I haven’t been sleeping very well over the last couple months and couldn’t figure out why. Last week I was in bed, almost entirely through my one-hour pzizz sleep cycle, when I realized the problem was under my head. My pillow had slowly transformed from an extra firm to an extra soft.

Pillows should be replaced every two years as they lose their firmness and ability to support your neck. I’d heard this before, but hadn’t been tracking how long it’d been since I’d replaced mine. So, I went out and bought a new pillow as soon as possible.

To keep pillows fluffy and free from dust mites (and drool) they should be cleaned once every six months, a protective cover can also be used under your regular pillow case. Check your labels to be sure, but most down and synthetic pillows can be washed in a gentle cycle, then machine dried completely to prevent mold and mildew growth. For more detailed information on cleaning a variety of pillow types, check out this guide from Back Designs Inc.

I set up repeating items on my calendar to remind myself to clean them every six months and to replace them again in a couple years.

My new pillow has taken some adjusting to, but last night I finally slept like a baby. I put another case on my old pillow and gave it to my pug Ralph, he seems to be enjoying it more than I was.