Hello!

I’m terrible when it comes to pillows! I find a pillow I love and don’t ever want to part with it. My pillow at the moment is one of those super-expensive ergonomic ones that I could afford to buy before having kids (we’re talking nine years – yikes!).

But I’ve been trying to ignore those awful yellowing patches that have pretty much taken over the surface and that I just hide away with a pillow case. But after hearing from the experts, I think it’s time to toss that oh so comfy relic in the bin.

Dr Karan Raj has taken TikTok by storm, sharing with his 3-million+ followers, his explanations for slightly medical phenomena. He’s featured videos on how strong a silicone implant is, what is sleep paralysis and why don’t humans lay eggs (apparently it’s because of some virus that affected our DNA in prehistoric times).

Now Dr Raj, social media star, has shared what actually causes those revolting yellow stains on our pillows…and let me tell you, it’s not pretty.

His TikTok video called “Change your pillows” has been viewed over 1.2 million times and received almost 150,000 likes and has probably caused a rush for new pillows.

dr raj pillow
Pic via TikTok

It’s Time To Change Your Pillow!

“You need to change your pillow at least every two years,” Dr Raj revealed in the video.

“The average person sheds four kilograms of skin each year, most of that ends up on your bed and pillow … a feast for microscopic dust mites,” he said.

“A single dust mite drops 20 droppings each day. If you multiply those by the hundreds of mites living in your pillow, the build up of those droppings can cause breathing problems and allergy-type symptoms.”

Yuck!!!

But wait…it gets worse!

“And those nasty yellow spots on your pillow? That’s sweat and oil from your body. That moisture can easily breed mould and other gross bacteria,” he added.

Go Ahead And Test Your Pillow Now

He then topped it off with one quick and easy way to tell if your pillow needs to be dumped.

“If you can fold your pillow in half and it doesn’t spring back, that pillow is dead,” the doctor stated.

“It’s no longer helping to keep your neck and spine in alignment, causing neck and shoulder pain.”‘

dr raj pillow expert
Pic Via TikTok

Pillow Talk

The video received thousands of humorous comments, with many viewers admitting that they rushed off to try and fold their pillow.

Some shared that they had been using their pillows for many many years. One even said that their pillow was older than they were.

Hmmm…maybe it’s time to finally change my pillow.

When last did you change your pillow for a new one? Tell us in the comments below.

@dr.karanrChange your pillows! #wonderwaterwhip #learnontiktok #schoolwithdrkaran #sleep♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre

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  • Ive been on the 2 year pillow kick for a long time now.

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  • I definitely get new pillows regularly. One thing I learnt as a child was, wash your sheets weekly and replace you pillows regularly.

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  • Oh no I want to live in blissful ignorance

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  • I actually like changing my pillow every so often. I feel I get a better nights rest with a new pillow and I feel cleaner.

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  • We replace ours every couple of years. When i was younger i worked for a Manchester Company and was always taught to replace them every few years.

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  • I’ve been thinking about replacing ours recently and this has just confirmed a definite must do!
    I’ve seen some pillows you can write on them when they need to be replaced! I might do this on the tag so I don’t forget. 2 years does fly by!

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  • I’ve had my current pillow for under two years and I’ll be glad to swap it over soon because it’s not very comfortable.

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  • I understand the stains are really gross and I think what will also work is putting your pillows out into the sun to get rid of those germs and bacteria.


    • That’s what I was taught too but unsure whether its better to be safe and replace

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  • Very interesting post about pillows – however I change mine usually every year except for my feather one which goes through the wash every three months.

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  • I changed all our pillows 2 years ago when we moved house …. hmmm, 2 years, better go check them!

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  • I laughed the first time I saw a use by date on a pillow – but I guess there’s a reason.

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  • Well, at least my pillow springs back when folded in half. I’ve recently tossed out a few so I’ll keep a check on the others.

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  • I’ve only just bought a new pillow after a few years. I go off the colour of it, as long as it’s not too yellow it’s still good enough to use

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  • It can be hard to remember how long you have had your pillow for, but I try to get new ones every couple of years. Good reminder.

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  • I’ve actually seen this and did exactly that. Threw out a bunch of pillows!

    Reply

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