We spend most of our time in our bed sleeping, eating, working, or just lazying around. So, it is only apparent to spend on a good mattress. After all, the secret to a good night's sleep is a great mattress.
But will you be able to sleep well on a dirty mattress?
Due to its nature, a mattress is a sanctuary for dust mites, animal dander, and other allergens found in your home. More than 50 million Americans experience various allergies each year.
A mattress protector is an essential component to protect your precious mattress from dirt, stains, and all these other allergens. What is a mattress protector, and is a mattress protector necessary? What is the purpose of a mattress cover? Keep reading to find out.
What is a Mattress protector?
A mattress protector is a protective fitted sheet between your bedsheet and your mattress. It is a sturdy sheet cover that guards your mattress against liquids, stains, bed bugs, mites, bodily fluids, and dust. In addition, the mattress protector aids in mattress cleaning, longevity, and warranty.
Mattress protectors are typically made of cotton, polyester, or other materials and are designed to be liquid and allergen resistant. Your pricey mattress will stay fresh, clean, and stain-free with the mattress protector. Due to the high cost of mattresses, investing in a mattress protector is a great deal.
They're also simple to clean, just like your bedsheets and pillowcases.
Difference between mattress pad and mattress protector
A mattress pad is a substantial quilted fabric that goes over your mattress and under your bed sheet. These mattress pads can assist in preserving your mattress from wear and tear and reducing allergens on your bed to some extent.
The significant difference between mattress pad and mattress protector lies in their purpose. The pads are primarily designed to improve the comfort of your mattress. At the same time, the primary purpose of a mattress protector is not comfort but protection.
What Is a Mattress Protector Used for?
Many people think that the purpose of a mattress protector is just to act as a waterproof covering to keep the moisture out, but that's not it.
A mattress protector protects the mattress from bed bugs, stains, dust mites, bacteria, sweat, allergens, and excessive heat. It also extends the life of a mattress and promotes overall hygiene and wellness.
A mattress protector is an inexpensive tool to prolong the life of your expensive mattress.
Varieties in Mattress Protectors
Mattress protectors can be broadly classified into two groups based on fit and material.
Fit
A mattress protector should fit snugly throughout the mattress, with no gaps in between. So, what are the many mattress types?
Encasement:
Encasements provide 360-degree cover to your mattresses. They have a large zipper to encase your mattress entirely from top to bottom. However, they are a little tricky to put on and take off.
Fitted:
Fitted protectors cover the top and sides of your mattress while leaving the rest exposed. These are simple stain blockers that come off quickly.
Elastic strap:
Elastic straps provide the least coverage to the mattress, and they only cover the top mattress surface while leaving the sides and bottom exposed.
Material
Similar to the fit of the mattress cover, the materials too affect the coverage and sleep quality of the mattress. Contrary to the fit sizes, which were limited to just three choices, the material aspect gives an array of different options. So, depending on the sleeper's needs and requirements, the materials usually range from natural to synthetic, including:
- Wool
- Cotton
- Vinyl
- Polyester
- Spandex
- Polyurethane
- Latex
Each has its defining characteristics that serve different purposes between the natural and synthetics materials. For example, natural materials like cotton and wool do not make much noise and reduce or conserve body temperature. It is a fantastic choice for green buyers due to its organic and hypoallergenic nature.
However, in case of spills, a waterproof protector material, like vinyl, is the best choice. These materials are effective against any mishaps that can harm the mattress and give the sleeper a comfortable surface to sleep and laze around on.
The thermoplastic polyester and spandex materials offer a crinkle-free and cool layer of complete comfort that can fit practically all mattress sizes.
How to Choose a Mattress Protector?
If you wish to find an answer to this question, then ask yourself one more - What matters the most to my sleep life? Then, make a checklist of all your needs and requirements, and match them with the capabilities of the mattress protector.
Some of the most integral aspects that you can never forego while purchasing a mattress protector are:
- Waterproofing - Waterproofing is one condition no mattress owner wishes to forego, and for all good reasons. Spills can be bothersome and a nightmare to remove. It also affects the longevity of the mattress and can reduce its lifespan. A waterproof mattress protector is a solution to any accidental spills and damages. Because believe us - buying a new mattress prematurely is no one's idea of fun.
- Cleaning - The question of how to wash a mattress protector always comes up with organic materials. They're sensitive and eco-friendly, but it is also essential to consider how to clean them without ruining the structure. The best way to clean them is through machine washing or dryer.
- Temperature Regulation and Airflow - A breathable mattress protector should also be considered if one does not wish to sweat through the night and day, especially if your body temperature is constantly high. Some mattress protectors offer thermodynamic or sweat-wicking materials that give excellent breathability for maximum comfort - it always maintains coolness.
- Comfort - This is a no-brainer condition when choosing a mattress protector. No one wants a mattress that squeaks, rubs and itches through the night. It should always enhance your comfort, not increase it to the point of annoyance.
Do you need a mattress protector?
A short and straightforward answer to this question is - Yes, your mattress desperately needs a mattress protector. It might be just one extra layer of the mattress, but it can be the one difference between a long-lasting mattress or otherwise. Households with children can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that under any circumstances, at least their mattress will be safe.
It also plays an essential role in keeping the allergies away and ensuring days without constant sneezing. It is impossible to say no to a mattress protector with so many benefits!
