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Hypoallergenic Pillowcases: Sleep in Allergen Free Comfort

Danielle Mcleod

Stuffy noses, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, and respiratory discomfort are all symptoms of allergen-related contact that can create a miserable experience. This is especially true if you are trying to get some sleep, but the surfaces you come in contact with collect or support allergen build-up. This can be especially difficult in homes with pets, and for young children just building an immune system.

Hypoallergenic materials can be quite helpful in these situations, and provide an environment that is not conducive to holding pollens and dander, or allow dust mites to live. Since your head is in contact with a pillowcase each night, this is an especially important product to pay attention to due to its proximity to your face. A good hypoallergenic pillowcase is well worth investing in, and our suggestions below take the effort out of searching for the best.

RankProductHighlights
#1

100% Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Set

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  • Material: Bamboo Viscose
  • Sizes: Queen
  • Certifications: Organic bamboo, chemical residue tested after processing, baby safe
#2

Tafts 22 mm 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

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  • Material: 100% silk
  • Sizes: standard, queen, king
  • Certifications: 100% pure silk
#3

Bare Home Premium Ultra-Soft Microfiber Pillowcase Set

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  • Material: 100% Polyester Microfiber
  • Sizes: standard, King
  • Certifications: none
#4

Fairpeak Soft Zippered Pillowcase

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  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Sizes: Queen
  • Certifications: CERTIFIED STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX
#5

Bamboo Lyocell Pillow Cases

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  • Material: 100% Lyocell Bamboo
  • Sizes: standard, queen, king
  • Certifications: Oeko-tex 100 Certified

What Allergens Are

Allergens are those tiny, often microscopic materials that trigger allergy responses. They are things such as dust and dust mites, pollens, dander, and even molds and mildews. These can build up in the folds of materials, on window curtains, carpets, furniture, and even your bedding- no matter how often you clean.

Allergens can also disguise themselves in the processing and material creation of certain fibers. Chemical processes can leave behind residues that can create sensitivities and discomfort to some, especially to those with contact allergies. Look for safety certifications to ensure you are receiving a product that has been rigorously tested.

What is Hypoallergenic Material?

Hypoallergenic materials are those that are breathable, moisture-wicking and dissipating, and otherwise make it difficult for allergens to adhere to or build up upon. In the case of dust mites, they create a hostile environment that dries them out – essentially keeping them from multiplying.

You want to watch for easy to clean options to help keep allergies away since consistent use of a pillowcase will allow for a buildup of dirt and oils from your body to build up. It is best to always use a pillowcase protector as well over your pillow, and under your pillowcase, to help keep allergens from building up in the small spaces within the pillow itself. For the best results, look for hypoallergenic pillows to use with a hypoallergenic pillowcase.

Types of Hypoallergenic Materials to Consider

The following materials are those best supportive of the hypoallergenic sleep experience. They offer airflow and breathability, and are ideal for keeping allergens at bay. Whether you prefer the feel of a natural fiber or synthetic, there is something for everyone’s preference and budget.

— Natural Fibers

Linen, cotton, and silk are all natural fibers that provide breathable, naturally hypoallergenic surfaces. Lightweight, soft, and easy to launder with care, they are preferable to many other options due to how little processing they undergo.

— Processed Fibers

Bamboo and tencel are natural fibers that are processed and pulped to create strands that can be woven into materials. They are soft, cooling, and naturally allergen resistant- and may often be seen blended with other types of fibers to make them more malleable and easy to sew into durable materials.

— Manmade Fibers

Polyester is an entirely manmade fiber that is technically a resin that it pulled into fine strands that can be woven into the material. They are durable, lightweight, and provide various surfaces for a breathable, cooling sleep experience.

Why Use a Pillowcase?

Even though many pillows come encased in a removable cover of some sort, you should always provide a pillowcase as well. This not only allows for an added layer of protection, but it also helps absorb skin dirt and oils, keeps the pillow clean, and keeps allergens from building up within the pillow itself. Some pillows are not washable, such as various forms, and so keeping layers of materials between you and the actual pillow will ensure you can keep it for as long as it provides comfort.

They also are desired for decorative purposes and allow for a way to brighten a room or brings pops of color and design to your personal style.

Best Hypoallergenic Pillowcases

The following pillowcase options are made from various materials and display various styles to provide you the insight into what is out there to choose from. These are some of the most popular and affordable choices and provide durable, long-lasting options that are easy to launder and keep you protected from the common allergens you may find in a household.

