Protectors shield from dirt, sweat and wear and tear, yet, their main purpose is to defend against dust mites. These little buggers can migrate into the stuffing of pillows to give a sweet dreamer a creepy crawly nightmare.
If you’re an allergen sufferer, or if you’re just trying to protect your bedding, here are a few tips:
Old types of feather bed and pillow protectors made a crunchy sound when you laid down on them because they were made of vinyl. Nowadays, you won’t hear any squishy sound because modern protectors are made from breathable, densely woven cotton.
Today, the best cotton covers are mildew and stain resistant, and can be machine washable and dry able.
If you have down bedding, down proof fabric protectors are your best bet. Down proof protectors prevent down leakage because the protector’s fabric has a high density weave that prevents the down feathers from wiggling through.
If you’re an asthma sufferer, it is a common misconception that you should avoid down pillows because they have the potential to harbor more dust mite allergen than a synthetic fiber.
While it’s true the risk of allergens rise without a cover, a 1996 British Medical Journal study found that pillows with a polyester stuffing can hold over 3.57 micrograms per gram of dust mite fragments and up to 8 times the total weight of fine dust particles compared to a down pillow.
If you’re going to protect bedding from dust mites or the hands of time, find products that link up with the American Lung Association. Even though the ALA cannot endorse products, companies work with the Lung Association to improve sleep environments and create better air quality in the home.
With these tips, you’re sure to find protectors for your comforters, pillows and feather beds that will protect your investment in the bedroom while promoting healthier sleeping.
Pluto Graham sleeps like a dog. That’s why he knows good bedding. Hopefully he puts you to sleep after you read his work, not during.