10 Best Pillowcases and Protectors for People with Allergies

If you’ve ever woken up itchy, inflamed, or asthmatic in the middle of the night, you may benefit from an anti-allergy pillowcase. Most of us know all too well that bedrooms are breeding grounds for common household allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander. And, unfortunately, no matter how much you clean it won’t fully eliminate those allergens. 

According to Tania Elliott, MD, spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, people can be allergic to multiple allergens commonly found in bedding and furniture, including “dust mites, which live in mattresses, pillows, rugs, and upholstered furniture, in addition to goose or duck feathers, which fill pillows and comforters.”

The good news is that anti-allergy pillowcases and protectors are a great way to reduce exposure to allergens so you can get a better night’s sleep. Experts recommend choosing a protector that fully encases your pillow and is specifically made to reduce allergen exposure, as these types of covers are made from tightly woven fabric that effectively blocks pesky irritants from coming in contact with your skin.

To help you reduce your allergy symptoms in the middle of the night, we’ve reviewed anti-allergy pillowcases based on their fabric type, price, effectiveness, and durability to find the best option to fit your individual needs.

Our Recommendations

Best Overall: MISSION: ALLERGY Premium Microfiber Pillow Encasing
Best Budget: BedCare Economy Zippered Pillow Cover
Best Silk: SmartSilk Pillow Protector
Best Cotton: BedCare Organic All-Cotton Premium Zippered Pillow Protector
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pristine Complete Pillow Cover
Best Bamboo: Slumberfy Waterproof Pillow Protector
Best Cooling: Slumberfy Premium Cooling Pillow Protector
Best Durability: MISSION: ALLERGY Barrier II Pillow Encasing
Best Microfiber: Evolon Pillow Protector
Best Multi-Pack: AllerEase Ultimate Pillow Protector

Best Overall: MISSION: ALLERGY Premium Microfiber Pillow Encasing

Why We Like It: It’s highly recommended by allergists, and it’s made from breathable yet tightly woven fabric.

It’s Worth Noting: This pillow cover may make a crinkling noise when you switch positions during the night until you wear it in. 

MISSION: ALLERGY is a brand created by a board-certified allergist, and it produces bedding products specifically designed for people with allergies. Their Premium Microfiber Pillow Encasing is our top pick for the best anti-allergy pillowcase because it uses tightly woven fabric to successfully block allergens without using abrasive blockers like vinyl coatings. We love that this pillow cover’s fabric has a pore size of only 2 microns, as research has shown that larger fabric pore sizes are less effective in blocking dust mite allergens.

While some pillowcases for allergies are made of thick, plastic material to keep dust mites and allergens out, this over-relies on the tightly woven fabric so it’s more comfortable to rest your head on and won’t make as much noise as you shuffle around in your sleep. However, this cover still makes a slight crinkling noise when you fluff your pillow or switch sleep positions throughout the night until it’s been worn in. But because of the quality of its material, this crinkling should be a lot less noticeable to competitor options. 

Price at time of publication: $25

Product Details:

• Material: Microfiber polyester
• Features: Water repellant, zippered case, made in the USA
• Quantity: One cover

Best Budget: BedCare Economy Zippered Pillow Cover

Why We Like It: The BedCare Economy Zippered Pillow Cover is an affordable pillowcase with allergen-blocking and bed-bug prevention features.

It’s Worth Noting: The pillowcases will need to be washed before use as it’s likely to be stiff.

The BedCare Economy Zippered Pillow Cover is our top pick for a budget-friendly choice thanks to its affordable price point and allergen-specific features. Instead of a woven fabric, this pillow cover is made with a tri-laminate fabric. This type of fabric has three breathable layers and is often water resistant (however, this product doesn’t specifically list whether or not it’s water resistant). The maker of this product, National Allergy, highlights its ability to protect against bed bugs, which is a bonus for anyone living in an apartment building or dorm.

