Pillow protectors are an often overlooked component to a good night’s sleep. But they are an important and valuable purchase. A good pillow protector can play a big part in creating a healthy sleep environment, especially if you are prone to allergies. Pillow protectors provide a barrier of protection keeping moisture (like sweat or drool) away from your pillow. They also can offer protection against dust mites, allergens, bacteria and bed bugs. Because pillow protectors are washable, they can help extend the life of your pillow, keeping it clean from stains. The bottom line is that pillow protectors are a good investment! When you start shopping for pillow protectors, you may be surprised by how many choices there are.
There are pillow protectors for sale that are made from all different kinds of materials, which provide all different sorts of benefits. There are many different pillow protectors available on the market, all with subtle, yet distinct features. You could be up all night reading all of the information available and spending your valuable time and energy sorting through all of the information available on the internet about pillow protectors. But you do not need to lose sleep about this purchase! You can get the information you need to make a good purchase that will meet your individual needs and preferences by reading this article! Our Sleep Judge experts have done the research for you and compiled a list of the top pillow protectors on the market today and put them together for you right here in this condensed article. We have sifted through the product information and details and have highlighted notable product features along with pros and cons that will help you make your product comparisons.
| Rank | Product |
| #1 |  Moonsea Waterproof Pillow Protector Zippered 4 Pack
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| #2 |  PlushDeluxe Standard Premium Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Pillow Protector (set of 2)
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| #3 |  AllerEase Organic Cotton Allergy Protection Pillow Protectors
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| #4 |  Little Sleepy Head Toddler / Travel Pillow Protector for Pillows
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| #5 |  FeelAtHome Cooling Bamboo Pillow Protector Waterproof Hypoallergenic (Body Pillow)
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| #6 |  National Allergy 100% Cotton Bed Bug, Dust Mite & Allergy Control Pillow Protector
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Best Pillow Protectors
1. Editor’s Choice: Moonsea Waterproof Pillow Protector Zippered 4 Pack
The Moonsea 4-pack zippered pillow protector set is a great pick at a good price. Made from polyester/polyester blend fabrics these pillow protectors are 100% waterproof and are both breathable and durable. These pillow protectors are constructed with a high quality zipper. They have a functional, waterproof laminated membrane that protects your pillow from moisture that could breed bacteria and harbor allergens. The Moonsea pillow protectors are constructed with a comfortable, smooth microfiber jersey knit fabric outer surface.
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2) Runner Up: PlushDeluxe Standard Premium Hypoallergenic 100% Waterproof Pillow Protector (set of 2) 
The PlushDeluxe brand pillow protector 2-pack set is a great choice if a comfortable, quiet surface is something you are looking for. The pillow protectors in this set are 100% waterproof and are hypoallergenic and offer protection against dust mites, allergens, bacteria and bed bugs. The pillow protectors in this set have a terry cotton surface that will not change the feel of your pillow. The PlushDeluxe Premium Pillow Protector is backed by a 10-Year full product replacement warranty.
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3) Best Organic: AllerEase Organic Cotton Allergy Protection Pillow Protectors
The Aller-Ease 100% organic cotton pillow protector offers a complete barrier of allergen protection that will block dust mites, pet dander and other common household allergen. This pillow protector is made from 100% breathable organic cotton that is both durable and comfortable. This organic cotton zippered pillow protector both protects you from allergens and also extends the life of your pillow, helping you create a healthy sleep environment. This is a great choice if you are seeking a pillow protector made from organic fabric.
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4) Best Toddler: Little Sleepy Head Toddler / Travel Pillow Protector for Pillows 13×18 and 14×19 (1-Pack)
If you are looking for a pillow protector for a smaller pillow, like a toddler pillow or travel pillow, Little Sleepy Head brand makes this high quality zippered pillow protector that measures 14 x 19 x 0.5 inches. This pillow protector is 100% waterproof and will protect your smaller pillows from allergens, bacteria, bedbugs, dust mites and moisture from saliva, baby bottles, perspiration etc. This pillow protector has a soft terry cotton exterior with a 100% polyurethane interior. Little Sleepy Head brand offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and good customer service.
