down pillow protector

Top 5 Best Pillow Protectors for 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide

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Shopping for a Pillow Protector? 

You have come to the right place. 

You have probably given a lot of thought to the kind of pillowcase you want – the material should be soft, pleasant for all seasons, and safe for sensitive skin. 

However, it is also important to find the right pillow protector case as it will help increase the lifespan of your pillow, prevent moldiness and staining, and minimize contact with allergens.

An ideal accessory for people with allergies and night sweats, pillow protectors are available in various designs. Here, we have reviewed some of the top products.

What's in This Buying Guide 

This guide tells you why a good-quality pillow protector is essential and review some of the top options. If you want to improve the health and quality of your sleep, then read on. 

While reviewing the best pillow protectors, we have paid special attention to protection against allergies, bed bugs, and how comfortable and waterproof they are.

We have also included the features you should look for in a pillow protector and answered some of the commonly asked questions.


What is the Purpose of a Pillow Protector? 

pillow protector waterproof

A pillow protector works as a barrier against bacteria and allergens. They keep the freshness in and the germs out. There is nothing better than laying down on a cozy, cool, and clean pillow after a particularly tiring day. The several purposes of pillow protectors include: 

  • Toddlers, as well as many adults, drool at night. Pillow protectors prevent drool and sweat from reaching the pillow.
  • Pillow protectors keep your pillows clean from face powders, mascara, blusher, lipstick, and other cosmetics. 
  • Natural body oils, particularly nose oils, can also contaminate the pillow. Plus, a human body typically sheds more than 250,000 skin cells while sleeping. Pillow protectors keep the shed from your face, head, and neck away from your pillow. 
  • People who are allergic to dust mites and dust often wake up with runny eyes and nose and irritated throats. The reason for this is the night-time exposure to irritants, which in turn can affect the quality of their sleep. Using a good-quality pillow protector reduces your exposure to allergens, such as dust mites and bed bugs, and prevents you from developing any serious allergies. 

Best Pillow Protectors 

Disclaimer: All links below go to Amazon.com

  1. Best for Down feather Pillows: SureGuard Pillow Protectors
  2. Best 100% Cotton: Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protector
  3. Most Durable & Easiest to Clean: SureGuard Cotton Covers
  4. Safest for Children – LUCID Premium Pillow Covers
  5. Best Anti-Allergic: AmazonBasics Pillow Protector
Pillow protectorAwardMaterial Waterproof Machine washableDimensions
SureGuard pillow protectors
Best for down feather pillows

See Price on Amazon

Best for down feather pillowsTerry cottonYesYes21x27 inches
Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protector
Best 100% coton

See Price on Amazon

Best 100% coton 100% cottonNoYes9 x 11 x 0.5 inches
SureGuard Cotton Covers
Most Durable & Easiest to Clean

See Price on Amazon

Most Durable & Easiest to CleanSmooth cottonYesYes21 x 37 inches
LUCID Premium Pillow Covers
Safest for Children

See Price on Amazon

Safest for ChildrenCotton TerryYesYes0.39 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches
AmazonBasics Pillow Protector
Safest for Children

See Price on Amazon

Best Anti-Allergic100% cottonN/AYes9.45 x 5.91 x 0.79 inches

1. Best for Down Feather Pillows: SureGuard Pillow Protectors

waterproof pillow protectors

The SureGuard pillow protector is highly effective in keeping out stains, liquid, saliva, and perspiration away from the pillow. It comes with a 10-year guarantee that testifies to the durability, and waterproofing effect of this pillow protector. 

Pros

  • Made from premium terry cotton
  • 100% waterproof
  • 10-year quality guarantee
  • Extra-tight zipper completely seals off the pillow to effectively protect against bed bugs
  • Hypoallergenic properties help to keep your pillow fresh and clean
  • It prevents quills and feathers from poking through
  • Free from vinyl, PVC, or other toxic chemicals
  • Soft and noiseless
  • It can be easily machine washed 
  • GREENGUARD Gold-certified

Cons

  • Non-breathable

Our Review

waterproof pillow protectors

With SureGuard pillow protectors, there is no reason to worry about spilled liquids, messy pets, or potty-training accidents ruining your pillows. Their waterproof feature provides complete protection against drool, perspiration, liquids, and stains, thus increasing the life of your pillow. 

Made from 100% cotton, these protectors naturally absorb moisture and liquids. They help regulate the temperature of the sleep surface, Thus ensuring comfortable sleep for people who sleep hot or experience night sweats. 

Created with an advanced membrane, these protectors block bed bugs from entering your pillow. This bite-proof barrier also prevents these bugs from spreading to your mattress. Designed with SureSeal technology and Invisi-Zip, these protectors completely seal off the bed bugs thus, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.   

