Your Guide to the Different Pillowcases

You know that choosing the right pillow for our specific sleep needs is directly related to our quality of sleep. Did you know that different types of pillowcases could actually be making or breaking your restful night?

We live in a world where working hours are growing longer, and screen activity is fatiguing our eyes and brain. Everyday stresses follow us into the night, and we simply can't afford to sacrifice our sleep anymore.

Waking up due to overheating or allergy onsets is sabotaging your resting routine. Not to mention inviting those droopy eyes into your daily life.

If you are ready to start facing the day with vigour after an uninterrupted beauty sleep, here is everything you need to know to choose the best pillow-covering sleep companion for your nighttime needs

From design to fabric, there are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect pillowslip. Let's take a look at the specific styles of pillow coverings and which ones are best for your needs.

This covering is the style that fits tightly around your pillow will a mechanism to keep your pillow in place. Most commonly, you will see these cases with zippers or envelope ends to avoid accidental slipping through the night.

These cases are best for the everyday user who wants a secure covering without the need for constant readjusting. Zippers and envelopes are easy to remove for washing and have the least amount of extra fabric for minimal creasing and bunching.

We recommend double-checking your pillow size before choosing this option. They are designed to fit snug, and standard sizes will not cover your king-sized pillows.

These are the pillowcases you will often see at hotels or BnB accommodations. They are completely open on one end of the pillow for ease when changing cases often. These cases travel past the edge of the pillow itself and can be tucked or folded in for an esthetically pleasing appearance.

The problem with these cases lies in their inability to hold the pillow in place. Users may experience pillows shifting through the night and sometimes breaking free of the covering.

Oxford pillowcases are the style most commonly used for decorative purposes or to match the duvet slip. These cases use an envelope enclosure on the backside of the pillow to secure a snug fit and feature extra, decorative fabric around the edges of the actual pillow enclosure.

Mock oxford cases are very similar in style but slightly different corners. Oxford coverings feature mitred corners whereas the mock style corners lay flat.

Once you have established the style of case that works best for you, you can address which fabrics suit your specific sleeping needs.

Let's jump in to learn the pros and cons of each of the popular fabric options.

This is the most cost-efficient solution for your pillow coverings and can often be purchased in sets with your sheets or at your local supermarkets.

A cotton pillowcase is a lightweight, natural fibre option. It features breathability and absorbent material. This is a great option for warm sleepers as the breathable fabric allows for better air movement.

However, due to the nature of the fabric, it does hold oils and cells from your skin. This may require more frequent washing to avoid acne breakouts or allergen build-ups.

Flannel is the thicker, rougher appearing cotton that we love to reach for in colder climates or through the winter season. The thicker material is less breathable than the aforementioned jersey cotton and holds more heat. This makes it ideal for a warm night's sleep.

The downside to the thick covering is that it has less ability to circulate air. Allergens often get caught up in your pillow and can aggravate users through the night.

The absorbent material is also a problem for those pesky allergens. This can present issues for sensitive skin or hair with excessive breakage.

Linen is an esthetically pleasing fabric that is becoming increasingly popular. It boasts temperature regulating and hypoallergenic features. This material is quite durable and provides a breathable feature that can minimize allergens and bacterial build-up.

While this fabric is beautiful when new, the problems arise from frequent washes that leave the material with pilling. Its creasing tendency is a complaint for consumers who found themselves waking with more lines and wrinkles on their skin than other light-weight options.

A silk pillowcase is a great option for sleepers looking for a boost in their beauty sleep. These cases are actually known to improve the appearance of skin with their smooth surface. The lack of bunching and creasing prevents unsightly lines upon waking and can also smooth out frizzy hair.

If you are suffering from hair breakage or noticing a more tired looking quality to your skin, a silk pillow is a great addition to your beauty routine.

This material is another lightweight and breathable option that won't absorb oils or dead skin cells as much as the cotton varieties, making it a great pick for sensitive skin or allergy sufferers.

It's important to note that not all silks are created equally, so be sure to source a top-quality case to reap all the benefits of this beautiful material.

Satin pillowcases boast many of the same benefits as a silk pillowcase. They are another great option for smoother skin and hair, however, their dense nature decreases breathability and climate control.

As we know, less breathable fabrics facilitate bacteria growth and allergen collection in your pillow. This may not be best for those who tend to sleep on the warm side.

Now that you know the difference between the types of pillowcases and the nature behind each fabric, we can't wait for you to choose your perfect pillow partner and start sawing those z's.

For a cooling action to prevent overheated interruptions and a more refreshed face, select your ideal covering now. Rest easy knowing that you'll be equipped to take on your day with ease.