Survey reveals shocking truth about sleep hygiene

The survey was conducted by Happy Beds using its interactive Bedding Calculator tool which provides personalised results to help determine when it's time to replace pillows and duvets. To generate the end result, the tool asks 10 questions about bedding. These questions include the age of your pillows and duvets, as well as bedding cleaning habits.

Key findings include:

• 41% have never washed their duvet
• One in 12 have had their duvet for over a decade 
• One in three have had their pillow longer than two years 
• One in five wake up with a sore neck each day due to their pillow.

Almost half of those who answered the Bedding Calculator have never washed their duvet (41%). While most wash their bedsheets weekly, duvets can become a breeding ground for bacteria. They are used every night and, subsequently, can hold dead skin, sweat and body oils that can host thousands of dust mites and all other types of bacteria. 

If a duvet isn’t washed regularly, that bacteria can build up over time, discolouring the duvet and even triggering allergies for some people. 

To maintain a healthy sleep environment, Happy Beds advises that duvets should be washed two to three times a year, even if the've recently been acquired.

A useful tip is to time duvet washes with the change in season. So, if anyone swaps their winter duvet for a summer duvet when it gets warm, it is best to wash the winter duvet before storing it to avoid any mould and mildew growing on it. 

The survey also reveals that one in five wake up with a sore neck every day. Pillows can affect physical health with 18% stating they wake up with a sore neck every morning due to their pillow. 

Happy Beds warns that when you sleep, it’s important that your neck and spine are aligned and your neck isn’t positioned at an odd angle that is out of alignment with your spine. However, a lumpy pillow, one that no longer has support, will not hold your neck in the correct position. 

There is a way you can check, however, if your pillow is no longer up to standard. If you hold it up vertically with one arm, check to see if the pillow folds over while you hold it as that’s an indicator that it no longer provides the support you need. 

Pillows are just as important as duvets, but they have a shorter lifespan. The bedding Calculator has revealed that over one third (35%) have had their pillow longer than they should. Pillows last no more than two years and should be replaced every one to two years, or sooner if you feel a lack of support from your pillow. 17% of those who answered the calculator have had their pillow more than double two years.