A waterproof pillow protector, also known as a hypoallergenic pillow cover, can help protect your pillow from stains and damage. While it might seem like an unnecessary item, you’ll find that it can make all the difference in keeping your pillow clean and protecting your health. Here are seven things to consider before you buy one.
1) Look out for chemical smells
Some waterproof pillow protectors are made from vinyl, which releases toxins over time. If you’re sensitive or have asthma, look for hypoallergenic options that aren’t made with harmful chemicals. Also, if your pillowcase has any loose or frayed threads or seems brittle, it might be time for a new one—any of these could easily compromise your waterproof pillow protector.
2) Check the thread count
When it comes to pillows, higher thread counts do have their benefits. The more threads there are in a square inch of fabric, the finer and softer that material will be. That said, most pillow protectors are made from polyester or polypropylene—materials that don’t require high thread counts to feel soft. So when you’re shopping for a waterproof pillow protector, don’t focus on thread count as much as you might with sheets or comforters; instead, look for durable fabrics like nylon or polyester with water-resistant properties.
3) Buy from Reputable Brands
The key difference between good waterproof pillow protectors and bad ones is whether they contain waterproof coating. What you want is hypoallergenic pillow covers that have been treated with an equally hypoallergenic coating. There are many companies that have begun manufacturing these protectors, but only if they’re made by a company like WaterGuard—which has built its brand around producing quality products with highly durable and protective qualities—should you trust them.
4) Know your washing machine settings
washing machine is responsible for some of our most treasured items—including hypoallergenic pillow covers and waterproof pillow protectors. This means you’ll want to use specific settings when cleaning your waterproof pillow protector. If you don’t, you could ruin it. The first thing you should do is know your washing machine settings.
5) Get samples before buying
When you’re buying something expensive like waterproof pillow covers, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before parting with your hard-earned cash. This is especially true for hypoallergenic pillow covers, which are made from different types of fabrics. Because there’s no middleman and products can be cheaper online, it pays to order a few samples first. Check with manufacturers and retailers directly for sample packages; some even offer them free of charge.
6) The cost of quality
The first thing to remember when considering purchasing a waterproof pillow protector is that you get what you pay for. Cheap, thin materials will not protect your pillow and will eventually wear out. Make sure you select something that’s made of high-quality material so it can stand up to frequent washing (and heavy drooling). There are two common types of materials: vinyl and polyurethane foam. Vinyl is thin but inexpensive; foam can be much thicker and longer lasting, but it also tends to be more expensive.
7) Keep it clean and dry
The problem with waterproof protectors is that, well, they’re… waterproof. This can prevent water from absorbing into your pillow and ultimately cause it to get dirtier faster. To solve that issue, make sure you take it off at night—or at least flip it over so you’re not lying directly on top of all that grime.
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