PillowGuard Range FAQs

Any shared surface or piece of equipment in a clinical environment is an infection risk because our bodies carry and can transfer many different bacteria and fungi (pathogens) — thankfully not all are harmful. For example, a lot of people carry on their skin or in their nose a number of different strains of Staphylococcus aureus — these bacteria can cause severe infections if they enter the body.

This is also the reason why many businesses do not allow its customers to return a pillow after it has been trialled (unless of course it was faulty).

Using the same pillowcase throughout the day without protection can lead to bacterial growth, despite daily washing. Any contact from skin or hair that is carrying harmful pathogens will transfer on to your pillowcase and from there they can be passed on to your clients.

In addition, washing your pillowcases daily involves more effort, is far less cost effective and is more harmful to the environment in the long term.

Our PillowGuard range (PillowGuard Reusable and PillowGuard Recyclable) is designed to provide the comfort of a fabric pillowcase but at a reduced cost, eliminating the expense and effort of purchasing and laundering pillowcases.

Great! However, most reusable fabrics do not have any bacteria filtering properties, which means the pillow itself may become contaminated, exposing the next client to these potentially harmful pathogens.

There is research to show that reusable fabrics can actually harbour harmful pathogens, even after multiple hospital-grade laundering.

To reduce the risk of infection around the shared pillow and to implement best hygiene practice, the reusable PillowGuard should be sanitised between each client and then covered with a new recyclable PillowGuard.

The PillowGuard range is designed to provide the comfort and breathability of a fabric pillowcase but at a reduced cost, eliminating the expense and effort of purchasing and laundering pillowcases.

In order to adhere to the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare and our evidenced-based best practice guidelines, any equipment that is shared among clients should be sanitised with a disinfecting agent and then covered with a single-use physical protection barrier.

The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outer lining of our reusable PillowGuard is impermeable to any bacteria or virus and can be sanitised using an antibacterial agent.

For an extra layer of protection, our recyclable PillowGuard acts as the comfortable and hygienic single-use physical barrier.

The recyclable PillowGuard is made from polypropylene using thermal-staked seams to ensure it is 100% recyclable.

After use and to keep used PillowGuards out of landfill, they can be deposited in your local REDcycle bin — find your local drop-off point.

Alternatively, you can return used PillowGuards in a Zero Waste Box™ to TerraCycle Australia.
To find out more information, visit our PillowGuard Recyclable page.

No. Research shows that fabrics can actually harbour harmful pathogens, even after multiple hospital-grade laundering. To reduce the risk of infection around a shared pillow, a new PillowGuard Recyclable should be used for each client.

After use and to keep used PillowGuards out of landfill, they can be deposited in your local REDcycle bin — find your local drop-off point.

Alternatively, you can return used PillowGuards in a Zero Waste Box™ to TerraCycle Australia.

Any bacteria that is airborne, spit borne or carried through skin particles may potentially be found on the bed. These include but are not limited to MRSA, chickenpox (varicella), influenza (“the flu”), COVID-19, measles (rubeola), mumps, E. coli, whooping cough (Bordetella pertussis), meningitis (Neisseria species), pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Streptococcus species) and tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

We understand that clinic pillows can be used for more than just resting your client’s head but some common transmissible illnesses can be found in hair, including folliculitis, fungal diseases, dandruff and folliculitis decalvans.

No. Resistant to bacteria, saliva and water, our reusable PillowGuard is a medical-grade pillow protector designed to withstand the day-to-day usage of a clinic environment but with the comfort, softness and breathability of a domestic pillow protector.

If your pillows often turn yellow, the PillowGuard’s zippered closure fully encases and protects the pillow, extending its longevity.

Our resuable PillowGuards come in packs of two. Ask your therapist to order a pack for you, or order one directly from our website.

You can find out more information about our PillowGuard Recyclable and PillowGuard Reusable on our website. Alternatively, feel free to send an email to customerservice@purifas.com or call (+61) 1300 251 915. We’re here to help.