TheRoundup is reader supported. We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase via links on this site, at no cost to you.
All products are personally reviewed and tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
Pillow protectors do a great job of shielding expensive pillows from sweat, stains, spills, and general wear and tear.
But if you've invested in a non-toxic pillow, the last thing you want to do is cover it in a layer of synthetic polyester, microfiber, nylon, or PVC.
That's why for the last 6 months, my team and I have been busy testing the best pillow protectors of 2024 made using only organic, sustainable, and natural materials.
They offer unbeatable protection while remaining completely free of chemicals. What's more, many are also hypoallergenic and breathable to keep you cool throughout the night.
✔ Excellent Waterproof Protection
✔ Quiet and Comfortable
✔ Highly Durable
Why It's My #1 Pick: For sheer comfort and protection, the Avocado Green Organic Pillow Protector checks all the boxes. Made from ultra-breathable GOTS organic cotton, and with MADE SAFE certification, it's especially good for sensitive sleepers.
The thin polyurethane layer keeps liquids away but still allows airflow through for a healthier sleep environment. It is both a responsible and reliable choice and offers excellent value at $49.
Personal Experience: Since adding the Avocado pillow protector to my bed, I've slept easy knowing my pillow is shielded from spills and sweat. The incredibly soft organic cotton fabric provides subtle extra plushness without any crinkling or rustling whatsoever.
The fit is snug, with no sliding around, thanks to its smartly hidden zipper and tapered shape. After several machine washes, it remains durable and bright.
If you're looking for a responsible protector that feels ultra-soft and provides genuine protection, this one delivers. Of all the products I tried, this is the one I will continue to use in the future.
Why It's Good For Hot Sleepers: The stretchy organic cotton and airflow from the open side keep this waterproof protector breathing all night.
Even with its protective barrier, body heat and vapor still escape to prevent a hot and clammy feel. The moisture-wicking fabric remains dry, unlike plastic barriers that can cause night sweats. Stains get stopped in their tracks while you stay cool.
For those struggling with excessive perspiration, this lets you finally relax on a crisp, clean surface free of lingering odors and irritation.
Personal Experience: I've been impressed by how Naturepedic's soft stretch-knit protector shields liquids without compromising comfort. Unlike crinkly plastic versions, the supple organic cotton stretches smoothly to maintain the original feel of the pillow fill. The open side facilitates just enough airflow to keep you sweat-free all night long.
While not fully encased, the waterproof inner layer has reliably absorbed minor leaks and perspiration without yellowing or sacrificing the structure. After machine washing, it emerges as fresh as when it was new.
I consider this to be an organic, non-toxic protector that combines easy care, breathability, and genuine protection.
Why It's Good for Breathability: With its single-ply 400 thread count organic cotton construction, Avocado's standard protector stands out for maximizing airflow and dissipating heat. The supple GOTS-certified fabric simply nurtures skin with its exceptionally soft feel.
For those who sleep hot or live in humid environments (or both - like me) this protector shields pillows from average wear without compromising cool comfort, making it the ideal choice for breathability.
Personal Experience: Unlike Avocado’s waterproof version, this soft organic protector favors airflow and silky comfort over impermeable barriers. The lush 400 thread count cotton feels ultra-luxurious cradling my head, without any crinkly vinyl.
While it absorbs light perspiration, I did kind of miss the reliable leakage protection during severe night sweats. However, the subtle zippered enclosure keeps my pillow shielded from routine dirt and oil better than typical cases, without compromising that cool, breathable plushness I crave.
For peace of mind against accidents, I’d upgrade to the waterproof style. But for simply pampering skin while warding off dust, this remains a great option for airy, sensuous comfort.
Why It's Good For Breathability and Allergen Protection: With its 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton construction, Brentwood’s hypoallergenic protector balances airflow and safeguarding. The breathable weave resists dust mites, pollen, and pet dander without moisture-trapping vinyl coatings.
Personal Experience: Since slipping Brentwood’s soft protector over my pillow, I’ve been pleased with the added security from irritants and oils it provides while still letting airflow circulate. The supple weave hasn’t limited plushness like synthetics.
While it swiftly absorbs stray drool and light sweat, the organic cotton would hit its limits with any substantial spills.
However, if you need affordable, chemical-free materials rather than total barrier performance, this protector brings healthier, more eco-conscious protection against everyday grime. Ideal for kids and guests, it wards off most typical irritants for better ventilation and purity.
It effortlessly wicks light moisture and has endured countless machine cycles without fraying. For the price, I would consider it a good all-round choice. While not reinventing protection, Brentwood’s conscientious crafting supplies simplicity I can feel good about. I appreciate the balance it strikes.
