Why Do You Need A Pillow Cover For Dust Mites
The bedroom is one of the main suspects when youre suffering from dust mite allergies. While cleaning the mattress regularly is essential, youll also want to pay equal attention to the pillow youre sleeping on.
The allergic reaction caused by dust mite allergens ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms of dust mite allergy include watery and itchy eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and stuffiness. It can have a deleterious effect on asthma patients.
Dust mites could breed in pillows if its not made of hypoallergenic materials. Given the right humidity, temperature, and supplies of skin flakes, a pillow can be the perfect breeding spot for dust mites.
With a dust mite-proof pillow protector, you wont be exposed to the allergen when sleeping. Also, the pillow protector cuts of the food supply, in this case, skin flakes to existing mites in the pillow.
The 7 Best Hypoallergenic Pillows Of 2022
Coop Home Goods Pillow is made of bamboo-rayon that keeps dust away
We independently research, test, review, and recommend the bestproducts. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. Learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Hypoallergenic pillows are pillows that are designed to prevent allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold from accumulating on the surface and burrowing into the products filling. This can be imperative to those who suffer from allergies and asthma, as their bedding could trigger symptoms when theyre trying to sleep. Dust mites may be the most common trigger of year-round allergies and asthma, says Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America .
Top 5 Best Dust Mite Covers
In order to help pay for the cost of running this website we are an affiliate of many brands and products we review and promote.
What this means is that if you purchase a product by clicking on a link or image on this website, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. You can think of this is like a referral fee.
One affiliate partner we use is Amazon.com. We are also partnered with Networx.com, which helps people find certified pest control operators for their pest problems.
All products promoted on this website have been vetted and are our actual recommendations. If there is a case brought to our attention by our readers or our own internal staff whereby a product no longer meets our expectations we remove it. Of course, opinions differ and what we believe to the be best . may be different from what you to believe to be the best. In such cases, let us know by contacting us here so we can review in detail.
PestStrategies.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.ca, amazon.uk.
Are you looking for dust mite covers for your mattresses and pillows?
Then youve come to the right place.
In this Pest Strategies product review you can expect to learn:
Ready to get started?
Don’t Miss: What’s The Difference Between King And Queen Mattress
The Best Mattress And Pillow Protectors And Encasements
After reviewing this guide, were still confident in our picks.
After 17 hours interviewing entomologists, allergists, and exterminators, as well as researching and testing 17 mattress and pillow encasements, were confident that Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement and Pillow Protectors are the best for protecting your bed from bedbugs and dust mites. Their seams are reinforced better than those of all the brands we tested, they were more comfortable to sleep on, and they have the best zippers for keeping critters out and the encasement securely in place.
With superbly reinforced seams, a secure zipper, and a smooth feel, the Protect-A-Bed is both protective and the most comfortable encasement to sleep on.
Buying Options
*At the time of publishing, the price was $55.
The Protect-A-Bed AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement has superstrong seams and a zipper that wont easily open, which helps keep out bedbugs and dust mites. It was the most comfortable of the mattress encasements we tried, thanks to smooth fabric thats also very quiet to sleep on. It was also the best-fitting encasement on our 9-inch-deep mattress, and comes in a variety of sizes that will work for most beds .
This encasement isnt quite as comfortable as the Protect-A-Bed cover, but its well-constructed and sturdy with a Velcro zipper closure. Itll protect your mattress and your wallet.
Buying Options
Our pick
Buying Options
Upgrade pick
Buying Options
What Is A Pillow Protector
One common misconception is that pillow protectors and pillowcases are one and the same. Though theyre both made of fabric, a pillowcase is part of your typical bedding set. A pillow protector goes on your pillow before the pillowcase and provides an additional buffer for your pillow from dirt like makeup, sweat, and other things. You’ll want to use both to keep your pillow in the best shape possible.
Pillow protectors are among the lowest tech things found in a bedroom. Theyre perhaps one step above sheetsadd a zipper to fabric and viola! Nonetheless, they can serve many purposes, including as protection for droolers to keep their pillows in tip-top shape, and for those with allergies they can help decrease symptoms. For everyone else, a pillow protector prolongs a pillows lifea win-win in my book.
Pillow protectors work by creating a barrier from moisturewhether its sweat or drool. Pillows can cultivate all sorts of things, ranging from dead bugs and dust mites to various fungi. So a little extra buffer cant hurt.
You May Like: What Do You Do With A Used Mattress
How To Choose The Best Dust Mite Pillow Covers
In best dust mite pillow covers, prior understanding of the product is always important. Other performance-related factors may be included in these findings. For this reason, we recommend that you evaluate the product’s price to its value before making a decision.
Only you can avoid wasting your important time by performing thorough research and comparisons. To help you save time, we’ve already done the research and comparisons. With the best dust mite pillow covers, you can get the performance you want in the quickest amount of time feasible, without sacrificing anything.