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5) Best Body: FeelAtHome Cooling Bamboo Pillow Protector Waterproof Hypoallergenic (Body Pillow)
The FeelAtHome brand offers high quality pillow protectors for a variety of sizes of pillows including this body high quality pillow protector. The FeelAtHome Cooling Bamboo Zippered Pillow Protector is comfortable and soft to the touch. It offers full waterproof coverage with a 100% waterproof membrane that protects against allergens, moisture and bed bugs. This pillow protector measures 54 inches by 20 inches, which fits most standard size body pillows. This is a great choice to protect and extend the life of your body pillow.
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6) Best 100% Cotton: National Allergy 100% Cotton Bed Bug, Dust Mite & Allergy Control Pillow Protector
If you are looking for a pillow protector that is made entirely of cotton material the National Allergy Pillow Protector is a great choice. This product is designed with 100% cotton fabric with a super-tight weave that protects you from dust mites, bed bugs, pet dander and other allergens when you sleep. It is easy to care for and durable, with a double stitched cover. It is constructed with a locking, rustproof nylon zipper. This product is soft and quiet, great for those seeking a pillow protector that does not have synthetic fabrics.
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What to Look for When Choosing Which Pillow Protector Will Work Best For You
— Fabric Type
When purchasing your pillow protector be sure to pay attention to what type of fabric or fabric blends it is made from. Some pillow protectors are made from one type of fabric (like 100% cotton). Others are made from a blend of fabrics, typically a softer more plush fabric like cotton or bamboo on the surface as well as a waterproof layer that is made from a blend of synthetic fabrics.
— Fabric Weave
Fabric on pillow protectors should have a very fine/tight weave, which will prevent allergens from getting into your pillow.
— Noise
Some pillow protectors are designed to be quieter than others by design. Some lower quality pillow protectors will actually be noisy (made crackling or crunching sounds when your head meets the pillow). Seek out products that are designed to be quiet.
— Off Gassing
When seeking out a pillow protector make sure that you pick one that is not constructed of materials that would off gas chemicals. Seek pillow protectors that do NOT have PVC’s, phthalates, vinyl or other materials that could trigger allergies.
— Size
Just as pillows can come in various sizes, pillow protectors are made to fit certain sizes of pillows. There are pillows designed for all different sizes of pillows, including: standard, queen, king, toddler/travel and even longer body pillows. Certain brands offer pillow protectors with similar features in several different sizes.
— Type
Pillow protectors can be used with all different types of pillows with different fills. Pillow protectors work with latex, foam, down, spun polyester or any other type of pillow. Pillow protectors will have the same benefits with all different types of pillows.
— Cost
Just like with any purchase, some products will cost more than others. Higher price points often correlate with quality of materials and function. You don’t have to spend too much to buy a high quality pillow protector, just make sure you are getting the features you desire.
Summary
Although pillow protectors are often an overlooked purchase, they are important! Pillow protectors can make a big difference in sleep quality, especially to those who are sensitive to allergens like dust mites, pollen or dander by creating a functional layer of protection between your pillow and pillow case. Pillow protectors can also help prevent bed bug infestations. Pillow protectors will help extend the life of your pillow by providing an additional, washable layer of protection in addition to your pillowcase. Many pillow protectors offer a waterproof layer of protection that not only protects your pillow from stains, but also prevents the growth of bacteria and allergens. Purchasing a pillow protector is a great idea that will have years of benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a pillow protector?
A pillow protector is a zipped fabric enclosure that covers your pillows. They are designed to be an additional layer of protection between your pillow and your pillow case.
What are the benefits of using a pillow protector?
A pillow protector typically provides additional protection for your pillow against wear, moisture, and stains. A pillow protector also provides a barrier that prevents allergens like dust mites, bacteria and mold from harboring in your pillow. Pillow protectors can also protect your pillow from bed bugs.
Do you need a pillow case if you use a pillow protector?
A pillow protector is not the same thing as a pillow case. A pillow protector is designed to be an additional layer between your pillow and your pillow case. Pillow protectors are most often zippered and are typically not washed as frequently as pillow cases. Pillow cases are recommended to use on top of a pillow protector. Pillow cases, which are often part of a sheet set, will complement the colors and style of your bedding, while pillow protectors are more functional and less decorative (most often just white) than pillow cases. Pillow protectors also most often have a zippered closure, which could catch on your hair or potentially scratch your face if not covered with a pillow case.