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Pillow: a clean head and a comfortable neck

A pillow is in direct contact with the face, mouth and hair. Its cleanliness matters most during hair loss, mouth sores and sweating.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Close-up of a soft white pillow
Figure 1.A clean pillow and pillowcase

01Short answer

Change the pillowcase often: 2–3 times a week, and more often with sweating, vomiting, drooling or hair loss. Choose a washable pillow and a zipped protector; replace old, yellowed pillows. During hair loss a soft satin pillowcase reduces friction on the skin. Extra small pillows can support an arm with a catheter, a painful area, or a raised position when breathless. Do not share pillows.

02Simple explanation

Pillowcase: often.

A washable pillow.

A protector.

Do not share.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: during neutropenia, keeping personal items clean helps reduce infection risk.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Mouth sores

Drooling can soil the pillow; change the case more often.

Breathing

Raising the head eases breathlessness, and breathlessness should be reported to your team.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Mouth soresDrooling can soil the pillow; change the case more often.
BreathingRaising the head eases breathlessness, and breathlessness should be reported to your team.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Pillow protector
A cover that protects a pillow from moisture and dust.
Satin
A smooth, slippery fabric.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Change often.
  • Wash.
  • Do not share.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

When should I replace a pillow?

When it loses shape or turns yellow.

Orthopaedic pillow?

If comfortable, with a protector.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. When should I replace a pillow?

  2. Orthopaedic pillow?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  4. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  5. Macmillan Cancer Support. Work and cancer
  6. American Cancer Society. Physical Activity When You Have Cancer
  7. Cancer Research UK. Exercise guidelines for people with cancer
  8. NHS. Falls
  9. NHS. Balance exercises
  10. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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