Skip to main content
Tom's Guide Tom's Guide
Subscribe
RSS
flag of Australia
Australia
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
Technology Magazines
Technology Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • The best tech tutorials and in-depth reviews
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12.99
View
  • Best Picks
  • News
  • Reviews
  • How Tos
  • Phones
  • Streaming
  • Deals
  • More
    • Antivirus
    • Audio
    • Coupons
    • Fitness
    • Gaming
    • Home
    • Laptops
    • Mattresses
    • Personal Finance
    • Security
    • Smart Home
    • TV
    • VPNs
    • Wearables
    • What To Watch
    • All Topics
Forums
Trending
  • Apple WWDC 2023
  • iOS 17
  • Apple Headset
  • iPhone 15
  • Pixel Fold
  • Best TVs

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. News
Supported

What is a pillow protector — and are they worth it?

By Katie Mortram
published 19 March 2022

Here’s why every pillow should have a pillow protector

In Association with

The orange Nolah Sleep logo on a white background
A woman sleeping on a pillow
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We spend a good chunk of our lives in bed, and yet most of us don’t give it the care and attention it deserves. We might splurge for the best mattress, or even take the time to get the best pillows — comfort is essential after all. But, it seems maintaining the bed is a lower priority, particularly when it comes to the pillows. 

Pillow protectors have been around for a long time, but they’re nowhere near as popular as the best mattress protectors. Their purpose or impact may not be as obvious, but pillow protectors are still an essential investment. Here, we will explain exactly what a pillow protector is, and why every bed should have them. 

What are pillow protectors? 

As the name suggests, pillow protectors are designed to protect your pillows from spills, stains and wear and tear. It’s essentially an extra layer of material which sits between the pillow filling and the outer case. You can fit them on exactly as you would a regular pillow case, with some folding over to close and some zipping up to create a complete seal. 

A pillow protector being fitted on an orthopedic pillow

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Most pillow protectors are machine-washable, which means you can slip them off and wash them before replacing. Some can also go in the tumble dryer, although you must be careful not to shrink them beyond the size of the pillow.

Pillow protectors are generally sold in packs of two or four to accommodate for sets of pillows and are available in a range of sizes. Prices can range anywhere from less than $10 to over $80 depending on the material.

What types of pillow protectors are there? 

Pillow protectors come in a variety of materials to suit different purposes. The most premium designs will generally be made from organic cotton, which is lightweight and breathable. On the other hand, synthetic pillow protectors will have a more reasonable price tag and this material is more durable, but it’s less-breathable. There are some alternative materials available too, such as wool, but these aren’t as common. 

Water running off of a waterproof pillow protector

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Pillow protectors can have different purposes too. Some are waterproof to protect the pillow from sweat, drool and oils in the night. There’s also hypoallergenic options which are designed specifically for those who suffer from allergies — these are a great option if you struggle with asthma. Temperature-regulating pillow protectors are also growing in popularity. These intend to help keep you cool at night by allowing for better airflow. The best pillow protector for you will ultimately depend on your circumstance and budget. 

What are the benefits of pillow protectors? 

There are several benefits to using pillow protectors. The first, and most obvious benefit, is preventing the dreaded yellow pillow. These yellow stains are formed from sweat seeping through your pillow in the night, although makeup, oils from the body and drool can all contribute. You might notice similar stains on your duvet for the same reason. Pillow protectors act as a barrier against this moisture, particularly if you use a waterproof one.

Of course, the stains will appear on the protector instead, but the good news is these are much easier to wash and dry than the pillow itself, which is another benefit.

Dirty Pillow

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you have allergies, a hypoallergenic protector, as mentioned above, can really help. As you sleep, dead skin cells as well as sweat can cause an abundance of dust mites to build up on your pillow, making you react and sneeze in the night. With a hypoallergenic pillow protector, dust mites are kept at bay from the pillow itself, leading to a more peaceful night’s sleep. In fact, pillow protectors are so effective that they can even stop the spread of bed bugs.

Finally, a pillow protector will prevent everyday wear and tear, stopping feathers from poking through as well as softening any pressure on the pillow itself. This means a foam pillow would be harder to tear, and a synthetic pillow would take longer to flatten. Ultimately, your pillow will last longer with a protector.

Should you buy a pillow protector?

