manan Vora, an orthopedic surgeon with 5.62 lakh followers, warned that pillows have an expiry date and, if not replaced on time, could lead to acne, allergies, skin irritation, and in rare cases, even lung infections. “You check expiry dates on everything you eat, but forget the one thing you spend eight hours a day with, your pillow,” he says in the video.
He warns that “if a pillow is not washed regularly, it can cause acne, allergies, and irritation. And if a person is exposed to a dirty pillow for long periods of time, they can contract deadly lung infections.”
The caption accompanying the post notes that polyester pillows should be replaced every six to twenty-four months, feather ones every one to three years, memory foam every two to three years, latex every three to four years, and buckwheat every three to five years.
Do pillows also have an expiry date and cause acne, allergies, and skin irritation?
A 2006 study conducted in the UK investigated the fungal contamination of used synthetic and feather pillows, along with the dust vacuumed from them. Researchers collected ten pillows aged between 1.5 and over 20 years that were in regular use and performed quantitative cultures to identify fungi.
The study found that the most common species isolated were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aureobasidium pullulans, and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, with a total of 47 different species identified from pillows and vacuumed dust.
The study adds that “the typical used pillow contains a substantial load of many species of fungi, particularly A. fumigatus. Given the time spent sleeping, and the proximity of the pillow to the airway, synthetic and feather pillows could be the primary source of fungi and fungal products. This has important implications for patients with respiratory disease, and especially asthma and sinusitis.”
Commenting on the viral reel and the concerns it raised about pillow hygiene, Dr Rashmi Sarkar, Director-Professor at the Department of Dermatology, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi, acknowledged that pillows, like any other household fabric, require regular cleaning. She explained that “to a certain extent, yes, pillows are just like any other material in the house, any clothing material, which, like clothes, need to be washed regularly.” She emphasised that pillowcases, in particular, need frequent washing to prevent the accumulation of oil, grease, dead skin, and other debris.
Regarding the inner pillow itself, Dr Sarkar noted that they also have a shelf life and should be replaced periodically. “They have to be replaced the moment you feel they are breaking up from inside or becoming lumpy. The moment you find that it is becoming lumpy or flatter, it means the shelf life is decreasing. So, it is good to change them periodically.”
While pillows are unlikely to directly cause acne, allergies, or irritation, Dr Sarkar noted they can aggravate existing conditions if hygiene is neglected.
“It’s not going to cause acne as such because acne comes from your sebaceous glands. But it can aggravate. If you’re already having a condition like acne, sleeping on a dirty surface can add to it.”
She added that irritation or allergic reactions could occur in specific situations, such as sleeping with makeup on or using abrasive pillow fabrics. “There is a condition called acne mechanica, which is due to mechanical friction. If the pillow or pillow cover is abrasive, it can sometimes increase friction and abrasion. But these are very small things; it’s not going to contribute to a disease per se.”
Dr Sarkar advised that maintaining clean pillowcases and periodically replacing pillows is a matter of hygiene and good practice.
Beyond fungal exposure, pillows have also been examined as potential reservoirs for respiratory viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a 2020 study highlighted that pillows, which are in close contact with the user’s mouth and nose for several hours, can accumulate droplets, saliva, and other respiratory secretions. The research noted that “SARS-CoV-2 could survive for hours to several days on fibrous materials under ambient conditions,” and that while removable covers are routinely cleaned, the virus may penetrate pillow fillings, making thorough disinfection difficult.
This study underscores that reusable pillows in airplanes, trains, and lodging facilities could serve as unnoticed vectors for pathogen transmission, emphasising precautions such as personal travel pillows, plastic-wrapped pillows, or proper disinfection of covers.
In addition to infectious risks, pillows can also contribute to hypersensitivity and chronic lung conditions. A 2024 study explored fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) caused by foam exposure in bedding. A woman presenting with dyspnea and cough underwent high-resolution chest computed tomography (HRCT) and pulmonary function tests, which revealed restriction and reduced diffusing capacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage and lung cryobiopsy indicated fibrosis, lymphocytic infiltration, and multinucleated giant cells. Analysis of her bedding identified foam contaminated with Penicillium species, a known cause of HP. The study concluded that avoidance of foam in bedding “can prevent disease progression and death,” noting that re-exposure to the foam pillow led to worsening of symptoms and imaging results.
Highlighting the potential risks associated with prolonged use of unclean pillows, Dr Tanvi Bhatt, a pulmonologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai, emphasised the impact on respiratory health. She explained that “sleeping on dirty pillows for a long time can affect your lungs. Pillows can collect dust, fungus, bacteria, and dead skin over time. When you breathe in these particles while sleeping, they can irritate your airways and cause sneezing, coughing, or even breathing problems like asthma or lung infections.”
Dr Bhatt pointed out that individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or bronchitis are particularly vulnerable. She noted that if pillows are not cleaned regularly, “they can develop mould and germs that grow in warm and sweaty conditions, leading to a constant cough, blocked nose, or lung infection.”
Practical tips for pillow care
To mitigate these risks, she recommends practical hygiene measures, saying “wash pillow covers once a week in hot water, change pillows every one to two years, and use protective or hypoallergenic covers. Drying pillows in the sun or on high heat helps kill germs. Also, keep your bedroom airy and clean.”
Dr Bhatt concluded by reminding that while people often focus on outdoor pollution, “even something as simple as a clean pillow can help us breathe healthier.”
This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS.
Health