Killing a Pillow Maker Softly

When DuPont Co., which among other things makes bedding products, surveyed consumers to see how often they buy new pillows, it was probably disappointed by the responses. It seems that on the average, consumers keep pillows for five to six years, and often long past the pillows’ prime. And while many people want new cars or clothes, the respondents said they worry that new pillows won’t be comfortable, or that they won’t find one they like. Many just don’t want to give their pillows up. And, even if they do, only 30% of the old pillows end up in the trash--the rest find new life in guest rooms, on camping trips or as bedding for the family cat or dog.