Some single men change their sheets only once every four months, with couples changing them on average every month, and single women do somewhat better and clean them on average every two weeks, according to one study.
But this cleaning schedule (or lack thereof) not only makes for grim reading, but sleeping in a dirty bed can actually pose risks to your health.
Over time, sheets, quilts and pillows become a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria, and above all, infections can be transmitted through soiled bedding.
So is your bed a breeding ground for germs? The experts at Happy Beds have created this calculator which asks 10 questions on topics such as how long you’ve kept your duvet, what you wear to bed and your cleaning habits.
It then uses your answers to assess whether your bedding is potentially dangerous to your health and to suggest when it might be time to change your bedding.
Is your bed a breeding ground for germs? If so, you could be putting your health at risk in several ways (stock image)
5 health risks of not regularly replacing the items in your bed
In addition to maintaining proper hygiene by cleaning your bed, it’s important to replace items like your comforter and pillows, according to the experts at Happy Bed, who say these play a major role in your sleep and overall health.
They’ve listed five of the health risks you could face if you haven’t regularly updated your bedding and practiced good hygiene.
Increased risk of colds and allergies over time
Over time, bedding and pillows become a breeding ground for dust mites, too small to see but numerous.
Hundreds can bloom on just one gram of dust, and they last up to 90 days, multiplying prolifically.
Dust mites love moisture, so make sure you clean your bedding regularly.
If you are sensitive to dust mites or have allergic rhinitis, you may have trouble sleeping, more nighttime awakenings, and snoring.
Infections can be transmitted through soiled bedding, according to a 2017 study — meaning it’s very important to wash your sheets right away when you’re unwell.
Spread of infections
A 2017 study found that infections can be transmitted through dirty sheets.
So when you are unwell, it is essential to wash your bed immediately, especially if you share a bed, to prevent the spread of infection.
Your bed has more bacteria than you think
Unfortunately, your bed may not be the pristine haven you envision. It often harbors sweat, dead skin and dust mites.
A 2022 study confirmed this grim reality when volunteers wiped their sheets for just four weeks.
Surprisingly, a pillowcase harbored 39 times more bacteria than a pet bowl, while sheets harbored 5.4 times more bacteria than a toothbrush holder.
Sweat, skin oils and saliva encourage the growth of bacteria in bedding, causing unpleasant odors and possible infections. Regular washing is key to reducing this bacterial risk.
By practicing proper hygiene and changing your bedding regularly, you can have a positive effect on your sleep and overall health.
You are more prone to neck pain over time
Your pillow and mattress support act as a support system for your neck and spine.
Over time, these items can lose their original shape and firmness, leading to discomfort, aches and pains in the neck, shoulders and back.
Poor support can disrupt your sleep patterns, causing you to toss and turn throughout the night.
It can cause skin problems
Your bed is in direct contact with your skin for hours every night. While you sleep, your body releases oils, sheds dead skin cells and sweat.
These substances can build up in your sheets and pillowcases over time, potentially causing clogged pores, acne and skin irritation.
Regular bed changes reduce the likelihood of these problems, helping to maintain cleaner, healthier skin.
Speaking about the Bedding Calculator, Rex Isap, CEO at Happy Beds, said: “We’re excited to introduce the Bedding Calculator, a revolutionary tool that takes the stress out of knowing when to wash and replace your bedding.
After all, we spend a third of our lives in bed, with each item playing a vital role in contributing to that all-important restorative rest.
However, over time, your bedding collects dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells, and other allergens, all of which can cause allergies, skin irritations, and more.
In addition, the natural wear and tear of bedding materials can lead to reduced support, compromising comfort and sleep quality.
‘This is where our tool comes in. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll then get personalized results based on your sleeping and cleaning habits.’
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