I received this product for free to give my honest opinion. The texture has a towel like feel so much so I had to use an extra pillow case because it was not very comfortable to the touch.  I had high hopes but the protector felt a little too plastic for my tastes. One good benefit is it zips tightly and snugly. Inside the protector it feels like plastic material so I'm sure that bugs cannot get through it. I definitely like that aspect! I did not wash it so not sure if it would feel softer later. Definitely not for direct use on the skin. I guess you could, but it feels like putting your face on a paper towel.