Works great, but fell apart

I picked up the regular large green sponge at Winners for $5.99 after I had heard that it was comparable or better than the Real Techniques and Beauty Blender brand sponges. It worked really great! I like how the side is so flat and wide because it allows me to blend my foundation so much faster. It is very soft and easy to use. However, I think it is too soft because after only using it about 5 times a huge chunk ripped out of it while washing it. It also has tiny tears on the other side of it. I have had RT sponges last more than 6 months with no ripping or tearing (using the same washing process). It is very unfortunate because I was enjoying the blender but it will be too expensive to be constantly replacing it if it breaks so easily.