Best Pillow Protectors – UK 2024

Are you interested in buying a pillow protector but find yourself overwhelmed by the options?

A pillow protector is an optional extra that many people opt to go without. But, if you are looking for extra protection, hygiene, and longevity for your pillows, a pillow protector is one extra it might be worth purchasing. They also come with a range of other benefits for your health and your finances.

In the following article, we cover everything you need to know in this buying guide for pillow protectors.

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The Best Pillow Protectors

Best Overall – Utopia Bedding Waterproof Pillow Protectors

Best For Allergies – Silentnight Anti-Allergy Pillow Protectors

Best For Value – Aaf Textiles Zippered Pillow Protectors

Best Quilted – mak Quilted Pillow Protectors

Best For Luxury – Martian Made Bamboo Waterproof Pillow Protectors

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What does a pillow protector do?

A pillow protector is an added layer of protection for your pillows. The main purpose of a pillow protector is to make sure your pillows are shielded from moisture, dirt, and general wear and tear. It works to provide an outer layer to your pillows to keep them clean, make them comfortable, and make sure they last as long as possible.

You may be wondering how a pillow protector differs from a regular pillowcase. The main difference is that a pillow protector features a zip, meaning it can close firmly around the pillow to provide greater protection. A pillowcase, on the other hand, remains open at one end, potentially allowing dirt and moisture to get inside.

What to look for in a good pillow protector

Size

The size of the pillow protector you need depends on the size of the pillows you have, so bear this in mind when shopping for a protector. A good protector will fit your pillow securely, providing no space for anything to get in. A good tip is to measure your pillows before you go and find the best fitting protector you can.

Material

Many pillow protectors are made from polyester, which is an affordable option that provides comfort and durability. It is also usually hypoallergenic, making it perfect for keeping out allergens, and breathable to ensure coolness and comfort ideal for the warmer weather.

Another popular option is cotton, which many turn to as a natural alternative to polyester. Cotton is a good choice for anyone with sensitive skin and allergies to things like chemical treatments. However, it does have its drawbacks, including being more expensive than other materials and a habit of retaining other allergens like dust.

Price

Pillow protectors are typically surprisingly inexpensive. In fact, at around £10 for a pair, they regularly come in as some of the cheapest bedroom accessories out there. Fortunately, there are some great options retailing for this price, so you don’t have to spend too much to find a good choice for you.

If you are on a budget, there are a lot of options that come in even cheaper than this, with some retailing for as little as £5. Alternatively, more expensive options are also available if you want something a little more luxury or high-end, with some retailing for between £30 and £40.

Extra features

You might also want to look into some of the extra features that some pillow protectors come with. The great thing about pillow protectors is that they come in a wide variety of styles and options to meet your tastes and requirements.

Pillow protectors can be a great source of extra support to fit your health needs. If you are someone who struggles with back or neck problems, in which case you might opt for a padded, thicker protector to add a bit of extra support to your pillow. The added softness and comfort can also help to ease pains and provide added support.

If you are looking for some added comfort from a pillow protector, you might want to look for a quilted option. Quilted protectors are great for providing extra comfort and cushioning, as well as lengthening the life of your pillow. They are also typically softer, making for a more comfortable sleep.

Best Selections

Best Overall – Utopia Bedding Waterproof Pillow Protectors

Utopia waterproof pillow protectors are an ideal solution to keep your pillows in tip-top condition. They are extremely affordable and well regarded. They have gained over 3,000 ratings on Amazon with over 85% of these being 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’These covers are perfect! They are so soft and absolutely silent – no crackling at all. In fact, I forgot I’d put them on the pillows till this invitation to rate them! I’m delighted with them. I just wish I’d bought them sooner!’’ and ‘’These are excellent quality and perfect for those who perspire a lot. They are extremely soft and really comfortable. I couldn’t be without them.’’

The cover of this pillow protector is made from jersey knit giving it a soft feel. The inside is backed with TPU, making it fully waterproof and also resistant to dust mites. The pillow protectors are easy to keep clean as they are fully machine washable and tumble dryer friendly. 

Best For Allergies – Silentnight Anti-Allergy Pillow Protectors

The anti-allergy range by Silentnight is extremely well regarded by many. These pillow protectors are no different, gaining over 3,500 ratings on Amazon. Over 90% of these rates the protectors as 4 or 5 stars. Highlights from customer reviews include ‘’Very soft, very good quality and well-made pillow protectors.’’ and ‘’They add a soft layer to your pillows. Even my husband commented on how his pillows feel more comfortable now.’’

