No matter what kind of mattress you sleep on, everyone can benefit from a mattress protector. It might sound like just an accessory or luxury item at first, but you can never be too safe with bigger purchases, especially something you sleep on every night. Before choosing one that best fits your needs, let’s break down exactly what a mattress protector is and how you can benefit from one.
What is a mattress protector?
Definition
Defined simply, a mattress protector ensures your mattress lasts and looks good for as long as possible. It is basically a mattress cover that keeps your mattress safer and cleaner than it would be without one. Think about all the people and messes your mattress sees on a nightly basis. When you use a mattress protector, you add a barrier between yourself (or any messes) and the mattress itself.
Materials
Like your mattress, there are also multiple options for what a mattress protector can be made of.
The two most important qualities in fabric for a mattress protector though are water-repellency and breathability. Choosing a mattress protector that is liquid-resistant better prevents any spills or fluids from seeping into the fabric or mattress itself. As for the breathability, you should choose a mattress protector that lets the air circulate to prevent feeling overheated or uncomfortable whenever you use it.
Of course, some fabrics are always better than others, especially natural. When you think of natural fabric, you probably first imagine cotton or bamboo. While these materials are wonderful, Tencel offers even more comfort and absorbency with less waste and energy required to make it. Tencel is also plant-based and made from wood pulp, which makes it extra recyclable.
Additionally, using a mattress protector made of organic materials adds another level of safety to your sleep. No one wants to sleep on chemicals! When you choose an organic mattress protector, you can breathe easily in more ways than one.
What does a mattress protector protect from?
Now that you know what it is, let’s consider everything that a mattress protector can protect your mattress from. The possibilities are truly endless, but here are just a few of the most common culprits:
- Dirt and dust
- Food or drink spills
- Dust mites and bed bugs
- Bed-wetting (from both kids and pets)
- Other bodily fluids
No matter how thoroughly you scrub off, it’s simply impossible to not transfer some germs or particles from your day to your bed. Having a mattress protector significantly decreases what you transfer to the mattress itself. Additionally, think of all the spills or stains your current mattress might have encountered. With a mattress protector, clean-up is swift and easy and the mess is temporary.
It’s not just about keeping your mattress clean or hygienic either. By using a mattress protector, you more easily avoid these common irritants and allergens that can keep you up feeling sick for half the night. After all, sometimes we need additional protection to feel safe and healthy.
Who needs a mattress protector?
First ask yourself these questions:
- Do I ever eat or drink in bed?
- Do I have pets or children in the bed with me?
- Does my bed no longer feel fresh or comfortable?
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, consider how you might benefit from a mattress protector in the next section
Best Mattress Protectors 2020
Are you looking to buy a mattress protector?
Here is the guide on the best mattress protector.
Why do I need a mattress protector?
Without a doubt, the top three benefits of using a mattress protector are:
- Expanding the mattress’s lifespan
- Improving your health
- Taking comfort from it
Lifespan
The whole point of a mattress protector is to protect your mattress and prolong its life. Think about it from a financial viewpoint. If you are having to replace a mattress more frequently than you should be, chances are a mattress protector could save you both money and future hassle.
General wear and tear can cause enough damage without necessary clean-ups, and the mattress itself is so much more difficult to clean than a simple mattress protector. A mattress protector can become as good as new with just a quick run through the washer and dryer.
For anyone with pets, children, or just clumsy friends and family, a mattress protector keeps your mattress safe and lengthens the periods between costly replacements.
Health
As briefly touched on, sometimes the reasons we feel like our allergies are acting up might actually be caused by little irritants and insects inside the mattress. It’s not just these allergens that might bother your sinuses either. Even hair strands, dandruff, and dead skin cells can affect how you feel and breathe. These examples are all natural, but they can have quite the impact, especially if you have more sensitive skin or frequent allergies.
When you use a mattress protector though, all these issues become much easier to see and remove.
Comfort
The added level of comfort that a mattress protector provides is often overlooked. It might not seem like much, but that extra layer of cushion can make a huge difference for more difficult sleepers. Consider it like another blanket or pillow, just with even more use!
Secondly, an often overlooked but equally important feature of mattress protectors is their ability to cool. A mattress protector alone is fine, but a cooling mattress protector is always better! Some mattresses just “run hot,” which causes you to wake up sweaty and uncomfortable. That’s when a mattress protector comes in hand. Mattress protectors made from Tencel, especially, feel naturally cool to the touch. With Tencel, your mattress protector will feel softer, cooler, and even more hygienic than without it.
Having the peace of mind that you are sleeping on something as clean and fresh as possible is a wonderful mental comfort as well. It’s natural to want the best and safest for both yourself and loved ones, and a mattress protector provides that every night. When you sleep protected, you sleep soundly.
