Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed on the skin flakes people shed, and a pillow is one of their favorite homes. A zippered cover is one step the NIEHS and EPA both recommend for people who react to them.
This guide covers what the health agencies say about dust mites and pillow covers, the three kinds of cover, how to choose one, and seven products to compare.
General information, not medical advice; see a doctor if you have asthma or allergy symptoms that are severe, ongoing or getting worse.
Dust mite pillow cover basics
- The NIEHS says dust mites cannot be completely eliminated, but their numbers can be reduced, and it names encasing your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers as one step.[1]
- The EPA says every home has dust mites and that their body parts and droppings can trigger asthma in people who are allergic to them.[2]
- MedlinePlus says most dust mites in a home are found in bedding, mattresses and box springs, and it advises wrapping pillows in mite-proof covers and washing bedding weekly in hot water, 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.[3]
- The NIEHS says to wash bedding once a week in hot water and keep indoor humidity at or below 50 percent.[1]
- Check the care label: some covers wash gently and dry on low, which is cooler than the hot wash advised for bedding.
Key Specs
| No. | Product | Type | Cover | Sizes | Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SureGuard Two Pack | Pillow protector | Cotton terry | Standard | Machine washable |
| 2 | Utopia Bedding Ultimate Comfort | Pillow protector | Polyester jersey with TPU coating | Standard 20 x 26 in | Machine washable |
| 3 | Mission:Allergy Casing | Pillow encasing | Microfiber polyester | Standard | – |
| 4 | DMI Classic | Pillow protector | – | Standard | Machine washable |
| 5 | Hospitology Products Encasement- Zippered | Pillow encasement | Polyester knit with waterproof membrane | Queen 20 x 30 in | Machine washable |
| 6 | Eco Living Freindly Evolon | Pillow encasement | Evolon fabric | Queen | – |
| 7 | Hospitology Products Sleep Defence System | Pillow encasement | Polyester knit with waterproof membrane | Standard 20 x 26 in | Machine washable |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
What Dust Mites Are and How They Affect You
The NIEHS describes dust mites as microscopic, insect-like pests that feed on dander and live in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains. It says they are a big source of allergens that can worsen allergies and asthma.[1]
The NHS names house dust mites among the common allergens and says allergy symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, and red or watering eyes. It says to see a GP if you think you or your child has an allergy.[4]
The EPA adds that exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously shown asthma symptoms, and that people with asthma should work with a doctor to find their triggers.[2]
How a Pillow Cover Fits Into Dust Mite Control
A cover keeps the pillow’s contents sealed away from you, and a cover you can wash keeps the outer surface clean. The agencies treat it as one step in a set.
- Cover the Pillow – The EPA says to use dust-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.[2]
- Wash Weekly – The EPA says to wash bedding in hot water once a week and dry it completely.[2]
- Lower Humidity – The NIEHS says to use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity at or below 50 percent.[1]
- Damp Dust and Vacuum – The EPA says to dust often with a damp cloth and vacuum weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum.[2]
A cover lowers exposure and does not cure an allergy. The NIEHS says medicines and immunotherapy are what control symptoms, and that you can see a doctor to get tested.[1]
Types of Pillow Covers
Dust mite covers for pillows come in three forms, and the products in this guide include all three.
- Zippered Encasement – A fully enclosed cover with a zipper that seals the pillow inside. The Mission: Allergy, Hospitology and Eco Living Friendly products are sold as encasements.
- Pillow Protector – A zippered cover that goes under your pillowcase and often adds a waterproof layer. The SureGuard, Utopia Bedding and DMI products work this way.
- Dust Mite Pillowcase – A pillowcase made of a tight weave. Without a zipper it does not seal the pillow, so it covers less than an encasement.
How to Choose a Dust Mite Pillow Cover
- Zipper – Pick a zipper that fully closes the cover, since the cover only works when the pillow is sealed in.
- Size – Match your pillow: Standard is about 20 x 26 inches and Queen about 20 x 30 inches.
- Fabric – Cotton terry feels soft, microfiber and polyester knit are smooth, and waterproof backings add moisture protection but can feel warmer.
- Care – Read the label. Some covers say to wash gently and tumble dry on low, so wash and dry them as directed.
- Pack Size – Count the covers in the set. The Utopia set has four, and most others have two.
- Budget – Prices vary with the set size and fabric. Compare the cost per cover.
If you also want a spare layer, a pillow protector goes under the pillowcase.
More Ways to Cut Down on Dust Mites
The NIEHS also suggests replacing wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials, swapping wall-to-wall bedroom carpet for bare floors, using a damp mop or rag and never a dry cloth, and staying out of a vacuumed room for 20 minutes so allergens can settle.[1] MedlinePlus advises choosing washable stuffed toys and wearing a mask when you clean.[3]
How We Chose These Covers
These picks come from desk research. We compared product details such as materials, size, care and certifications. We did not test the covers ourselves.
We looked at these factors:
- Cover Type – Zippered encasement, protector or pillowcase.
- Closure – Whether a zipper fully seals the pillow.
- Fabric – Cotton terry, microfiber, polyester knit or Evolon.
- Size and Pack – Standard or Queen, and number of covers in the set.
