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What Is an Allergy Pillow Case?

Alicia Sparks
Alicia Sparks

An allergy pillow case is a pillow case made of special materials designed to act as allergen barriers. Usually, the case is designed to fit and zip over a regular pillow, but some people with allergies opt to pair the cases with hypoallergenic pillows. Due to their anti-allergy properties, allergy pillow cases require different care than regular pillow cases. People who suffer from allergies can find hypoallergenic pillow cases in an assortment of styles and colors and to fit nearly any pillow size. Generally these factors, along with quality and the retailer, affect the cost of an allergy pillow case.

The differences between allergy pillow cases and other types of pillow cases lie in the materials that comprise allergy cases. Many hypoallergenic pillow cases are made of a polyester microfiber that is woven extremely tightly. This is to prevent allergens like dust mites from penetrating to the pillow. Most allergy pillow cases are made to be zipped closed. Although these zippers are designed to close tightly, some customers choose to use a special zipper tape to make sure no openings remain.

Allergy pillow cases require different care than ordinary pillow cases.
Allergy pillow cases require different care than ordinary pillow cases.

Care instructions for an allergy pillow case vary somewhat from those for a regular case. Typically, a manufacturer recommends zipping the case’s zipper and washing it in hot water with a laundry detergent designed for people with allergies, taking care to avoid using bleach. Cases can be dried in regular clothes dryers using the lowest heat setting, and they don’t require ironing. An allergy pillow case should be laundered at least every two weeks. These pillows should never be dry cleaned, as the chemicals can prevent them from functioning properly.

Allergy pillow cases are designed to be zipped over regular pillows, act as a barrier.
Allergy pillow cases are designed to be zipped over regular pillows, act as a barrier.

Some people who suffer from allergies shop beyond just pillow cases and choose hypo-allergenic pillows. Usually, these pillow are made of the same kinds of anti-allergy materials manufacturers use to make hypoallergenic pillow cases. The pillows themselves, though, are stuffed with a hypoallergenic fiberfill. Similar to anti-allergy pillow cases, anti-allergy pillows require different care than regular pillows. Generally, care instructions are included with the pillow.

The cost of hypoallergenic pillow cases tends to vary as widely as that of other types of pillow cases. Often, the price varies depending on the size and quality of the allergy pillow case, but sometimes the popularity of the manufacturer or brand can play a role in the cost of the pillow case, too. Typically, hypoallergenic pillow cases range from $5 US Dollars (USD) to more than $20 USD.

Some, but not all, stores that sell bedding materials also sell hypoallergenic pillow cases. Depending on where she lives and her access to specialty stores or medical supply stores, a customer might need to depend on online shops for an allergy pillow case. Yet, to avoid choosing a pillow case that turns out to be inadequate or too pricey, the customer may decide to shop around with both online and brick-and-mortar stores. Increasing the selection, as well as checking out any available product reviews, can help a customer choose the best allergy pillow case for her budget and allergy needs.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

I'm still looking for a good allergy pillow case. I don't understand why these pillow cases cost more than regular pillow cases. One cannot live with just one pillow case, there has to be extras. So I'm looking for more affordable allergy pillow cases so that I can at least by two pairs.

The other thing that I'm concerned about is whether the synthetic materials will cause issues like heating. I hate it when my pillow case heats up and makes me sweat. Cotton is the best fabric for that but unfortunately, it's not hypoallergenic.

fBoyle

@burcinc-- I'm not an expert on this topic but I use hypoallergenic pillow cases as well as a hypoallergenic mattress cover and comforter. My pillows are not hypoallergenic and neither is my mattress. But the hypoallergenic cases and covers for them seem to work just fine.

The idea behind using these products is to prevent the dust mites from inhabiting bedding. So the goal is to prevent them from getting in there. So a proper hypoallergenic pillow case without openings will work just fine. Moreover, this type of pillow case is made of material that prevents allergies from sticking to the surface.

burcinc

So if I don't have hypoallergenic pillows, is it worth purchasing hypoallergenic pillow cases? Will the pillow cases work alone or will they be less effective? My primary concern is dust mites. They are the main cause of my allergies.

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    • Allergy pillow cases require different care than ordinary pillow cases.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Allergy pillow cases require different care than ordinary pillow cases.
    • Allergy pillow cases are designed to be zipped over regular pillows, act as a barrier.
      By: Elenathewise
      Allergy pillow cases are designed to be zipped over regular pillows, act as a barrier.