Do you want an easy way to make your pillows last longer? Pillow protectors are an affordable option for keeping your pillows looking and feeling brand new by protecting them against everyday wear and tear. Below, we break down everything you need to know about pillow protectors and why they are so important for extending the life of your pillows and maintaining a hygienic bed. 

What is a pillow protector?

A pillow protector is an extra, thicker layer of fabric, typically, with a zipper that completely encases your pillow. Before you slip your pillow in your pillowcase you can put a pillow protector on, which helps maintain the shape of your pillows and protects against messes and spills.

Why use a pillow protector?

1. Prevents messes from getting on your pillow. A pillow protector can be used to prevent sweat, wet hair, makeup, oils from your skin, and other messes from seeping through your pillowcase onto your pillow creating stains. These liquids can also get into the actual pillow filling, making it clump together and form lumps that are uncomfortable to sleep on. A pillow protector will reduce the amount of liquid or spills that reach your actual pillow.

2. Limits the number of times you have to wash your pillows. Covering your pillows with an extra hefty layer such as a pillow protector will also limit the amount of times you have to wash your pillows, which can be tedious, difficult and time consuming. Instead of having to wash (or replace) your pillows every couple of months you can simply take off the pillow protector and throw it in with the rest of your wash.

3. Helps against allergies. If you suffer from allergies, a pillow protector can help eliminate exposure to dust, dust mites, and other allergens giving you a better night’s sleep.

4. Storage. When you store your pillows, having an extra layer on top of your pillows while they are in your closet or storage bin will only help protect from dust, dirt, insects, and other items in your closet.

5. Prolongs the life of your pillows. If you invest money in your pillows that you would like to last for years, purchasing a pillow protector will only help to increase the usage of your pillows and protect against the wear and tear they might go through, throughout time. 

What are the best pillow protectors?

There are a variety of different pillow protectors made for a variety of different reasons. And the best pillow protectors are usually made from the best materials. Look for pillow protectors with a detailed product description, that gives enough information about construction, quality, and fabrics.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget about sizes! Pillows come in standard, queen and king sizes. Before you purchase a pillow protector be sure to measure your pillows first, to get the most accurate dimensions to ensure a proper fit.

How to use a pillow protector?

A pillow protector goes on your pillow before you put your pillowcase on. So the order goes as follows: your pillow, your pillow cover, then your pillowcase. Usually pillow protectors have a zipper enclosure ensuring that your pillow is fully protected so you can simply put it on and zip it up.

When to use a pillow protector

We recommend using a pillow protector for any pillows you sleep on, especially expensive high quality pillows that you want to last a long time. If you have kids, pets or guests in your house a pillow protector can help ease your mind knowing that your bedding investments have added protection.

Here in Wisconsin, we know that sleeping well during the changing seasons is all about finding the right layers to keep you warm and cozy while you sleep.  No matter where you live, varying temperatures can make sleeping through the night and waking refreshed and ready for your day a challenge.  With the fall season upon us and winter quickly approaching, signs from nature are all around us - cooler temperatures, changing colors, squirrels starting to stock up food for winter – it has us all thinking of warmer layers and deeper palettes.  Whether you are looking for a new layer to add warmth to your bed, or are just looking to change up your colors or décor – please read on for our suggestions that will make your dream of sleeping comfortably through the seasons a reality!

1. Start with your base Layer – your current sheet set.  It feels amazing in the summer to crawl into a bed that has cool, crisp sheets – but that isn’t as welcoming in the fall and winter when the temperatures are colder. Swapping your current sheet set for a warmer one will bring you a lightweight layer of warmth.  Sateen sheets are woven thicker and warmer than percale and are great to use all year-round.  Flannel is an even warmer choice.  Our 5 oz. Velvet Flannel will have you crawling into a warm, cozy bed all season long.

2. Mid-weight Layer – this could be a blanket, throw, or matelasse.  If you don’t sleep with a blanket in the summer, fall is a great time to add one.  Traditionally, the blanket is placed  between the top sheet and a comforter.  You can also layer the blanket at the foot of your bed instead.  It will add style, color, and texture to your top of bed and it will be readily available to be pulled up should you feel the need for an extra layer of warmth.

3. Top Layer – we saved the most important for last – the light weight (or not so light weight) top layer.  We recommend a comforter either used on its own or with a duvet cover, or one of our beautiful pieced quilts.  This layer will be the focal point of your bedroom and will add the most warmth to your bed.  Our pieced velvet quilts have some substantial weight and warmth to them – almost like sleeping under a weighted blanket.  Our comforters will add loft and warmth to your bed – without feeling heavy.  Our comforters come in three warmth levels (light, medium, extra), two fill types (down or down alternative), and a wide range of beautiful colors to choose from.  And if you want to add a duvet cover to your comforter, there are numerous print and solid color options available for decorating your bed.  We are sure that you will find just the right combination of layers that will add style and beauty to your bedroom and warmth to your bed.

Don’t forget that some of our other essentials and accessories can add comfort, support, and beauty to your warm bed also.  Mattress pads can protect your mattress while adding an extra layer of cushiony support. Our pillows will support your head, neck, and spine while you sleep. Add a pop of color in a throw or decorative pillow and elevate your look even further.

We break down what duvet cover, duvet inserts, and comforters are, what the difference is, and what combinations of each you should consider when buying a comforter.