- Care – Label washing and drying directions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dust Mite Pillow Covers
- How do I wash a dust mite cover?
Follow the care label. Many covers say to wash on a gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. Wash the pillowcase and sheets in hot water. - What symptoms does a dust mite allergy cause?
The NHS names a runny nose, sneezing, and red or watering eyes among allergy symptoms.[4] - Can dust mites cause asthma attacks?
The EPA says dust mite body parts and droppings can trigger asthma in people who are allergic to them.[2]
Our Picks: Dust Mite Pillow Covers
Here are seven covers to compare by type, size and fabric. We hope you love the products we recommend!
We may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This does not change your price.
1
SureGuard® Two Pack Zippered Cotton Terry Pillow Protectors
The SureGuard is a set of two zippered pillow protectors in Standard size, 21 x 27 inches, with a cotton terry surface.
- The protectors are waterproof and fully zippered, and the zipper is built to seal the pillow in.
- The set is GREENGUARD Gold certified and machine washable.
2
Utopia Bedding® Ultimate Comfort Zippered Waterproof Pillow Protectors, Set of 4
The Utopia Bedding set holds four zippered pillow protectors, each 20 x 26 inches, made from knitted polyester jersey with a waterproof TPU coating.
- The set has no pillow inserts, only covers, and it covers four pillows rather than two.
- Wash gently with the waterproof lining facing in and tumble dry on low.
3
Mission:Allergy® Casing Zippered Microfiber Pillow Encasing
The Mission: Allergy is a single Standard size pillow encasing woven from tightly woven microfiber polyester.
- The fabric is air-permeable, and the encasing has bound seams and zipper flaps inside and out.
- It is made in the USA and carries a lifetime warranty.
4
DMI® Classic Zippered Pillow Protectors, Set of 2
The DMI Classic is a set of two zippered pillow covers, 20 x 26 inches, in white.
- Double-stitched seams and a zipper close each cover.
- Machine wash it; the white fabric is fade-resistant.
5
Hospitology Products® Encasement- Zippered Zippered Waterproof Pillow Encasements, Queen
The Hospitology Queen is a set of two zippered pillow encasements, 20 x 30 inches, made from polyester knit with a breathable waterproof membrane.
- It protects the pillow from sweat and saliva as well as mites.
- Machine wash it and tumble dry on low; it carries a 5-year limited warranty.
6
Eco Living Freindly® Evolon Zippered Allergy Pillow Encasements, 2 Pack
The Eco Living Friendly is a two-pack of zippered Queen size pillow encasements made with Evolon fabric.
- It is sold as dust mite, bed bug and allergen proof.
7
Hospitology Products® Sleep Defence System Zippered Waterproof Pillow Encasements, Standard
The Hospitology Standard is a set of two zippered pillow encasements, 20 x 26 inches, in polyester knit with a waterproof membrane.
- It is the same design as the Queen set, cut for Standard pillows.
- Machine wash it and tumble dry on low.
Index Table: Dust Mite Pillow Covers
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SureGuard Two Pack - Zippered Cotton Terry Pillow Protectors |  |
| SureGuard |
| 2 | Utopia Bedding Ultimate Comfort - Zippered Waterproof Pillow Protectors, Set of 4 |  |
| Utopia Bedding |
| 3 | Mission:Allergy Casing - Zippered Microfiber Pillow Encasing |  |
| Mission:Allergy |
| 4 | DMI Classic - Zippered Pillow Protectors, Set of 2 |  |
| DMI |
| 5 | Hospitology Products Encasement- Zippered - Zippered Waterproof Pillow Encasements, Queen |  |
| Hospitology Products |
| 6 | Eco Living Freindly Evolon - Zippered Allergy Pillow Encasements, 2 Pack |  |
| Eco Living Freindly |
| 7 | Hospitology Products Sleep Defence System - Zippered Waterproof Pillow Encasements, Standard |  |
| Hospitology Products |
Sources
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Dust Mites and Cockroaches. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Asthma Triggers: Gain Control. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- MedlinePlus. Allergies, asthma, and dust. Accessed October 27, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Allergies. Accessed October 27, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around NIEHS, EPA, MedlinePlus and NHS guidance, removed the unsourced claims about eye damage, blue skin, infections and children rubbing their noses, rewrote all seven product notes, corrected the Key Specs (the Utopia Bedding set holds four covers, and most of the products are protectors or encasements rather than pillowcases), and added a disclaimer line, a takeaways box, How We Chose and an FAQ
- Oct 2026: Replaced unavailable products: Allersoft Standard Protector with Utopia Bedding Ultimate Comfort Protector; TRU Lite Bedding Anti Allergy Case with DMI Classic Pillowcase; Linenspa Waterproof Encasement with Hospitology Products Encasement- Zippered Protector
- Oct 2026: Removed ComfiLife Waterproof Cover (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs comparison table and a Sources section
- Feb 2022: Added Hospitology Products Sleep Defence System Cover and Allersoft Standard Protector
- Jul 2020: Added TRU Lite Bedding Anti Allergy Case
- Jun 2020: Added Linenspa Waterproof Encasement
- Mar 2020: Added Eco Living Freindly Evolon Cover and ComfiLife Waterproof Cover
- Aug 2019: Published