Hypoallergenic Pillow Covers: Protect From Allergies
We spend a lot of time sleeping on our pillows. Do we really know whats inside of them? Hypoallergenic pillow covers can help those of us who have dust mite allergy as well as other indoor allergies like pets. If youve been diagnosed with allergies, the bed and more specifically the pillow, is the first place to start.
In my review below, we look at the characteristics of the best allergy pillow protector and Ill recommend a few products that include both waterproof and breathable options. Ive experienced allergies most of my life and Im sharing my insight with you.
I hope this information helps in your search for dust mite protection.
Also Check: Do I Need A Foundation For My Tempurpedic Mattress
Which Fabric Is Better For Dust Mites
Which is better and most effective, that depends on what are you concerned about?
The membrane fabric does not allow any allergens to pass. encasings made with a non-woven fabric-like AllergyCare Solution don’t have “pores”. In fact, the urethane membrane actually makes the allergy covers water-proof.
AllergyCare Solution is a 100% polyester knit mattress cover that is bedbug and dust mite proof that is very soft as well as water-proof. This is my daughter’s favorite allergy fabric.
This type of cover is the least expensive and we recommend them for childrens beds. We also recommend this type of encasing for people with bed bug problems. We carry one fabric with the membrane, 100% polyester knit.
Micro-weave fabrics, the fibers are tightly woven so that they create a barrier against dust mite allergens. Micro-weave covers are the lightest and coolest of the fabrics used for allergy encasings.
AllergyCare Pristine Luxury bedding is made of 100% polyester and has the smallest pore size, 2.8 microns, and will hold up the best over time.
AllergyCare 100% Cotton bedding is made from 100% cotton and is a very soft, breathable cover. Being all cotton is has a pore size of 4.91 microns.
AllergyCare Organic Cotton is made from tightly woven certified organic cotton. The fabric is non-dyed, non-treated, and chemical-free with an average pore size of 5.3 microns
No matter which dust mite covers you choose you will find them comfortable and effective.
Additional Resources
Do Dust Mite Pillow Covers Work
A hypoallergenic pillow cover safeguards you from dust mite allergens and other microbial elements. Protecting your pillow with these covers will prevent the entrance of harmful allergens and bed bugs into the pillow, and will help you enjoy a good nights sleep.
These hypoallergenic pillows are immensely effective in controlling house dust mites. These covers function as a barrier for dust mites and other allergens. Dust mite pillow covers are specifically constructed with special fibers which are tightly woven. This inhibits the allergens from entering the pillow.
Dust mite pillow covers having 2-3 micron pore size work efficiently well in keeping dust mites from making your pillow their home. The tightly woven fabric will guard you against allergens perfectly, reducing your risk of developing allergic reactions.
A study conducted by the National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences has strongly suggested the use of hypoallergenic pillow covers along with other preventive measures effective in reducing dust mites population.
You May Like: What Time Does Mattress Firm Close
What Are Dust Mite Covers
Encasing covers that zip up around the entire mattress of your bed.
Theyre designed to keep dust mites and their allergens completely away from you.
This is accomplished in one of two ways by a super tight weave in the fabric of the cover, or by using plastic to make it airtight.
Often known as allergen-impermeable covers, dust mite covers are special bedding products designed specifically with dust mites in mind. True dust mite covers arent concerned with anything else.
Read Also: Whatre the best bed bug covers?
How Can You Protect Yourself From Dust Mites
There are several things you can do to protect yourself from dust mites. Here are a few of them in no particular order.
- Encase your mattress, box springs, and pillows with dust mite covers.
- Vacuum weekly. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA Filter. That will keep the dust mites in the vacuum.
- Wash all the bedding at least once a week. Make sure the water is at least 130ºF and dry them on high heat.
- Get rid of all bedding that has feathers in it.
- Use only pillows and bedding that are stuffed with synthetic fibers.
- Avoid using comforters. If you have to use them, wash them separately once a week in hot water and dry on high heat.
- Use hardwood, tile, or linoleum instead of carpet. Wash throw rugs just as you do the bedding.
- Dont lay the carpet directly on concrete. Always use plastic and padding under it.
- Wet mop at least once a week.
- Keep the humidity in your house below 50%.
- Use damp clothes when dusting to prevent stirring up dust and allergens.
The video below provides a closer look at these microscopic unwanted guests.
Also Check: Do Memory Foam Mattresses Hold Heat
Benefits Of Using Dust Mite Covers
A dust mite cover is a mattress encasement that covers the mattress entirely.
These covers serve three important purposes:
- Eliminates food source: When you cover all sides of your mattress in a thick fabric, the dust mites wont have access to food, which is our dander. As they lose their food source, theyll eventually starve and die.
- Creates a barrier between you and the allergen: This is an important one for anyone with allergies. Thanks to the cover, youll be far away from any dust mites, waste, and skeletons. Creating this barrier will help to prevent any discomfort you might feel at night.
- Keeps mattress and pillows clean: Naturally, we sweat as we sleep. Plus, if you have children, they might wet the bed many things could cause a few stains. Most dust mite covers are waterproof and help keep your bedding clean and stain-free .
