Do Pillow Protectors Help with Allergies?

**Collaborative Post** 

For the millions of UK residents suffering from allergies, finding a solution that effectively minimises symptoms can seem like an impossible task. Although it is often overlooked, the pillow protector is one of the most effective ways to help keep your allergies under control. These specialised covers create a barrier between you and any potential allergens that can trigger uncomfortable symptoms during sleep.

How Pillow Protectors Combat Allergies 

Pillow protectors are designed to form a barrier that prevents dust mites, pet dander, dead skin cells, pollen, and other allergens from accumulating on your pillows. For people with allergies or asthma, this allows for a better night’s sleep, as it reduces their exposure to potential triggers.

Pillow protectors help protect from allergens because of their specialised construction. The pore sizes of the material fibres used in pillow protectors are extremely small, making it virtually impossible for dust mites to pass through. This creates an impenetrable barrier that keeps allergens out of your pillow, where they would otherwise accumulate and potentially cause allergic reactions.

Types of Allergen-Proof Pillow Protectors

There are several types of pillow protectors available to choose from in the UK. Each type of pillow protector offers different levels of protection against allergens.

Microfibre Pillow Protectors

These synthetic covers offer some of the best protection against dust mites and other allergens. You Comfort, for example, feature a soft, light, tightly woven microfibre that seals out all allergens, including cat dander and dust mites. It allows air and vapour to pass through for breathability while maintaining complete protection as zippers allow you to fully encase your pillow.

Advanced Anti-Allergy Technology

Some pillows use innovative technologies specifically designed to combat allergens. For example, Ottoman Textiles uses treatment that protects against allergens found in the anti-allergy pillow fibre. Common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet allergens from dogs and cats.

How Pillow Protectors Stop Dust Mites

Dust mites thrive in warm, moist environments where they have a steady food source—namely, the dead skin cells we shed during sleep. Your pillow is the perfect place for these microscopic creatures to live, but dust mites will trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Pillow protectors work by creating an actual barrier that dust mites cannot penetrate. The tightly woven fabrics used in quality pillow protectors have microscopic pore sizes that block dust mites from entering or leaving the pillow. Without that barrier, your nose and mouth would be pressed into the source of potential asthma attacks, eczema flare-ups, and sinus issues for eight hours each night.

Benefits Beyond Allergy Protection

While allergy protection is the primary benefit of pillow protectors, they are capable of so much more.

Extended Pillow Lifespan By protecting pillows from stains, moisture, and routine wear and tear, pillow protectors can extend the life of your pillows. This is especially useful for down or feather pillows, which are expensive to replace. As you won’t need to replace your pillows as often, pillow protectors also help save you money.

Cleaner Pillows

Pillow protectors act as a shield against sweat, oils, saliva, and other bodily fluids that can seep into your pillows. By keeping these contaminants at bay, pillow protectors help maintain a cleaner sleeping surface.

Improved Comfort

Some pillow protectors offer additional features, such as soft, breathable materials or added padding, which can improve the overall comfort of your pillows. And the more comfortable your pillow is the better you will sleep at night.

How to Wash Pillow Protectors

One of the best things about pillow protectors is how easy they are to maintain. To ensure they continue being effective and to help remove any built-up allergens, you want to wash your pillow protector once a week.

Majority of the pillow protectors on the market today can be machine washed in warm water using a gentle detergent. This simple cleaning process removes dirt and allergens while preserving the integrity of the fabric. For the best results, you must follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Before washing your pillow protector, read the care label and ensure your protector is fully zipped. Pre-treat any stains with a gentle stain remover or a mix of detergent and water. When washing, use a normal cycle with warm to hot water, which is most effective for killing dust mites. Hot water also maximizes the effectiveness of enzyme-based detergents.

After washing your pillow protectors, place them in the dryer on low heat or hang them out to dry. How you dry them depends on the manufacturer's recommendations. You want to avoid using bleach, fabric softener, or dryer sheets, as these products can damage the protective properties of the pillow protector.

Best Practices for Using Pillow Protectors

To maximize the effectiveness of your pillow protectors in reducing allergy symptoms, there are several things you want to do.

1. Pillow protectors need to be used on all of the pillows in the home, not just on the pillows of the affected person.

2. Wash your pillow protectors at least once a month, most people prefer to wash them once a week. If washing monthly, check them every week and wash them any time they become visibly soiled or stained.

3. Replace your pillow protectors every couple of years or when they start to show signs of wear and tear.

4. For the best protection from allergens, use pillow protectors along with mattress protectors and duvet covers.

5. Always place your regular pillowcase over the pillow protector. This looks better and offers better comfort than just a pillow protector alone.

Who Should Use Pillow Protectors?

While pillow protectors are particularly helpful for allergy sufferers, they are also beneficial for anyone wanting a cleaner sleeping environment. While anybody can use pillow protectors, they are typically recommended for:

· People with asthma or other respiratory conditions 

· Those with eczema or sensitive skin

· Individuals who have dust mite allergies

· Anybody looking to extend the life of their pillows

· People who are concerned about general sleep hygiene

Do you use pillow protectors in your home or is it something you would consider after reading about the benefits of them? Let me know in the comments below.