Infused with hypoallergenic properties, the SureGuard pillow protectors prevent bacteria, allergens, mold, dust mites, and mildew from entering your pillow. It helps reduce your nighttime allergies without feeling any discomfort. In addition, these protectors are ideal for down pillows as they prevent the quills from poking through or the feathers from escaping. 

The best thing about SureGuard is that you can use it with any type of pillow, including gel fiber, gusseted, down alternative, memory foam, contour, latex, extra loft, adjustable, and inflatable.


2. Best 100% Cotton: Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protector

pillow case protector

If you want to enjoy a peaceful sleep while keeping your pillow safe, then the Niagara Sleep Solution is the best option for you. Crafted with 100% cotton, these protectors are lab-certified NSS Feather Safe. They are highly economical and available in multiple quantities, which ensures extra cost savings for consumers. 

Pros

  • Made with 100% breathable cotton and world-famous Ultra-Fresh brand
  • Provides the best pillow protection
  • High-quality auto-locking slider
  • Machine-washable 
  • It does not require any ironing
  • Hassle-free return procedure

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Our review

water proof pillow protectors

Crafted with Ultra-Fresh, the Niagara Sleep Solution protector offers the highest degree of protection. Their anti-allergy feature makes them the ideal solution for allergy sufferers. These breathable pillow protectors do not contain any membrane that may cause discomfort for the sleeper, make any sort of noise, or make the sleeper hot.

These cool and delicate pillow protectors are made with non-shrink fabric that allows them to bear hundreds of washings. They are stitched with an auto-locking slider that prevents accidental opening of the zipper thus, keeping the pillow completely sealed. Moreover, all the sides are sewed firmly with five threads to keep your pillow safe. 

The 100% soft cotton fabric of these protectors helps to prolong pillow life. So, these long-life pillow protectors will keep your pillows fresh and new while serving you for many years.  


3. Most Durable & Easiest to Clean: SureGuard Cotton Covers

memory foam pillow protector

Nobody wants to sleep on a surface that is uncomfortable or can cause allergies. With SureGuard Cotton Covers, you can protect your pillows from allergens, stains, bed bugs, and liquids. They are also ideal for people who have pets or children or suffer from asthma, dust mite allergies, night sweats, and bed bug infestation.   

Pros

  • Made with the finest materials
  • Provides a clean and comfortable sleeping surface
  • Ensures a long life of your pillows
  • Quick and easy installation and hassle-free cleaning
  • High-quality zipper protects from bed bug infestation
  • Waterproof and hypoallergenic
  • 10-year quality guarantee

Cons

  • Material is not breathable.

Our review

down pillow protector

SureGuard Cotton Covers are designed to provide lasting protection to your pillows, thus providing you with a healthier sleep surface and complete peace of mind. These 100% cotton protectors are waterproof and provide complete protection against body fluids thus, ensuring the long life of your pillows. 

These noiseless and waterproof protectors keep your pillows cool and dry. They are designed with an advanced membrane that prevents bed bugs from entering your pillow. Moreover, the high-quality zipper with Invisi-Zip technology effectively blocks bed bugs, so that you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep.    

Compatible with a wide range of pillows, the SureGuard pillow protectors are highly suitable for feather and down pillows as they can easily prevent the feathers from escaping. In addition, the hypoallergenic properties of these protectors help to safeguard your pillow against allergens, bacteria, mold, mildew, and dust mites.

Designed with only the finest materials and expert craftsmanship, these protectors ensure that your pillows remain quiet, comfy, and clean. They are free from any toxins and are independently lab-tested to ensure your health and safety. Furthermore, their convenient size makes them easy to install and remove. 


4. Safest for Children – LUCID Premium Pillow Covers

pillow case protector

LUCID Premium pillow protectors are designed with an ultra-thin material to offer soft, quiet protection. They have a cozy Terry fabric top surface that provides excellent protection against dust mites, allergens, and liquids without changing the sound or feel of your pillow.

Pros

  • 100% waterproof material that repels all liquids 
  • Generously sized to fit various pillows
  • Hypoallergenic cotton terry surface
  • Ultra-thin material that can be machine-washed
  • Safe for children and pets
  • Polyurethane lining helps reduce allergies
  • Backed by a 15-year guarantee

Cons

  • Material is not breathable, which can cause the sleep surface to become too hot.

Our review

pillow protectors for feather pillows

The LUCID premium pillow protectors are designed with 100% cotton terry to provide a hypoallergenic surface. Underneath the surface is the vinyl-free, waterproof thin layer that helps to keep out liquids and allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. 

