I’m a doctor — 3 toxic items in your bedroom that you should throw out ASAP,
By McKenzie Beard
Forget the monster in your closet — the real nightmare in your bedroom is lurking in plain sight.
A Harvard-trained doctor is sounding the alarm, warning that everyday items in your sleeping quarters may be teeming with chemicals, critters and other hidden hazards.
In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, revealed the three “toxic bedroom items” you should ditch before they wreck your health.
Doctor gesturing "replace it" in a video.
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Dr. Saurabh Sethi is warning about the potential dangers of holding onto three common bedroom items.
Saurabh Sethi / Instagram
Pillow problems
First up: old pillows. “Pillows accumulate dust mites, sweat and allergens over time,” Sethi explained.
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This can turn them into breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to unpleasant odors and even skin infections.
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Moisture — from spills, saliva, sweat, humidity or wet hair — can also cause mold and mildew to grow, which not only stinks but poses serious health risks, especially for those with respiratory issues.
But it’s not just the gross stuff to worry about. Pillow filling breaks down over time, making older pillows flat, lumpy and uncomfortable. That can trigger neck pain, headaches and restless nights.
“If yours is over one to two years old, it is probably time to replace it,” Sethi advised.
Chances are, many of us are overdue. In one survey, nearly two-thirds of more than 100 respondents admitted to using pillows older than two years.
Person holding a dirty pillow with stains.
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Synthetic pillows and memory foam pillows typically last 1-2 years.
Satjawat – stock.adobe.com
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No spritz here
You should probably toss that synthetic air freshener, too.
Nearly three-quarters of Americans use them weekly, but despite their popularity, research suggests many odor eliminators may actually pollute your indoor air — and pose serious health risks.
“In one of the studies, 86% of air fresheners tested contained phthalates, which are chemicals associated with reproductive harm and asthma,” Sethi warned.
Many also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene and toluene, which can irritate your respiratory system and trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Hand spraying air freshener.
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While intended to improve the smell of a room, some air fresheners can release chemicals that may negetively impact air quality.
Marevgenna – stock.adobe.com
For some people, the strong scents can spark headaches or migraines. Others may break out in rashes or experience itching and redness from allergic skin reactions.
In the long term, some studies suggest prolonged exposure to synthetic fragrances could increase the risk of chronic illness and even cancer.
Check your bed
Sethi also wants you to take a hard look at your mattress.
“A mattress that is more than 7 to 10 years old can lower sleep quality and cause chronic back pain,” he said.
Senior woman with back pain sitting on bed.
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Back pain is one of the top complaints Americans bring to their doctors.
Satjawat – stock.adobe.com
Just like pillows, old mattresses collect dead skin cells, dust, moisture, mites and other allergens over time — polluting your bedroom air and potentially triggering health issues.
They also lose their shape and support, often sagging or forming lumps that leave you stiff, sore, and anything but well-rested.
Even the coils inside can become squeaky and creaky over time. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can quickly become a sleep saboteur.
More Americans are likely dealing with these issues than you might think.
In one study, researchers found that the average mattress in the US isn’t replaced until it’s 13.9 years old — nearly four years past the recommended lifespan.
In another survey, 18% of respondents said they were sleeping on a mattress that was 10 years old or older.
That kind of wear and tear may be taking a serious toll.
Nationwide, about a third of Americans — roughly 84 million people — aren’t getting the recommended seven hours of sleep per night for optimal health and wellness.
At the same time, nearly 16 million adults — around 8% of the US population — suffer from chronic back pain that interferes with daily life.
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