The definition of a Mattress protector 

Mattress protector is a thin covering that gives extra support, or comfort to your bed. Padded mattress toppers, protectors, and sheets usually sit on top of the mattress. Most of these are having a quilted lining with “padding” material. Also, these protectors come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate different sleeping preferences. 

These protectors can help preserve your mattress from regular wear and tear. Another major advantage of using these is the decrease of allergies. Among those all reasons, the major reason you buy a protector for your mattress is none other than to add comfort. Most people are opting for mattress pads because their present mattress is unpleasant and a it can be a wonderful short term option to increase comfort.

Types of Mattress Protectors

They are made from a range of materials, including cotton, wool, feather, etc. Cotton Mattress Pads, Wool Mattress Pads, Feather Mattress Pads, Fiber Mattress Pads, Latex Mattress Pads and Memory Foam Mattress Pads are a few of the major types of mattress protectors. 

Cotton 

These are popular among the users for being comfortable and durable. When compared with other types of mattress protectors and mattress toppers, these are cheap, albeit organic cotton costs more. Because cotton is absorbent, spills may soak through cotton mattress pads and into the mattress. They might not provide the protection that you seek for unless treated regularly or combined with another material.

Wool 

Wool mattress pads are soft, breathable, and dry quickly. Wool is a costly natural product manufactured by shearing sheep. In most of the cases, we can’t wash wool mattress protectors with machines. Wool mattress protectors can also soak up spills. An advantage of these types of mattresses is that, they soak up spills.

Feather  

Duck and goose feathers are used in feather mattress protectors. The softer feathers found under the plumage may also be utilized. Feather mattress protectors are fluffy, warm, and comforting. But a major disadvantage of these is that, they are unable to prevent the spills.

Fiber 

These are made of polyester, rayon, and down substitutes (fiberfill). These protectors are sometimes stain-resistant as well. But a disadvantage here is that, they can be noisy. The maintenance here is a challenge as they could not be washed using machines. 

Latex  

They can be natural, synthetic, or a mix of them both and could vary in thickness and provide bounce. Latex mattress protectors work well with latex mattresses. These are popular as they safeguard against spills and wear and the major disadvantages are the cost and the difficulty in maintenance. 

 

Memory Foam 

Memory foam mattress protectors are not used commonly. They comfort your body and add plushness to your bed, but are not enough to relieve pressure. They are unpopular among mattress protector users, as they are difficult to clean and do not effectively block stains.

Furthermore, mattress protectors can be categorized based on purpose of use.

Mattress protectors for support

Here, a cushioned protector is placed on top of your mattress to help improve your sleep. Their thickness varies to provide varied levels of cushioning. Support mattress protectors are thicker for added comfort.

Mattress protectors for protection

These are available in a variety of thicknesses and constructions to help protect your mattress by placing a layer between the mattress and the fitted sheet. Quilted with cotton fill to give it a good cushioning is one of the several constructions.

Differences between mattress toppers and mattress protectors

 

This is a frequently asked question. In brief, a protector for your mattress protects your mattress. While it can help soften and comfort your bed, this isn’t its major function. But mattress toppers are meant to make your mattress comfier. Depending on your goals, both these types could be fantastic additions to your bed.

Protectors and toppers provide both protection and comfort. In simple words,  protectors give an extra layer of comfort to your bed. At the same time, mattress toppers are a more substantial form of  protectors.

Listed below are the main differences between toppers and protectors.

• The thickness of a protector for your mattress is less than one inch and the thickness of mattress toppers is generally greater than one inch.
• Mattress toppers are considered to provide superior protection when compared with protectors.
• Mattress toppers are not resistant to spills and stains while most of the protectors prevent stains and spills leaking through them. 
• Mattress toppers are heavy and cumbersome to clean and most of the protectors could be washed with machines. 
• Protectors are adding softness and improves the protection while the mattress toppers can change the feel of your mattress, making it softer or firmer.

 

A protector for your mattress are way better than toppers when it comes to protecting your bed from spills and stains. Mattress protectors are made of rayon and polyester, with waterproofing vinyl and plastic.

A mattress topper is required if your bed is too firm. This thick layer on your mattress will protect it from wear.  At the same time, it will promote durability.

A protector on top of your mattress will provide a layer of plushness to your bed. Waterproof mattress coverings are ideal for protecting your bed from spills and stains.

Material Options for mattress protectors

Cotton

Easy to wash and generally machine washable and gentle to the touch. Cotton is also an extremely long-lasting substance. A cotton mattress protector is comfortable and durable after several washes.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber that is naturally hypoallergenic. It is also a highly inexpensive and comfortable.

Memory Foam

This is a heat-sensitive foam that molds to a warm body in seconds. Memory foam is a superior material in terms of quality and comfort when considered with other materials.

