Many people wake up with a stuffy nose, a fuzzy head, or a fresh breakout on their cheek, despite washing their pillowcase every week.
However, some individuals seem to wake up feeling clear-headed and refreshed, with calm skin and fresh-smelling pillows. The reason for this difference may not be due to expensive sheets or pillows, but rather a hidden layer of their bed that often goes unwashed.
The Hidden Layer
Most people think of their bed as having only two layers: the pillow and the pillowcase. Many pillows have a third layer, a plain fabric cover with a zipper, that sits directly on the pillow and is often forgotten.
This third layer is called a pillow protector, and it plays a significant role in maintaining a clean and healthy sleep environment. The protector helps to keep the pillow clean and dry, but it can also accumulate sweat, dead skin cells, and other allergens if not washed regularly.
What Happens While You Sleep
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you shed about half a teaspoon of dead skin every night while you sleep, along with sweat, drool, facial oil, and traces of whatever hair product or moisturizer you put on that day. The pillowcase catches some of these substances, but the pillow protector can accumulate the rest, creating an ideal environment for dust mites and bacteria to thrive.
Related: Why hotel towels feel plush but yours don’t
Dust mites are microscopic bugs that eat dead skin cells and can cause allergic reactions in about 20 million people in the United States. They are present in roughly four out of five U.S. homes, with dust mite allergens in at least one bed.
Why Washing the Pillow Protector Matters
Washing the pillow protector once a month can help to reduce the accumulation of allergens and bacteria. It’s a simple process that involves zipping the protector closed, washing it in warm or hot water with mild detergent, and drying it on a low heat setting.
Replacing pillows every two years can also help to reduce the accumulation of allergens and bacteria.
By washing the pillow protector and pillow regularly, and replacing them as needed, individuals can help to create a cleaner and healthier sleep environment. This can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced allergy symptoms, and clearer skin, much like how a simple habit can make a difference in daily life.
The pillows themselves are also better protected, and the layer added to keep them clean finally does its job, because it’s clean itself.