1. 100% Organic Bamboo Pillowcase Set

Specs:

  • Material: Bamboo Viscose
  • Sizes: Queen
  • Certifications: Organic bamboo, chemical residue tested after processing, baby safe

Best Organic Bamboo, Cooling Hypoallergenic Pillowcase

Bamboo fibers are naturally hypoallergenic and provide a soft, malleable material. Smooth and moisture-wicking, it also breathes well to dissipate moisture and provides an inhospitable environment for dust mites. The tight weave is also conducive to avoiding the folds and creases that can trap pollen, dust, and dander so you can rest easy when you place your head upon it each night.

Easy to wash, it is wrinkle-resistant and comes in 4 solid colors to provide you a match to any decor. An envelope closure helps encompass your pillow for even more protection and stays put, rather than slips off as a bag-style can.

Who This is For

This is an excellent choice for those looking for a cool sleep surface to lay their head upon, and also wants allergen protection.

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2. Tafts 22 mm 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase

Specs:

  • Material: 100% silk
  • Sizes:  standard, queen, king
  • Certifications: 100% pure silk

Best Silk Pillowcase for Hypoallergenic Use

Taft’s Mulberry Silk Pillowcase is made from long fiber silk to provide a truly soft, smooth, and cooling sleep experience. Naturally hypoallergenic, it also has temperature regulating properties and creates a truly healthy surface to sleep upon. In fact, it is considered amongst the best for hair and skin support.

Available in many colors, it comes in various sizes to fit your pillows, and has a hidden zipper in order to keep it in place and avoid any slipping. Easy to wash, you can wash in cold in the washing machine, but must lay flat to dry.

Who This is For

Healthy hair and skin will benefit from the use of a silk pillow. When you want a cooler sleep that is free from allergen buildup, this is an excellent choice.

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3. Bare Home Premium Ultra-Soft Microfiber Pillowcase Set

Specs:

  • Material: 100% Polyester Microfiber
  • Sizes: standard, King
  • Certifications: none

Best Soft, Microfiber Hypoallergenic Pillowcase

Polyester is a preferable choice for many due to the breathable, open weave and synthetic properties that are not conducive to moisture holding environments that dust mites and allergens thrive in. Microfiber is especially soft and durable, and is very wrinkle resistant which avoids the creases and folds allergens settle into.

Easy to wash, it only gets softer with use. Available in many colors, these have a bag style closure and are easy to put on and take off. Plus, the material is incredibly budget-friendly while providing a high-quality feel and experience.

Who This is For

Microfiber is an excellent choice for many who want a soft, durable option that isn’t harsh on the pocketbook. It is generally a favorite due to how it feels, but can sleep warm despite being breathable.

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4. Fairpeak Soft Zippered Pillowcase

Specs:

  • Material: 100% cotton
  • Sizes: Queen
  • Certifications: CERTIFIED STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX

Best Cotton Pillowcase with Hypoallergenic Properties

Cotton isn’t always the favorite for hypoallergenic options since it can wrinkle easily and does need to be washed more often than other materials. However, The Fairpeak Zippered Pillowcase is an excellent option due to the tight, sateen weave that allows for airflow, but provides a softer, smoother surface that is not an allergen and dust mite friendly.

The zippered closure is also highly protective of the pillow within, and helps keep buildups from occurring between washes. Sold in a pack of 4, these can also double as a pillow protector. Easy to wash, avoid drying on hot to keep them from shrinking.

Who This is For

Cotton is a favorite go-to for many, and these soft, smooth, crisp pillowcases provide a cool and clean sleep surface. Plus, they are certified free of chemicals due to material processing.

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5. Bamboo Lyocell Pillow Cases

Specs:

  • Material: 100% Lyocell Bamboo
  • Sizes: standard, queen, king
  • Certifications: Oeko-tex 100 Certified

Best Vegan Silk, Hypoallergenic Material Alternative

Lyocell is a bamboo fiber that uses a sustainable closed-loop that creates no byproducts for a superior hypoallergenic material. Soft, silky, and wrinkle resistant- it is naturally cooling and antibacterial as well as dander, dust, pollen, and dust mite resistant. It also fights odors and is moisture-wicking to quickly dry and provide a temperature regulating sleep surface.

Durable and long-lasting, it launders easily in cool water and dries quickly. It also is a great choice for sensitive skin and is very supple, allowing for a healthy skin and hair surface.

Who This is For

If you prefer vegan options, or simply love the feel of silk, but not the price tag, this is a great choice.

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Conclusion

A quality hypoallergenic pillowcase can provide a comforting, safe, and healthy sleep surface. Whatever material and style you choose, the examples we’ve provided above are all highly recommended and long-lasting to provide you years of use. Easy to care for, they each help keep allergens from accumulating and can make you have a more restful night’s sleep.