We all know that we need a pillow. Your pillow is instrumental in not just sleeping comfortably, but also keeping your head and neck aligned in a way that allows you to wake up pain free. Just like your pillow takes care of you, you need to take care of it!
When your head touches the pillow at night, the fact that it could be making you sick probably never crosses your mind. If you want to truly sleep with the peace of mind that your bed is clean and healthy, you’ll want to add an extra layer of protection. Your pillowcase is part of it, but not the whole solution. Once you buy a new pillow, which means one that is both comfortable and supportive, you want to keep it in great shape for several years. In order to avoid the need for a deep pillow wash, use a pillow protector to keep it totally clean.
What is a pillow protector?
Over time, hair, dead skin cells, sweat, and drool build up on our pillow. You need a barrier in between these nasty things and your pillow. Pillow protectors are one of the basics of a healthy sleep environment. Pillow protectors are like pillowcases with fabric technology that offers enhanced features for your health and comfort. This can be done with a variety of materials, typically nylon and polyester. For instance, the Malouf Five 5ided® Pillow Protector features an Omniphase® material to promote a comfortable sleeping temperature.
Do I need a pillow protector?
Yes! Pillows are incredibly important, but they certainly are not cheap. This is especially true if you need a specialty pillow, like a pillow built for your CPAP machine, or a down feather pillow. High-quality pillows are an investment, an investment you’d like to get your money’s worth from. We recommend purchasing the best pillow you can afford and then protecting it with a pillow protector. Spending a little bit now can prevent you from spending the money again and again over the years to come! You don’t want to continually replace a luxury pillow, that’s for sure. Just like you don’t spill wine on your bed or let your dog pee on your mattress, you want to keep your pillows free from damage as well. This is where a pillow protector does the heavy lifting.
Your options for a pillow protector
We have about a dozen pillow protector options, all from top name brands. The SFERRA Fiona Cotton Pillow Protector serves as an additional layer between your pillow and the dirt and oils of your face. This helps to extend the life of the best luxury pillows, keeping them free from spills, allergens, grime, and other stains. This is 100% long-staple cotton with a sateen finish, so all you feel is another comfortable layer! Beyond SFERRA, we carry options from PureCare, Sleep Philosophy, and Malouf. We also carry our own product! The City Care Waterproof Pillow Protector is very reasonably priced. It completely encases your pillow with a zipper closure, protecting your pillow from liquids, dust mites, and other allergens. Plus, it has a three year warranty! The City Care Assurance Plan is a limited warranty that covers all accidental stains when purchased along with your new pillow.
You'll want to replace your pillows every few years and be sure to get new pillow protectors at the same time. No matter which pillow protector you choose, it will keep your pillow in top shape for longer, keeping it cleaner and healthier as you sleep!