This research is supported by you, our readers, through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More.
Best Pillow Protectors – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide
Our Research
38
Pillow Protectors Considered
11
Hours of Research
4
Sleep Experts Consulted
Quick Overview
Pillows can play an important role in the quality of sleep. One part of this is how clean a pillow is. Even in perfectly clean sleep environments, pillows absorb dust, allergens, pollen, and dander from the air and the sleeper. This can be an irritant to some individuals. To help keep pillows from absorbing these, pillow protectors offer a shield.
Best Pillow Protectors
- Editor’s Pick – Home Fashion Designs Pillow Protectors
- Best Waterproof – UltraBlock Waterproof Pillow Protector
- Best Hypoallergenic – LUCID Premium Hypoallergenic Pillow Protector
- Best for Cooling Pillows – AllerEase Temperature Balancing Pillow Protector
Especially important to those with allergies or prone to nasal or skin irritation, pillow protectors are a simple way to keep the pillow from absorbing allergens in the air. Some pillow protectors offer a waterproofing layer, keeping pillows free from spills and stains. A pillow protector can lengthen a pillow’s average lifespan.
Below we’ll go over the highlights of Tuck’s top four picks for pillow protectors. We’ll also cover what buyers should know before purchasing pillow protectors. Our research is based on verified customer feedback, sleep expert consultation, and our extensive in-house testing.
Our Top 4 Picks
The Best Pillow Protectors - Reviewed
Editor's Pick - Home Fashion Designs Pillow Protectors
Highlights
- Soft and noiseless fabric
- Tight weave keeps allergens out of pillows
- Protects from pet hair, dander, and dust mites
- 100% cotton exterior with a polyurethane backing layer to provide waterproofing
- 30-day return policy
Tuck readers get the best price on a set of Home Fashion Designs Pillow Protectors.
Shop NowEditor’s Pick Overview
The Tuck Editor’s Choice is the Home Fashion Designs Pillow Protectors. This pack of two pillow protectors are available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
These are made of 100 percent cotton with an additional backing layer of 100 percent polyurethane to provide waterproofing. The Home Fashion Designs Pillow Protectors will keep pillows safe from liquids as well as allergens, dust mites, and pollen.
The cotton fabric is soft while maintaining durability. These pillow protectors are noiseless, despite the additional waterproof layer. The sturdy zipper ensures the pillow protector will stay on, keeping the pillow clean and free of potential irritants.
The pillow protectors are easy to keep clean, as they are machine washable.
Home Fashion Designs offers a 30-night return policy on these pillow protectors as well as a 10-year warranty.
Good for:
- Sleepers looking for pillow protectors with a return policy and warranty
- Those looking for 100 percent cotton and waterproof pillow protectors
- Those looking for easy-to-launder pillow protectors
Best Waterproof - UltraBlock Waterproof Pillow Protector
Highlights
- 100% cotton terry fabric outer cover
- Thin but durable material won’t change the feel of the pillow
- 100% waterproof inner layer made of polyurethane
- Protects pillow from water and allergens
- Machine washable
Click below to get the best price on a set of UltraBlock Waterproof Pillow Protectors.
Shop NowBest Waterproof Overview
Tuck’s choice for waterproof pillow protectors are the UltraBlock Waterproof Pillow Protectors. Sold in packs of two, these protect pillows from saliva, perspiration, spills, or any liquid that may seep into and damage the pillow. They’re available in standard, queen, and king sizes.
The outer layer of these pillow protectors is 100 percent cotton terry, making for a soft and hypoallergenic layer. Under this is a layer of polyurethane, ensuring the pillow protector repels liquids. Additionally, these protectors keep dust mites, allergens, bacteria, and mold out of pillows.
The pillow protectors are easy to clean in the washing machine and are a good choice for sleepers with allergies or those who often wake up with nasal congestion.
UltraBlock offers a 365-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty on their waterproof pillow protectors.
Good for:
- Those looking for noiseless and durable waterproof pillow protectors
- Sleepers with allergies looking for a protective barrier to keep pillows clean
- Those with sensitive skin looking for soft 100 percent cotton pillow protectors
Best Hypoallergenic - LUCID Premium Hypoallergenic Pillow Protector
Highlights
- Hypoallergenic and waterproof pillow protectors
- 100% cotton terry outer material
- Breathable material allows for airflow but keeps out liquid and allergens
- Waterproof layer is thin and doesn’t produce noise
- 15-year warranty
Tuck readers can purchase a set of LUCID Premium Hypoallergenic Pillow Protector at the lowest price.
Shop NowBest Hypoallergenic Overview
Our pick for the best hypoallergenic pillow protectors goes to Lucid. The Premium Hypoallergenic Pillow Protectors come in sets of two in standard, queen, and king sizes.
These pillow protectors are made with 100 percent cotton terry for a hypoallergenic surface. Below that is a thin waterproof layer that is vinyl-free. To best preserve pillows, these protectors will keep out all liquid and common allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
The cotton terry exterior is breathable, allowing for enough airflow to keep the pillow cool at night. The thin waterproof layer ensures the pillow won’t absorb any spills or saliva, keeping the pillow clean and allowing for the longest lifespan possible. This cover is thin enough that it won’t change the shape or feel of your pillow.
