If you've ever bought a new mattress online or in-store, there's a high chance you've had to decide whether to throw in a mattress protector with your purchase. And unlike sheets and duvet covers, the functions of a protector aren't immediately obvious.
So you wonder, “Do I need a mattress protector? What will it do that my other bedding layers don't already take care of?”
A mattress protector can be helpful for most people. It works as an extra barrier between the mattress and dead skin cells, sweat, pet dander, and other substances that make their way onto your bed every day. In this article, we'll explain what a mattress protector does and how to use it.
You may want to start using a mattress protector if you tick one or more of these boxes.
A protector can lengthen the usable life of your mattress by up to 10 years. The protector safeguards it against bodily fluids, accidental spills, pet dander, and other debris that can make it degrade faster. Let these contaminants accumulate in the mattress long enough, and they may leave it discolored and smelly.
Manufacturers often say that their warranties don't cover damage from liquid spills and other stains. A waterproof mattress protector can help keep your new mattress pristine for the duration of your warranty.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recommends using zippered mattress and pillow covers to limit exposure to dust mite allergens. Dust mites living inside mattresses produce feces, which can travel through the breathable mattress surface into the surrounding air. Decomposed dead mites can also enter the air through the mattress surface.
When an allergic person inhales fecal particles or fragments of dead mites, their immune system can react, causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. In some people with asthma, breathing in these substances can worsen asthma symptoms.
Without a protector, your mattress is exposed to everything it would otherwise be shielded from. And since you can't wash the mattress, anything that's seeped deep into its materials essentially lurks there forever. A mattress protector is washable, so you can clean it thoroughly at intervals instead of letting it absorb dirt indefinitely.
Sweat is mostly water, but it also contains salts and small amounts of compounds such as urea and lactate. When sweat soaks into a mattress, the water may evaporate, but the residue can remain. As microorganisms break down sweat residue, the mattress may develop an unpleasant odor and unsightly stains. If it stays damp for long enough, that moisture can also create conditions that support mold growth.
A mattress protector is the first line of defense against everyday stains and spills.
Without a mattress protector, dead skin cells, sweat, body oils, urine, and other contaminants stand a higher chance of easily seeping into the mattress. Once these particles settle deep inside the mattress, it's nearly impossible to get them out.
Using a protector can also help prevent mold caused by moisture buildup.
Water, coffee, juice, and other liquids can pass through bedding layers pretty quickly. With a protector, you have more time to clean up spills before they reach the mattress.
A waterproof mattress protector is especially useful for children and people managing health conditions that make an additional layer a priority.
Pet dander is made of tiny skin flakes and proteins that can settle on the mattress surface and become trapped in the fabric and seams over time. A mattress protector can keep most of these flakes from accumulating in the mattress.
A 2017 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine revealed something that anyone with a dust mite allergy might want to pay attention to. The study followed children who usually had serious asthma episodes when they were exposed to dust-mite allergens.
Of those who used the mite-impermeable mattress encasing, only 29.3% had an asthma attack that landed them in the hospital over one year. On the other hand, 41.5% of the group who used regular mattress covers had at least one severe episode that required a hospital visit during the same period.
If this study makes you more inclined to get a mattress protector, choose the zippered type. It offers more protection because it encases the entire mattress.
[Photo by nito100 from Getty Images on Canva.]
A mattress protector may be low in the bedding pecking order, but it typically comes first in the actual setup. Here's how to layer your bedding when a protector joins the collection:
The basic order is therefore:
That setup keeps the protector close to the mattress it’s meant to protect.
Follow the instructions on the care label. Most manufacturers recommend this sequence:
Generally, you don't need to wash the protector as often as your sheets. A twice-a-month wash is usually sufficient to keep it clean year-round. You can wash it if it's soiled before the one-month window is up.
Check the manufacturer's website to know when the protector is due for a replacement. It's typically recommended to swap out a protector after one to two years of regular use.
Good indicators of wear include thinning fabric, damaged elastic, tears, or deterioration in the waterproof layer. Monitor the condition of the mattress itself too. If you find more damp spots and stains on its surface, the protector may no longer be as effective.
A mattress protector can't improve sleep health by itself. The main job of a protector is to protect your mattress. Still, it may help indirectly in some situations. For example, a protector with a cotton surface can assist with temperature regulation. People with allergies can also use allergen-proof encasements to reduce their exposure to allergens.
A zippered mattress protector may prevent bed bugs from sneaking out of the mattress and biting you, but it won't kill them. People controlling bed bug infestations should use an encasement as part of a broader treatment plan.
Whether a mattress protector is safe for people with sensitive skin depends on its materials. The best bedding for sensitive skin is made from natural materials such as long-staple cotton, with minimal chemical finishes. Check the type of fabric the mattress protector uses and whether it's been treated with any harmful chemicals.
No. A mattress topper is usually much thicker than a mattress protector. It may be constructed from memory foam, latex, down, or other cushioning materials. It may also provide some pressure relief, whereas a protector’s sole duty is to serve as a barrier between the mattress and the rest of your bedding.
However, most mattress toppers aren't waterproof. If you need a waterproof layer, you may want to layer a waterproof protector over the topper.
Mattress protectors and pads differ mainly in terms of thickness. A mattress pad also shields your mattress, but it's more padded than a protector and offers light cushioning. If you use a waterproof mattress pad, you may not need a mattress protector at all.
Some mattress protectors are quite insulating, so they can make the bed warmer than a hot sleeper would prefer. Thickly padded ones may change how the bed feels.
However, a thin breathable protector is less likely to interfere with a good night’s sleep.
You can go without it if the mattress is really old or rarely used. You can also do without a protector if you're already using a waterproof mattress pad.
You can use other mattress covers such as full-coverage waterproof pads. If you'd rather not use a protector or an alternative, try not to drink anything in bed to reduce the risk of accidental spills. Also wash your bedding regularly and maintain a healthy sleeping environment.
A mattress protector offers many benefits, including keeping the mattress clean and acting as an extra layer between it and sweat, spills, and other debris. When choosing one, pay attention to the manufacturer's claims. "Water-resistant" materials don't provide maximum protection from liquids. Hypoallergenic mattress protectors aren't necessarily dust-mite-proof. Some protectors may trap body heat, so choose one that won't interfere with your sleep quality.
Once you've got the protector sorted, layer high-quality, hypoallergenic fitted and flat sheets above it. Complete the arrangement with a breathable duvet from Doze, and you're all set for a good night's rest.
