It’s no secret that mattresses suffer from constant wear and tear over their lifetime. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, spills, tears and accidents are going to happen. Another issue is the buildup of allergens, pests and infestations – even in the most spotless of homes.
There are several ways to keep a mattress well protected, including mattress covers, mattress toppers, mattress pads and mattress protectors. Each of these provides a solution to help prolong the life of your mattress, making your bed cleaner, healthier and more comfortable.
But with so many options available, it can be confusing trying to choose the right one for your needs.
Mattress Protection 101
Unlike quilts, bedsheets and pillows, washing a mattress isn’t as simple as throwing it in the laundry machine and hanging it out to dry. If you’ve ever tried to clean a mattress, you’ll know just how tough it can be. Sure, sponging it down can help remove surface stains – but these are purely cosmetic and don’t actually impact the hygiene of the mattress.
This is where mattress protectors come into play. They help prevent moisture, dirt and allergens from being absorbed into your mattress while keeping it in cosmetically good condition. Instead of trying to steam clean your mattress every few months, you simply take the mattress protector off, run it through the washing machine and leave it to dry. It really is the quickest way to get rid of dirt from your bed.
In the most basic terms, a mattress protector is a machine washable cover that adds an extra layer of protection, thus prolonging its lifespan. With that said, there are a variety of different types of mattress toppers out there. The most versatile type that offers all-round protection is the waterproof mattress protector – ideal for a whole host of scenarios.
What do Waterproof Mattress Protectors Help With?
Waterproof mattress protectors are designed to provide multi-level mattress protection. From young children wetting the bed to hormonal imbalances that cause excessive sweating, they prevent mattresses from soaking up these fluids like a sponge.
Spills, accidents and stains
Potty training, menopause and high metabolism can all lead to excess moisture from the body seeping into the mattress. A little water spill here and there won’t cause any issues. However, bacteria and mites feed off of urine, sweat and skin cells, resulting in bad odours and increased levels of allergens. A waterproof mattress protector acts as an impermeable barrier, preventing all types of moisture from being absorbed.
Bed bugs
if there’s one thing most people fear having in their bed, it’s bed bugs. These pesky little critters feed on human blood – and what better place for them to set up home than in your mattress, bedding, and pillows. A waterproof mattress protector creates an impenetrable barrier between them and you. If bed bugs are an issue you’re experiencing, a waterproof box protector that encases the entire mattress and closes with a zipper can help resolve the issue. We recommend the Protectiva Cotton/Bamboo stretch knit waterproof mattress protector – Fully encased Cotton/Bamboo Waterproof Mattress Protector.
Common allergens
The most common cause of allergies is dust mites. Over the course of several months and years, dust mite colonies can grow to epic proportions. While fitted bed sheets can help keep them at bay to a certain degree, they won’t offer sufficient protection in the long run. A waterproof mattress protector cuts off the food source that dust mites feed on while preventing them from coming into contact with your skin. They also help with other allergens, including mildew, mould and pet dander.
How to Choose the Best Children’s Pillow
How to Choose the Best Waterproof Mattress Protector
Choosing an appropriate mattress protector takes more than simply choosing the cheapest option and hoping for the best. You can be overwhelming at trying to understand all of the requirements to fulfil, but a few common pointers will help. Here are a few things to consider when looking to make a purchase.
How to choose the best fit
It would be easy to assume that a king-size mattress protector would be sufficient for a queen-sized bed. Unfortunately, when it comes to achieving proper protection, you need something that fits as snuggly as a glove. To find the perfect size for your bed, you’ll need to measure the length, width and depth of your mattress.
By purchasing the correct size protector, you can sleep soundly at night safe in the knowledge that every inch of your mattress is protected. Try to find a protector with built-in securing features. These may be fitted elasticated corners or straps that secure the protector in place, preventing it from shifting in the middle of the night.
What is the best material
Regardless of your budget, using a breathable mattress protector should be toward the top of your list. It may seem counterintuitive to include waterproof and breathable in the same sentence – but it’s something that is actually possible. Certain materials feature microscopic holes that are large enough to allow air molecules through while being small enough to prevent mites, bed bugs and allergens. Bamboo waterproof mattress protectors are a prime example of this.
The design of the breathing holes also means that moisture doesn’t leak through to the mattress. Without breathability, it can lead to increased overheating at night causing you to sweat more. Airflow is an important part of good hygiene, helping eliminate odours, reduce bacteria and keep things dry. Tencel, bamboo and cotton are all fantastic fabrics designed to increase comfort and protection when combined with a waterproof backing.
How to Choose the Best Mattress Topper
Is it easy to clean?
At the end of the day, a mattress protector is designed to keep your mattress in as good a condition as possible. It would be pointless to keep your mattress clean but allow a dirty mattress protector to be against your skin. Ease of cleaning should be a top priority, especially if you value a better night’s sleep.
The best waterproof mattress protectors will be easy to remove and put on, machine washable and fast drying. The Bambi Protective Cotton & Bamboo waterproof mattress protector is the perfect choice for those who appreciate eco-friendly luxury – minus the hassles and complications of hand washing or dry cleaning.
Making the Right Choice
At Bambi, our range of luxurious eco-friendly waterproof mattress protectors are designed to provide maximum protection while providing superior comfort. With options for all mattress sizes and sleeping requirements, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your needs.
From cotton/bamboo blends to advanced Tencel fabric, keeping your mattress protected from sweat, spills, and accidents has never looked – or felt so good. Treat yourself to the best night’s sleep safe in the knowledge that you and your family are as protected as your mattress.
