How to choose the perfect mattress protector

Mattress Protector 

A mattress protector will protect your mattress from dirt, stains and sharp objects, significantly extending its life. Mattress protectors cost only a fraction of the price of a mattress, so they are a worthwhile investment for everyone.

Just like mattresses, duvets and pillows, mattresses come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from basic cotton protectors with minimal padding to thick mattress protectors that can transform firm and old mattresses for the better.

You can also get waterproof mattress protectors, perfect for children, the elderly and pregnant women. Waterproof mattress protectors tend to have a plasticky feel, but they can feel like a normal mattress topper with a soft top layer.

Most mattress makers recommend you use a mattress protector, and some insist on using one to maintain your warranty. We recommend using a mattress topper if you want to extend the life of your mattress and improve hygiene.

What is a mattress protector?

A mattress protector is an extra bed layer installed on top of a mattress underneath the bedsheet. It serves to protect the mattress without compromising the feel of the mattress, on account of having minimal padding and a subtle cover.

A mattress protector is thinner than a mattress topper, designed to cover a mattress in a layer of durable, minimally padded fabric.

The key difference between mattress protectors and toppers is that protectors do not have as much padding. Also, mattress protectors tend to envelop the whole mattress with elasticated edges, like a bedsheet, while toppers tend to have elastic straps.

The different types of mattress protectors

Mattress protectors solve common problems, like protection from spills, bodily fluids, sharp objects and impacts (like jumping on the bed).

Here is a breakdown of the different types of mattress protectors:

• Soft-touch mattress protectors: Soft-touch mattress protectors have a microfibre cover designed to mimic the feel of a smooth, soft duvet.
• Zipped mattress protectors: Zipped mattress protectors envelope the entire mattress, protecting it from all sides.
• Value mattress protectors: These have the same filling as premium protectors (hollowfibre) but have a polycotton or polyester outer cover.
• Egyptian cotton mattress protectors: Arguably the most luxurious kind of protector, these are super-soft, highly breathable and feel fantastic.
• Waterproof mattress protectors: These have a polycotton or polyester outer cover and a polypropylene sheet layer, making them waterproof.
• Cooling mattress protectors: Cooling protectors are often made from standard fabrics that are breathable. They can also feature air mesh layers that allow air to escape and have gel cooling pads that dissipate body heat.

Key features of mattress protectors 

• Machine washable: Mattress protectors have to be machine washable because they are designed to absorb moisture and spills.
• Bounded edges: Mattress protectors should have bound edges to ensure the filling can’t escape should the edge get snagged.
• Stitching pattern: The filling should be filled into individually sewn pockets. The most common stitch patterns are box and diamond.
• Hypoallergenic: Hypoallergenic mattress protectors are made from materials that do not trigger allergies.
• Anti-allergenic properties: Anti-allergy Mattress protectors are treated at the factory with an anti-allergy spray that destroys allergens.
• Fixing type: The most common fixing type is elasticated edges or ‘deep fill’. You can also get zippered mattress protectors that encase the whole mattress.

Is a mattress protector worth buying?

A mattress protector will cost less than 10% of the price of your mattress, yet it will save your mattress from serious harm. Spills that would permanently damage mattresses, like red wine and bodily fluids, can be avoided.

The great thing about mattress protectors is they will also extend the life of the top layer of your mattress. With only a bedsheet, mattresses are prone to ‘bobbling’, where the fabric is abrased by friction between the mattress and bedsheet.

Since mattress toppers are washable, they also improve hygiene by eliminating the opportunity for your mattress to absorb skin cells and dander. Washing your mattress protector is easy – just stick it in your washing machine! Our mattress protectors wash at up to 40 Celsius, and you can use your ordinary detergent.

So, are mattress protectors worth it? You bet! Browse our full range of products today and pick up a high-quality mattress protector.