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When to Replace Your Pillow (and How to Make It Last)
The fold test, expected lifespans by fill, and washing rules from the eight pillows we tested.
September 4, 2026 · 3 min read
The fold test
Fold the pillow in half and let go. If it does not spring back, it is done.
Expected life by fill
- Polyester and gel-fibre (Beckham, basic down-alternative): 1–2 years.
- Down and feather (Brooklinen): 2–3 years with regular fluffing.
- Shredded memory foam (Coop, Layla): 2–3 years; add fill to refresh.
- Solid memory foam and latex (TEMPUR-Cloud, Purple Harmony, Saatva): 3–5 years.
Washing
Coop, Brooklinen, Casper and Beckham are fully machine washable; Layla, Purple, Saatva and TEMPUR-Cloud are cover-only. Wash pillows every three to six months, use a protector, and dry foam completely before use.
» See the full rankings: Best Pillows of 2026, Best Memory Foam Pillows, Best Down and Down-Alternative Pillows .