Beautyrest Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly Pillows Review

I've been familiar with pillow protectors for years because, alas, I drool. A lot. My mom didn't desire younger me to proceed ruining pillows with large yellow stains, then she bought a pillow protector. Since and then, I've been loyal to the product—after all, nada else keeps my pillows looking spick-and-span longer than they otherwise would.

What is a pillow protector?

A pillow protector is a sleeve for your pillow that goes under your pillowcase to provide a buffer from sweat, drool, food spills, makeup, and so on. They're made with a range of materials, from tightly woven cotton to synthetic polyester blends to terry and even vinyl. Some have a plasticized interior and fabric shell that help create a barrier between liquids and dirt and your pillow—in other words, you lot get the benefits of vinyl, with the comfort of cloth. Pillow protectors generally take 2 components: the cloth (or plastic) material and the zipper closure. They're simple enough simply tin make a huge difference in extending a pillow's shelf life.

Who should use a pillow protector?

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Pillow protectors can be helpful for folks who drool, every bit their pillows may xanthous over time.

In curt: Anyone who sleeps with a pillow should use a pillow protector. I write almost slumber total-fourth dimension, and equally someone who's eyeballs deep in the discipline, there's not a soul who could convince me they're improve off not using 1. The simple zippered sleeves aim to protect a pillow's outside and interior filling from anything that could go far, whether information technology be liquids or dust mites to various fungi. (Ick factor aside, fungi are everywhere and researchers have concluded that there isn't reason to worry well-nigh those that reside in your pillow.) But with the mini zoo that's taking upward residence where you rest your head, why wouldn't you another layer of cloth to keep it a chip cleaner—particularly if the pillow itself tin't be done?

Pillows aren't the biggest bedding investment—that crown goes to mattresses—only they have a relatively short lifespan, based on what experts say. According to them, you should supersede your pillow every couple years, at most.

I do not listen to this guidance, considering I'm stubborn. I've been devoted to my current pillow for about three years. Why does this not gross me out—or, at least non that much—knowing what I know about my drooling habits and those microscopic inhabitants? I e'er use my trusty pillow protector.

Are pillow protectors helpful for allergies?

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Pillow protectors tin even provide some allergy relief.

These covers have even more than potential for folks who suffer from allergies. Though when information technology comes to allergy-proofness not all pillow protectors—or really, their fabrics—are equal. At that place are 2 factors to consider: the certification or label on the product, and how frequently y'all clean it.

While researching for this article, I came beyond protectors that were labeled as allergy-proof or allergen-resistant—merely after excavation into information technology, I learned this claim doesn't mean much on its ain. As it turns out, the term "hypoallergenic" means something to most people in a colloquial sense, but it doesn't have a standard scientific definition, says Dr. John McKeon, the CEO of Allergy Standards. The organization tests products to ensure they encounter criteria for the Asthma and Allergy Friendly Label—the most reputable and common characterization for bedding, in particular.

The term "hypoallergenic" means something to almost people in a vernacular sense, merely it doesn't take a standard scientific definition.

To be certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly, a pillow protector must pass a series of tests with stringent criteria. The tests check products' durability after washing; whether the fabrics' pores (or the spaces between the threads that make upward the material weave) modify when stretched, allowing allergens to laissez passer through; and even the bulwark the zipper forms, McKeon says. Pillow protectors without the seal may besides provide some allergen protection—McKeon says it is expensive for companies to pay for the tests and the licensing for the certification—but it's less surefire.

As for cleanliness and washing, well, you tin can probably make some conclusions without elaboration. Generally, all bedding should be done every 2 weeks—and that includes your pillow protector and pillowcase. Allergy sufferers may want to wash their pillow itself every few months, too. Shredded foam pillows, equally well as those filled with downward alternatives and other synthetics and fifty-fifty some downward pillows, can be thrown in your washing machine, a major plus to consider when you're shopping for a pillow. (Our favorite pillows from Coop Home Appurtenances come in a zippered fabric bag that covers another thinner polyester bag containing the fill, and all of its components are washable.)

What materials are pillow protectors made of?

Credit: SureGuard

Pillow protectors come in a variety of materials. Y'all tin can even find a scattering that are made of terry.

Pillow protectors are made with a slew of materials—from natural fabrics to vinyl (which amounts to a plastic bag for your pillow). Historically, I've opted for natural fabrics, as information technology makes them more breathable. You may think this would make the cover less protective and allergy-proof, but it'south non always the case. A fabric'south weave partly determines its effectiveness. If information technology's tightly woven, that solitary can provide a sufficient barrier confronting the biggest allergens. In fact, a handful of certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly products are fabricated with natural fabrics such as cotton and silk—there'southward something for everyone.

Alternatively, you can opt for synthetic materials, like microfibers or polyester blends. Microfiber blends are inherently tightly woven, which can have allergen-blocking benefits as the cloth is, literally, tight-knit—though I'd still defer to AAFA-certified products over microfiber when seeking allergy relief. Pillow protectors can also exist made with less common fabrics, like terry—take this Sureguard pack that's available on Amazon, for case. (Though if you think you'd dislike the texture of sleeping on a towel, it may not exist the best option for you.)

Vinyl pillow protectors are yet another option. The plastic is impermeable to liquid and dust, simply it's also, well, plastic. You'll exist more probable to feel and hear crinkling, and the material'due south lack of breathability could cause your head to overheat and sweat. While they're probably like shooting fish in a barrel to clean with a quick wipe-downward, yous as well can't easily toss one into the washing machine.

Finally, nigh pillow protectors close with a zipper on one cease, which is the best mode to handle the whole they-need-to-exist-removable matter. Some may have an envelope closure or buttons—though I've simply run across a scattering—but if you're concerned with allergens, this often isn't as skillful every bit a basic zipper.

How much do pillow protectors cost?

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Everyone can benefit from using a pillow protector.

Fortunately, pillow protectors are among the cheapest sleeping accommodation accessories you can buy. You can splurge with something like Brooklinen's 500 thread count sateen pillow protectors, which retail for $28. If spending more than than $10 is unfathomable, fear not. There are plenty of options in the single digits—some even come with not 1 but two pillow protectors in a packet—like the microfiber Room Essentials pillow protectors from Target—but $5 for a package of two standard-size protectors. Of course, with lots to choose from, information technology'll be easy to discover something that fits your needs and won't break the bank.

At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much you spend so much as you get something that you like and that works for yous. If you lot're looking for impermeability but worried about sleeping hot, consider a plasticized backing and cloth outside. If breathability is your primary concern, in that location are plenty of cotton options out there. No matter what you get, your pillow volition thanks.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published just may modify over time.

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Source: https://www.reviewed.com/sleep/features/pillow-protectors-allergy-cleanliness