Why Do You Need A Mattress Protector?
A mattress protector is a very useful product to keep the mattress in the best possible condition during its useful life.
Using this product protects the bed from dust, moisture, and dust mites, so as well as being good for the mattress, it’s also good for your health.
Resting as hygienically as possible positively affects your resting products and your health.
I’ve been bitten by bedbugs several times, and the only solution I found during the search was to use mattress protectors.
So in the article below, I will give you the main reasons you should get a Mattress protector.
Also read: How to clean your mattress from bed bugs?
So let’s go.
Do You Need A Mattress Protector?
You could be making a mistake if you’ve already bought a mattress and didn’t include a protective cover.
Some people mistakenly believe that pillow-top mattresses have built-in mattress protectors.
The layer placed on this type of mattress aims to provide additional comfort and softness.
On the other hand, although it offers a unique complement to the traditional surface of the mattress, it does not protect against sweat, germs, and other allergens!
As well as being clear about the importance of using a mattress protector, you need to know what type of protector you need.
Waterproof protectors are highly recommended to protect the bed from any liquid migration.
This type of mattress protector is even more important for older people and children, although it is suitable for any bed.
In this case, the breathable Tencel mattress protector is the most recommended, as it allows good air circulation but is waterproof, making it perfect for mattress hygiene.
It’s important to ensure the protective material is open-pored or follows the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve it.
It’s also important to know when to renew each mattress cover. Mattress protectors don’t have average durability but should be restored according to their condition.
However, if your mattress protector is damaged or has cracks in its waterproof layer, it should be replaced. The durability of these products is determined by the use and care given to the covers.
The mattress protector forms a barrier around the mattress, protecting it from allergens like dust mites that feed on dead skin and liquids that create mold and stains.
There are various models and sizes of mattress protectors that will help you better protect your investment.
Ask yourself the following five questions to determine if you need a mattress protector.
1. Did You Buy A New Mattress?
You will surely extend the life of your mattress by adding extra protection to your new purchase.
There are several models of mattress protectors: from zippered covers that fully cover the mattress to simple elastic band protectors at the four corners.
To learn more, read our article on buying and types of mattress protectors.
2. Do You Have A Baby Who Loves Crawling Into Your Bed With His Sippy Cup Or Frequently Spitting Up?
Children are not naturally clean and neat but rather sticky and messy!
Do not deprive your children of joining you in bed, even with juice or food, because by adding a mattress protector with a plastic lining, the mess will not go to the surface of the mattress.
It will be enough to change the sheets to quickly find a clean and fresh bed as Mum and Dad like it!
3. Do You Suffer From Allergies?
Did you know that there are approximately 10 million dust mites in a mattress and that a mattress protector is the best defense against these undesirables?
Allergy sufferers should pay special attention to the products they use to reduce airborne irritants and not sleep on a surface with mold to make the problem worse.
Those who suffer from allergies should therefore use a mattress protector designed specifically to counteract allergens, which will help them sleep better.
Pets and bed
4. Do Your Pets Snuggle Up To You After Walking Around?
Animals carry insects of all kinds, mud, dirt, weeds, and the like, and they will happily share them with you.
The longer your pet’s hair is, the more material it will trap that will fall onto your bed.
It is, therefore, a good idea to protect your mattress from remaining clean and dry – although after bathing your dog or cat, you will probably also have to change your sheets!
5. Did You Know You Sweat In Your Sleep, And Some People Sweat More Than Others?
A polyurethane mattress protector will help prevent large yellow stains and keep your mattress clean and dry.
Of course, washing your sheets and mattress pad regularly will make you feel cooler and more comfortable.
The mattress protectors are easy to remove; you can wash them weekly with your sheets.
Just vacuum the surface of your mattress while the mattress protector dries, and you’ll sleep in maximum freshness without too much effort!
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Mattress Protectors?
FOR THE LIFE OF YOUR MATTRESS
If you protect your mattress, it will be more durable and will last longer for your bedding set. The first line of defense is against sweat and humidity.
During the night, our bodies expel a huge volume of sweat. If there is no mattress pad, it might cause mildew and sagging of the mattress.
Furthermore, if you do not use a mattress protector, you risk getting stains or dirt on your mattress, which would necessitate cleaning.
Except that excessive cleaning diminishes the mattress’s resiliency over time.
