No pillow lasts forever. And there are lots of signs it might be time to spring for a new one. One big way to tell is if your pillow smells bad. Sweat, dirt, and allergens will accumulate inside your pillow over time. There comes a point when washing it no longer gets them all out. If your pillow stinks even after you clean it, it might be time for a new one.
Another way to tell is if you can’t fluff your pillow anymore. If it stays flat as a pancake or remains lumpy no matter how much fluffing you do, you probably need a new pillow.
Finally, you might need a new pillow if you wake up with neck and shoulder pain every day. Pain in your cervical spine or shoulders is a sign your pillow isn’t supporting you the way it should anymore. Of all the reasons to get a new pillow, this one is the most pressing.