Do You Need A Pillow Case?

When I hear people arguing that they don't need a pillowcase, I always remember a funny story I heard on a podcast.

One guy went to Walmart to buy jeans for himself. He tried on half a dozen jeans but didn't like any. After spending significant time in the fitting room (and you know how guys hate trying new stuff) he gave up and drove back home.

Only when he arrived, he noticed that he didn't have any pants. Apparently, he returned the jeans he didn't like but forgot to put his own cloth on. Luckily, he didn't forget his wallet, or he would have to drive back to the store in his underwear.

What am I trying to say with this story? You need a pillowcase for two main reasons. First, most pillowcases are pretty, and they offer more variety than pillows. Second, pillowcases are important because they protect pillows. When we sleep, we tend to produce sweat, saliva, oil, dead skin cells, and other things that can get stuck in the pillow. If the pillow is being used without the protection, it will not last long.

A pillow can be a breeding ground for bacteria and microbes that can cause infections and other medical problems. If you want to keep your pillow clean and protected from allergens, using a pillowcase is the first important step to make. You can use a pillow without a pillowcase but if you want to emphasize the hygiene aspect, using a pillowcase is a must.

When your pillowcase gets dirty, you can just change and clean it. A pillowcase can keep your pillow stay clean and protected. There will be no need for you to change your pillows every time. You can save a lot of money, and you can protect yourself from bacteria and microbes that can grow and multiply in an unprotected pillow. Pillows without pillowcases can become dirty, and if you are using a pillowcase it can absorb any dirt or sweat, and you can wash it anytime you want.

Is it OK to sleep without a pillowcase?

You can sleep on a pillow without a pillowcase. A pillowcase is advised to use with because it's easier to clean. A pillowcase can be changed often. For instance, most experts suggest to wash pillowcase and bed sheets every two weeks or so. When it comes to pillows, the requirements are less strict. It is OK to wash pillows once in 4-6 months. I know people who never wash them (imagine the happiness of the entire dust mite population).

A pillowcase or cover can keep your pillow clean. Saliva, sweat, oils, and sweat can contaminate your pillow without a case, and this can also be absorbed in the body. Using a pillowcase can keep the contaminants away and keep your skin healthy and free from any problems.

What are the reasons why you need a pillow cover?

1. Pillow covers keep your pillows clean. Pillow covers protect your pillows and keep them clean for a long time. Our pillows get filled with dead skin cells, dirt, oils, saliva, and sweat while we are sleeping. By using pillow covers, these can prevent the buildup on the materials inside the pillow and decreases the time when you need to wash the pillow and lessen the laundry time. Pillow covers can keep oils from your skin and hair from being absorbed in your pillow.
2. Pillow covers keep allergens away. Pillow covers can prevent the allergens from building up on the pillow. The pillow covers can keep the dust, dirt, and dander out of the pillow. If you have allergies using pillow covers can prevent the allergens from building up on your pillow. Pillow covers can be used and washed when it gets dirty.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, "Dust mite allergens are a common trigger of allergy and asthma symptoms. While they can be found throughout the house, these microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments such as bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpeting".

You can use hypoallergenic pillowcases, and you can wash and clean them often to prevent dust mites and dirt buildup on your pillow.

Other advantages

1. Pillow covers keep your pillows fluffy. Pillowcases and pillow covers serve as an effective defense and cover from the dirt, dead skin cells, saliva, etc. that tends to stick in the pillow while we are sleeping. The dirt, oils, sweat, and saliva or any moisture can weigh down the pillow and lessen its fluff. A pillow's performance can be affected when its fluffiness is reduced. You can check out the pillow's material if it can be washed regularly, pillows are usually washed every six months to keep them appropriately maintained.
2. Pillow covers protect pillows against bed bugs. Pillow covers and cases are used to prevent bed bugs. If you want to be protected and secured from bed bugs, you must change your pillow covers frequently.
3. Pillow covers protect your pillows while you are traveling. If you are planning to travel in various cities, you must use pillow covers to keep the bed bugs away. You must opt for pillow covers or cases that have zippers so that you can put them on over pillows in the hotel. Dirty pillowcases can affect your skin and cause allergies and acne. If you want to protect your skin and keep your face clean and acne-free, you must use pillow covers all the time.

What are the factors to consider when buying a pillowcase?

When buying a pillowcase, you must consider the following factors:

Material

Pillowcases are made from different materials.

A. Cotton – Cotton is one of the most common fabrics available in the market. The thread count of the cotton affects the texture. If the pillowcase has a higher thread count, it can be cleaned easily. If the thread count is higher, it will be difficult for the dust mites and bed bugs or other allergens to get inside the pillow.

B. Polyester – Polyester is a standard fabric used for pillowcases or pillow covers. It is made from synthetic material and less expensive than cotton and usually woven tightly to prevent moisture and allergens. Skin cells and contaminants can be removed from the pillowcase by shaking it. Polyester is made from sleek and smooth texture and perfect for individuals who have skin problems.

C. Terry Cotton – Terry Cotton is a different form of cotton fabric and usually used in manufacturing pillowcases. This type of material has a rough texture and finish. Terry cotton absorbs moisture and will prevent the pillow from absorbing it. A lot of individuals do not prefer this type of fabric because of its rough texture and feel against the skin.

Waterproof Quality

Depending on the material used for the pillowcase, a waterproof pillow can be resistant to water, and this means moisture will not be able to enter the pillow or the filling.

Allergens

Individuals who have allergies can benefit from using a pillow cover or pillowcase. A pillowcase can protect your pillow from allergens like dust mites. You must choose the correct material for the pillowcase to prevent any allergens and skin cells that can build up on the surface of the pillow.

When you are planning to buy a pillow cover, you must ask the following questions:

1. Does it prevent liquids from being absorbed from the pillow?
2. Does it prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, dust mites, or other allergens that can pass from the body to the pillow?
3. Is it comfortable to sleep on?
4. Is it easy to clean when it gets dirty?
5. Can it be washed and dried easily?
   A pillowcase or cover can prevent dust mites, bed bugs, skin cells from getting into the pillow. You must clean your pillow regularly to avoid these allergens to cause problems on your skin.

Image credit: Pixabay

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made on our website. If you make a purchase through links from this website, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure.