Let’s be honest – our beds are the best part of our bedrooms, as they provide us with a comfy nest in which we can read, reflect, nap in the afternoon, and sleep at night. However, mattresses aren’t immune to accumulating animal fur, dust, spills, and other debris and reducing their quality, which is where mattress protectors come in. What is a mattress protector, you ask? Read on and find out more.
Mattress protectors: the basics
Also known as mattress covers, mattress protectors are like durable fitted sheets that you place between your bed sheets and the surface of your mattress. Most mattress protectors cover the top and sides of the mattress, while some also cover the bottom.
What is a mattress protector for?
A mattress protector helps prolong the life of your mattress by keeping your mattress fresh and free from stains. A Waterproof Mattress Protector prevents unwanted substances, such as spilled tea, from reaching your mattress. An Anti-Allergy Mattress Protector can also protect your mattress from sweat, bed bugs, dust mites, and other allergens.
What’s the difference between a mattress topper and protector?
A mattress topper is designed to lie on top of a mattress and can be made from a variety of fabrics such as memory foam, latex, cotton, feather wool and microfibre. The key function of a topper is to add an additional layer of comfort to your mattress.
Unlike mattress protectors, toppers aren’t designed to protect your mattress from spills and debris, even though they do offer some protection against dust and crumbs. A protector won’t alter the feel of your mattress the way a topper will.
Different types of mattress protectors
To properly answer the question, “What is a mattress protector”, we also need to take fit and material into account. Let’s take a closer look.
There are three main types of fit available:
- Anchor or elastic strap: Protectors with an anchor or elastic strap do not cover the entire mattress. Instead, they only cover the top of the mattress. They’re held down by elastic straps.
- Encasement: Arguably one of the best mattress protectors, those with an encasement fit cover the entire mattress. You can close and open them using a zip. That said, they’re not as easy to fit or remove as other types of protectors.
- Fitted: Fitted protectors are like a fitted bed sheet and are easy to fit and to remove. They cover the top and sides of the mattress, as well as some of the bottom. Even though the underside of the mattress isn’t fully protected, the top and sides benefit from the protector’s simple stain blockers.
When it comes to mattress protector material, there are a variety of options to choose from, including natural and synthetic materials. The natural materials are hypoallergenic. They also can help to cool or conserve your body temperature.
Choosing the best mattress protector
Cleaning is an important factor to take into account when choosing a mattress protector. Mattress protectors are easy to clean and maintain. Most care instructions for mattress protectors are wash at 40 degrees but be sure to check the instructions before washing.
If you’re concerned about spills and stains, a waterproof (or liquid-proof) option such as the Waterproof Towelling Mattress Protector is the way to go.
Some mattress protectors have sweat-wicking or thermodynamic materials that offer breathability, allowing air to move easily between you and the mattress. This will help keep you cool throughout the night, so if you struggle with temperature control at night, this material would be ideal for you.
Find top-quality mattress protectors
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is a mattress protector,” you’re all set to choose the best one for your needs. Find an array of top-quality protectors for your mattress at Fishpools. Visit our store to see our range of mattress protectors.