Body pillow cover: get the size right, then the fabric
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- Cotton percale body pillow cover with zipper, 20 x 54. Best for: Most people with a standard straight body pillow. See options on Amazon
- Tencel or bamboo viscose body pillow case. Best for: Warm or sweaty sleepers. See options on Amazon
- Jersey knit body pillow cover. Best for: People who sleep cold or want a stretchy fit. See options on Amazon
- Replacement cover for a C or U body pillow. Best for: Owners of shaped pregnancy or body pillows. See options on Amazon
- Zippered body pillow protector. Best for: Foam or latex body pillows that cannot be washed. See options on Amazon
Measure before you buy
Body pillow covers are not one size. The Sleep Foundation lists common straight body pillow sizes as 54 by 20 inches and 48 by 20 inches, and its body pillow guide says most body pillows measure between 48 and 54 inches long. A cover made for 54 inches will bag on a 48-inch pillow, and a 48-inch cover will not close on a 54-inch one.
- Lay the pillow flat and measure length and width across the middle.
- Check whether it is plump or flat. A very full pillow may need a slightly roomier cover or a stretch fabric.
- For C, U or J shapes, buy a cover made for that exact shape and model. Straight covers will not fit them.
Closures: zipper, envelope or open end
| Closure | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Zipper | Holding the pillow fully in place; the Sleep Foundation says zipper or button closures maintain full shape | Zips can scratch if not hidden |
| Envelope flap | Easy on and off; the Sleep Foundation says the flap keeps the insert from slipping out | Flap can come untucked on a long pillow |
| Open end | Quickest to change | Pillow slides out when you hug and tug it |
Because you hug and pull a body pillow far more than a head pillow, a zipper is usually worth it. A hidden zipper avoids scratches and snags.
Fabric for warm and cool sleepers
The Sleep Foundation's cooling sheet guide lists cotton, linen, viscose, silk, Tencel and bamboo-derived fabrics as good for hot sleepers, and flannel, microfiber, fleece and jersey for people who sleep cold. It also says a percale weave breathes more than sateen, which tends to feel heavier and trap more heat.
- Sleep warm: cotton percale, Tencel lyocell or bamboo viscose. See cooling body pillows.
- Sleep cold: jersey knit, flannel or a brushed microfiber.
- Sensitive skin: the Sleep Foundation says satin's smooth weave is often preferred for sensitive skin.
- Easy care: it says polyester is stain-resistant and easy to maintain but less breathable.
Cover vs protector
A cover is the fabric layer you touch. A protector is a thinner inner layer, often zippered, that keeps sweat and dust out of the fill. If your body pillow is foam, which the Sleep Foundation says should often be spot-cleaned only, a protector under the cover helps keep the pillow itself clean. If the protector is waterproof, choose a breathable one so it does not trap heat.
Washing
The Sleep Foundation's body pillow guide says common instructions are to wash covers in cold water on a delicate or gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low or air dry, and to follow the care label because some fills are damaged by washing. Its pillowcase guide suggests washing pillowcases about once a week to limit oils, sweat, dust and bacteria. A body pillow cover gets as much skin contact, so a similar routine makes sense. Owning two covers means one is always on the pillow.
What to look for when you buy
Cotton percale body pillow cover with zipper, 20 x 54
Best for: Most people with a standard straight body pillow
Percale is a breathable weave that the Sleep Foundation says runs cooler than sateen, and a zipper holds the pillow in place when you hug it.
Watch out: Measure first. Some body pillows are 48 inches long and need the shorter size.
See options on AmazonTencel or bamboo viscose body pillow case
Best for: Warm or sweaty sleepers
The Sleep Foundation lists Tencel and bamboo-derived fabrics among good choices for hot sleepers.
Watch out: Follow gentle-wash care instructions so the fabric lasts.
See options on AmazonJersey knit body pillow cover
Best for: People who sleep cold or want a stretchy fit
Jersey stretches to fit a plump pillow, and the Sleep Foundation lists it among fabrics for people who sleep cold.
Watch out: It runs warm, so it is a poor choice for hot sleepers.
See options on AmazonReplacement cover for a C or U body pillow
Best for: Owners of shaped pregnancy or body pillows
Shaped pillows need shaped covers, and a spare means the pillow is not out of use on wash day.
Watch out: Match the exact model or listed dimensions; shapes vary between makers.
See options on AmazonZippered body pillow protector
Best for: Foam or latex body pillows that cannot be washed
A protector keeps sweat and dust out of a fill the Sleep Foundation says is often spot-clean only.
Watch out: Waterproof protectors can feel warm. Choose a breathable one.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What size is a body pillow cover?
- Most straight covers are made for 20 by 54 inch pillows, with some for 20 by 48 inches. Measure your pillow before you order.
- Is a body pillow case the same as a cover?
- Yes, the terms are used for the same thing. A protector is a separate inner layer that guards the fill.
- How often should I wash a body pillow cover?
- The Sleep Foundation suggests about once a week for pillowcases, and a body pillow cover gets similar skin contact.
- Can I put the whole body pillow in the washer?
- Some can be washed whole, but the Sleep Foundation says foam is often spot-clean only and fills and covers must dry completely. Check the label.
Sources
- Best Body Pillows (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-pillows/best-body-pillow), Sleep Foundation
- Best Memory Foam Pillow (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-pillows/best-memory-foam-pillow), Sleep Foundation
- Best Pillowcases: From Silk to Sateen (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-sheets/best-pillowcases), Sleep Foundation
- Best Cooling Sheets (www.sleepfoundation.org/best-sheets/best-cooling-sheets), Sleep Foundation