Pillow Covers
We love to sleep. After a long day, we look forward to running and jumping into our freshly-made bed and sleeping for as long as possible.
There are many components to your bed. You have the mattress, of course. A mattress pad for extra fluff. Nice, comfy sheets. Comforters, blankets, bedspreads, and all.
But we all know what the real star of the show is here: he pillows.
Pillows are the place we go to rest our weary heads every day. Some of us prefer fluffy, soft throw pillows that make us feel like we’re resting our head on a cloud. Some of us prefer more firm pillow inserts to keep our heads elevated in place.
No matter if you love velvet, linen, or polyester pillows, you’re going to need to use something to cover it and keep it clean to get better sleep.
When it comes to pillowcases and throw pillow covers, you have options.
The Difference Between a Pillow Case and a Pillow Cover
First, you may be wondering, “what is the difference between a pillowcase and a pillow cover? Is there a difference at all? And which do I need?”
We hear you. There are key differences between them. Let’s get into it.
Pillow Case
We usually use pillowcases every night when we go to bed or on our sofas around the house.
They’re the most basic pillow covering. They make the surface of our pillows softer, they’re removable, and you can machine wash them as well. You should use them every time you go to sleep on your pillow.
Pillow cases range from decorative to comfy and need to be breathable to keep our skin clean and fresh.
They provide only the most basic, thin layer of protection to your skin and pillow. They aren’t really meant to provide any sort of protection for your pillow, making them more decorative than functional.
Pillow Cover
A pillow cover, on the other hand, is created for the sole purpose of keeping your pillow protected and clean. They go on your pillow and are then covered by your favorite pillowcases.
They’re a bit thicker than a pillowcase and provide a level of protection and cleanliness that a pillowcase just can’t offer.
Do You Need a Pillow Cover?
So why exactly do you need a pillow cover?
Like we said earlier, a pillow cover or pillow protector is more efficient and protective than a pillowcase alone. In order to have the most protected, comfortable, clean pillows possible, you do need to have both a pillow cover and a pillowcase on each of your pillows.
What Can a Pillow Cover Do for You?
What is the reasoning behind using a pillow cover? These magical pillow covers or pillow protectors can do much more for you than the traditional pillowcase can.
Let’s take a deeper dive into why people use pillow covers.
Improve Sleep Hygiene
Do you know how, over time, your pillow just starts to get a little... Stinky?
That’s because a pillowcase offers only a very basic layer of protection. If you’ve been sweating or if your pillowcase has slid around on your pillow, you could have contaminated your pillow with bacteria or sweat that lingers around.
With most pillows you purchase at the store, you can’t just throw them in the washer. That’s why people use pillow protectors to keep their pillows as clean as possible.
Protect Against Dust Mites and Bed Bugs
A pillow protector, unlike a pillowcase, can protect against those nasty little things that accumulate on your pillows. Namely, bed bugs and dust mites are no match for a pillow protector.
Reduce Allergens
Another reason to use a pillow protector or pillow cover is that they encase your pillow in an extra layer of protection from allergens like pollen or dust.
Pillow protectors will cover your pillow in a less-permeable barrier, keeping away pesky allergens that can keep you up at night sneezing.
What to Look for in a Pillow Cover or Protector
Not all pillow protectors are made the same. Though they will offer a slightly higher level of protection from smaller allergens and dust, there are a few other boxes that they need to check to earn a spot on your pillows.
Here are a few of the extras that you need to look into to make sure you’re getting the best pillow cover to meet your needs.
Waterproof
Your pillow cover should definitely be waterproof. If it doesn’t advertise that it’s waterproof or water repellant, it won’t be able to protect your pillow from any sweat or drool that may happen on your pillows.
A waterproof pillowcase will keep this moisture from reaching your pillows, keeping them clean and at a high quality for as long as possible. These pillows are extremely durable, and depending on the fabric and material details, you will see different results of how well your pillow can resist water.
Machine Washable
When you get a pillow cover, the last thing you want is something that has a long list of special cleaning instructions.
That’s why you need to find a pillow cover that is machine washable and dryer-friendly. This makes cleaning as easy as throwing them in with the rest of your sheets.
Hypoallergenic
One of the pillow cover’s main duties is to protect your pillow and you from allergens. So why would the pillow cover you buy contain ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction?
You need to make sure that your pillow cover or protector is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s free from any chemicals that may cause skin irritation.
Try a Pillow Cover for Yourself to See the Difference It Can Make
If you’re interested in taking your sleep hygiene game to the next level, then you should check out a hypoallergenic mattress cover and some matching pillow covers. Make your bedroom decor more than a beautiful color palette, but also a space where you can be comfortable too.
You can rest assured that you’ll sleep easier knowing that your bed is fresh and clean, making the warmth of your sheets that much more rewarding.
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