No mattress lasts forever, but with the right protective cover, you can help yours outlive its expected lifespan by several years. It’s a worthwhile investment that can keep a mattress from getting soiled, stained or ripped as well as shield it from liquid, allergens and bed bugs.
The best mattress protectors have a layer of performance fabric on top to wick away heat and moisture and keep things cool under the covers. This is not a feature of all mattress covers, but whatever type you choose, there should be two non-negotiables: it should be both breathable and waterproof.
You can’t go wrong with bamboo—it’s eco-friendly and it minimizes allergens, helping to ward off nighttime sneezing attacks. It’s also silky soft, so your skin will appreciate it as much as your sinuses.
A brand that offers 360 degree coverage, from top to bottom, will more effectively keep bed bugs at bay. To make laundry day easier, some models are designed so that the top half zips completely off.
