A good mattress is a very big investment in your health and we spend many hours researching what firmness, material and brand of mattress you should use to get a good night’s sleep. But many neglect one simple but important part that protects the investment: the mattress protector. More than just some additional piece of furniture, a mattress protector is the first line of defense against your bed, protecting your mattress and giving you healthier sleep.
What is a Mattress Protector?
A mattress protector is a type of cover which you can take off your bed and put on top of your mattress under your fitted sheet. It ‘s primary purpose is to help protect the mattress from various types of damage. An example would be a waterproof phone case or a high impact cover for a sofa. It is going to take all the daily wear and tear to help preserve the more expensive piece under it. More recently, protectors have moved beyond unsightly, uncomfortable plastic sheets. They are made from a range of advanced fabrics that are quiet, breathable, and often unnoticeable, but are still incredibly durable.
Why You Absolutely Need One
Some reasons to consider using a mattress protector are personal hygiene, health reasons and cost effectiveness. First of all, it ‘s an effective barrier against spills and stains. Either your morning cup of coffee, that kid’s at-night spill, or the mess made by your pet, can get into a mattress so deep it creates permanent stains and grounds them for mold and mildew. This is where a waterproof feature in a mattress protector comes into play.
And secondly, it’s a fantastic tool for controlling allergies. A mattress can become a breeding ground for dust mites ( microscopic creatures that love warm / humid environments and eat dead skin cells ) and whose droppings are an extremely common allergen in people with allergies and asthma. A good mattress protector will help create a non-permeable barrier against mites and keep you from being exposed to their allergens.
Finally it protects your investment. A soiled or damaged mattress makes cleaning a very difficult task and tends to depreciate its resale value. Most mattress warranties are terminated due to stain or water damage. By using a protector you are going to have your mattress in the best possible condition to ensure it doesn’t depreciate and keep you cleaning it hygienically for the long haul.
Key Features to Consider When Buying
There are a few things that will determine how effective / comfortable it is when you ‘re buying one.
That is the difference. A waterproof protector is made with a membrane (like polyurethane or TPU) which blocks out 100% of all liquids from the fabric. So you need that if you have kids on your bed or people with pets or any sort of risk of spills. Water-resistant protectors can only withstand water for a very brief period of time, but it will still soak through eventually so it is best to go for one that is waterproof. How does the protector feel?The best of the best protectors have a breathable top layer with a quiet waterproof backing.
Types of Mattress Protectors
There is a lot of choice on the market in terms of what protectors to use.
Encasement Protectors. These zip around the entire mattress for 360 degree protection. They are the best way to protect against Bed Bugs Dust Mites and Allergens because they literally seal the entire mattress.
Fitted – Sheet Style: The standard form, they look and work almost exactly like a fitted sheet with elasticated corners to help secure the wearer ‘s body, and are easy to put on and take off to wash.
Mattress pads; although they are generally interchangeable with protectors, they are usually thicker and designed more for adding a soft layer of comfort ( with fillers like fiberfill ) than for providing a firm and waterproof layer.
How to Care for Your Mattress Protector
To make sure that your mattress protector is as long-lasting as possible (and getting the job done as efficiently as possible) it needs some care. It’s perfectly natural to wash your mattress protector once to two months, and maybe more, if needed.
Conclusion
A mattress protector is one small piece of protection that is essentially not necessary, that helps make your bedroom feel and look beautiful. Described by the name ‘mattress protector’, it is just another step that you can take to help protect your mattress and give you a cleaner sleep. The key to its effectiveness is to act as a direct barrier to keep spills, stains, allergens and dust mites from coming through and that in turn works directly to give you a cleaner sleep and to protect your investment by saving you money when you purchase that quality mattress. There are so many different options out there which are both comfortable and quiet and strong so there really is a perfect one that is right for every type of sleeper and every bed. Don’t wait until something goes wrong and try this easy addition today and feel the peace of mind that comes with a fully protected mattress.