But make sure you wash this pillowcase before using it (unless you don’t mind it being slightly stiff). Because while the tri-laminate fabric is great for blocking allergens, it makes the case feel a bit hard even with multiple washes. 

Price at time of publication: $9

Product Details:

• Material: Polyurethane
• Features: Zippered case, made in the USA, 10-year warranty
• Quantity: One cover

Best Silk: SmartSilk Pillow Protector

Why We Like It: The SmartSilk Pillow Protector is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and is lined with pure silk.

It’s Worth Noting: This case needs to be washed in cold water as users who washed it in hot water experienced issues with the fabric after washing. 

The SmartSilk Pillow Protector is a silk-lined pillowcase with a cotton exterior. It’s designed to be moisture-wicking and breathable, allowing temperature regulation while you sleep. This pillow cover is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and protects from dust mites and pet dander. 

Because this covering is made from silk, it requires different care than other fabric covers. So make sure to wash it in cold water only. Also, this pillowcase is a good deal more expensive than other options on this list. However, the fabric is the main culprit for the price hike, and it comes with a 10-year warranty, so you can feel confident in your investment.

Price at time of publication: $40

Product Details:

• Material: Silk and cotton
• Features: Silk lining, cruelty-free, 10-year warranty
• Quantity: One cover

Best Cotton: BedCare Organic All-Cotton Premium Zippered Pillow Protector

Why We Like It: The BedCare Organic All-Cotton Pillow Protector is made with 100% organic, unbleached cotton and comes with a lifetime warranty.

It’s Worth Noting: Cotton can be a little stiff until it’s been washed a few times.

The BedCare Organic All-Cotton Pillow Protectors are our top pick for the best cotton anti-allergy pillowcase because they’re made with 100 percent cotton and have an average pore size of 4.8 microns. The small pore size has proven to be effective for blocking dust mite allergens, and the zippered case can help to protect against bed bugs. Plus, the pillow covers come with a lifetime warranty making them a solid investment.

Cotton is a good choice if you’re looking for an allergy-friendly fabric that is unlikely to irritate your skin. However, these cases should be washed before use to ensure you’re sleeping on the softest material possible, as they will likely be stiff straight out of the box.

Price at time of publication: $25

Product Details:

• Material: Organic cotton
• Features: 212 thread count, Global Organic Textile Standard certified, lifetime warranty
• Quantity: One cover

Best for Sensitive Skin: Pristine Complete Pillow Cover

Why We Like It: The Pristine Complete Pillow Cover has a high thread count and soft texture, which makes it gentler on sensitive skin.

It’s Worth Noting: The fabric is thicker than other pillow covers.

The Pristine Complete Pillow Cover is best for sensitive skin thanks to the 244 thread count, which offers a breathable soft texture (similar to cotton). This cover is made from 100 percent polyester microfiber fabric and has a pore size of 2.4 microns, which will block dust mite allergens and provide protection against pet dander. 

This fabric is moisture-wicking, which is helpful if you typically get hot or sweat at night. However, it is thicker than other pillowcases on this list, which could give it a heavier feel that not all users may love. 

Price at time of publication: $22+

Product Details:

• Material: Polyester microfiber
• Features: 244 thread count, made in the USA, lifetime warranty
• Quantity: One cover

Best Bamboo: Slumberfy Waterproof Pillow Protector

Why We Like It: Thanks to the combination of bamboo and polyester, this pillowcase is waterproof, soft, and hypoallergenic.

It’s Worth Noting: It might be difficult to put a pillow into the case due to the smaller zipper opening.

The Slumberfy Waterproof Pillow Protector is our number one pick for the best bamboo anti-allergy pillowcase because it’s 100 percent waterproof and comes with a lifetime warranty. The outer layer is made from 100 percent bamboo, while the lining is 100 percent polyester. And this pillowcase is made with jacquard fabric, meaning the pattern is woven into the fabric versus printed. What does that mean for your sleeping experience? Well, the combination of the fabric and pattern helps prevent noise making for a breathable soft pillowcase. This pillowcase’s fabric is Oeko-Tex certified, guaranteeing it’s made without chemicals, dyes, or other harmful substances.

