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Why Do You Need a Mattress Cover/Protector/Pad/Topper

Why Do You Need a Mattress Cover/Protector/Pad/Topper

A decent mattress can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500 and be in your home for seven to ten years. With that in mind, it is important to do everything you can to protect and prolong your mattress’s life. 

You need a mattress cover or protector to safeguard against spills, accidents, and general wear and tear. A mattress pad or topper, on the other hand, can not only add support but will prolong the life of your mattress by reducing the amount of pressure placed on the springs.

This article will discuss the different options and their benefits, along with how they are used and the costs you can expect.

What Is a Mattress Cover?

What Is a Mattress Cover?

Mattress covers are removable, and often sealable, encasements for your mattress. The hospitality industry uses them a great deal to help protect against bed bugs and potential water damage. 

Generally quite thin, a mattress cover should not affect the comfort or support of your mattress. The best kinds are breathable while still sealed to prevent any bugs from getting in or out. They can also help people with allergies, as they prevent dust from accumulating on the mattress. 

They are at their most effective on new mattresses but are recommended on older mattresses also.

Why You Need a Mattress Cover

Though they are not easy to put on or remove, they are the washable machine. This option is the best for people prone to allergies as it stops skin cells, mites, or other organic matter from seeping into the mattress fibers.

Some benefits of mattress covers include: 

  • Mattress covers offer maximum protection of your mattress. A protector will cover the top and sides; a cover will encase the whole mattress and seal shut with a zipper. This will allow for total coverage and protection from spills, accidents, bugs, and allergens. 
  • Having a removable and washable option that protects the mattress can help a great deal for people with severe allergies. The more skin cells and moisture your mattress is exposed to, the more dust mites you could see. 
  • Though a mattress protector can prevent some organic matter and moisture from leaking into the top, it won’t provide full coverage. However, if you don’t suffer from allergies, you might find a protector is enough for your needs. 

The drawback of a mattress cover is that it is difficult to get on and off. In some cases, it will be left on for prolonged periods of time and will inevitably begin to smell and can attract dust mites due to the build-up of moisture and dead skin cells collected. To get the most out of your mattress cover, you should wash it regularly to prevent dust build-up.

Do You Need a Mattress Cover on a Regular Mattress?

Yes, it would help if you considered buying a mattress cover when you get a new mattress and older mattresses.

Living in a house with no close neighbors, you might not think it is as important to protect against moisture and potential bed bugs. However, dead skin cells, animal hair, and fibers, along with general dust, can and will build upon your mattress. If left to accumulate, this can attract dust mites and perpetuate allergies. 

When living in an apartment building, you need to consider the above and the potential threat of bed bugs. They are attracted to people and will often hitchhike from one household to another. They can be spread through travel, public transportation, and even pets, and not only in unclean homes. 

With that in mind, a mattress cover can prevent all of the above from becoming an issue. With a new mattress, you can stop the spread at the source. Once zipped, nothing can get to your mattress. Bed bugs will have fewer places to hide, and breed and dust won’t develop on the mattress.

Similarly, putting a cover on an older mattress can help stop the spread of bed bugs. By enclosing them inside, they will not be able to escape and feed and will eventually die. 

Do You Need a Mattress Cover on a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam is made from polyurethane and was originally designed to help astronauts facing extreme pressure when entering and exiting the atmosphere. By using heat, the foam will soften and shape itself against you. 

A memory foam mattress will combine traditional springs and memory foam for support and extra comfort. Although memory foam mattresses are considered more resistant to dust mites, it is possible to find similar skin cells, mites, and bugs in this type of mattress.

For ultimate protection, a mattress cover would still be advisable; in this case, a thin barrier, a mattress cover, won’t interfere with the memory foam’s support. 

What Is the Cost of a Mattress Cover?

When looking into purchasing a mattress cover, check the bed’s size needs protection and decide whether you will need a waterproof cover. 

Here are a few options:

Utopia Bedding (waterproof)

Linenspa (waterproof)

Safe Rest (waterproof)

What Is a Mattress Protector?

