Searches for “winter duvet” have increased by 389% in the last month as the weather takes a turn for the worse. Before people begin making the switch from their summer sets, HappyBeds is urging people to check their current winter bedding.
The online bedding retailer has created a bedding calculator, providing users with tailored suggestions for when they may need to replace their pillow and duvet.
Analysis of 602 users provides further insight into the habits and attitudes of the nation – and advice from sleep expert Rex Isap reveals why you should change your bedding within the recommended time-frames.
Duvet drama: Over two-fifths of people have never washed their duvet
Over two-fifths (41%) of respondents have never washed their duvet, and one in 12 (8%) have owned their duvet for more than 10 years.
Rex Isap, sleep expert and CEO at Happy Beds, shares: “While you might wash your bedsheets weekly, comforters can become a breeding ground for bacteria. They are used every night and, subsequently, can hold dead skin, sweat and body oils that can host thousands of dust mites and all other types of bacteria.
“If your comforter isn’t washed regularly, that bacteria can build up over time, discolouring your comforter and even triggering allergies for some people.
“To maintain a healthy sleep environment, comforters should be washed two to three times a year, even if you’ve recently acquired them. A useful tip is to time comforter washes with the change in season.”
Pillow panic: More than a third of people have had their pillow longer than recommended
More than a third (35%) of respondents have had their pillow for more than two years. According to Rex: “Pillows last no more than two years and should be replaced every one to two years, or sooner if you feel a lack of support from your pillow. Dust mites and their droppings make up to around a third of the weight of pillows over two years old.
“One study also found fungi across pillows older than one and a half to two years, which pose particular problems for people with respiratory issues. This can also lead to further sleep disturbances if you suffer from the likes of sleep apnoea.”
Sleeping un-soundly: Almost one in five wake up with neck pain
Almost one in five (18%) of respondents wake up with a sore neck every morning. This is due to the height, flexibility and position of the pillows they’re using it.
Rex comments: “When you sleep, it’s important that your neck and spine are aligned and your neck isn’t positioned at an odd angle that is out of alignment with your spine. A lumpy pillow, one that no longer has support, will not hold your neck in the correct position.
“There is a way you can check, however, if your pillow is no longer up to standard. If you hold it up vertically with one arm, check to see if the pillow folds over while you hold it as that’s an indicator that it no longer provides the support you need.”
Happy Beds’ interactive bedding calculator is available here.
