Best Overall
SureGuard Cotton Pillow Protectors
- The outside is breathable cotton and inside is 100% waterproof for protection against sweat and other types of moisture.
The outside is breathable cotton and inside is 100% waterproof for protection against sweat and other types of moisture.
- While the waterproof lining is great, it feels a bit like plastic and might not be comfortable for hot sleepers.
While the waterproof lining is great, it feels a bit like plastic and might not be comfortable for hot sleepers.
There’s a lot to like about the two-pack of SureGuard Cotton Pillow Protectors. It topped our list because it’s waterproof and tackles allergens, while being visibly less noticeable than other options. Soft and noiseless, it’s free from vinyls, PVCs, and anything flame-retardant.
It has a 100% cotton surface that wicks away moisture, as well as a waterproof backing. While the brand says the material still circulates air to keep you fairly comfortable for year-round use, it has a plastic-y texture that might make hot sleepers uncomfortable.
We also appreciate that there is a hidden zipper that helps keep the pillow protector in place. The hypoallergenic material protects your pillows from dust, dander, mold, mildew, and pollen. The protector also prevents the feathers from down pillows from poking you while you sleep.
It’s machine-washable and compatible with any pillow, including gel or memory foam, plus Greenguard Gold-certified, meaning it has undergone significant testing to ensure that chemical emissions are so low, it’s approved for use in schools and healthcare facilities.
The pillow protector is available in seven different sizes, including standard and body.
Product Details: Material: Cotton | Size: Standard, queen, king, body, European, toddler/travel, travel | Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified
Best Budget
AllerEase Allergy Pillow Protectors
- This pack of four pillow protectors is a great price—but it's still an effective way to block dust mites and dander.
This pack of four pillow protectors is a great price—but it's still an effective way to block dust mites and dander.
- It does not have any official certifications, nor is it waterproof.
It does not have any official certifications, nor is it waterproof.
The main purpose of the AllerEase Allergy Pillow Protectors is to help block dust mites, pollen, and pet dander; although it also protects against bed bugs by preventing them from entering the inside of your pillow because of its fully zippered closure.
The soft fabric is tightly woven while remaining breathable to allow a comfortable night’s sleep—and prevents allergens from passing through. It’s machine-washable, too. For the low price, it doesn’t come with certifications, although it does note it’s allergist-recommended.
Since it comes in a pack of four (twice as many as our top pick) for just over $20, it’s an exceptional value.
Product Details: Material: Polyester and nylon | Size: Standard/queen, king | Certifications: None
Best Splurge
Avocado Waterproof Pillow Protector
- The soft, two-layered organic cotton provides both a luxurious sleep and certified protection.
The soft, two-layered organic cotton provides both a luxurious sleep and certified protection.
- The brand notes that the polyurethane waterproof lining will likely get weaker and less effective with use.
The brand notes that the polyurethane waterproof lining will likely get weaker and less effective with use.
The Avocado Organic Waterproof Pillow Protector is worth the splurge. It’s made with 95% organic cotton and a 5% PVC- and vinyl-free polyurethane waterproof barrier that keeps it GOTS organic certified (because of the low percentage of additional materials).
The thin double layers of cotton help to wick away moisture while remaining breathable. It’s made to protect your pillow from light moisture like mild to moderate night sweats, wet hair, and even the excess products you put in your hair and on your skin.
It also protects against dust mites, allergens, and bacteria. With its hidden side zipper, it keeps the protector secure without creating extra visible bulk. While it is waterproof, the brand notes that the polyurethane liner will likely get weaker and less effective with use.
The Avocado Organic Waterproof Pillow Protector is machine-washable in cold water, but should be hung to dry.
Product Details: Material: Organic cotton | Size: Standard, queen, king | Certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, Climate Neutral Certified, GOTS Organic Certified
Best Waterproof
Hospitology Products Waterproof Pillow Encasement
- Extra durable seams and a 1-millimeter thick lining make this pillow protector highly effective against sweat, drool, or spills.
Extra durable seams and a 1-millimeter thick lining make this pillow protector highly effective against sweat, drool, or spills.
- Its main purpose is to remain waterproof, so the heavy lining won’t be necessary for those who aren’t worried about sweat or spills.
Its main purpose is to remain waterproof, so the heavy lining won’t be necessary for those who aren’t worried about sweat or spills.
The Hospitology Products Waterproof Pillow Encasement is specifically designed to keep water from staining and damaging your pillows over time. That means it has a thick waterproof lining—1 millimeter—and offers protection against night sweats, wet hair, and drool.
If you’re prone to heavy night sweats, this is going to keep your pillows as good as new for longer periods of time. It’s also highly effective against allergens, and is dust mite- and bacteria-proof. It’s machine-washable, and can be put in the dryer on low.