What Is a Mattress Protector?

Much like a mattress cover, a mattress protector is used to safeguard against spills, accidents, and dust. However, they do not encase the whole mattress. Instead, they fit over the top, much like a fitted sheet.

Mattress protectors are great for a little added comfort and moisture protection but cannot be used to prevent bed bugs, for example. They are designed to go directly on top of your mattress but under your sheets. 

Why You Need a Mattress Protector

There are some benefits to using a mattress protector:

  • Hygiene – for people prone to allergies or sensitive skin, a mattress protector can keep away dust and moisture. Whether from sweat or nighttime accidents, your mattress will be exposed to moisture and become a breeding ground for mold and dust mites.
  • Cleanliness – it is easy to clean and can be thrown in the washing machine with the rest of the sheets. This will ensure a fresh bed that will be harder for bugs to thrive in. 
  • Longer life – regardless of how it gets there, moisture can seep into and stain a mattress. Having a waterproof, machine washable barrier between you and your mattress will keep it fresh for longer.
  • Added comfort – many mattress protectors include a padded top that will help your mattress feel softer and a breathable barrier that can help you feel more relaxed.

In some cases, having both a mattress protector and mattress cover is the best way to ensure total protection. The cover will secure the mattress completely from potential bugs and allergies, while the protector is easier to remove the barrier that will safeguard against most spills and organic matter. 

Do You Need a Mattress Protector on a Regular Mattress?

If you’re looking for a cheaper option to protect your mattress, a mattress cover is a great choice. Though it won’t cover the entire thing, it will provide a lot of protection to the top of your mattress, along with reducing the amount of dust and allergens that can get into your mattress.

The great thing about mattress protectors is that they often have a padded top that will provide extra comfort on your regular mattress.

Do You Need a Mattress Protector on a Memory Foam Mattress?

It is still a good idea for a memory foam mattress to look for a way to protect your mattress. However, when considering a mattress protector, you should look for one that doesn’t have a padded top. 

Since memory foam needs your heat to mold to your shape, having a thick barrier between yourself and your mattress could hinder the comfort designed from the memory foam. But a protector that is a thin layer, like the mattress covers, will work to keep your mattress clean and dust-free.

What Is the Cost of a Mattress Protector?

If looking for a mattress protector for a regular mattress, you may find that spending a little extra on padding is worth it in the long run. One thing to consider is the depth reach of the protector. You want it to fit over your mattress and tuck under like a fitted sheet would. If you got one that wasn’t quite big enough, you might often find it slips from its place. 

Here are a few options:

WhatsBedding (padded & waterproof)

Plush Deluxe (ultra soft & waterproof)

One’s Own (organic & waterproof)

What Is a Mattress Pad?

What Is a Mattress Pad?

A mattress pad is designed to sit on top of your mattress. They usually look like fitted sheets, with elasticated corners to keep them in place. Their purpose is to act as a barrier between you and the surface of your mattress.

If you have an older mattress and are looking for an inexpensive way to prolong its life, a mattress pad can improve your comfort, for a time. However, once the support is gone, it is advised to purchase a new mattress.

When looking to buy a mattress pad, consider the following:

  • The pad should be machine washable
  • The pad should be fitted
  • Do you need it to be waterproof?

Why You Need a Mattress Pad

Though not specifically designed for protection, a mattress pad will be a barrier between yourself and your mattress. This thick, often quilted pad is used to add comfort and protect your mattress from stains. It will also collect dust and dead skin cells, which you can wash off in the washing machine like your sheets.

It may not be waterproof, but the thick padding will absorb a lot of liquid and moisture and offer some protection from spills and accidents. 

Also, many have breathable fabrics that allow cool air to flow while you sleep. This can make your bed more comfortable and sleep easier. 

Do You Need a Mattress Pad on a Regular Mattress?

A mattress pad is an inexpensive option when looking to upgrade your regular mattress. It offers extra padding and comfort and is a great way to save a mattress that is too hard. Many are hypoallergenic and will provide some protection for your mattress and act as a soft cushion. 