Lucid’s Premium Hypoallergenic Pillow Protectors come with a 15-year warranty.
Good for:
- Sleepers looking for a hypoallergenic pillow protectors
- Those wishing to ensure the pillow stays dry and free of allergens
- Those who want a hypoallergenic and waterproof pillow protector that is also breathable
Best for Cooling Pillows - AllerEase Temperature Balancing Pillow Protector
Highlights
- Temperature-regulating construction and material
- Anti-microbial fabric
- High level of breathability
- 100% cotton pillow protector can be machine washed and dried
- Contains no vinyl or plastic which can trap heat
AllerEase Temperature Balancing Pillow Protectors are available to Tuck readers at the lowest price.
Shop NowBest for Cooling Pillows Overview
For those who sleep or live in warm climates, our pick is the AllerEase Temperature Balancing Pillow Protector. These pillow protectors will keep pillows fresh by blocking out allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander.
Unlike some other pillow protectors, AllerEase covers don’t have any vinyl or plastic materials, making them a breathable pillow protector. The covers are made of 100 percent cotton, one of the most breathable bedding fabrics. Constructed with a tight weave, they keep pillows clean and extend their lifespan.
The cotton protectors also have an anti-microbial finish making them especially good for those with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies.
They can be machine washed and dried on a low setting for easy cleaning.
AllerEase offers a 10-year limited warranty on their pillow protectors.
Good for:
- Those looking for a breathable, temperature-regulating pillow protector
- Sleepers who want a pillow protector without vinyl or plastic
- Those looking to extend the lifespan of their pillow
- Those with sensitive skin who want an all-cotton pillow protector
Pillow Protector Buying Guide
A simple way to keep pillows clean and free of allergens is by covering the pillow with a pillow protector. These come in a range of sizes and serve different purposes. Some are waterproof while others focus on breathability. Here are some things to keep in mind before buying pillow protectors. Below we’ll cover the pros and cons of using pillow protectors, the benefits of different materials, and how to clean them.
What Is a Pillow Protector?
No matter how clean the sleeping environment is, bedding, including pillows, will naturally absorb allergens in the air. Dust, pollen, dead skin cells, and dander buildup can cause some sleepers to wake up with nasal congestion or allergy symptoms.
Pillow protectors serve as a barrier between these allergens and the pillow, inhibiting the pillow from absorbing them. This can be especially important for sleepers prone to allergies.
Pillows go directly into the pillow protector. Most have a zipper closure to ensure the pillow is fully protected. This also makes it simple to remove for cleaning. The pillow case then goes over the pillow with the protector on. This cover provides additional protection to the pillow, keeping it clean. Some pillow protectors also offer waterproof protection which keeps the pillow safe from stains.
Pillow protectors are made from a tightly woven material. This weave is tight enough to block airborne allergens from getting trapped inside the pillow. This can lengthen a pillow’s lifespan and help with odor control.
Pros and Cons of Pillow Protectors
Pros
- Can lengthen a pillow’s lifespan by keeping it clean
- Serves as a barrier between allergens, liquid (waterproof versions), and the pillow
- Easier to wash than a pillow
- Beneficial for those with allergies or those who wake up with nasal congestion
Cons
- Some use fabrics that produce noise when the sleeper moves around
- Some make it more difficult for air to escape the pillow, creating a ballooning effect
Different Types of Pillow Protectors
Not all pillow protectors work in the same way. Here are some common types of pillow protectors.
- Hypoallergenic: These protectors specialize in keeping the pillow from absorbing materials that some sleepers may find irritating. Dust, pollen, pet dander, and dead skin cells can all cause some sleepers to experience nasal congestion while sleeping, compromising the quality of sleep.
- Waterproof: Some pillow protectors are designed with a soft outer layer and a waterproof inner layer, keeping the pillow from absorbing any liquids from spills, perspiration, or saliva. This prevents stains, keeps pillows clean, and can ensure pillows remain free from any odors.
- Temperature-Regulating: Pillow protectors that specialize in breathability block out any allergens from getting trapped in the pillow, but are made of a fabric and weave that allows for optimal airflow. Those looking for a pillow protector who sleep hot or sleep in warm environments will benefit from one that is designed for temperature regulation and won’t trap in heat.
Pillow Protector Care and Maintenance
Most pillow protectors can be machine washed. Some are safe to put in the dryer on a low setting while others should be line dried. Always follow the pillow protector laundering instructions. Pillow protectors should be washed as often as pillowcases – once per week.
While pillow protectors block allergens from entering the pillow, allergens may settle onto the pillow protector itself, so it’s important to launder them regularly to maintain a clean sleeping environment.
What Else Should You Consider When Buying Pillow Protectors?
- Sleep Trial and Warranty: Some brands of pillow protectors come with a sleep trial, allowing customers to try the product at home and return it if it’s not a good fit for the sleeper. If you’re not sure you’ll like a particular pillow protector, buying one with a sleep trail is a good idea. Additionally, some brands offer warranties on manufacturing defects while others do not.
- Materials: Pillow protectors can be made from a variety of materials. Some contain polyurethane, vinyl, or plastic to add a waterproof feature while others are 100 percent cotton. If you have a fabric or material preference, be sure to check the material composition prior to purchase.