When it comes to bedding, many focus on the sheets and the pillow itself. However, there’s an important piece of your bedding collection that can extend the life of your pillow. A pillow protector zippers shut, offering a barrier against common allergens so you can experience the benefits of a healthy night’s sleep.
What is a Pillow Protector?
A pillow protector covers your pillows and provides a barrier against wear and tear, moisture, and stains. It can be made out of a variety of materials based on the desired benefits. A protector also minimizes wear and tear so you can enjoy that favorite pillow for many years.
While pillowcases can help keep your pillow and your face clean while you sleep, they don’t offer the same level of protection as pillow protectors. We recommend using both. A pillow protector will only need to be washed around once a month, while pillowcases should be changed each week, or more frequently if you're prone to allergies or have skin concerns.
The Key to Healthier Sleep
Pillow protectors help promote healthy sleep and contribute to a healthy sleeping environment in several ways. Moisture in your bedding can quickly lead to mold and mildew. A protector also stops dust mites and can also help prevent the spread of bed bugs. Deep sleep is healthy sleep, and cooling pillow protectors can help you sleep better during the warmer months. If you and your family are prone to allergies, a pillow protector acts as an allergen barrier so you can get to sleep instead of sniffling and sneezing.
Creating an Allergen-Free Pillow
While using a hypoallergenic pillow certainly supports an allergen-free night’s sleep, a pillow protector offers an additional layer of protection. It’s easier to wash and dry than a down pillow, and can prevent dust mites, mildew, and other common allergy triggers from growing inside the pillow. The combination of a hypoallergenic pillow with a pillow protector and a chemical and pesticide-free pillow case provides an even stronger way to reduce allergies and skin irritation.
Protecting Your Pillows from Wear and Tear
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of wear and tear on pillows on your quality of sleep. You might not notice the deterioration from day to day but it’s happening! We spend about a third of our life sleeping, which means a significant amount of time in close contact with our bedding. A pillow can fade, get dirty, tear, and flatten over time, and a pillow protector offers protection from all of these elements.
Protecting Down Pillows is Essential
Down pillows – a go-to for those of us who appreciate high-quality pillows and a great night’s sleep – also benefit from pillow protectors. These protectors help keep the pillow intact and the bed clean from feathers that may poke through.
In addition, a pillow protector can help you avoid the unpleasant odors that can occur if the down pillow filling absorbs liquid from spills, makeup, and lotions. To maximize your sleeping comfort and maximize your pillow’s longevity, use a pillow protector on all your down pillows.
Pillow Protector Buying Tips
Here are a few things to consider before purchasing a pillow protector.
• Size
• Features
• Comfort
• Breathability
• Easy-to-wash
In terms of size, you want your protector to fit the pillow snugly and be zipped up to offer full protection. Pillow protectors come in four sizes: Standard, Queen, King, and Euro. (View specific dimensions and styles here.)
Depending on your priorities, features are also an important consideration. Typical options include waterproofing, cooling fabrics, bed bug protection, and hypoallergenic materials.
Comfort is obviously an important consideration when choosing a pillow protector. Consider the type of pillow you like to use and the climate you’re in. If you live in a cooler area, you may want thick protectors for additional warmth and comfort during winter. For those who prefer a cool room, a cooling pillow protector has the right materials to keep you cool all night long.
Breathability also supports a cooling effect because it allows for greater airflow and prevents hot air from getting trapped. Protectors with a waterproof barrier also act as a dust mite and allergen block to keep you sneeze-free.
Lastly, you want a pillow protector that’s easy-to-wash. It should be easy to take off and put back on, as well as being easy to clean. Some pillow protectors require additional care, which can prevent people from washing them regularly, thus increasing the risk for wear and tear and decreased efficacy.
When considering how to create the ideal environment for sleep, a pillow protector should be a priority. The addition of these to your bedding can help reduce allergies, increase comfort, and extend the life of your pillow. Click here for our down pillow protectors to get better sleep today.
Updated July 31, 2022
