Harvard doctor warns: Get rid of these 3 common bedroom items before they secretly ruin your health
The bedroom is meant to be a space for comfort, relaxation, and uninterrupted sleep. But according to a leading health expert, it may also be home to hidden risks that can affect your overall well-being. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard- and Stanford-trained gastroenterologist, has highlighted three ordinary items often found in bedrooms that could silently damage your health. From disrupting sleep to triggering allergies and long-term health issues, these items are more harmful than they appear.
Old Pillows
Many people keep pillows far longer than recommended. According to Dr. Sethi, old pillows can harbor dust mites, dead skin cells, sweat, and allergens. These build-ups can negatively impact your skin, sinuses, and sleep quality. Even if a pillow looks clean on the outside, its inner filling can deteriorate over time and become a breeding ground for microscopic irritants.
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He advises replacing pillows every one to two years. While washing them regularly helps, even washable pillows lose their ability to stay clean and supportive after a certain point. Using hypoallergenic materials or pillow covers that can be removed and washed may offer some protection, but replacement is still necessary for maintaining hygiene and neck support.
Synthetic Air Fresheners
A fresh-smelling bedroom might seem inviting, but synthetic air fresheners can introduce hidden dangers. Dr. Sethi warned that these products often contain phthalates—chemicals associated with hormonal disruptions, reproductive harm, and asthma. Many air fresheners also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can lead to respiratory issues and headaches, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Despite their popularity, these products may do more harm than good. Dr. Sethi recommends switching to safer options like essential oil diffusers, proper ventilation, or natural air fresheners. Simply opening a window or using a few drops of lavender oil can help maintain a pleasant scent without adding toxins to your environment.
Worn-Out Mattresses
Mattresses are one of the most used items in the home, but many people delay replacing them due to cost or convenience. Dr. Sethi cautioned against this habit, stating that mattresses older than 7–10 years can degrade over time, collecting dust mites, mold, sweat, and dead skin. These factors can severely impact sleep quality and even lead to chronic back pain or fatigue.
He pointed out that if you regularly wake up sore or tired, your mattress might be the problem. Lack of proper support can also contribute to long-term posture and spinal issues. Investing in a new mattress may seem like a big step, but it plays a critical role in maintaining physical health and restorative sleep.
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