Pillow Protectors: An Essential Piece of Bedding

When it comes to shopping for fine bed linen, you likely focus first on choosing the perfect mattress, soft sheets, warm blankets, or stylish duvet cover and insert. And we wholeheartedly agree that these are essential elements to your ideal luxurious bed. But there’s a layer to your bedding that you may not see or think about that’s just as important: a pillow protector.

Much like a mattress protector under a fitted sheet, a pillow protector is a fabric encasement that goes under your pillowcase to safeguard your pillow from dirt, sweat, cosmetics, spills, and other potential damage. It’s an essential layer to luxury bedding, and the best way to get the longest life out of your pillows. The Fine Linen and Bath design team is here to offer you a closer look at the benefits of pillow protectors and showcase our collection of this important bedding accessory.

The Many Benefits of Pillow Protectors

Pillow protectors serve multiple functions, each of which delivers an important benefit:

1. Cleanliness: Pillow protectors help keep your bed pillows clean. Pillows are vulnerable to all sorts of stains, including moisture from sweat and oil from your head, liquid spills, and stains from cosmetics, moisturizers, and even hair products. In fact, if you look at a pillow that has been used without a protector, you will see that it has an unpleasant yellow and brown stain pattern. A pillow protector can prevent or at least minimize stains and discoloration.
2. Extending the Life of Your Pillow: Adding another layer between the pillowcase and pillow helps protect your fine pillow from wear and tear (as well as the yellowing described above). Pro tip from our design team: Any time you are using a protector with a down pillow, leave the zipper open a slight bit to allow air to re-enter after the pillow has been compressed so it will fluff back up properly. This will lengthen the life of your most loved pillows and keep them from flattening out over time.
3. Easy Care: Pillow protectors are washable, and should be cleaned at least once a month. Tossing your pillow protector in the machine is much easier than laundering your pillows themselves. In most cases, machine washing on a gentle cycle with the proper detergent is all that is required. We recommend Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent for pillow protectors and most luxury bedding. 
4. Protection vs. Allergens: Pillow protectors provide a barrier against allergens and irritants such as dust mites, fungus, dead skin cells, and even pet dander. Anyone with a serious environmental allergy may wish to consider a certified hypoallergenic pillow protector.
5. Comfort: Once again, it’s about layers. Adding another layer between your head and your pillow makes the entire sleep experience a little softer. Also, it protects you from any discomfort caused by the pillow itself (for example, a sharp quill escaping from a feather pillow).

Materials Used in Pillow Protectors

Pillow protectors can be made from various different types of materials, including cotton, organic cotton, synthetics, blends, and even wool. At Fine Linen and Bath, our preferred material for pillow protectors is high-quality cotton, which is breathable, washable, and very forgiving. A high-thread count cotton pillow protector has a tighter weave, which allows the material to serve as an effective barrier to allergens.

Shop for Pillow Protectors at Fine Linen and Bath

Fine Linen and Bath offers a wide selection of pillow protectors curated from among our most popular brands. The pillow protectors we sell come in a standard white color, with the exception of the Scandia Home Down Hotel Pillow Cover, which comes in three shades. Take a look at our collection to find the best pillow protector for your needs.

Downright Pillow Protectors

Downright offers several options for keeping your sleep and decorative pillows clean and fresh. Choose from the All-Cotton Pillow Protector, which is made from 100% cotton in 200 thread count and comes in five sizes; the Sateen Pillow Protector which is made from 100% cotton sateen in 320 thread count in five sizes; or the luxurious Damask Pillow Protector which is made in 100% combed sateen cotton with a damask stripe in 400 thread count in five sizes (including bolster). All Downright protectors are quality made with double-stitched, reinforced seams with a concealed zipper and are sold as one single pillow protector per package.

Matouk Sateen Pillow Protector

The Matouk Sateen Pillow Protector will keep your beautiful, quality pillows clean and fresh. Made of a 100% combed sateen cotton that is woven to a 300-thread count. All of Matouk's protectors are quality made with double stitched, reinforced seams with a concealed zipper and are sold as a single pillow protector per package.

Scandia Home Pillow Protectors

Scandia home offers a variety of luxurious pillow protectors including the Percale in 100% cotton cove in 200 TC in eleven sizes including bed, decorative and travel pillows; Sateen Deluxe in 100% cotton sateen in 300 TC in five sizes; and the unique Down Hotel Pillow Cover. This sumptuous, down-filled pillow case made of 400TC Egyptian wrinkle-free cotton sateen with 600 fill-power European white down, available in three colors and standard size. It is designed to envelop a standard-size hotel pillow to create the ultimate luxurious experience wherever you stay.

SFERRA Fiona

The SFERRA Fiona Pillow Protector is made of 100% Egyptian Cotton. Made in Italy with a hidden zipper closure in five sizes.

Yves Delorme Pillow Protector

The Yves Delorme Pillow Protector is crafted from 100% cotton and is available in five sizes. Made in Ukraine and finished with a hidden zipper closure.

Of course if you need assistance or more information about any pillow cover, feel free to contact our design team with questions. We are here to help! 

Fine Linen and Bath: An In-Store Shopping Experience Delivered to You Online 

At Fine Linen and Bath, our mission is to deliver a concierge luxury linen shopping experience with online convenience. When you need answers, consultation, or help to narrow your choices, our team of expert design consultants is here to assist. We offer individualized recommendations, personal consultation, and even complimentary swatch samples for your review. We'll help you make the right buying decisions for your style, budget, and design goals. Please connect with us online or -- even better -- give us a call at (866) 352-4522. We would love to get to know you!