A growing number of companies are selling mattress encasements to combat bedbugs, protective covers they say can help prevent and control infestations of these nasty blood-sucking insects. Entomologists say encasements are a useful weapon against bedbugs, but these products by themselves won't usually solve the problem. * * * Bedbugs, once nearly eradicated in the U.S., have been coming back in recent years. Transported from one location to another in suitcases and on clothing, the tiny brown insects... Alligator Takes a Stroll With a Fish in Its Mouth Drowning in Charging Cables? Land Rover Performs ‘The Hatch Trick’ Could North Korea's Missiles Reach the U.S.? Trump, Without Evidence, Accuses Obama of Wiretapping Him A mattress protector with elastic on top of a bed base A mattress protector is an item of removable bedding that sits on top of, or encases, a mattress to protect it. Some mattress protectors also provide protection to the person sleeping on the mattress from allergens and irritants such as dust mites, bed bugs, mold, and dead skin (like dandruff).
Although the surface of a mattress can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, it is very difficult to completely remove stains from most standard mattresses. An unprotected mattress can become marked or stained quite quickly as natural perspiration produced throughout the night passes through a standard cloth sheet and creates a characteristic yellowish-brown tidemark where it has been absorbed into the upper surface of the mattress. Mattresses are also susceptible to many other contaminants. The simplest form of a mattress protector is a lightly quilted fitted sheet. It provides minimal protection against liquids and little or no protection from dust mite allergens. In addition to conventional natural fabrics, new forms of synthetic protector or topper have appeared over the years including memory foam and spacer fabrics. These are more expensive than conventional protectors but add the advantages of pressure relief and in the case of the later, the ability to be washed. Waterproof mattress protectors keep the mattress clean by securing it from absorbing body excretions (such as sweat) or other liquids resulting from spills.
These can take the form of flat rubberized flannel pads (commonly used under a bedsheet for infants) or special breathable fitted covers. The plastic pads are hot to sleep on and change the feel of the mattress. A urethane laminate on cotton that has good wicking properties is an alternative to a rubberized flannel pad. A protector with a thin laminate that is not pulled too tightly across the bed will not change the feel of the bed. Also, the laminate is still breathable which means that it will not trap body heat. Most mattress warranties are voided if the mattress gets a stain, so most sleepers use mattress pads to prevent stains. The use of a mattress protector is often recommended to individuals who are known to be susceptible to certain kinds of allergies, especially dust mites. Dust mites produce waste products that irritate the lining of the airways and lungs and particularly with children can bring on allergic reactions, asthma and can irritate skin conditions such as eczema.
A full zippered encasement allergen filtration mattress protector can provide an extra layer of protection between the user and their mattress, filtering allergens that are known to trigger allergy and asthma symptoms. For protection against bed bugs, the mattress and box spring must both be fully enclosed with no possible openings. Zippered cases are commonly used for this purpose. This prevents new bed bugs from getting into the mattress and box spring, and traps any bed bugs that are already inside. Mattress protectors must be left on for at least a full year to make sure that the trapped bed bugs and their eggs die.[1] If the cover is taken off early, the bed bug infestation may relapse. Waterproof mattress protectors also reduce allergy symptoms by reducing the ability of mold to grow in a mattress. Mattress protectors which can be easily disinfected are commonly used in children's nurseries and health care facilities. A 2002 Norwegian study has found that foam mattresses are 4 to 8 times more likely to host dust mite feces than spring mattresses.
There are different types of mattress protectors. Encasements are shields that protect the mattress directly, typically from bed bugs, and are often used in hotels. Protectors are used to protect the mattress from bed-wetting or allergic situations. In contrast, mattress pads and mattress toppers are primarily used to provide comfort features for the user. Pads are thinner, while the thicker toppers tend to be more comfortable and expensive. In hospital or other medical settings, a disposable underpad may be used to absorb blood and other bodily fluid, in concert with a hospital gown. This is sometimes light blue and known as chux pad,[3] after an old brand name for a disposable diaper. ^ What is an underpad or chux ^ Disposable Diaper HistoryProtectors for Memory Foam Mattresses Mattress protectors can be one of the wisest purchases for a memory foam mattress, as they can help preserve your investment and extend the life of your bed without detracting from comfort.
