Why do I need a pillow protector?

[UnicornsPooGlitter]

Isn't that what the pillow case is for?

I come from a family of non-pillow-protector users, but I'm about to buy some lovely new pillows ...

Because my mother always used them, and because the new pillow I bought at vast expense (well, with Christmas tokens) last year said I should.

But to be honest, I doubt it's as important these days with modern washing machines, and you can wash a pillow pretty easily - once it would have been partly to give the pillow a bit more protection.

They're great if a child chucks up on the pillow. We use them for that reason at home. We have a holiday rental also, and the pillows all have protectors on (and mattresses have mattress protectors too) - people sweat from their head and spit and drool and it's way easier to wash a protector than an actual pillow. Particularly feather pillows!

Because they are easier to wash and dry than a pillow so you can go longer between pillow washes.

Especially if you dribble a lot or have greasy skin or hair, have a cold etc.

Also if the open end of the pillowcase rucks up during the night, you aren't getting the pillow underneath mucky or dribbly or snotty etc, just the protector.

Thanks everyone

So, how often do you wash your pillow cases, pillow protectors, and pillows ? I'm in the weekly camp for pillow cases (I know that there's quite a range on MN though!), I don't have pillow protectors, and yearly possibly for pillows. See, this is why I need new pillows.

Wash pillow cases every week. Protectors at same time usually. Or every other time. Pillows..... Never!

Is that really really bad? Tried washing a pillow that had been unprotected and spewed on and it went wrong - hideous clump of wet feathers. I threw it away.

I just use 2 pillow cases,easier.

I saw on tv once that a pillow can be 20% bed bugs

Stop that Robot .

Robot, surely you mean house mites, not bed bugs. I hope!

You need a pillow protector to cover the pillow. It just makes a bigger barrier against dribble and drool. Wash the pillow case frequently, the protector half as much, and the pillow itself now and again.

I have no idea... Either way, its 20% something that's not pillow

Think I might buy new pillows tomorrow. Yes.

I meant house dust mites up there, btw.

Pillow protectors do stop the pillow from discolouring, but 2 pillow cases would do the same job I assume. I have protectors on new pillows- the old ones are already ruined, and I have never successfully washed pillows.

How DO people wash pillows? They just end up all lumpy for me.

I chuck and get everyone new cheap ones about once a year, and an expensiver one for me (selfish).

Have been considering pillow protectors but they are almost as much as new cheap pillows.

I've never successfully managed to wash a pillow either. I just buy cheap new ones every now and again.

I washed and tumbled a pillow yesterday for the first time ever. It was ace! Looks like a cloud now.

What kind of pillow is it? Mine are all synthetic due to allergies.