Whether you’re losing sleep to dust mites and allergens, want to keep your pillows in new condition for as long as possible, or simply want peace of mind while traveling, a pillow protector can be a great investment.
We tested dozens of pillow protectors to help you make the best purchase decision and discovered the most comfortable, protective, and easy to clean options.
After spending several days comparing, testing, and researching, we found that a handful of options outdid the rest! Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Pillow Protectors topped our list of favorites.
These pillow protectors are soft-to-the-touch terry cloth material. They’re also quiet, strong, and easy to keep clean. Even better, they’re protected by a lifetime replacement guarantee!
After purchasing these comfy pillow protectors, we’ll never need to repurchase another set. But, of course, our top pick might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
After all, you may be looking for a cotton option or a toddler-sized pillow protector. If so, Everlasting Comfort might not be the ideal choice. Even if it isn’t, you’re sure to find something for you on our list of the best pillow protectors.
Keep reading to find a pillow protector that’s sure to suit your needs!
Best Pillow Protectors 2021
- Best Overall: Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Pillow Protectors
- Best Cotton Pillow Protector: SureGuard Pillow Protectors
- Best for Protection Against Allergens: Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protectors
- Best Budget Option: White Classic Luxury Hotel Collection Pillow Protectors
- Best for Pillows of All Sizes: Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Pillow Protector
Best Overall: Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Pillow Protectors
There are quite a few things to say about the Everlasting Comfort Pillow Protectors.
They’re backed by a lifetime replacement guarantee. So, if you choose these protectors, you might not need to buy another set ever again. They’re also quite affordable.
These pillow protectors consist of soft terry cloth material. It repels water but lets air flow through, so they tend to stay cool during the night. They’re also some of the best waterproof pillow protectors.
Still, one of our favorite things about this option is the variety. You can choose sets of two or four in standard, queen, and king size.
The zipper closure can be challenging to work with and the rougher terry cloth texture might press through thinner pillowcases. These materials do make this one of the best pillow protectors for feather pillows, though.
Pros
- Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
- Soft Terry Cloth Material
- Great for Down Pillows
- Several Size and Quantity Options
- Extremely Affordable
Cons
- Small Zipper is Hard to Grasp
- Terry Cloth May Not Be Discreet Beneath Thin or Sheer Pillowcases
Best Cotton Pillow Protector: SureGuard Pillow Protectors
Some pillow protectors have slightly rough surfaces that can lead to an uncomfortable night’s sleep, but this smooth cotton pillow protector doesn’t suffer from texture problems.
This makes it one of the better choices for those who use thin satin or cotton pillowcases. The drawback is that this thick cotton material can trap heat, so these may not be the best pillow protectors for sweat.
Yet, SureGuard’s pillow protectors are free of potentially harmful materials, including PVC. A 10-year warranty protects them, so if you choose these pillow protectors, it’ll be a long time before you need to buy a replacement set.
Pros
- Smooth Cotton Material
- No PVC, Phthalates, or Fire Retardants
- Protected by a 10-year Warranty
- Easy to Clean
Cons
- May Trap Heat
- Can be Expensive
Best Pillow Protector for Allergies: Niagara Sleep Solution Pillow Protectors
Cotton blends may help protect against allergies better than pure cotton fabrics. For that reason, these might be the best pillow protectors to help combat bed bugs and allergies.
However, this pillow protector also offers some unique additional advantages, including material variety. For example, you can choose from cotton, bamboo, and sateen options.
No matter which material blend you choose, you can rest assured that a lifetime warranty backs your pillow protector. You can also count on it staying the right size and shape, even after a trip through the washing and drying machine.
With that said, there are a couple of things to look out for. The pillow protector’s zipper closure is relatively tiny and challenging to see. Also, it can snap off if it’s tugged too hard.
Pros
- Features a Refined, Elegant Design
- Available in Cotton, Bamboo, and Sateen
- Won’t Shrink in Warm Water
- One of the More Affordable Options
- Protected by a Lifetime Warranty
- Best Allergy Pillow Protectors
Cons
- Not 100% Cotton
- Zipper Breaks Easily
Best Budget Option: White Classic Luxury Hotel Collection Pillow Protectors
Are you looking for a budget-friendly set of pillow protectors? If so, you may want to consider the White Classic Luxury Hotel Collection pillow protectors. They’re less than $15 per pair, making them some of the best-value options available.
Still, you do get what you pay for. While you might be able to buy a large quantity of these pillow protectors, you might not find that they’re as soft, waterproof, or thick as others. They can also be quite loud and crinkly, which could become annoying.
Pros
- Extremely Affordable
- 200 thread count Helps Resist Dirt, Allergens, and Water.
- Very Quiet
Cons
- Limited Number of Sets and Sizes
- Water-Resistant, but Not Waterproof
- Material Is Thin and Slightly Rough
Best for Pillows of All Sizes: Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Pillow Protector
Finding pillow protectors that come in a wide variety of sizes can be challenging, as most are only available in standard sizes. However, Cosy House offers seven distinct sizes that are bound to fit almost any pillow in your home.
Unlike many other pillow protectors, you can wash the Cosy House pillows in cold or warm water. Also, because these items are made of bamboo fiber, they’re naturally water-repellent and absorbent.
However, these pillow protectors tend to fit somewhat loosely, and they may be pricier than similar types of pillow protectors. Additionally, the bamboo-polyester material isn’t organic, so, in our opinion, this isn’t one of the best organic pillow protectors.
