We tend to wash our faces and hands often as compared to other body parts to keep them clean, but the pillows and pillow covers which are bacteria laden, cause harm to our skin and overall health.

A study recently undertaken by Amerisleep found that pillow covers, which are unwashed for over a week, have more than 17000 times the microorganisms (bacteria, virus and fungi) found on a toilet seat!

According to Dr Smriti Naswa Singh, Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetic Dermatologist, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, this study lays emphasis on the general hygiene measures which we commonly tend to ignore and can be the source of infection in us. This becomes especially important for those with lowered immunity, like children and the elderly, also, those with serious diseases.

Similar to pillow covers, even bed sheets that are unwashed for over a week harbor more than 24000 times bacteria than bathroom doorknobs. The mattresses and pillows are also not spared and collect bacteria over years, from 3 million CFUs (Colony Forming Units) of bacteria to 16 million CFUs in 7 years, Dr. Singh explained.

“These microorganisms, if inhaled or come in contact with the skin, overnight, of a susceptible individual, can be the source for skin boils, pimples, or in some cases even cause respiratory tract infections (Pneumonia). Not only this, but the mattresses also accumulate dust allergens over time. Microorganisms thrive in moist/ humid and hot climates also fungi/ molds, and spores can grow in such climates. They also feed on dead skin cells. Their droppings can initiate allergic reactions like allergic sneezing, hives, itching, coughing, nasal congestion etc.,” Dr Kirti Sabnis, Infectious Disease Specialist, Fortis Hospital & Kalyan told Financial Express.com.

According to Dr. Singh, microorganisms’ growth is particularly prone if:

The weather is hot and humid

The room is not well ventilated

The room doesn’t get enough sunlight

The mattress is spilled with liquids like urine (from babies), water, or liquids if one tends to drink/ eat on the bed

Due to excessive sweating

Using the bed with make up on

It is seen commonly in hostlers/ bachelors living in PGs who do not have to clean mattress/ bed linen

The pet dander is on the bedding and is not frequently cleaned

“On a pillow an individual spends at least 6-8 hours every day while sleeping. During that time, a person comes in close contact with the pillow’s surface, which at times creates an easy ground to transfer infection. The body produces sweat and normal secretions from the scalp, oil glands that can lead to dampness on the pillow. A damp area is a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi to grow. This happens because of its close contact with the pillow, and microorganisms such as scabies mites can thrive in such conditions. These mites cause itching and skin irritation and usually survive on non-human objects for up to 72 hours. Also, sharing a pillow with another person can lead to the transmission of these mites and initiate subsequent infections,” Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital,Gurugram told Financial Express.com.

Another factor to consider is that the sweat duct on the pillow’s surface takes a longer time to dry, leading to a situation for microorganisms to expand, develop infections, and subsequently affect others, Dr. Lall explained. Fungal infections, mites, and lice are the common infectionsapersonfaces, she added.

How to prevent bacteria, allergens, molds/fungi from accumulating in the bedding?

Dr. Sabnis recommends the following measures:

Those who sweat excessively, or exercise at night, should take a bath before crashing onto the bed

One should make sure to remove makeup before sleeping. This has dual advantages of letting the skin breathe – preventing acne and reactions on skin due to sleeping with make up on, and preventing the bacterial contamination of pillows & pillow covers

Changing pillows and the pillow covers every year and changing mattresses every 7 years

Putting leakproof covering over mattresses for family with babies, till they are toilet trained

Refrain from eating and drinking on the bed or one can use a plastic sheet as a base on the bed before eating

Try to work from a desk. This is not only a good idea for good posture as it will avert backaches but also prevent sweat accumulation on the bedding

Keep the mattresses exposed to sunlight and air every now and then by removing the sheets

In case of a spill, manage the spill by drying the mattress

Clean the pillow covers and bed sheets every week

Clean the linen frequently if one sweats at night or has a habit of applying oil on hair and skin

Thus, taking these small steps and following healthy habits, can help one sleep in a clean and germ-free environment, she added.