The Best Pillow Protectors for Your Airbnb [Durable & Comfy]

Dr. Ifran Saddique

A pillow protector is essential for Airbnb hosts looking to provide their guests with a comfortable and hygienic experience. Pillow protectors give your pillows an extra layer of defense. They only keep your pillows clean and stain-free and protect against dust mites, allergens, and other bacteria. There are various pillow protectors on the market, but not all are created equal. 

Whether you’re starting your Airbnb journey or looking to upgrade your current pillow protectors, we’ve got you covered. Mattress Verdict explains how to select the best pillow protectors for your Airbnb. 

Choosing the Best Airbnb Pillow Protectors – Things to Consider

There are some factors to consider when next you go shopping for Airbnb pillow protectors: 

Size 

Select pillow protectors that snugly fit your pillows without being too tight or loose. (See our guide on the best pillow for your Airbnb here). 

Closure

Choose pillow protectors with a zipper or other closure to cover it securely. A secure closure keeps your pillow clean and free from dust mites and allergens. 

Comfort

The whole point of having a pillow protector is to keep guests comfortable and happy. Choose a soft pillow protector that doesn’t make crinkling or rustling noises when someone moves on it. 

Material and Weave

Look for pillow protectors made from comfortable, breathable, hypoallergenic materials like cotton or microfiber. You should also consider the material’s weave, which affects its breathability and moisture-wicking capacity.

Color

Choose a pillow protector with a color that blends well with your bedding and the rest of the room’s décor. Bold or bright colors can be overwhelming or distracting, so you want to opt for matching neutral colors whenever possible. 

Maintenance 

The last thing you want is to spend hours scrubbing stains from a pillow protector. Look for a pillow protector that is machine washable and easily cleaned between guests. Avoid dry clean only protectors or those that require special care. 

Cost

You want to find an affordable pillow protector without sacrificing quality. After all, you don’t want to have to replace your protector in the short term. That said, you also don’t want to buy the cheapest pillow protector you can find either. A low-cost pillow may not hold up to repeated washings and may be uncomfortable. You have to balance cost and quality when choosing a pillow protector for your Airbnb. 

Certification 

To ensure the comfort of guests with allergies, consider shopping for pillow protectors certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America or have Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification. This certification means that the pillow protector has been tested for harmful substances and is safe for people with allergies.

Certification standards also apply when shopping for other layers of bedding, like duvets, pillowcases, and mattresses. If you want to upgrade your Airbnb mattress or get a new one, Mattress Verdict can help. We assist thousands of mattress shoppers in making smart buying decisions daily. Check out Mattress Verdict for the best mattress for Airbnb or vacation rentals today.  

What are the Five Best Pillow Protectors for Your Airbnb?

There are several excellent options for Airbnb owners shopping for pillow protectors. We’ve come up with a list of the top five:

Brooklinen Pillow Protector

The Brooklinen pillow protector is made from high-quality cotton sateen that’s soft and breathable. It is Oeko-Tex certified and designed to wick away moisture. The nice zipper closure keeps the pillow in place and makes it easy to wash.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• High quality
• Smooth fabric

Cons

• May not be durable

• A bit pricey

Coldwind Pillow Protector

Coldwind pillow protectors are an excellent, affordable option for Airbnb owners on a budget. They are made from a comfortable cotton blend with a waterproof membrane that protects your pillow from spills and stains. They are breathable and have a zipper closure that keeps your pillow in place.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Comfortable 
• Durable 

Cons

• Noisy, scratchy sound
• Zippers may be tricky

Lincove Cotton Pillow Protector

The Lincove cotton pillow protector is a solid option for shoppers looking for a soft, comfortable pillow protector. Its convenient zipper closure makes it easy to put on and offers excellent protection against dust mites and allergens. 

Pros

• Keep out allergens
• Excellent moisture wicking
• Durable 

Cons

• Offers less breathability 
• Not waterproof

SureGuard Pillow Protector

The SureGuard pillow protector is the go-to option for shoppers seeking a waterproof and hypoallergenic pillow protector. Its soft, comfortable build offers two layers of noiseless, breathable protection from stains and spills. 

Pros

• Hypoallergenic
• Waterproof
• Comfortable

Cons

• Difficult zipper
• Retains lint or hair after washing

Linenspa Waterproof Pillow Protector

The Linenspa waterproof pillow protector is made from soft, comfortable microfiber fabric. It features a waterproof backing that helps to keep your pillow clean and dry. Linenspa pillow protectors are affordable and come in several color varieties. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Wicks in moisture
• Different color varieties

Cons 

• Crinkly waterproof fabric
• Not machine-washable

Tips on Picking the Best Pillow Protectors for an Airbnb

Here are our tips on picking the best pillow protectors for your Airbnb:

• Choose a breathable pillow protector. You want a pillow protector that doesn’t get your guests sweaty.
• Look for a durable, waterproof, and comfortable pillow protector.
• Consider the hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties of the protector.
• Pick a pillow protector that’s easy to wash and maintain; think about whether you want a machine-washable or spot-clean protector only. 
• Consider a pillow protector with a design and color that matches the rest of your bedding and Airbnb décor (read our guide on the best bedding for your Airbnb).
• Think about the pillow protector size to make sure it fits your pillows.
• Look for a pillow protector with a zippered closure that keeps your pillows firmly in place.
• Check online to see user reviews of your preferred pillow protectors.

A great pillow protector and the right mattress contribute to a good night’s sleep, leading to great reviews for your Airbnb. Mattress Verdict helps Airbnb owners and other mattress shoppers find the ideal mattress. Take the Mattress Verdict quiz to find the best mattress for your needs. If you also need a mattress topper, see our guide on the best mattress topper for your Airbnb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need pillow protectors for Airbnb?

While it’s not required to have pillow protectors for Airbnb, they’re recommended as they keep your pillows clean and free from stains and also extend their life. Using pillow protectors will also give your Airbnb a luxurious, comfortable feel that will make it stand out. Also, a mattress protector will keep your mattress clean and extend its life. (See how to select the best mattress protector for Airbnb here).  

Do you put a pillowcase over pillow protectors?

Yes. The general rule of thumb is to put the pillowcase over the pillow protector. The pillowcase ensures that the pillowcase is what’s touching your head and face. It also helps to keep the pillow protector clean and free from sweat, oils, and other things that could cause it to deteriorate over time. 

Do you need to wash pillows if you use pillow protectors?

Though pillow protectors help keep your pillows clean, it’s a good idea to wash your pillows regularly as they may still accumulate dust, dirt, and allergens over time. A good rule of thumb is to wash your pillows every three to six months following the care instructions on the pillow tag. 

How long do pillow protectors last?

Generally, pillow protectors can last anywhere from one to five years, depending on the quality of the protector and how often it’s used. Higher-quality pillow protectors tend to last longer than cheaper ones, and pillows used frequently will typically need to be replaced sooner than those used occasionally. 

Should a pillow protector be bigger than a pillow?

Generally, you’ll want your pillow protector to be slightly bigger than your pillow. A larger pillow protector ensures a snug fit and prevents the pillow from shifting around inside the protector. A good rule of thumb is to choose a protector two to four inches larger than the pillow itself.