These pillow protectors include anti-allergy fibres that are approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Silentnight states that they are ‘scientifically tested and proven to reduce or remove allergens that could otherwise be present in pillows.’ Great news for allergy sufferers. They also come with a 2-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Keeping these protectors clean is also easy as they are fully machine washable. A great choice to keep your pillows lasting for longer. 

Best For Value – Aaf Textiles Zippered Pillow Protectors

These zippered pillow protectors are a great choice if you are looking for a budget-friendly way to prevent feathers from coming out of your pillow. They are extremely reasonably priced for a pack of 4. They have over 3,000 ratings on Amazon with over 80% of these being 4 or 5 stars. A couple of highlights from customer reviews are ‘’The most important thing I liked about these pillow protectors is that when opened they do not have the disgusting chemical smell which is with almost all such pillow protectors.’’ and ‘’nice product item as required good quality at a very reasonable cost and good delivery time.’’

The anti-allergy versions of these pillow protectors are the ones we have chosen as the best value but they also offer quilted and bamboo infused versions. These covers are anti-allergy and provide a good solution to keeping your pillows hygienic. They are fully machine washable and don’t rustle or make a noise as many waterproof pillow protectors do.

Best Quilted – mak Quilted Pillow Cases

The mak quilted pillowcases are a reasonably priced 4-pack of pillow protectors. At the time of writing, they are Amazon’s choice for pillow protectors and have over 3,500 ratings. Over 90% of these are 4 or 5 stars. Some positives from customer reviews include ‘’They are soft and quilted, and zip closed, then just use your normal pillowcase over the top. Perfect! Will be ordering some for my Mum, now!’’ and ‘’My pillows fitted perfectly and they give them a nice plump feel.’’

These pillow protectors offer a great solution if you have feathers sticking out of your pillows. The quilted surface adds a layer of comfort to your pillows whilst keeping them clean. Also, they are much easier to clean than regular pillows and are sure to increase the longevity of your pillows. It should be noted that these pillow protectors are not waterproof and if you are looking for one that is then these will not be suitable. 

Best For Luxury – Martian Made Bamboo Waterproof Pillow Protectors

Featuring bamboo infused fibres that help wick away excess moisture, these high-quality pillow protectors from Martian Made are sure to increase the lifespan of your pillows. They are well received on Amazon with over 1,500 ratings. Over 90% of these are 4 or 5 stars. Customer reviewers also love these with highlights from their reviews including ‘’Really pleased with my purchase. Great eco-packaging (simple brown paper and cardboard band) as well as environmentally responsible fabric.’’ and ‘’They came today and OMG they are butter soft. They came in perfect minimalist brown paper wrapping and the zipper feels of good quality. I am so happy and would definitely recommend this item to anyone. Thank you.’’

Though on the pricier side, these fully waterproof covers have a super soft outer covering that adds a layer of luxury to your pillows. Alternatively, there is a non-waterproof option available also if that is what you are looking for. The pillow protectors are fully machine washable and fit standard size pillows well making maintenance easy. They are sure to be a great choice for a wide range of people.

Are pillow protectors worth buying?

You are likely to find that a pillow protector is a worthy addition to your bedding collection for many reasons. While they are not a necessity in terms of bedding, you are likely to find that the number of benefits that come with a pillow protector makes it a worthy purchase.

For anyone who suffers from allergies, a pillow protector is likely to make a lot of difference to your sleep. It can be difficult to find pillows that meet your requirements when it comes to allergies, but pillow protectors can make most pillows hypoallergenic, as they prevent allergens like pet hair and dust from getting into your pillow.

Alternatively, you might find it is worth buying a pillow protector if you want to protect your pillow and are finding that a pillowcase alone isn’t doing the job. Some pillows are expensive and might be better protected from wear and tear, as well as things like dirt and stains, with the use of a pillow protector.

How to care for a pillow protector

Pillow protectors are fairly easy to clean, as they can go in the washing machine on a gentle, cold wash. To dry, you can either hang your protector out on the line or put it in the dryer on low; check the label to make sure. You must make sure your protector is completely dry before it goes back on your pillow.

You also don’t need to wash them too often, and they can be washed as regularly as you wash your sheets. However, you should aim to wash your protector at least twice a month to ensure any dirt, sweat, or allergens are removed before they get into your pillow. Keeping your protector clean will also allow it to last longer.

The Verdict: Pillow Protectors

A pillow protector is a must-have if you are looking to protect your pillows from dust, moisture, and stains while adding comfort and support to your sleep. In this article about pillow protectors, we have looked at some of the things to look for, whether they are a worthy purchase, and how to properly care for them once you have purchased them.

Last update on 2024-04-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API