The Many Advantages of a Mattress Protector or Pad

A mattress is an investment that you want to protect so it will last longer. Mattress protectors will act as a barrier resisting stains and offer the very best defense against mattress damage from fluids. Mattress pads do some of the same things, but don’t include the significantly higher level of moisture resistant protection. Their extra loft does add to your comfort while still offering light duty mattress protection qualities.

Whether you choose a mattress pad topper, a mattress protector topper or a mattress topper depends on the reason you are purchasing it. They all have some of the same benefits as each other but are very different in the manner they are constructed.

The Mattress Pad Topper

Mattress pad toppers are thinner than a mattress topper. They are usually a piece of quilted material, which can be natural or synthetic, and they fit over the top surface of your mattress. Pads can attach by either elastic straps on the four corners or they may be fitted much like a fitted sheet. Both of these attachment methods help the mattress pad topper to stay in place. A mattress pad topper can protect your mattress from light moisture such as sweat, mucus, saliva, body oils, gel hair products, and makeup. They are a low level of protection for your mattress, as they can’t handle a larger amount of moisture such as the spilling of a drink on the bed. The thicker the topper is, the more protection you will get from it.

The Mattress Protector Type Topper

The mattress protector type topper is thicker than a mattress pad topper to add more of a barrier between moisture and your mattress and prevent stains. Small spills such as getting sick, urine and blood stains can be prevented from reaching your mattress with this type of topper. These are great for kid’s beds for obvious reasons. Adult mattresses will also benefit from this type of topper. Mattress protectors have membrane backings that may or may not be breathable. The non-breathable type does not allow as much airflow and may actually make your bed warmer when you add this topper. Rubber and or plastic may be inside of the protector so as not to let fluid of any type soak through onto your mattress and staining it. The mattress protector is a dual duty protector as it can save you mattress from stains which will void your manufacturer’s warranty should you ever need to rely on it.

The Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers provide a different level of protection. They are not a fabric pad or a protective cover, but they can provide protection in the manner of avoiding mattress wear. This will extend the life of your mattress so you won’t need to purchase a new one as quickly as if it were not covered. Mattress toppers are thicker than other types of toppers and they sit on top of your mattress. There are many different toppers available depending on your sleeping needs. Many times a mattress is too firm and it can cause you to be sore in the mornings when you get up. Adding a softer surface as a mattress topper can alleviate the pressure points that are created from the firmness of the mattress. Mattress toppers mold themselves to your body contour to make your bed feel softer in all the right places. You can find toppers with natural down feathers or other soft synthetic fibers that will also add more softness to your mattress.

Rubber and foam mattress toppers are offered in a variety of thicknesses such as 2, 3 or 4 inches thick. These make up the majority of toppers on the market today. If you are looking for a natural alternative, explore natural latex rubber or a blended latex to reduce the amount of rubber used and replace a portion of it with a durable synthetic rubber. The memory foam gel-infused topper is another low cost alternative to make your mattress feel better and absorb most all of the surface wear to keep your mattress in a like new state.

The covering on a mattress topper is an equally important aspect in the overall construction. You need to get a durable material that will last for several years and also be sustainable. You can consider natural and organic options with less or no potentially harmful chemicals if you are sensitive to any type of fabric. In this case, cotton, wool and bamboo coverings are a great option. Read the label on the product. If you see “Oeko-tex certified” on the label, you can be certain that there are not any harmful chemicals added to the fabric that you choose.

If you have concerns about either cold or hot weather, you can purchase a mattress topper that is heated or cooled with new technologies to customize your particular sleeping temperature. A great advantage of a mattress pad is that you can simply remove it and launder it no matter which you choose and it will prolong the life of your mattress at the same time.

Health Benefits of a Mattress Protector or Pad

Whether you choose a mattress protector or a mattress pad, they both put a layer of material between your body and your mattress. Mattress protectors are designed to repel moisture and liquids, which can harbor harmful bacteria. Any type of liquid on a mattress can be disinfected and you can remove the stains, but without a protective layer of a pad or protector, the stains will have entered deep into the mattress where you can’t clean them. In addition, using chemicals to clean a mattress may actually harm your family.

Mattress protectors or pads protect your family from microscopic pests that live in mattresses and they can trigger allergic reactions in everyone. Dust mites are really hard to get rid of and it can be expensive as well. Children and adults as well can inhale dust mites when they are sleeping at night. This will make your family vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.

Mattress protectors or pads are also a great manner to ward off the germs and bacteria that grandkids pick up at daycare or school. Bacteria and germs can make them sick all on their own. The bacteria and germs will still be brought home and deposited on your bedding. No matter how hard you try to keep the sheets clean, the culprits may come home every time they visit. A mattress protector or pad can put a layer between your grandchild’s body and the mattress to protect against illness in both children and adults.

If you are happy with your current mattress in its support and softness, then a mattress pad is all you really need. At a later date, you may want to switch to a mattress topper to add more comfort temporarily until you can purchase a new mattress.