Mattresses are an investment, so you should use them for as long as possible. A good protector will help protect your bed and keep it in good condition for years to come.
Protectors shield your mattress from spills, dust, stains, allergens, and bed bugs. Depending on your needs, they also may provide comfort features like softness and cooling.
Protects Your Mattress
A mattress protector is a protective cover that keeps your mattress clean and dry. It’s an important accessory to have if you don’t want to replace your mattress every few years, and it can be a very cost-effective way to extend the life of your bed.
Protectors are designed to shield your mattress from moisture, dust mites, stains and odors, and even pests. They also help keep your mattress free from allergens, making it a healthier place to sleep for you and your family.
They can also be a great option for people who have trouble keeping their mattresses clean. They can prevent stains and keep the mattress fresh for longer, and they can be easily machine-washed and dried.
Most mattress protectors are waterproof, and they should be able to handle spills without soaking through to the rest of your mattress. They are made of a variety of materials, including polyurethane and vinyl.
Some mattress protectors are designed to keep your sleep surface cooler, using specialized fabrics and materials. These can be beneficial for people who tend to sweat a lot during the night or live in warmer climates.
There are a few different types of mattress protectors, including fitted, encased and fully encased. Fitted protectors usually tuck under your mattress, with pocketed corners that hold the mattress in place. They’re also often wrapped with elastic straps around the four corners to secure the protector.
Fully encased protectors often zipper and enclose the entire mattress, which delivers 360-degree protection. They may not be as easy to remove for laundering, but they’re more likely to keep out bed bugs and other pests that could cause damage to your mattress and make it hard to use.
It’s important to choose a mattress protector that is suitable for your mattress type and size. This will ensure the protector stays in place and does its job well.
The thickness of your mattress protector can change how it feels, so you should look for one that’s at least three centimetres thick to give you more comfort and protect your mattress from snagging and stains. The density of the foam/fibre filling also plays a role in how your mattress will feel underneath it, so you should find one that is softer or firmer than yours to make it more comfortable.
Prevents Allergens
If you suffer from seasonal allergies or other respiratory issues, it is essential to keep the bedroom as allergen-free as possible. This means reducing your exposure to dust mites, pet dander and other common irritants found in bedding, carpeting and upholstery.
Investing in mattress and pillow covers that provide a barrier between you and your mattress is a great way to prevent these irritants from entering the sleeping area. They also protect your bedding from spills and stains, helping to extend the life of your mattresses.
In addition to preventing allergens from entering your mattress, these covers may also help with bedbug control. Oftentimes, these covers are made to completely encase your mattress or box spring, blocking out any bed bugs that may have gotten in there. They may also offer extra protection from other types of bed bugs, like fleas or ants.
Many of the best allergy encasements on the market feature a tightly woven cotton fabric that has a pore size of 5 microns or less, which is considered to be hypoallergenic. These are typically very soft, cooling and breathable fabrics.
Some encasements also use a fabric that is certified as allergy-proof by a reputable organization. Allergy encasements that have been tested and approved by an allergy professional are oftentimes the most effective at protecting your bedding from allergens, including dust mites and mold spores.
Almost three-quarters of all people with seasonal allergies are allergic to dust mites, which thrive in places where they can be found in high humidity and warm settings. These microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells and mold spores, which is where they find their home in your bedding.
Within 10 years, they and their waste can double in weight, creating an unsanitary and inflammatory environment. In fact, these tiny pests are the primary cause of itchy eyes and sneezing.
Even if you’re not allergic to dust mites, a properly encased mattress can help reduce your risk of catching flu or colds. Allergy encasements have been shown to decrease sneezing, itchy throats and coughing in asthmatic patients.
Keeps Your Mattress Clean
A mattress protector is a removable cover that covers your mattress to keep out stains, sweat and dust mites. It’s an excellent way to extend the life of your mattress while keeping it squeaky clean.
They come in a variety of styles, from simple cloth pads that lay atop your mattress and under the fitted sheet to zip-up enclosures with pillow tops that completely encase your mattress. They are easy to care for, and most are machine washable.
It’s important to make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions when washing your mattress protector. These will usually tell you how to use the water temperature, how to dry it, and whether any special washing methods are necessary.
Most mattress protectors are made from a combination of fabric and a plastic membrane that prevents them from being damaged by water. They also prevent bacteria, dirt, and allergens from entering your mattress.
In order to keep your mattress protector looking its best, it needs to be washed frequently. Most people should try to wash it once every two months. However, this can vary depending on how much use the mattress protector receives, as well as your lifestyle habits and health conditions.
You should also consider using a vacuum to get rid of dust and debris from the protector. A vacuum cleaner’s upholstery attachment will allow you to remove accumulated dust, dander and other particles.
Another good idea is to sprinkle baking soda on the protector, as it can help absorb odors and freshen up the surface of your mattress. It may also help eliminate allergy symptoms and reduce bed bugs.
Aside from removing stains and preventing mold and mildew, washing your mattress protector can also improve its durability. As long as you don’t use harsh detergents or wash it at high temperatures, your mattress protector can last up to two years without wearing out.
The mattress protector is an essential part of your bedding, and it’s a crucial investment that should be kept in good condition. Not only will a clean mattress protector improve your sleep, but it will also extend the life of your mattress and save you money on cleaning costs in the long run.
Prevents Bed Bugs
Are Mattress Protectors Necessary 2023
Bed bugs can survive for up to 18 months without feeding, and they can reappear in a home as soon as a small hole or tear appears in the mattress. If you don’t get rid of them quickly, they can spread to other rooms where people are sleeping and start a new infestation.
The best way to keep bed bugs from entering your mattress is by using a breathable, fully-encased protector. These can be made from cotton, polyester, bamboo, or polyurethane.
Look for an encasement that is independently lab-tested against bed bug and allergen proof. It should also be a waterproof barrier, blocking out dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens.
A good encasement will fit snugly over your mattress and box springs, making it difficult for bed bugs to escape. It should also have quality, tight-knit materials that bugs cannot bite or crawl through.
In addition, a mattress encasement should use quality zippers that won’t leave any gaps where bugs could crawl through. They should be reinforced around the zipper’s teeth and where the end zipper closes, according to Wong.
Another way to prevent bed bugs is to treat your mattress with heat. Exposing a mattress to heat higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit will kill bed bugs instantly. If you are unsure about the heat levels needed for your mattress, consult with a pest control specialist.
If you do suspect you have a bed bug infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional right away for help. These professionals can quickly diagnose your problem and recommend the best treatment for your situation.
You can also check for signs of an infestation on your mattress and other items that bed bugs may hide in, like seams, zippers, or boxes. Reddish stains and dark spots on your mattress or bed sheets are often an indication of a bed bug problem.
You can also take steps to reduce the chances of a bed bug infestation on your mattress by keeping it clean and dry. Wash your mattress regularly to remove dust, dead skin cells, and other particles that can attract bed bugs. Regularly vacuuming your mattress can also help to remove any crumbs or other debris that might attract bed bugs.