We recommend a mattress protector, a breathable mattress, and an exposed slatted foundation if you or your partner sweat a lot at night.
The circulation of air and moisture will be circular and downward.
When applied on the upper side of the mattress, the mattress protector will minimize but not eradicate the flows circulating in the bedding.
It is advised not to place your mattress on the floor; it will quickly deteriorate and become less resistant.
Can I Sleep Without A Mattress Protector?
You can sleep without a mattress cover, but it might not be a good idea if you have allergies. Also, sleeping on a mattress without a blanket may make it last less long.
How To Put On A Mattress Protector
There are cushion covers for one or two people. After finding a mattress cover that fits your bed, the first thing to do is to put it on top of your sheets.
The waterproof side must touch your fitted sheet; if there is a wool side, it must touch the cushion. It won’t keep you from getting a good night’s sleep.
If it has rubber bands, you should put them on the bottom and wrap them around the sides of your cushion. It will keep the box spring from moving around.
If your mattress cushion has a zipper, it will wrap around your whole bed and protect it like a single piece. Check the mattress’s thickness to ensure it fits inside easily and completely.
Can I Put A Bedsheet Over A Mattress Protector?
Putting a bedsheet over a mattress protector would be best because sleeping on an unprotected mattress or a mattress protector is not a good idea.
Fitted sheets will provide you with the extra comfort and silky smoothness you need for a good night’s sleep.
Most of the best mattress covers, even the nicest and most expensive ones, are made of synthetic materials to create a shield over the mattress that works well.
The outside of the mattress cover may be made of brushed cotton or spun bamboo, but the part that goes against your mattress still has a layer of polyurethane or something similar.
If you sleep right on the mattress cover, you’ll be even closer to the synthetic material, and your bed will feel harder and less comfortable.
Plus, a good set of sheets feels more luxurious and comfier than any mattress cover. They’re just not made to.
How Often Do I Wash My Mattress Protector?
Mattress protectors aren’t meant to be washed every time you wash your sheets, nor do they need to be. There isn’t a lot of agreement on how often you should wash your mattress protector on the internet.
Advice ranges from “every three sheet changes” to “twice a year” to “I don’t know…when it looks dirty? ” but most people agree that, unlike your sheets and pillowcases, it doesn’t need to be washed every week.
(Plus, if you have a mattress cover that goes all the way around the mattress, washing it is a big job; doing it every week wouldn’t be possible).
But if you don’t put a fitted sheet over your mattress cover, it will be subject to the same sweat, pet hair, and, let’s say, bodily fluids as your sheet, and it will need to be washed just as often.
Because mattress covers aren’t made to be used this way, washing them more often can make them last less long.
Some people don’t like to use a mattress protector, and some mattress companies will still honor warranties even if one isn’t used.
However, the pros of using a mattress protector almost always outweigh the cons, and as long as you get the right protector for your type of mattress, it won’t affect how comfortable you are at night.
But no matter what, you should always sleep on a sheet and never on your mattress or mattress cover without a sheet. We promise you that you won’t be sorry.
How Long Do Mattress Protectors Last?
A mattress protector has an average lifespan which around 2-3 years, owing to the accumulation of dead skin cells, bodily sweat, and numerous spills that occur over time.
Mattress protectors should be washed every 3-4 weeks. Clean your mattress protector every other week if you have allergies or other skin disorders.
Chuck them in the washing machine with your bed linens!
Are Mattress Protectors Always Waterproof?
If you want to protect your mattress against any liquid, a waterproof mattress protector is best suited.
Formerly, this type of mattress protector was made of simple PVC with a polycotton surface.
It is not necessarily suitable for winter and produces a squealing noise with each movement, which can quickly become annoying.
Nowadays, manufacturers have found a way to offer comfort and waterproofness to mattress protectors thanks to many materials.
There is polyurethane which offers great absorption as well as good thermal and waterproof performance.
The waterproof polyurethane mattress protector remains flexible and silent, despite its membrane. This breathable membrane acts as a barrier against liquids.
This thin layer of protection allows you to optimally protect your bedding against incidents of everyday life (pee, coffee, juice, etc.).
There is also the cotton fleece used to provide unprecedented softness. Generally, thread-waterproof mattress protectors are very soft and breathable.
