A good mattress will cost you, but great sleep is priceless. Your mattress can last seven to 10 years before it needs to be replaced, and a mattress protector will keep it looking and working good as new. Here are three things to consider before you buy one.
Mattress protectors come in two types: six-sided zippered encasements that cover the entire mattress or five-sided fitted sheet-styles that leave the bottom of the mattress exposed. The former offer 360-degrees of protection, but can be harder to put on and remove for washing. The latter is easy to put on and remove, but won’t give your mattress that same level of protection. If bedbugs are a concern, experts encourage using a zippered encasement style mattress protector.
Don’t confuse mattress pads for mattress protectors. Mattress pads are primarily focused on providing extra comfort and coolness during sleep. Mattress protectors are more like insurance for your investment. Waterproof protectors safeguard against stains and mildewing from accidents, spills, and sweating. (Stains aren’t just an eyesore. Many mattress companies don’t allow the return of stained mattresses, even under warranty.) Allergen-free mattress protectors fight the accumulation of dust mites, pet dander, mold and mildew. Bedbug-proof protectors keep pests out of your bed—the insect kind, at least. Many mattress protectors offer a combination of these benefits.
We put our mattresses, and thus, our mattress protectors, through a lot. Yet many people only wash their mattress protector a handful of times, if that. Experts recommend washing your mattress protector once a month for best results and weekly or biweekly if you struggle with allergies. But there are exceptions: mattress protectors on guest beds don’t need the same regular care, and mattress protectors should be washed immediately if there’s a big spill. When the time comes, wash in cold or lukewarm warm on gentle with a mild detergent and tumble dry on low, as heat and harsh chemicals can weaken waterproofing and binding materials.
Sweet dreams!
