A pillow protector guarantees three things—the lifespan of your pillow, the cleanliness and sanitation of your bed, and your health.
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The Only Reasons You Need to Know before You Invest in a Pillow Protector
1. Pillow Protectors Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Pillows
Did you know that your standard quality pillow is generally only good for 1-3 year? However, using a pillow protector may help extend the useful life of your pillow.
While regularly washing your pillow cases can help prevent buildup, they can’t guard your pillows against morning coffee spills. If you enjoy breakfast in bed, consider investing in a pillow protector. Throw in a mattress protector in your shopping list as well.
Moisture can ruin your pillows. And depending on the pillow type, care instructions could be tricky.
Ultimately, encasing your pillow in a pillow protector is more hassle-free and economic than frequently washing or purchasing a new pillow.
2. Pillow Protectors Keep Your Pillows Clean and Crisp
No one wants to rest on a yellow pillow with questionable stains. And with a pillow protector, you don’t have to.
Stains could come from a number of causes. It may include your cosmetics, bodily fluids, or this morning’s coffee run. A pillow protector can keep whatever fluids from seeping into your favorite cushions keeping them clean and in their original form (and color).
If you ever notice a patch of drool in the morning or accidentally spilled some tea, you can easily toss your pillow protector into the wash. You don’t need to worry about cleaning your pillow.
Treat your pillow protector as a first line of defense sleeve. It can stand up to odor-causing bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs, and daily wear and tear. Give it a hot wash and it’s good to go again!
3. Dust Mites Love Pillows as Much as You Do
Trivia: You’re most exposed to dust mites when you’re in bed.
Dust mites are microscopic pests and known allergens and asthma triggers. They typically find home in humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. And pillows and mattresses provide excellent breeding and feeding grounds.
Because fabrics collect and accumulate skin cells along with some pet dander, dust mites easily latch on to mattresses, beddings, and other upholstered furniture.
While many allergy cases can be resolved with medication, the primary treatment should include eliminating the root cause. And a hypoallergenic pillow protector helps you do just that.
Investing in a pillow protector specifically designed to protect against allergies and microbes can help keep your bedroom allergen-free. Wash your pillow protector along with other beddings every week, especially if you’re allergy prone, asthmatic, or sensitive to dust mites.
The fabrics of some pillow protectors are tightly woven, ensuring that no allergen slips through the material and clings to your pillow. You can also find some vinyl protectors with a thin plastic membrane that guards your pillow against daily wear and tear and accidental spills.
Choose a pillow protector with a fabric that helps you get the most restful slumber. Some sleepers may prefer breathable pillow protectors that help them stay cool at night. Others may take more comfort in a more heavy duty pillow protector lined with polyurethane or vinyl materials.
4. Using a Pillow Protector May Help Keep Bed Bugs at Bay
Bed bugs are tiny critters that are often hard to spot until you have a full blown infestation at your hands. They invade your homes by piggybacking off of your luggage or clothes. These pests may even hitchhike through furniture.
Once they’ve entered your home, they may deem your bedroom as a suitable feeding ground.
Keep in mind that unlike dust mites, bed bugs don’t feed on dead skin cells. However, they do like to burrow in heavy beddings and the untouched layers within your bed. And this could include the hidden area between your upholstered headboard, mattress, and throw pillows.
And in the case of a bed bug infestation or preventive efforts, it will be easier to toss your beddings in a hot wash than to replace your mattress along with your pillows and beddings.
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Who Should Invest in Pillow Protectors?
Every sleeper should invest in a pillow protector for all pillows.
In general, fluids deal a lot of damage to your pillows. It could impact the quality of your most expensive pillow or create an ideal breeding ground for a whole zoo of microscopic to easy-to-miss critters.
Sleepers that drool in their sleep are also excellent candidates for waterproof pillow protectors. But that’s not all. Other fluids that could seep into the fabrics of your unprotected pillow may include:
- sweat
- bodily fluids
- skin lotions, creams, and oils
- hair products
- water from freshly washed hair
These fluids can damage your pillows and cause unsavory stains on the surface. And if what’s on the surface is any hint as to what’s inside, then you just might end up tossing your pillow and buying a new one.
Do I Need a Protector if I Already Have a Pillow Case?
Pillow cases or covers and pillow protectors are two different items.
A pillow protector goes over your pillow and a pillow case goes on last, encasing both your pillow and protector.
Pillow cases are also usually open-ended and do not protect your pillow. On the other hand, protectors usually have a zipper closure that makes sure nothing gets inside—liquids and creepy crawlies included.
While you can find pillow cases crafted with skin-loving or anti-allergy fabrics, protectors provide an unparalleled level of protection. A waterproof protector has a thin membrane that doesn’t allow any liquids to seep through.
Don’t worry. These waterproof materials are barely noticeable.
Serta’s own pillow protectors feature a polyurethane layer. Polyurethane is a popular water-wicking material often used in rain coats, furniture, and even artworks. Topped with a towel-like fabric and built with anti-bacterial and anti-allergy materials, you can expect both your pillow and sleep health to stay in top shape.
Unfortunately, you’re not the only one that loves your pillow. Dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens love moist environments and feed on dead skin cells. This makes an unprotected pillow prime real estate.
Keeping a pillow protector makes sure your pillow stays clean and dry. These also provide a protective, waterproof barrier that guards against cosmetics, bodily fluids, and accidental spills.
Are you convinced of the powers of a pillow protector? Have you thrown your beddings in the wash yet? Share your thoughts on mattress and pillow protectors with us in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.
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