Pros
- Comes in Several Size Options
- Can Be Washed in Hot or Cold Water
- Bamboo Fiber is Plastic Free and Waterproof
Cons
- May Not Fit Snugly on Your Pillow
- Pricier Than Similar Options
Benefits of Using a Pillow Protector
It’s a well-known fact: We spend about ⅓ of our lives sleeping. While this might seem like a lot of time spent sleeping, getting a great night’s rest is crucial to our overall health.
However, if your pillows and bedding are full of sweat, dust, and allergens, it can feel impossible to get high-quality sleep each night. That’s why investing in pillow protectors is so crucial.
Some of the most significant benefits of investing in pillow protectors include:
- Improved Hygiene
- Reduced Allergens
- Protection From Mites and Bed Bugs
- Increased Pillow Lifespan
Let’s take a moment to explore these advantages in greater detail. That way, you’ll be better able to choose a pillow protector that suits your needs!
Improved Hygiene
Your skin is constantly regenerating. Around every 27 days, it goes through the regeneration process. The average person sheds several millions of dead skin cells every day. These can end up in your bed, on your pillows, and inside your mattress.
Keeping these tiny flakes of skin off your pillows can significantly improve your bed’s overall hygiene. That’s one of many reasons why it’s essential to invest in pillow protectors.
Reduced Allergens
If you’re sensitive to common allergens like dust and pollen, investing in pillow protectors could make a significant difference in your quality of sleep. Pillow protectors prevent dust, dirt, and other allergens from clinging to your pillow’s surface, reducing the number of allergens you’re exposed to.
Protection From Mites and Bed Bugs
It can be nearly impossible to enjoy a great night’s rest if you’re fighting off dust mites and bed bugs. Both of these tiny pests can keep you awake late into the night, causing you to sneeze up a storm or scratch and itch.
A pillow protector can keep both of these pesky creatures away from your pillow, ensuring that your sleep is uninterrupted, peaceful, and free of pest problems.
And, because some of the best pillow protectors are machine washable, you can easily clean away any allergens that may collect beneath the surface of your pillowcase. If you struggle with asthma or allergies, a set of pillow protectors could be the right call!
Increased Pillow Lifespan
High-quality pillows can cost $50 per pillow and sometimes much more! As such, it’s crucial to protect your new pillows by outfitting them with snug, waterproof, easy-to-wash pillow protectors.
Placing your pillow into a pillow protector is an excellent way to increase its lifespan. In addition, the sooner you decide to slip a cover onto your pillow, the less likely it is to develop stains, mildew problems, and dust mite build-up.
And when you’re not constantly laundering your pillows or exposing them to bacteria and moisture, they’re bound to last a long time. So, if you’re eager to increase the lifespan of your pillows, be sure to protect them.
Features to Look For in a Pillow Protector
When shopping for a pillow protector, there are a handful of features you’ll want to focus on. Some essential things to look for in a pillow protector include:
- Size
- Waterproof Capabilities
- Material
- Ease of Washing
Remember, your chosen pillow protector should be able to withstand machine washes, repel moisture, and make zero noise. But it should also be easy to use, soft-to-the-touch, and free of any harmful chemicals or materials.
Let’s delve more deeply into these features to ensure you choose the ideal pillow protectors for your household.
Size
Size is one of the first things you’ll want to look for when choosing a pillow protector. After all, not all pillows are the same size.
So, before you invest in a pillow protector, be sure to check your pillows to determine their size.
Common pillow sizes include:
- Toddler
- Standard
- Super Standard
- Queen
- King
- Body
The size of your pillow will likely be listed on its tag. For this reason, it’s crucial to avoid removing tags from your pillows.
Waterproofness
Even if you don’t drink or eat anything in your bedroom, it’s an excellent idea to invest in pillow protectors that offer some level of waterproofing. After all, while asleep, you might drool or sweat on your pillow.
A waterproof protector prevents liquid from permanently staining your cushions.
Material
Some pillow protectors are made of PVC plastic. This material can leach phthalates, lead, and other potentially dangerous chemicals. So, you’ll naturally want to avoid pillow protectors made of this material.
Instead, you can choose a protector made of terry cloth, cotton, or bamboo fibers! These won’t exude harmful chemicals into your pillowcase (or skin) while you’re sleeping.
Additionally, plastic and PVC pillowcases tend to be very loud. They crinkle and crunch when pressure is applied, making for a noisy night’s sleep. But, plain cotton, terry cloth, or bamboo fiber options won’t make nearly as much noise. If you’re a light sleeper, opt for these.
That said, if you’re looking for the best cooling pillow protectors, you may want to avoid thick cotton options. These often trap heat, which could make you feel hot and uncomfortable during the evening.
Washability
A pillow protector can help prevent dirt, dust, and mildew from reaching your pillow. However, while a pillow protector can keep your pillow clean and fresh, it can quickly become dirty.
That’s why it’s crucial to choose a pillow protector that’s machine washable. Options that require a dry cleaning service can be almost impossible to keep consistently clean.
Final Verdict
We found that the Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Pillow Protectors were the best option. They’re made of soft terry cloth, are fully zippable, and they’re machine washable.
Another aspect that we appreciate about these pillow protectors is their lifetime replacement guarantee. So, after purchasing a set of these, you may never need to invest in pillow protectors ever again!
Even if you don’t purchase one of our recommendations, we hope this guide was helpful to you on your quest to find the best pillow protectors for your needs.
Be sure to check out Amazon to find our top pick, Everlasting Comfort Waterproof Pillow Protectors, right now!
