In just 20 seconds, this interactive tool asks you 10 quick questions and then works its magic. It provides you with a personalised recommendation, letting you know whether it’s time to replace your pillows and duvet. And if not, it tells you when the right time will be.

To use the tool, simply choose your responses from easy-to-follow drop-down menus. Questions cover topics like the age of your pillow and duvet, your cleaning habits, bedtime attire (or lack thereof!), bedding choices, and more.

Once you’re done, Happy Beds’ smart algorithms and industry expertise will generate a customised schedule tailored just for you. Say goodbye to the guesswork of when to refresh your pillows, bedding, and more!

Here’s a sneak peak of what the bedding calculator looks like:

5 Health risks of not regularly replacing the items on your bedding

You might not think about it often, but your bedding plays a pivotal role in your sleep and overall health. The experts at Happy Beds break down why it’s crucial to regularly replace the items on your bed:

1. Increased risk of colds and allergies over time. Over time, bedding and pillows become a breeding ground for dust mites, too tiny to see but numerous. Hundreds can thrive in just one gram of dust, and they persist for up to 90 days, breeding prolifically. Dust mites love humidity, so make sure to clean your bedding regularly. If you’re sensitive to dust mites or have allergic rhinitis, you might experience difficulty falling asleep, more nighttime awakenings, and snoring.
2. Spread of infections. A 2017 study revealed that infections can be transmitted through dirty sheets. So, when you’re unwell, it’s crucial to wash your bedding promptly, especially if you share a bed, to prevent the spread of infection.
3. Your bedding has more bacteria than you think. Unfortunately, your bed may not be the pristine haven you imagine. It often harbours sweat, dead skin, and dust mites. A 2022 study confirmed this grim reality when volunteers swabbed their sheets for just four weeks. Shockingly, a pillowcase accumulated 39 times more bacteria than a pet bowl, while sheets harboured 5.4 times the bacteria of a toothbrush holder. Sweat, skin oils, and saliva foster bacterial growth in bedding, causing unpleasant odours and potential infections. Regular washing is key to reducing this bacterial risk.
4. You’re more prone to a sore neck over time. Your pillow and mattress topper act as the support system for your neck and spine. Over time, these items can lose their original shape and firmness, leading to discomfort, soreness, and pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. Poor support can disrupt your sleep patterns, making you toss and turn throughout the night.
5. It can cause skin issues. Your bedding is in direct contact with your skin for hours every night. As you sleep, your body releases oils, sheds dead skin cells, and sweats. These substances can accumulate on your sheets and pillowcases over time, potentially causing clogged pores, acne breakouts, and skin irritation. Changing your bedding regularly reduces the likelihood of these issues, helping to maintain clearer and healthier skin.

But, what’s the dirty truth – how often should you wash and replace your bedding? 

To make it easier, Happy Beds have also shared how often you should wash and replace the items on your bed. 

• Bedding. Wash duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, and top sheets at least every two weeks. Consider more frequent washing if you have allergies, infections, sleep without clothes, or skip showering. Use the hottest temperature as indicated on care labels for effective germ removal. Replace sheets, duvet cases, and pillowcases every one to two years based on care.
• Pillows. Studies have shown that a third of the weight of your pillow could be due to “dead skin, dust mites and bugs”! Regular washing can prevent this. You should wash your pillows at least every three months on a hot wash to kill that bacteria, but always remember to check your product care guides. Likewise, your pillow should be replaced every one to two years.
• Duvet. Due to the dead skin cells and bacteria that can build up on your duvet, you should wash your duvet twice a year at the very least. However, even more often is recommended if you tend to sweat a lot, spill coffee or food on your duvet, share a bed with your pet or if you have allergies. In terms of replacement, your duvet should be replaced every two to five years but replaced sooner depending on your usage and care.
• Mattress. You should always a mattress protector and wash it around every two months following care instructions. Normally you are able to vacuum the mattress surface on the lowest setting and use upholstery cleaner if necessary. To eliminate odours, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda and vacuum after 24 hours. Replace your mattress every 8 years for optimal support and hygiene.