Why It's Recommended for Kids: This Naturepedic kids' protector brings the same ultra-soft stretch cotton and breathable DrySleep moisture protection as the adult version - but is sized for toddler pillows. The protector is made from non-toxic materials that guard against allergens and liquids without the harmful substances that young sleepers are far more vulnerable to.
Compared to standard options that may contain polyester, vinyl, or microfibers, this offers a safe, comfortable, and effective pillow encasement for children.
Personal Experience: Naturepedic protectors come with all the non-toxic certifications you could want to make you feel comfortable using this product under your child's pillowcase.
Three of our team tested this product with their kids and found it was so comfortable, none of them even knew it was there. It's sensitive skin-friendly, offers excellent protection, and is also machine washable. So you can just toss it in with the rest of your bed sheets whenever it needs a wash.
Why It Made the List: Personally I prefer to support organic brands by buying from them direct. But if for whatever reason you prefer to shop on Amazon, (whether it's to use up some gift cards or get some benefit from Prime membership) then this is the option I'd recommend. It lacks the quality of the other picks, but is a solid, fully organic budget option.
Personal Experience: This is a very decent product from MakeMake Organics, but after trying the Avocado and Naturepedic options I guess we were just spoiled!
This doesn't feel as high-quality or quite as comfortable as my earlier recommendations. It's organic but lacks the non-toxic certifications for extra peace of mind. I would consider this to be water-resistant but it's not fully waterproof.
That said, you get the choice of more different sizes, and given it comes in packs of two, you do at least have a fallback if one breaks. If you're on a budget but still want a protector made of 100 percent organic cotton then this is the product to choose.
Each pillow cover was fully tested in real-world scenarios by our team for a minimum of 30 nights.
We evaluated the products using the following criteria:
We assigned each product a score between 1 and 5 stars for each of these criteria, then weighted and combined these scores to provide a quantitative score to use for comparison.
Note that not all products tested made the final list. Only the highest-scoring products are recommended.
There are several main types of pillow protectors, including:
To achieve waterproofing, manufacturers need to include a thin polyurethane membrane. This prevents spills and liquids from penetrating the pillow fill.
Although not ideal from an environmental perspective, it is considered acceptable providing it comprises no more than 5% of the total material content, and the remainder of the materials are organic.
OEKO-TEX, Made Safe or GreenGuard Gold labels are used to verify that the product remains non-toxic.
Made from breathable organic fabrics like cotton or bamboo, these focus on comfort and natural materials that cannot guarantee complete waterproofing. They are biodegradable and chemical-free.
Designed to block dust mites, bed bugs, pollen, and other allergens, these protectors sometimes incorporate antimicrobial treatments.
Most organic protectors are naturally hypoallergenic and do not require additional treatments.
The most basic style made from conventional cotton/polyester blends. Mainly protects from minor staining but can contain toxic chemicals and flame retardants.
Usually the least expensive type - but there's a reason for that!
Extra soft, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic protectors specifically sized for youth pillows. They focus on both breathability and liquid resistance.
The key differences have to do with the level of waterproofing, the type of fabrics used, the chemical content, and the manufacturing quality.
TLDR: Match your top priorities against credible product details and confirm third-party reviews and certifications, and you'll usually make the right choice.
A pillow protector is placed underneath a pillowcase to guard against dirt and spills. It's thicker, often waterproof, and requires less frequent washing.
A pillowcase is primarily used for comfort and keeping the pillow clean. It's softer, like cotton or silk, and is decorative. It covers the protector and needs regular washing.
We recommend that you wash your pillow protector every two to four weeks. This keeps it clean and prolongs its life.
A pillow cover made of natural, breathable fabrics is good for health. Cotton or bamboo are great choices. They are soft, hypoallergenic, and allow airflow. This helps in reducing allergens and maintaining a comfortable sleeping temperature.
Bamboo and silk pillowcases are recommended for skin and hair. They are smooth and create less friction. This reduces frizz, hair breakage, and skin irritation. Silk also helps in keeping skin hydrated and can prevent sleep creases.
Remember that a pillow encasement is designed to go underneath your pillowcase, so it will not come into direct contact with your skin or hair. Therefore this is not a factor in choosing this type of product.
Organic cotton is great for sleeping. It's temperature-regulating and perfect for hot sleepers.
Organic pillow covers are a must-have if you want to keep your pillow in good condition and make it last longer. They protect against stains, dust mites, bed bugs, and allergens without exposing yourself to VOCs, chemicals, and flame retardants.
All of the options we've listed are sustainably and ethically made by companies you can trust, and have been thoroughly tested for quality, comfort, and safety.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
TheRoundup.org - As Seen On
