If you suffer from unexplained skin problems, morning nasal congestion, or recurring rhinitis and atopic dermatitis symptoms, you may need to first check the hygiene of your pillow, according to expert advice.
Kim So-hyung, a doctor of Korean medicine, emphasized the importance of pillow care on the YouTube channel "Kim So-hyung Channel H" on Tuesday. "A pillow is not just bedding, but a living environment that directly affects your face and respiratory system every night," she said.
A pillow is a space where dead skin cells, sebum, sweat, and saliva that fall from the face and scalp easily accumulate during sleep. In one study, a pillow that had not been washed for a week was found to contain about 3 million bacteria per square inch. This was roughly 17,000 times more than a typical toilet seat.
Neglected Dead Skin and Sebum in Pillows... "Could Affect Those With Respiratory Conditions"
Because pillows come into close contact with the face and respiratory system for long periods, insufficient cleaning can affect skin irritation or allergy symptoms.
Research shows that house dust mite allergens and mold can be detected in pillows in actual use. In particular, for people sensitive to house dust mites, allergens accumulated in pillows and bedding can become a factor that worsens symptoms such as nasal congestion and sneezing.
A study analyzing pillows used in homes also identified numerous mold species associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma and sinusitis. "Because pillows are pressed against the face and airways for long periods, they can be an important environmental factor for people with respiratory conditions," Kim explained.
If Nasal Congestion and Skin Trouble Recur... "Wash Pillowcases Once a Week"
If your nasal congestion and sneezing worsen each morning when you wake up, or if skin problems recur on areas frequently in contact with the pillow such as the cheeks and chin, you may want to examine your pillow care habits.
Pillowcases can become contaminated more quickly during seasons when you sweat heavily, or if you have a habit of falling asleep without completely removing makeup and hair products. For those who share a bedroom with pets, managing allergens such as fur and dander is also important.
As a care method, it is recommended to put a zippered protective cover over the pillow insert to reduce contaminants from seeping inside. Pillowcases and bedding that come into direct contact with the face should be washed at least once a week.
If frequent washing is difficult, you can also place a clean cloth over the pillow and replace it often. If you wash the pillow insert, it should be dried sufficiently so that no moisture remains. Using it while still damp can create an environment where bacteria and mold easily multiply.
"While people change their underwear every day, pillow care is often neglected," Kim said. "There have been many cases where skin or respiratory symptoms improved quickly when hygiene management was strengthened using zippered covers and replaceable cloths."
For people with allergy symptoms, it can help to manage not only the pillow but also the mattress and blankets. If symptoms are not resolved through bedding care alone, or if they are accompanied by shortness of breath and wheezing, the cause should be checked through medical consultation.
However, it is difficult to conclude that pillow hygiene is the direct cause of all skin problems or rhinitis. If symptoms persist for a long time or worsen, it is necessary to see a medical professional such as a dermatologist or otolaryngologist.
