This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

You probably spend more time with your pillow than anyone or anything else, so it makes sense that you likely spent a lot of time and energy choosing the perfect one. Many articles have been written about the benefits of the perfect pillow, such as better sleep, less neck pain, better breathing/less snoring, better reading in bed and more. As eye care practitioners, we’ve probably talked with patients about the benefits of the perfect pillow for better health, but we may not talk about the benefits of a clean pillow unless a patient presents with a red eye.

At a meeting where I was speaking on the topic of dry eye disease, a doctor brought up the recent “Bacteria in Your Bed” study that looked at the amount of bacteria found on sheets and pillowcases after one week, two weeks, three weeks and four weeks of not washing them.¹ This fellow physician suggested we start educating our patients on the importance of washing or replacing their pillowcases regularly.

When this study was first published, many news channels reported on it with headlines such as, “After one week, an unwashed pillowcase contains 17,442 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.” We also know that pillows can be an issue for people with allergies. But what can we do about it when advising our patients?

Until more research is available, I agree with my friend from the conference that we should recommend patients not only stay vigilant about cleaning their eyes and eyelids daily (that includes removing make-up every night!), but also that they clean their pillowcase and sheets weekly. If they have allergies, we can suggest protective pillowcases, and when they’re sick, patients should consider replacing their pillowcases daily.

We all know the power of a good pillow. Let’s not forget about the impact it can have on eyelid and ocular hygiene as well.

Reference:

1. Hyde M. Bacteria in your bed. Amerisleep. Updated November 6, 2023. Accessed August 27, 2024. https://amerisleep.com/blog/bacteria-in-your-bed/

April Jasper, OD, FAAO, graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry with highest honors in 1995. She is the owner of Advanced Eyecare Specialists in West Palm Beach, Fla. Dr. Jasper completed her residency in primary care, ocular disease and contact lenses in Boston, MA where she also held a position as adjunct professor at NEWENCO. Dr. Jasper has served her patients and colleagues as president of the Florida Optometric Association 2016 to 2017. She continues to share her knowledge and expertise around the world authoring numerous publications, lecturing and as chief editor of Optometric Management magazine.