It is the polyurethane membrane that gives them their impermeability. Their composition thus favors machine washing at 60°C, an essential treatment to increase their lifespan and maintain good hygiene in your bed.
In summary, with waterproof mattress protectors, you run less risk of mold appearing and, therefore, of bad consequences such as allergies.
Between An Absorbent And Waterproof Mattress Protector: Which One To Choose?
The choice will depend on your need because both have their advantages.
Do you need a soft and comfortable material? Choose an absorbent mattress protector, preferably made from natural or organic materials.
This type of mattress protector absorbs moisture to prevent it from spreading on the ticking of the mattress. For good hygiene, you should wash it regularly.
Ideal for benefiting from the softness and comfort of cotton, the absorbent mattress protector offers optimal absorption and hygiene for your nights! However, it is not impervious to the types of liquids that might spill onto your mattress.
If you need security and protection, this waterproof mattress protector is best suited for you.
It offers total protection against liquids, leaks, incontinence, and stains. It keeps your mattress dry and extends its life.
Most waterproof mattress protectors have a membrane – on the mattress side – that provides complete protection against fluids. They fight mold and mildew to extend the life of your mattress.
To choose the right waterproof mattress protector, we advise you to select those made of 100% very soft cotton fleece with a polyurethane membrane. This material is more flexible, lighter, and quieter, unlike PVC.
In summary, both offer well-targeted benefits depending on your needs.
There are special cases where the user (adult or child) suffers from chronic incontinence. In this situation, we recommend the waterproof model made of polyurethane.
It is a less rigid material than PVC and has better moisture content.
Choose Oeko Tex-Certified Waterproof Mattress Protectors
Mattresses are a big investment, especially if they are eco-friendly. Therefore, preserving them for as long as possible makes sense. To do this, waterproof and ecological mattress protectors are also essential.
If your waterproof mattress cover bears the OEKO-TEX logo, you can be sure it has been manufactured to protect our planet for future generations and is certified safe for human health.
If it is also labeled OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, it is because it has a certification granted to textiles that have been thoroughly tested for harmful substances.
Ditch the plastic-coated mattress protector and improve the durability of your sleep with a non-toxic and eco-friendly mattress protector.
Is a waterproof and silent mattress protector possible?
The major challenge with waterproof mattress pads is the noise created by simple movements in the bed. The solution: I have researched and tested many cutting-edge textiles.
Our sleep experts have found the perfect balance using 100% cotton fleece fabric plus a polyurethane membrane. It is a synthetic material similar in appearance to plastic but which is less noisy than waterproof PVC mattress covers.
It is the optimal construction for a quiet mattress protector to protect you and add more years of use to your mattress.
In addition, its surface allows air to pass freely. It promotes breathability, regardless of your sleeping position.
Are all mattress protectors guaranteed to be waterproof?
Not all mattress protectors are guaranteed waterproof. Our specialists have already tested waterproof mattress covers for you and assessed washability, shrinkage after washing, water repellency, feel, and noise when crumpled.
Should You Wash Your Mattress Protector Before Putting It On Your Bed?
Since the fitted bed sheet covers a mattress protector, the protector only needs to be washed every one to two months, while a fitted sheet needs to be cleaned every two weeks.
But you should always wash your mattress cover before you use it for the first time. It will get rid of any smells and smooth it.
Does Mattress Protector Make Mattress More Firm?
In addition to absorbing sweat and preventing dust mites, bacteria, stains, and dust from reaching the MATTRESS, the mattress protector makes the sleeper’s bedding even more comfortable.
Ultimately, the great qualities of the mattress protector are well-established!
Do Hotels Wash The Mattress Protector?
They are supposed to, in theory. It is standard procedure if you are a guest at a high-end hotel. However, there is a rare blunder.
Moving down the spectrum, there is little question that the very bottom end does not wash/launder anything.
It is advisable to be extremely watchful during check-in, and if you do not find conditions to your liking, report it to management and demand a room change or an urgent solution to your problem.
If they continue to be unhelpful, you may express your frustration on TripAdvisor.
How Long Does A Mattress Protector Take To Dry?
Depending on its material and saturation, a water-soaked mattress protector may take two to three hours to dry completely.
Conclusion
Now you know whether you need a mattress protector. Always keep in mind that I will not only protect your bed from bugs but also increase its lifespan. It’s up to you.
I have an extensive article stating: How often mattress should be replaced?