Though we spend a considerable amount of time tucked into it, bedding hygiene is often overlooked and undervalued. Pillows, in particular, provide bacteria with the perfect environment for growth and can quickly develop unpleasant odors and inflame allergens. Despite this, research suggests that only 28% of people change their bedding the recommended once a week (YouGov). But help is at hand. Antibacterial pillows and pillow cases featuring our innovative Polygiene StayFresh™ solution inhibit the growth of bacteria, keeping your pillow fresh between washes.
Antibacterial pillows leverage advanced additive technologies like Polygiene StayFresh to resist bacterial growth and ensure your pillow stays fresher for longer. As bacteria are responsible for many of the unpleasant odors that develop in textiles – their metabolic processes produce a range of stinky substances – these technologies also prevent your pillow from accumulating those bad bed smells. Crucially, the antibacterial additive is integrated into the textile, so it doesn’t affect user comfort at all.
Standard pillows offer no antibacterial protection and this can lead to several issues. As they are in regular contact with our skin and hair, they tend to get covered in shedded cells, as well as our sweat, all of which provide bacteria with the nutrition they need to spread. Studies show that after a week without washing, pillowcases can harbor around three million bacteria per square inch, which works out to 17,000 times more than your toilet seat (BBC).
Though not all bacteria are dangerous (many are an important component in natural, healthy microbiomes), some are potentially harmful. These include:
Even when bacteria are not likely to cause major or immediate health complications, they can affect sleep quality, skin health and general well-being.
In contrast, antibacterial pillows feature integrated protection that prevents bacteria from growing and becoming an issue. Key benefits include:
Bacteria are one of the primary causes of unpleasant odors in textiles and thrive in damp, warm environments, such as sports apparel, towels and bedding. By neutralizing the bacteria and preventing the spread of these microorganisms, Polygiene StayFresh keeps pillows smelling fresher for longer, so you don’t need to worry about washing them as frequently.
Bacteria can irritate the skin, inflame acne and cause other dermatological issues. This makes antibacterial pillow covers a great choice for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
By keeping pillowcases fresh and limiting bacterial growth between washes, antibacterial additives reduce the need for frequent washing. In turn, this minimizes a pillow’s overall environmental impact. Fewer washes mean you consume less energy and water while limiting washing machine wear and tear and extending the pillow’s expected lifespan.
Polygiene StayFresh is based on silver ion technology, which acts on the bacteria in three main ways:
Silver chloride – the active ingredient in Polygiene StayFresh – occurs naturally in soil and water and is entirely skin-safe. The solution has been rigorously tested to ensure it is suitable for use in pillows and bedding and is REACH compliant, bluesign®-approved and OEKO-TEX® Eco Passport certified.
Manufacturers incorporate antibacterial additives into a range of other bedware, too. It can be found in:
As Polygiene StayFresh can be integrated into any fabric, it provides antibacterial protection to products in almost every textile category, ranging from sportswear to bedding and accessories for pets.
Are antibacterial pillows safe for people with sensitive skin or allergies?
Polygiene StayFresh antibacterial technology has been thoroughly tested and approved. They are completely safe and can be highly beneficial for those individuals who suffer from sensitive skin, dermatological issues or allergies.
Will antibacterial treatment wear off after washing over time?
While many antibacterial treatments do wash off, Polygiene StayFresh is integrated into the material itself and is designed to provide long-lasting, 24/7 antibacterial protection. Because it is IN the fabric, not on it, it will continue to function as intended.
Do antibacterial pillows feel the same as standard pillows?
Yes. Antibacterial treatments do not affect the look or feel of the pillow and have no impact on material softness or breathability. As they prevent the build-up of bad smells, they will typically feel more comfortable in the long run.
Do antibacterial pillows cost more?
In some cases, antibacterial pillows will have a higher up-front cost. However, as they tend to last longer and don’t need replacing as frequently, this cost is likely to balance out over the pillow’s lifespan.
Polygiene StayFresh can already be found in bedding products from the following brands:
Polygiene StayFresh provides effective antibacterial protection for all textile products and is perfect for pillow and other bedding applications. Designed to deliver value to consumers, distinguish brands’ products from the competition, and help businesses embrace more sustainable product design, our antibacterial solution is easy to integrate into manufacturing processes. Our team also provides extensive marketing support to help brands maximize the benefits associated with Polygiene StayFresh and effectively communicate them to customers.
Learn more on the Polygiene StayFresh solution page or contact our expert team to explore potential applications.
