Pillow topsPlace a pad on your mattress for an even greater night’s sleep. It’ll help keep your mattress in better condition too. You can choose between various fillings and materials – but all of our pillow tops are easily removed to air and clean. So you can keep your bed fresh and inviting every day. Top 4 Best Latex Mattress Topper Reviews for 2017 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 HistoryWhat is the best mattress topper? Your bed should be a sanctuary – a place of pure comfort and relaxation. However, it’s hard to enjoy a blissful night’s sleep when your mattress isn’t the comfort level you desire. Luckily, there are many ways to change the feel of a mattress by using a mattress topper. Adding a mattress topper is one of the simplest ways to boost comfort and improve your sleep experience without having to invest big bucks in a brand new bed. In most cases, you can transform an older, innerspring mattress into a much softer, more pressure relieving sleep surface.
Whether you choose a memory foam, latex or goose down feather bed topper, you’ll soon be slumbering away in cloud-like cushioning. Here at Mattress World Northwest, the leading mattress retailer in Portland, Oregon, our sleep specialists offer tips on how to make your bed exceptionally comfortable. If your mattress isn’t as soft as you’d prefer, follow these steps to create a luxuriously indulgent bed, and remember, it’s all in the layering! Get Started with a Sleep Analysis Make a mattress softer: tips Step One – Rotate your mattress 180 degrees first, to help promote more even wear. Step Two – Buy a waterproof mattress protector; not only will it protect against accidental spills and extend the life of your mattress, it can add an extra touch of comfort. Step Three – Add a mattress topper to increase comfort and overall cushioning. There are many styles and materials to choose from, including conventional egg-crate toppers, memory foam toppers, latex mattress toppers, and natural wool toppers.
Step Four – Add another layer of cushioning with an additional mattress topper for double the comfort! Hint: for 5-star hotel luxury put a thick feather bed topper on top of a 2 or 3-inch memory foam pad. Step Five – For the ultimate sleep experience, ensure your sheets are super soft and not scratchy. Only select high thread-count cotton sheets (Egyptian and Pima cotton are softest), or those made from bamboo. Step Six – Invest in quality pillows made with latex or cool gel memory foam, depending on your sleep position and preferences. Types of mattress toppers Mattress toppers offer pressure relief to the surface of an overly firm bed. Egg crates – By far the most cost-effective choice, egg crate toppers vary in thickness and offer an easy solution to a hard bed. Be warned, they tend to sleep hot! Memory foam – If you can’t afford a high-tech memory foam mattress, a topper is the next best thing. These also vary in thickness and provide excellent relief for painful joints while helping to reduce motion transfer.
Be sure to look for hypoallergenic versions if you’re sensitive to chemicals. Feather topper – While more expensive, a down topper offers exquisite comfort and a touch of luxury. Pro: feather toppers sleep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Con: they are not mite and dust resistant, and can provoke allergic reactions in some people. However, several companies sell down alternative mattress toppers made with a polyester fiber fill. Hybrid topper – Get the best of both worlds with a hybrid topper that combines the pillow-like comfort of feather with the body-conforming support of memory foam. Latex mattress topper – Healthy and eco-friendly, mattress toppers made with natural latex can quickly transform an uncomfortable bed. Highly recommended for people who suffer from arthritis and sciatica. In general, latex sleeps cooler than memory foam since it doesn’t trap heat. Wool mattress topper – These toppers are typically made with soft Merino fleece, and are excellent for allergy-sensitive individuals.