Additionally, the high-count polyester fabric is comfortable all year round, and the extra-durable seams make it a pillow protector that will last through a number of washes. Find it in sizes standard, queen, and king.
Product Details: Material: Polyester | Size: Standard, queen, king | Certifications: None
Best Cooling
Marlow Pillow Protector
- It has a dual-layer cooling interior, and the outer layer is also made of cooling materials.
It has a dual-layer cooling interior, and the outer layer is also made of cooling materials.
- There are only two sizes available: standard and king.
There are only two sizes available: standard and king.
The Brooklinen Marlow Pillow Protector is the best pillow protector for hot sleepers or those who suffer from night sweats. Not only does the protector have an antimicrobial coating that protects your pillow from the staining and bacteria that comes with sweat, it also has a dual-layer cooling interior.
The outer layer has cooling properties woven in the fabric and is made of cotton and cooling nylon satin, while the inner layer has the cooling material printed on top of the poly microfiber. The zippered protector is also machine-washable and safe to put in the dryer.
You can purchase the pillow protector in a set of one, two, or four, but it’s only available in a standard or king size.
Product Details: Material: Cotton | Size: Standard, king | Certifications: None
Best Organic
Coyuchi Organic Pillow Protector
- This 530-thread count pillow protector is made from 100% organic cotton and is GOTS Organic Certified.
This 530-thread count pillow protector is made from 100% organic cotton and is GOTS Organic Certified.
- Unlike many options, these luxe pillow protectors much be purchased individually (there are no sets).
Unlike many options, these luxe pillow protectors much be purchased individually (there are no sets).
Organic cotton has benefits for the user (it’s incredibly soft, breathable, and comfortable to sleep on) and for the earth. The Coyuchi Organic Pillow Protector is made with 100% organic cotton and is GOTS Organic Certified, indicating a certain standard for the working conditions and the environment.
All of those feel-good details combine with the tightly woven, 530-thread count cotton to help create a blissful night of rest. The zipper protects against stains and dust mites, and is machine-washable and safe to tumble dry on low.
We also love that the pillow protector is packaged in an environmentally friendly way. Instead of using plastic to wrap the pillow protector, it comes in a reusable organic bag. Bear in mind, these are sold individually, meaning they are not available in sets of two or four like many less expensive options.
Product Details: Material: Organic cotton | Size: Standard, queen, king | Certifications: GOTS Organic Certified
Best Antimicrobial
Brooklinen Pillow Protectors
- This pillow protector features an antimicrobial coating that helps protect your pillow from oils, sweat, and makeup.
This pillow protector features an antimicrobial coating that helps protect your pillow from oils, sweat, and makeup.
- It doesn’t tout waterproof capabilities.
It doesn’t tout waterproof capabilities.
The Brooklinen Pillow Protectors are the best antimicrobial option. An antimicrobial coating is most notable for its ability to prevent bacteria from growing and spreading.
The densely-woven sateen will also prevent stains and dust mites, and the side zipper ensures a comfortable, tight fit. This 500-thread count pillow protector is a soft option that will keep your pillow fresher and stain-free for longer. We should note it’s not waterproof, however.
To launder, wash on a cool or warm cycle and line dry. While you can use a dryer, it’s recommended to use a low, tumble dry cycle. The set of two pillow protectors is available in a standard or king size.
Product Details: Material: Sateen | Size: Standard or king | Certifications: None
Best Silk
SMARTSILK Pillow Protector
- It’s certified asthma- and allergy-friendly by Allergy Standards CA and Allergy Standards USA.
It’s certified asthma- and allergy-friendly by Allergy Standards CA and Allergy Standards USA.
- You should wash this pillow protector in cold water at least every eight weeks.
You should wash this pillow protector in cold water at least every eight weeks.
For those who prefer the smooth feel of silk, the SmartSilk Pillow Protectors is an excellent choice. The clinical-grade, cruelty-free silk has a number of benefits to improve sleep quality. It’s cooling and breathable, adjusts to body temperature, and doesn’t take on or absorb odors.
The protector acts as a barrier against dust mites, allergens, and pet dander. It’s certified asthma- and allergy-friendly by Allergy Standards CA and Allergy Standards USA, although it’s recommended you wash it at least every eight weeks in cold water to ensure the best results.
This two-pack is available in three sizes: standard, queen, and king. It is the most expensive option on our list, but because it’s made with silk and can protect your pillow from common allergens, it earned the spot as the best silk pillow protector.
Product Details: Material: Cotton and silk | Size: Standard, queen, king | Certifications: Certified Asthma- and Allergy-Friendly by Allergy Standards CA and Allergy Standards USA