The waterproof layer ensures that no saliva or spills reach the pillow. As a result, your pillow remains clean for a long time. These protectors are made with a soft material that makes them safe for children and pets.   

Every night, a human body sheds dead skin and loses almost one liter of body fluids. As dust mites feed on dead skin cells and body fluids, there is a strong possibility that hundreds of dust mites may be living in your pillow. Exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in young kids. Moreover, dust mites are considered one of the leading causes of eczema and allergies. 

By using LUCID premium pillow protectors, you can cut off the dust mites’ food supply, making it impossible for them to grow. Moreover, these protectors come with a 15-year warranty that provides consumers with complete peace of mind.  


5. Best Anti-Allergic: AmazonBasics Pillow Protector

hypoallergenic pillow protectors

The AmazonBasics pillow protector is a full-zip cover with an extra layer of fabric that ensures full allergen protection. These full encasements are machine-washable and dryer-friendly. 

Pros

  • 100% cotton
  • Vinyl-free hypoallergenic pillow protector
  • Made with a tight weave to reduce exposure to common allergens and dust
  • Environmental-friendly product
  • Zipper closes fully to create a clean, tailored look
  • Ideal for standard size pillows
  • Provides breathable, cool comfort

Cons

  • It makes a bit of noise as you shift on your pillow while sleeping.

Our review

bed pillow protector

Made from tightly woven 100% cotton, these protectors are fairly breathable and soft to touch. Their hypoallergenic properties make them highly effective against allergens such as bacteria and dust mites.  

The AmazonBasics pillow protectors are designed with a full zip that offers complete encasement and protection. There is also an extra layer behind the zipper that ensures there are no gaps that could allow allergens to escape. 

These protectors do not contain any toxins. They are vinyl-free and produced under an independent certification system that ensures they comply with the highest safety and environmental standards. Moreover, they are suitable for down pillows as well.   


Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Pillow Protector 

pillow protector cotton

When shopping for the best pillow protector, it is best to keep the following features in mind. They will help you choose a product that is best for your needs and keeps you away from bad choices:

Material

Pillow protectors are available in a variety of fabrics, such as polyester, bamboo, cotton, terry cotton, and even vinyl. You can choose a microfiber such as polyester if you prefer softness, or go for a cotton or bamboo protector if you want something cooling. 

Waterproofing

Waterproof pillow protectors provide better protection from bodily fluids such as mucus, saliva, sweat, and body oils. Vinyl pillow protectors can be noisy and sleep hot.

However, some brands deliver a more breathable polymer membrane that helps to keep the body fluids away from the pillow while allowing air to pass through.   

Thread count 

The thread count helps measure comfort when it comes to cotton. A higher thread count means a softer fabric. A thread count of 200 – 400 or higher is preferable.

The softness of the microfiber fabric depends on GSM or grams per square meter. A higher GSM means a thicker fabric and will be hotter to sleep. Typically, microfiber pillow protectors have a GSM that falls between 55 and 120. 

Allergen protection

hypoallergenic pillow protectors

Another thing to check before choosing a pillow protector is the label for a fabric pore size, which refers to the size of openings in the weave.

A fabric pore size of 6 microns or micrometers in woven fabrics is best as it keeps out dust mites. It is also best to choose a pillow protector listed as AAFA-friendly or certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).  

Pillow Size

Before choosing a pillow protector, find out the size of your pillow. This will help you choose a product that provides a perfect fit. 

Comfort

Different pillow covers come with different features. Some provide warmth, while some have cooling properties. However, the most important feature is comfort. Make sure that you choose a product that delivers the level of comfort you desire.  

Cost

Pillow protectors have a pretty varied price range. However, you can save some money by ordering protectors available in multipacks.  

Functionality

Pillow protectors come with a wide range of functionality. Some come with waterproofing qualities, some provide exceptional allergen protection, while some are designed with multiple functions and so on.

Moreover, different protectors are suitable for different kinds of pillows, like down pillows.    

Easy to wash

Pillow protectors can be hand or machine-washed. Each pillow protector comes with washing instructions. These specify the drying procedure, temperature, etc. Make sure you check these instructions before buying a pillow protector to ensure you choose the one you are comfortable with. 

Sleep Trial and Warranty

Warranty

Some brands offer sleep trials of their pillow protectors. This allows customers to try the product conveniently at home and return it within the specified period if they are not satisfied with it. If you are not sure about which pillow protector will be best for you, then you should look for a product that comes with a sleep trial. 

Moreover, some brands come with warranties on manufacturing defects. This helps to protect your investment as you can get a refund or request another type.


