Do you need a pillow protector? What it does and why hotels use them

Most people benefit from a pillow protector. It is a thin, zipped cover that sits between the pillow and the pillowcase and stops sweat, skin oils, skincare and spills from soaking into the fill, which helps the pillow stay cleaner and fresher for longer. A pillowcase is there for comfort and looks; a protector is there to protect the pillow itself.

Pillow protector vs pillowcase: what is the difference?

A pillowcase alone does not stop much. Most cases are open at one end and woven loosely enough that moisture passes straight through.

Why hotels put a protector on every pillow

Hotel pillows are used by a different guest every few nights. Pillowcases are changed between stays, but washing every pillow that often would be slow and would wear the fill out quickly. A protector solves that: it takes the daily wear, gets laundered on a regular cycle, and keeps the pillow inside cleaner between deep cleans.

The same logic works at home. It is far easier to wash a thin cover than a whole pillow, and a protector helps slow down the yellow marks that build up over time (see why do pillows turn yellow). Hotel pillows themselves are usually cotton: in our review of pillows at 42 hotels, 35 of the 37 stated shell fabrics were cotton. A thin cotton protector over a cotton shell keeps the pillow breathable.

Types of pillow protector

• Woven cotton. Usually percale or another tight plain weave. Breathable, quiet and soft. Resists light moisture but is not waterproof.
• Cotton with a waterproof backing. A cotton or terry top with a thin polyurethane layer underneath. Stops liquid spills completely. Some people find it slightly warmer or hear a faint rustle.
• Polyester or microfibre. Inexpensive and quick drying, but often less breathable than cotton.
• Tightly woven barrier fabrics. Very dense weaves designed to stop fine particles reaching the fill. Check the label for what has actually been tested.
• Quilted or padded. These add a thin layer of softness on top, so they change how the pillow feels.

What to look for in a pillow protector

1. The right size. A protector should be close to the size of the pillow. Too loose and it bunches; too tight and it squashes the fill. If you are unsure of your pillow size, see pillow sizes by country.
2. A zip closure. A full zip seals the pillow on all sides. Envelope styles are easier to put on but leave a gap.
3. Breathable fabric. If you sleep warm, a plain cotton protector usually feels less warm than one with a waterproof layer.
4. Easy care. Check it can be machine washed at 40°C (104°F) or above and tumble dried.

How often to wash a pillow protector

Typical guidance is to wash protectors every one to two months, and more often if you sweat a lot at night, wear skincare to bed or have pets on the bed. Pillowcases should be washed weekly. A protector does not mean you never wash the pillow, but it means you can do it less often. For the pillow itself, see how to wash pillows.

Many people keep two protectors per pillow, so one is on the bed while the other is in the wash.

Does a protector change how a pillow feels?

A thin cotton protector makes very little difference, though you may notice a slightly crisper surface at first. Waterproof and quilted protectors are more noticeable: the waterproof layer can feel a little warmer, and quilting adds softness. If you chose your pillow carefully for loft and firmness, a thin protector keeps that feel closest to the original.