We love that this product includes two pillowcases, which (if you need to cover more than one pillow) makes it more affordable than many other competitors. But some users found it difficult to put a pillow inside the case due to the smaller opening of the zipper enclosure. Keep that in mind if you have extra fluffy or large pillows.

Price at time of publication: $28

Product Details:

• Material: Bamboo and polyester
• Features: 100% waterproof, lifetime warranty
• Quantity: Two covers

Best Cooling: Slumberfy Premium Cooling Pillow Protector

Why We Like It: Slumberfy Premium Cooling Pillow Protectors are waterproof and made with a fabric designed to keep you cool at night. We love that the protectors come with a 30-day, risk-free guarantee and a lifetime warranty.

It’s Worth Noting: The fabric may be stiff before washing multiple times.

Slumberfy Premium Cooling Pillow Protectors are made with a mix of polythene and polyester to create a fabric with technology. The fabric is intended to be used with pillows made of foam, down, or synthetic filling and is designed to help you fend off night sweats while you sleep. The pillow protectors are also waterproof, which is beneficial if you typically sweat overnight and want to keep your pillow clean. 

Choosing a cooling pillowcase can be a highly personal decision as many factors influence the effectiveness of the cooling features. It’s important to note that not only does Slumberfy offer a lifetime guarantee, but the company also offers a 30-day, risk-free trial so if it doesn’t help keep you cool, you’re not locked in.

Price at time of publication: $38

Product Details:

• Material: Polythene and polyester
• Features: Oeko-Tex certified, 30-day risk-free guarantee, lifetime warranty
• Quantity: One cover

Best Durability: MISSION: ALLERGY Barrier II Pillow Encasing

Why We Like It: This case has a zippered enclosure and seam binding to help it stand the test of time.

It’s Worth Noting: This case may make a crinkling sound if you toss and turn at night, and it has to be laundered carefully.

The MISSION: ALLERGY Barrier II Pillow Encasing is made from 100 percent microfiber polyester and has a pore size of 6 microns. It’s our top pick for the most durable because of its high-quality sewing construction. The encasing has a zippered closure and uses seam binding—a reinforcing strip of fabric on all pillowcase seams. 

The case's durability makes it an excellent choice for everyday use or when frequent washings are required (like in a vacation rental home). 

While durable, this case may make a crinkling sound when you change positions during sleep. The sound is likely to be reduced with multiple washings, which the manufacturer recommends doing so with warm versus hot water.

Price at time of publication: $20+

Product Details:

• Material: Microfiber polyester
• Features: Made in the USA, 10-year warranty
• Quantity: One cover

Best Microfiber: Evolon Pillow Protector

Why We Like It: This pillow protector has an extremely small fabric pore size of 1 micron. 

It’s Worth Noting: The material may feel rough to the touch, especially before washing it multiple times.

This Evolon pillowcase is our number one pick for the best microfiber, anti-allergy pillow because it’s made with a patented fabric with a pore size of 1 micron.

We love that this cover is free of chemicals and is Oeko-Tex certified. It’s also eco-friendly and comes with a 10-year guarantee. It’s worth noting that the manufacturer encourages washing each case to make the fabric softer.

Price at time of publication: $16

Product Details:

• Material: Cotton
• Features: Absorbs water and dries quickly, eco-friendly, 10-year guarantee
• Quantity: Two covers

Best Multi-Pack: AllerEase Ultimate Pillow Protector

Why We Like it: This protector comes in packs of one, two, and four to fit any budget. 

It’s Worth Noting: The zipper may not be as durable as some other covers.

If you have multiple pillows to cover then the Allerease Ultimate Pillow Protector is a good choice. It offers a quantity of up to four pillow covers made from a mix of polyester and nylon that offers protection against common allergens. The zippered case prevents bed bugs from infesting your pillow, however the zipper itself may not be as durable as some other pillowcase zippers listed here. 

