Photo: Dave Basner
Traveling can be fun but there is nothing like returning to your own bed. The mattress is just the right firmness, the blankets are as cozy as you like them to be and nothing beats the comfort of your favorite pillow. However, a doctor has issued a warning to anyone who might have had their pillow for a little too long, so long that it's become yellow. If underneath your pillowcase hides a discolored pillow, you'll want to pay attention.
On his TikTok, Dr. Zachary Rubin revealed that there are some health risks to using a yellow pillow. He stated, "Even if you have a pillowcase over it, your oils from your skin can get through the pillow case and over time stain the pillow, create some odd smells and it could increase the risk of having mold and dust mite allergens on them, making your allergy, asthma and potentially eczema symptoms worse. Depending on the type of pillow and its quality you may be able to get one to five years out of that pillow before you actually have to change it."
As for how it got yellow in the first place, along with the oils from your skin and hair, sweat and saliva from drool soaks in over time and causes the discoloration. Also, if you use creams or lotions on your face before bed, those could also discolor a pillow.
There are ways to extend your pillow's life. According to Dr. Rubin, a dust-proof zippered covering is ideal but most important is to keep the pillowcase and pillow clean. You'll want to launder your pillowcase regularly and, if your pillow is washer-safe, throw that in for a cleaning too, otherwise be sure to spot clean it.
If your pillow is lumpy or not fluffing well, it's not properly supporting your neck or you notice allergy symptoms worsening, it's time for a new pillow.