Do I Need A Mattress Protector | Mattress Warehouse

We spend a lot of time sleeping — about a third of our lives, in fact! With that much time spent in one place, it makes sense to invest in a quality mattress. It also makes sense to protect that investment.

There are a number of steps you can take to care for your new mattress and extend its life. One of the easiest and simplest ways to ensure your mattress stands the test of time is by using a mattress protector.

What Is A Mattress Protector?

A mattress protector is a fabric cover that sits on the surface of your mattress, under your sheets. Unlike a mattress pad, which is just cushioning designed to provide additional comfort, a mattress protector is made for functionality. The purpose of a mattress protector is to repel liquid, prevent damage, and lock out dirt, dust and allergens.

Types Of Mattress Protectors

Encasement or zippered mattress protectors are six-sided, meaning they surround the entire mattress. This style of mattress protector prevents bed bugs, dust mites, and allergens from contaminating your mattress. These mattress protectors are especially effective if they have a micro-tooth zipper.

Fitted mattress protectors are five-sided and cover the mattress like a fitted sheet. This style of mattress protector is great for minimizing stains from spills and accidents, as well as preventing normal wear and tear to the surface of your mattress.

It’s important to note that fitted mattress protectors are typically less effective regarding bed bug prevention than encasement protectors since the fitted style leaves the bottom of your mattress exposed.

Why Do I Need A Mattress Protector?

Now that you know the types of mattress protectors and how they work, you may be thinking, “Should I buy a mattress protector? Is it really worth the investment?”

The answer is simple — Yes! There are several benefits that mattress protectors offer:

1.) Protect Your Investment

Let’s face it — a quality mattress is not cheap. When you buy a new mattress, it’s important to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment by taking good care of your purchase. Mattresses get dirty, tear, and fade over time.

Mattress protectors add a layer of fabric between your mattress and the outside world, which helps minimize inevitable damage. This additional line of defense extends the lifespan of your mattress so you can enjoy your mattress for years to come.

2.) Keep Your Bed Clean

Accidents happen! Maybe you spilled some wine while binge-watching Netflix, or perhaps your dog got a little too excited waiting for his morning walk.

Many mattress protectors are water-resistant. By keeping liquids from soaking into your mattress, they can prevent mold and mildew growth as well as surface stains. Important note: surface stains can void your mattress warranty, so be sure keep your mattress spot-free!

Best of all, mattress protectors are machine-washable, so you can toss them in the laundry with ease when spills do occur.

3.) Reduce Allergens

Unprotected mattresses can quickly accumulate allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold, and mildew. If you’re someone who suffers from allergies, using an encasement mattress protector can limit your exposure to symptom-aggravating allergens and help you achieve healthier sleep. Sleep is a vital component of your overall physical and mental health, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting healthy sleep.

You can also buy a hypoallergenic box spring cover as well as pillow protectors for maximum allergy protection.

4.) Prevent Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are small insects that feed on blood, which makes you (and your household pets) an ideal late-night snack for these pests. Bed bugs prefer to live near their food source, which is why they commonly set up shop in mattresses.

The best way to prevent these insects from infesting your bed is by using an encasement or zippered mattress protector. You can also buy a special bed bug-proof box spring cover to protect your bed from infestation.

Important note: mattress protectors are crucial to bed bug prevention, but won’t fix the problem if an infestation is already present. If you suspect your mattress has been invaded by bed bugs, call an exterminator immediately!

Get the most out of your investment.

Mattress protectors are a vital component of prolonging the life of your mattress. Make sure you’re doing all you can to protect your mattress investment by using mattress and pillow protectors. Visit your local Mattress Warehouse to pick up a new mattress protector today!