I have a dust mite allergy and all of my pillows are memory foam, so they can’t be machine washed. I have a good cotton pillow protector that’s allergy certified, and I wash it regularly to protect against dust mites and other allergens. Websites online often recommend washing pillows from time to time even IF you have a protector on. Yet they provide no evidence that this is necessary. My question is: Should I be washing my pillows if I have a protector?
Anybody?
skyguy89:
If you’re using a pillow protector of such quality of the weave and zipper that moisture, skin cells and dust mites are prevented from getting through to the pillow, then washing wouldn’t be a necessity. If the pillow is washable and you want to “freshen it up”, feel free to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how to launder and dry the product. If the pillow isn’t washable, some people like to place the pillow in the dryer under the air-dry (no heat) setting for 15-20 minutes once in a while to help “shake out” any potential skin cells toward the surface of the pillow. Pillows in general aren’t meant to last nearly as long as a mattress and most of us keep our pillows way too long, focusing on cleaning instead of replacement. Of course, your mileage may vary.
That’s very helpful. Thank you.
skyguy89:
You’re welcome!