Choosing a mattress protector

They are beneficial for a variety of reasons. These benefits include giving support by adding extra cushion to your mattress, protecting your mattress from dirt, sweat, stains, and dust mites, and extending the life of your mattress. Unlike mattress toppers that are merely a foam layer and usually do not have elastic edging mattress, protectors typically have elastic edge to keep them in place. The thread count is also significant information to check for. 

Thread count is the number of threads woven into a square inch of cloth. When it comes to mattress protectors, thread count is still an important component to consider. The higher the thread count, the tighter the weaving, the better protector’s quality and durability. Because higher thread counts result in tighter weaves, a high thread count will keep fill in and debris out.

 

Usage of a mattress protector

When it comes to the duration of a protector, it is advised to keep it as long as it is sturdy and comfy. That may be 5 or 10 years. How long you have used the protector for your mattress for is an element to consider before replacing it.

You have to wash your protectors every few months. Your mattress protector bears of that brunt, too, but not quite as much. It is not much of a hassle, as most protectors can be machine-washed in warm water and tumble-dried on low.

Benefits of mattress protectors

Mattress protectors are not a necessary. But they can make your life better. It will improve your comfort, the durability of the mattress and are affordable at the same time. Here is a breakdown of the major benefits of mattress protectors. 

Increase the durability

While protectors can’t stop your mattress from aging, they can help slow down the process. “Most estimates place the average mattress’ lifetime around 8 to 10 years,” Business Insider reports. This number can go up if you intend on using mattress protectors. 

Durable

If you are opting to use a high quality mattress pads manufactured by a reputed company, it can provide additional comfort and support that your mattress alone cannot provide. Several studies have proven that, a mattress pad will conform to your body’s shape while also providing extra comfort.

A protector for your mattress helps extend the life of the mattress by reducing the frequency and intensity of cleaning. Several mattress pads manufacturers use excellent techniques and materials to produce long-lasting, mold-resistant mattress protectors. This makes the mattress protector an excellent buy. This is a major benefit of using mattress pads. 

Affordability

The truth is that, a high quality, nice mattress pad is an investment in your overall comfort. If you’ve just had your mattress for a few years, you can skip replacing it immediately. If you want that “new” feeling, a comfy  protector on top of the mattress can serve as a temporary solution before investing in a new mattress. The cost of a mattress pad is way more cheap than buying a new mattress itself. 

Reduction of allergens

An article from Business Insider story has revealed that, the use of a protector for your mattress can protect you from the billions of bacteria — perspiration, lint, dust mites, animal dander, mucus, soil, sand, cosmetics, food, and insect parts, to name a few — that you’d otherwise be inhaling in every night.” Having a protector for your mattress allows you to remove that layer where allergens are collected at and wash it instead of throwing away the complete mattress. In other words, a freshly laundered mattress pads will keep things fresher for a much longer period of time.

Prevent stains

 

Most mattress warranties are voided if the mattress gets a stain, so most sleepers use mattress pads to prevent stains. Protectors for your mattress ensure that, oil accumulation is reduced or liquid seepage is stopped. We don’t know if saliva is on our bedding or how much we sweat in hot weather. These stains will make mattresses and will also serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. You can prevent these from occurrence by using a protector. 

A mattress is often used by people who work from home to utilize computers, or even work on the bed. They frequently bring drinks or food to eat, and this will cause spills on the mattress that need dismantling the sheets and blankets to clean. In this case, unintentional stains may stick and be difficult to clear. Use of mattress protectors can be a saving grace here.

Children and bedridden patients have less control over their feces and urination than adults. Estrogen variations can cause urinary incontinence in menopausal women. So a sleeping mat can help solve this problem and should be kept in the house.

The fabric can be removed and cleaned without washing the sheets or cleaning the mattress. Most of the protectors are easy to clean and resistant to stains, including mold.

So the mattress pads make washing a breeze. It also saves money by not having to buy a new bedding set when stains and mildew occur.

Promotes good sleep

The key to a good night’s sleep is a comfortable bed. A bed that is neither too soft nor too firm is ideal for people who suffer from office syndrome. So, mattress pad with thick, soft fibers and good recovery can help relieve discomfort, improve sleep, and improve your health.

Even in hotels, the most common complaints by the people who are checking in include hard beds, back ache, insomnia, and discomfort. Some people wake up in the night. Using a sleeping protector softens the mattress, resulting in fewer sleepless nights. Therefore, it is always better to have a protector for the mattresses.

Easy to carry it with you

The mattress pads are easy to be carried. This is useful especially when staying in a hotel or other form of lodging, as we don’t know if specific rooms will have bedding or how hard the mattress would be. As a result, it is portable and may be used both indoors and outdoors.