Read on to learn about the benefits of pairing a protector with your memory foam bed and see how the different types of protectors compare. Benefits of Using a Mattress Protector with Memory Foam Beds A protective mattress cover is designed to prevent liquids and other substances from reaching the surface of the bed. While many associate mattress protectors with kids or incontinence, the truth is that they offer many other benefits like keeping your bed clean, healthy, and in good condition. The most obvious benefit of mattress protectors is their ability to prevent or reduce stains due to waterproof or water-resistant backings. Aside from nighttime accidents, they can also keep pet stains, spilled drinks, sweat and other fluids off of your bed, or at least give you extra time to clean up before the stain soaks in. This is very useful for memory foam mattresses, as the foam absorbs liquid and can be fairly difficult to clean after the fact without damaging the material.
Avoid Mold & Mildew Because a protector prevents liquids and perspiration from penetrating the mattress, this significantly reduces any chance of mold or mildew developing. While memory foam is naturally resistant to mold, frequent moisture exposure or spills that do not thoroughly dry could create an issue. Reduce Dust Mites & Allergens In addition to liquids, mattress protectors can also keep your memory foam mattress cleaner and healthier. The removable barrier can reduce the amount of shed skin cells, dust mite debris and pet dander that infiltrate the bed. Most mattress protectors are also machine washable to keep allergen levels as low as possible. Another important reason to use a mattress protector on a memory foam bed is the warranty. With nearly every manufacturer, stains can impact your ability to successfully file a warranty claim down the road since liquids can damage the foam and may also be unhygienic. If your mattress is still in it’s trial period, stains can also void return policies.
All of these protective and preventative features of mattress protectors combine to extend the useful lifespan of your mattress. Smelly or unsightly stains can require a mattress replacement, especially if mold develops. Certain liquids and cleaners can also affect the foam and reduce its lifespan. Keeping your mattress dry and covered helps reduce allergens and keep your mattress healthy, and also helps ensure that you will be able to return or file a warranty claim later if needed. Which Mattress Protector is Best? Mattress protectors are not all created equally; there are different types and materials depending on your needs and concerns. A waterproof mattress cover will have a non-porous backing designed to totally prevent liquids from penetrating the surface. These are ideal for protecting a bed when incontinence and spills are a concern, but can be less breathable and flexible depending on the backing material. Plastic and vinyl material offer a more resistant barrier, but may also trap heat and be noisy.
Polyurethane backing stops liquids, but allows air flow and is flexible for greater comfort. Water-resistant mattress covers have a less restrictive barrier, but also may be more breathable and flexible. These do not prevent 100% of liquids from seeping through, but can prevent minor stains and give you extra time to soak up an accident. There are two main types of mattress protectors; encasements which entirely surround the mattress and covers which slip over the mattress. Encasements cover all sides of the bed from top to bottom, and are primarily designed to prevent bed bug infestations or manage severe dust allergies. The more common style of mattress protector slips over the top of the mattress like a fitted sheet for easier removal. Compare Amerisleep Mattress Protectors Amerisleep offers two types of protectors to complement memory foam mattresses, a Classic protector and an Organic Cotton option. Below is a comparison of the features of each style: The two mattress protectors offer a similar level of protection, slip-on design with all-around sewn-in elastic, one year of warranty, and easy machine-washable care.
Both also use non-toxic polyurethane backing to repel liquids while still allowing air to breathe through for temperature control and comfort. The Classic protector features cotton-polyester blend fabric and is imported, while the Organic protector features 100% certified organic cotton fabric from Canada and is made in the USA. The Organic protector offers the advantage of being free of dyes and harsh chemicals, making it safe for sensitive skin., and the recycled and organic materials make the product eco-friendly as well. With the broad scope of advantages mattress protectors offer, this important and relatively inexpensive accessory should be on every new memory foam mattress owner’s list. Using a protective cover from the beginning helps ensure your investment lasts as long as possible, while staying clean, hygienic and healthy. Modern mattress protectors like those from Amerisleep offer an ideal solution for use with memory foam mattresses, with breathable materials that preserve comfort while offering excellent protection against spills and allergens.