Types of Pillow Protectors 

Various types of pillow protectors have different uses. Although the main purpose of these products is the same, you will need to choose a pillow protector depending on your particular requirements. For example, there are pillow protectors for allergies, down pillows, bed bugs, and so on.   

Hypoallergenic pillow protectors

These protectors are designed to protect pillows from allergens such as dust and dust mites that could cause irritation during sleep. They are also effective against pet dander and pollen, which makes them ideal for people who suffer from allergies. Moreover, they can prevent the growth of mildew and mold inside the pillow.

Waterproof pillow protectors

pillow protector waterproof

If you drool a lot or sweat profusely during the night, you need to invest in a pillow protector designed to keep the moisture away from your pillow. Waterproof pillow protectors form an impermeable barrier against moisture and liquids, thus preventing fill damage, unpleasant smells, and mildew and mold from growing. 

Typically, these pillows are made with vinyl or polyurethane. Vinyl can make your pillow hot and can be crinkly, which is why most people avoid these protectors. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is highly efficient, breathable, and very quiet.  

Pillow protectors for down pillows

Feather-filled or down pillows are very comfortable to sleep on but can be quite difficult to maintain properly. Although these luxurious pillows can be machine-washed, drying and fluffing them back up can be quite a hassle. A down feather pillow protector helps reduce the frequency of washing while keeping the poking feathers inside the pillow.

Pillow protectors for bed bugs

Nobody wants small insects feeding their blood at night. Although bed bug infestation is quite common in mattresses, there are instances when they have been known to lay eggs in pillows as well. Getting bitten by insects all over your head and face while you sleep is not something that you want to experience. 

Investing in a pillow protector made from waterproof or tightly woven materials can simply take care of this problem. It is possible as it encases the pillow tightly, thus preventing the bed bugs from entering.     

Temperature-regulating

memory foam pillow protector

Pillow protectors that promote breathability prevent allergens from becoming trapped in the pillow. These protectors are made from fabric that delivers optimal airflow, making them ideal for people who sleep hot or live in warm environments. Moreover, their temperature regulation feature ensures that they will not trap heat.  


Pros and Cons of Pillow Protectors 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Ensures a long life for your pillow by keeping it clean
  • Easier to wash compared to a pillow
  • Serves as protective shield allergens, sweat, and stains
  • It helps prevent the spread of bed bugs
  • Ideal for people with allergies or those who suffer from nasal congestion

Cons

  • Some protectors are made from a fabric that sleeps hot or makes noise when the user moves around
  • Added cost
  • Some protectors do not allow the air to escape the pillow, thus creating a ballooning effect

Care and Maintenance 

Care and Maintanence of pillow

Most pillow protectors available can be machine-washed. Some of these should be line-dried, while some can be safely put in the dryer using a low setting. Therefore, it is vital to follow the laundering instructions provided with your pillow protector. Moreover, pillow protectors should be washed once a week, almost as often as pillowcases. 

Although pillow protectors help prevent allergens from entering the pillow, allergens can land on the pillow protectors. Therefore, it is essential to wash them regularly to ensure a clean sleeping surface.  


FAQs:

FAQ

Who should use a Pillow Protector?

Pillow protectors are ideal for people looking for a healthier sleep environment. They are designed with fabric technology that delivers advanced features essential for your health and comfort. A pillow protector blocks dust mites, moisture, fluids, stains, and bed bugs from penetrating your pillow. Moreover, they protect the pillow from wear and tear, thus extending its life. 

How can Pillow Protectors protect against dust mites?

memory foam pillow protector

Pillow protectors that are certified asthma and allergy-friendly are made with vinyl or plastic. They are designed with zippers that help to seal in the allergens, thus ensuring that you do not inhale them while sleeping. Moreover, these covers are easier to keep clean compared to covers made from natural fibers.  

How are Pillow Protectors different from Pillow covers?

Pillowcases are typically decorative fabric coverings for the pillow designed to be slept on. They simply provide a cover to keep the pillow clean. Most pillow covers are open-ended and designed to protect the pillow from saliva, cosmetics, and other contaminants. However, these covers do not necessarily keep bugs or mites away from your pillow.

On the other hand, pillow protectors are designed to fit over pillows, thus keeping them safe from stains, allergens, and body fluids. They typically have a tight zipper to close them, which ensures protection against bed bugs and dust mites.  


Final Verdict: Which are the Best Pillow Protectors

In our opinion, the SureGuard pillow protectors are the best option that helps to increase the lifespan of your pillows while keeping dirt and odors at bay. Most importantly, they prevent bed bug infestations and reduce the number of allergens so that you can enjoy a good night’s sleep.



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