Buying a good mattress that suits your needs is no easy task. The hardness, the measurements, the materials... a real tough decision that results in a great investment! But now that you already have it at home it is essential that you choose a good mattress protector so that your purchase lasts as long as it can and in the best conditions.
First of all, we have to bear in mind that a mattress protector is not the same as a cover. The cover surrounds the mattress underneath it. A mattress topper or protector serves mainly to cover the upper part, where the body rests.
What Does A Mattress Protector Do?
A mattress protector mainly has four functions:
1.- Keeps the mattress clean. Food, drinks, perfume, all kinds of liquids can fall into your bed, and therefore they can wet the sheets and carry over to the mattress. Once it reaches the mattress, even if it is very little, it is almost impossible to remove it from the mattress. A mattress protector prevents any of these things from getting onto your mattress and can be removed and washed as often as you like.
2.- You can maintain your mattress like new. Something similar to what happens to a kitchen sponge when you use it for a long time. Although only a little liquid has passed through, after a couple of years it shows. You will need to change mattresses sooner if you do not use a protector.
3.- They help with allergies, especially if mites are a problem for you. Mites feed on dead skin and if you don't use a protector, there will be dead skin on your mattress.
4.- Help protect your warranty. As we have mentioned before, a stain is not covered under warranty. Even if the stain has nothing to do with why you are claiming the warranty, it can still be a problem.
For all these reasons, everyone needs a mattress protector.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Mattress protector
1.- The choice of materials. You can highlight eucalyptus cellulose as one of the most recommended materials. This fiber is called Tencel and although it has been used in the market for many years, it is now becoming more and more popular. It is natural, and forms smooth and soft fabrics.
There are other materials such as plastic, foam, latex... but if we opt for more sustainable materials, we can choose a protector made of wool, cotton, or Tencel, as we have indicated.
2.- The size of the mattress protector normally you have to choose the size based on the measurements of your mattress. There are many sizes available in the market, but it is important to take into account the height of your mattress.
It is essential that the mattress protector is elastic to fit perfectly and that there are no wrinkles that can bother you during rest.
3.- Anti-Mite characteristics. They are not seen, but they exist. And they are everywhere. A good bed protector is one that has antibacterial and anti-mite fabric. Linen or Tencel are great materials that fulfill these functions. These characteristics together with the hygiene routine that you do to your mattress are the best weapons to combat allergies and discomforts that mites bring with them.
4.- The waterproofness of the mattress protector. The waterproof membranes of the protectors are essential to extend the life of your mattress. They avoid stains, and odors generated from liquid spills, or nighttime leaks, in the case of children. A crib mattress protector is basic and if you enjoy having breakfast in bed, you certainly need a waterproof mattress cover that absorbs any type of liquid. It is the best way to extend the life of your mattress. But you must take into account the materials to avoid sweating at night. If you are a very hot person, read the next point where we explain the importance of the breathability of waterproof protectors.
5.- The breathability of the protector. Traditionally, waterproof mattress protectors were made of plastic materials, and they fulfilled their function but detracted from sleep quality, were noisy and made you sweat, so you must sort your priorities when choosing one.
6.-The price of a mattress protector Obviously, the price of a mattress protector that meets all the requirements to guarantee your rest will depend on its size. So, if you have a very large bed, you should compare different prices. Of course, we do not recommend that you choose the cheapest one, always think about its benefits and the quality of the materials. A good mattress protector is the guarantee that your favorite mattress will last you longer in the ideal conditions.
Mattress Protector or Mattress Topper?
A mattress protector is different to a mattress topper. Mattress toppers usually add an extra layer to the mattress and are not waterproof. The mattress protectors are thin, do not change the feel of the mattress and protect it from liquids. If you buy the right mattress you don't need a mattress topper, it would be more convenient to use the thin, waterproof layer of a mattress protector.
There are several types of mattress protectors. The best mattress protectors have some type of high-performance material on the surface to suppress heat and moisture from the body. These are usually the most expensive, but are usually the best for people who sweat during the night. They are waterproof and breathable.
Another type of protector is one that is waterproof and breathable, but does not have a high-performance material on the surface. These are usually a little cheaper but have almost the same properties as the more expensive ones.