Along with waterproof options, there are also electric pads that provide heating throughout. For older houses or in the colder months, these pads have controls with heat and auto-off features for safety.

Do You Need a Mattress Pad on a Memory Foam Mattress?

It isn’t recommended to have a mattress pad on a memory foam mattress. These pads are designed to add a layer of cushion to your bed, but memory foam is designed for comfort. By putting thick padding on top, you won’t feel the effects of the memory foam. 

What Is the Cost of a Mattress Pad?

Whether looking to extend an older mattress’s life or soften up a firmer mattress, a mattress topper is a great and relatively cheap option. 

Here are a few options:

WhatsBedding (padded & waterproof)

Plush Deluxe (ultra soft & waterproof)

One’s Own (organic & waterproof)

What Is a Mattress Topper?

What Is a Mattress Topper?

A mattress topper is a removable layer that goes on top of your mattress. It is a thicker layer used to add comfort and help older mattresses that are beginning to wear out to stay comfortable for longer.

The most common type of topper is memory foam. It is a great option for those looking for all the added benefits of memory foam without the high price tag. Although this option is more expensive than a mattress pad. 

Why You Need a Mattress Topper

Much like the mattress pad, a mattress topper is not designed for protection. They are designed to be used to enhance comfort in bed, improve sleep, and prolong the life of your mattress.

However, being a thick layer on top of your mattress can help with certain spills and moisture. What it can’t help with are dust and potential mites and bugs. Toppers tend to be separate layers that are not secured down like the mattress pads are. 

Some benefits include:

  • Extra comfort – an older or firmer mattress can be transformed by adding a mattress topper. With just a few inches, you will notice a big difference. 
  • Money-saving – although it may seem like a bigger investment when compared to the mattress pad, a topper will greatly improve comfort and will help a worn mattress that will last longer.
  • More hygienic – your topper will absorb dust and moisture, preventing it from seeping into your mattress. They are easier to remove and clean and only need to be washed a couple of times a year.
  • Reduce aches and pains – the added support and comfort can help with certain aches and pains by improving sleeping positions. 

Do You Need a Mattress Topper on a Regular Mattress?

A mattress topper is the best way to upgrade a regular mattress. Adding an extra few cushion layers and support will turn even the cheapest beds into something more luxurious.

A few things to consider before you buy are:

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  • If you have a bad back, you should look for a topper with a density of more than four to five pounds per cubic foot (1814.37 – 2267.96 grams)
  • If you sleep on your back, a mattress with a depth of 3.5cm (1.38 inches) is ideal.
  • Side sleepers require a deeper topper, closer to 7cm (2.76 inches) in depth for optimal comfort and support.
  • People that sleep on their stomachs should look for a depth of around 2.5-5cm (1-2 inches)

Do You Need a Mattress Topper on a Memory Foam Mattress?

If you have splurged on a memory foam mattress, a mattress topper is not necessary. You should find that your memory foam mattress has all the support you need. 

Be sure to speak with the salesman to find the right density and depth, depending on how you sleep and any pain or injuries. 

What Is the Cost of a Mattress Topper?

Mattress toppers are more expensive than a mattress pad but far cheaper than a memory foam mattress. They are a great way to add comfort and support without spending too much on a mattress. They can improve older and worn mattresses, giving them a longer life overall. 

The table below shows a few options for Twin, Full, and Queen sized beds:

AmazonBasics (memory foam & cooling)

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 17, 2020.

INGALIK (memory foam)

Lucid (memory foam & gel)

Final Thoughts 

Protection on your mattress supports longevity and cleanliness. A cover or protector will provide a waterproof barrier between yourself and your mattress. They can protect against spillages, accidents, and wear and tear. 

When looking into covers, protectors, pads, and toppers, you should decide based on the mattress you have and what you’re needs are. For example, a regular mattress would benefit from a cover and a topper, where a memory foam mattress might only need a protector. 

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