Are Satin Pillowcases Good For Dust Mites
Theres no quick answer to this. Satin, which is known for its luxurious touch and comfort, can be made of different materials.
If the satin pillow protector is made of silk, then it is naturally dust mite proof. The reason that silk is a good dust mite repeller lies in sericin. Sericin is a type of protein naturally produced in silk and it keeps dust mites away.
While satin is usually made from silk, there are satin pillow protectors that are made from other materials, including cotton. Cotton may not be a natural dust mite repeller, but tightly woven cotton satin with a high thread count works equally well in blocking dust mites.
So, its wise to check out not only the material, but the thread count, and pore size when choosing a dust mite proof pillow encasement.
Recommended Reading: Is It Time For A New Mattress
Made With Pure Organic Cotton This Is Our Customers’ Favourite Anti
No plastic backing. No hot synthetics. Undetectable in use. Highly recommended for asthma, eczema, dust mite allergy and multiple chemical sensitivity.
These pure organic, unbleached cotton covers for pillows are specially made for Allergy Best Buys by The Sounder Sleep Company.
They offer the traditional comfort of all-natural Cottonfresh® fabric and the security of protection from dust mite allergy and pet and pollen allergens.
Simply zip these covers round your pillows then use your regular pillowcase over the top. The covers completely encase the bedding to ensure effective protection from house dust mite and other allergens. Even the zips are dust mite proof.
- tightly woven 100% pure organic cotton, undyed, unbleached, chemical free
- naturally cool, quiet & comfortable
- dust mite and allergen proof without plastic backing to help protect
- tested for particle hold-out, BTTG Laboratories, Manchester UK
- tested for dust mite hold-out, the Medical Entomology Department at the University of Cambridge, UK
- tested for dust mite and cat allergen hold-out, PMI laboratories, New York
- Oeko-Tex® certified free of harmful substances
- total enclosure – fine dust mite-proof zip fastener
- wash at 60°C to keep hypoallergenic or at 90°C to sterilise
- highly recommended for asthma, eczema, dust mite allergy and multiple chemical sensitivity
- VAT-free for asthma, eczema and allergies
Colour: soft natural, unbleached, undyed.
Should You Wash Dust Mite Covers
When and how frequently to wash your covers. Unless there is a spill on the mattress, the dust mite covers must be washed once or twice per year. If the mattress covers are for a child who is allergic to dust mites and frequently causes accidents, the covers will need to be washed as frequently as necessary.
We do not recommend frequent cleaning of our dust mite covers. Before you wash the cover, make sure the zipper is open. Warm or cold water should be used. After washing your cover, place it in the dryer to dry. To kill mites, allergists advise washing your bedding in 140F water. When water is poured into a fabric, it solidifies. If you wash your fabric with De-Mite, you will be able to remove dust mites and save the fabric. If you have a dust mite problem, remove it from your home with Allersearch Allergen Wash by Alkaline Labs.
Bed sheets and linens must be washed at 60 degrees centigrade or higher to keep dust mites out of your home. When the temperature is lowered, it is not possible to kill the mites, but it is possible to cause allergy symptoms to appear. Only washing under 55 degrees centigrade or lower will remove 90% of dust mite allergens. As a result, it is critical to wash bed sheets and linens regularly at temperatures of 60 degrees or higher to reduce dust mite allergens in the home.
You May Like: What Mattress Topper Should I Buy
Finding The Right Pillow Protector
For a protector that will keep dust mites out of your pillow, check the product label for a fabric pore size no greater than 6 micrometers or microns, and look for words such as “woven fabric.”
You can also look for pillow protectors that are certified by the AAFA these will say “Certified Asthma and Allergy Friendly” or “Meets Certification Standards” on the packaging, along with the AAFA logo.
Pillows with this certification have been tested to make sure they block more than 99 percent of dust mite allergen before the first wash, and 95 percent after 18 washes. You can also see the pillow protectors that have been tested on the AAFA’s certified products website.
But you’re not done just because you’ve zipped a protector over your pillow. Remember to wash the pillow and the protector regularly. “We recommend that bedding materials be washed weekly in hot water to remove dust mites,” says Carver.
Just remember that repeated washings can degrade a pillow protector’s permeability. So check the manufacturer’s recommendation for when to replace it. As a general rule of thumb, Carver suggests replacing it every two years or sooner.
Shopping for pillows along with pillow protectors? Below, CR members can see ratings of the top four pillows from CR’s first-ever pillow tests.
Best Hypoallergenic Pillowcase For Allergies
Blissy Silk Pillowcases are the best hypoallergenic pillow cases you can buy. These ultra-soft and luxurious pillow protectors are made from 100% grade 6A mulberry silk, which is a naturally hypoallergenic material and bug resistant. Bye-bye Mr. Dust Mite!
Blissy Silk Pillowcases are good quality at an affordable price, given the many benefits of silk and its longevity. Plus, its a bonus that theyre luxuriously soft with a breathable design and are OEKO-TEX certified. So you know they’re safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
Read Also: What Is The Softest Mattress Out There