The cases are intended to offer temperature regulation as you sleep, which is helpful if you typically feel overheated at night. They’re also easy to clean and are machine-washable, but the maker recommends washing them in warm (not hot) water. 

Product Details:

• Material: Polyester and nylon
• Features: Antimicrobial, comes in packs of one, two, and four
• Quantity: Up to four covers

 

 Price at time of publication: $39

How We Selected

We researched and reviewed the best anti-allergy pillowcases on the market. We also spoke to experts to get their opinion on what makes an anti-allergy pillowcase great. Then, we narrowed down our list based on the following criteria:

• Fabric: We chose pillowcases made from tightly woven fabric such as bamboo, cotton, polyester, or silk.
• Price: We included pillowcases available in a range of prices to accommodate every budget.
• Effectiveness: We chose pillowcases that have been proven effective for preventing nighttime allergy symptoms.

What to Know About Anti-Allergy Pillowcases

Symptoms of Nighttime Allergies

Nighttime allergies can have many unpleasant symptoms that can impact sleep quality. Julie Wendt, MD, of Relieve Allergy in Scottsdale, AZ, explains that symptoms often include “nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy, red runny eyes, runny nose, sinus symptoms, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, cough or rash.” Importantly, she notes that the symptoms “may be worse or no better after sleeping at night.”

The type of allergies people experience varies, and nighttime allergies can have many causes. “You may have a worsening of outdoor allergies as well since your body's natural cortisol levels go down at night,” says Morris Nejat, MD, Chief Medical Officer of NY Allergy & Sinus Centers. “[It’s] important to see an allergist to get tested to know exactly what you are allergic to.”

What to Look for in Pillowcases for Allergies

When choosing an anti-allergy pillowcase, it’s best to ensure the case is made from tightly woven fabric versus a plastic covering.

“Most allergy covers for pillows are made with a sheet of plastic covered by a sheet of cloth,” says Kevin P McGrath, MD, board-certified allergy and asthma expert. “These tend to make people sweat, and they’re not very comfortable.”

The plastic covers may also not be as durable as those made from woven fabric because they tend to crack. Additionally, plastic pillowcases may cause disruptions to sleep due to noise. “Patients should be mindful as much of the dust mite-proof fabric is plasticized, making it a bit noisy and might make falling asleep difficult,” says Dr. Wendt.

“The alternative type, which is much more comfortable and a better-quality product, is a woven product with a weave so tight it traps the allergens inside the pillow cover but lets the air and humidity go through,” explains Dr. McGrath.

Your Questions, Answered

What is an anti-allergy pillow?

An anti-allergy pillow differs from an anti-allergy pillowcase in that the pillow itself is made from hypoallergenic materials and fill. The benefit of an anti-allergy pillowcase is that you can continue to use the pillows you love without experiencing the allergies they give you.

What kind of pillowcase is best for allergies?

The best pillowcase for allergies is made from a tightly woven fabric that blocks common allergens like dust mites, bed bugs, and pet dander. The material should be machine washable, as washing in hot water is recommended by experts. “We recommend scent-free and die-free laundry soap and fabric softener with no use of dryer sheets,” says Dr. McGrath. “Scents, dyes, and dryer sheets all contain chemicals which can set off nasal allergies, asthma, and skin reactions.” It’s also important to choose an anti-allergy pillowcase that has a zippered enclosure for complete coverage of the pillow.

Who We Are

Allison Knott, MS, RDN, CSSD is a registered dietitian in New York City. She has experience researching a variety of products. Additionally, she is familiar with navigating scientific research and is comfortable interpreting findings into messaging for the general population.

This article was edited by Loren Brutsch, a Health team member who has been using anti-allergy pillowcases for over a decade. She is highly allergic to dust mites, which causes her to wake up periodically throughout the night with itching, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. She has personally tested multiple products on this list and highly recommends them for anyone struggling with allergies at night.