Woman sleeping on her side

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Considering all of the benefits of pillow protectors, there’s little reason to argue against them. They can help you achieve a better night’s sleep while extending the life of your pillow. Plus, with some costing less than $10, they’re easily affordable and even an entry-level design will make a difference.  

If you need to wash your pillow before fitting a protector, check out our guide on how to wash a pillow. 

Save up to $750 on mattresses at Nolah Sleep

Save up to $750 on mattresses at Nolah Sleep
We've teamed up with Nolah to bring you an exclusive discount on its memory foam and hybrid mattresses. Use the code TGNOLAH at checkout and you can save up to $750 on a Nolah mattress, designed with cooling and comfort tech to support you in every sleep position. You’ll get a 120-night trial too.

View Deal
Today's best pillows deals
84 Amazon customer reviews
☆☆☆☆☆
Cooling Lumbar Pillow for...
Amazon
Prime
$32.99
$24.99
View
Casper - Essential Pillow -...
Best Buy
$45
$36
View
Casper Supportive, Cool, &...
Casper
$55
View
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

This article is part of Tom’s Guide’s Sleep Awareness Week 2022 celebration, running until Saturday 19 March. Stay tuned for plenty of sleep tips, advice and expert-rated products to help you sleep better this year.

Tom's Guide created this content as part of a paid partnership with Nolah Sleep. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Tom's Guide.

Be In the Know

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Katie Mortram
Katie Mortram
Social Links Navigation
Homes Editor

Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances to gardening tools. She also covers smart home products too, so is the best point of contact for any household advice! She has tested and reviewed appliances for over 6 years, so she knows what to look for when finding the best. Her favorite thing to test has to be air purifiers, as the information provided and the difference between performances is extensive. 

Latest
a photo of the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro sunrise/sunset

Garmin Fenix 7 Pro hands-on — A new heart rate sensor and a built-in flashlight, but is it worth the upgrade?

a photo of the Garmin Epix Pro on the wrist

Garmin Epix Pro hands-on — Garmin’s high-spec smartwatch gets a flashlight

iPad mini 6 shown with Apple Pencil

Hurry! iPad mini just crashed to lowest price ever at Amazon

See more latest ►
No comments yet Comment from the forums
Most Popular
Samsung is bringing AI-powered image editing from Galaxy S23 to Galaxy S22

By Tom PritchardMay 30, 2023

No Man’s Sky teased for WWDC, possibly coming to Apple VR headset

By Tony PolancoMay 30, 2023

Over 400 million infected with Android spyware — delete these apps right now

By Anthony SpadaforaMay 30, 2023

Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Fubar' is No. 1 on Netflix top 10 list — and critics hate it

By Henry T. CaseyMay 30, 2023

Stylus and keyboard for the Google Pixel Tablet? It could still happen

By Tom PritchardMay 30, 2023

Amazon Prime members get 13 free games this month — here’s how to claim them

By Rory MellonMay 30, 2023

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 just tipped to come in a rainbow of colors

By Tom PritchardMay 30, 2023

Google confirms a second Pixel Fold could have happened

By Tom PritchardMay 30, 2023

I did the X plank for a week — here’s what happened to my core

By John CarrollMay 30, 2023

7 best movies to watch before they leave Hulu and Netflix in June 2023

By Alyse StanleyMay 30, 2023

7 best shows like Vikings on Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount Plus and more

By Jenna DorsiMay 30, 2023

  1. LG C3 OLED TV displaying a scene from Top Gun Maverick with a Tom's Guide deal tag
    1
    Wow! LG C3 OLED crashes to a new lowest price ever at Amazon
  2. 2
    Google Pixel Watch 2 could fix its predecessors’ biggest flaw
  3. 3
    5 clever ways to upscale a small balcony
  4. 4
    Pegula vs Giorgi live stream: How to watch French Open tennis online right now
  5. 5
    Audio-Technica's Sound Burger turntable is the most unique vinyl player you'll ever see
  1. iPad mini 6 shown with Apple Pencil
    1
    Hurry! iPad mini just crashed to lowest price ever at Amazon
  2. 2
    Huge Motorola Razr 40 Ultra specs leak reveals a major display upgrade
  3. 3
    Wow! LG C3 OLED crashes to a new lowest price ever at Amazon
  4. 4
    Google Pixel Watch 2 could fix its predecessors’ biggest flaw
  5. 5
    5 clever ways to upscale a small balcony

Tom's Guide is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Advertise with us
  • About us
  • Archives
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.