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 History Garnet Hill Signature Primaloft® Mattress Pad A HYPOALLERGENIC ALTERNATIVE TO WHITE GOOSE DOWN MATTRESS PADS For dreamers who want a little extra warmth but prefer a down-free option. * 230 thread count pure cotton cambric shell * Hypoallergenic Primaloft fill * Sewn-through box construction keeps the fill in place * Fully elasticized for a better fit * Accommodates mattresses up to 18" deep * Imported Twin: 39" x 75" Double: 54" x 75" Queen: 60" x 80" King: 78" x 80" PART OF OUR SIGNATURE BEDDING ESSENTIALS COLLECTION Developed over the years, these Garnet Hill bedding basics are the foundation of a beautiful, top-quality bed — and a great night's sleep. Each piece is the perfect balance of luxury and long-wearing practicality. The complete collection includes our Garnet Hill Signature White Down Pillow, Garnet Hill Signature White Goose Down Pillow, Garnet Hill Signature White Down Comforter, Garnet Hill Signature Channeled White Goose Down Comforter, Garnet Hill Signature Feather Bed, and Garnet Hill Signature Pillow Protectors.
This machine-washable mattress topper is 100% cotton, from its 240-thread-count cambric shell to its soft mid-weight fill — even the 20"-deep mattress pocket! * Cotton cambric shell has 240 threads per inch and is quilted through and through * 8-oz. cotton fill is medium weight — soft, but not super lofty or bulky * Machine-quilted in 4" diamonds to keep the cotton fill in place * 20"-deep cotton pocket accommodates most mattresses * Imported Twin: 39" x 75" Twin X-Long: 39" x 80" Double: 54" x 75" Queen: 60" x 80" King: 78" x 80" California King: 72" x 84" 400 Thread Count Cotton Mattress Pad Enhance the comfort of your mattress with a mattress pad designed to contour and lend extra support to the curve of your spine. * Breathable design * 100% cotton shell and skirt * 91% cotton and 9% rayon fill * Stretches to accommodate up to a 20" mattress * Imported Twin: 76" L x 39" W Double: 76" L x 54" W Queen: 80" L x 60" W King: 80" L x 78" W California King: 84" L x 72" W
An excellent value, this breathable mattress pad of 200 thread count cotton percale has a poly backing with polyurethane laminate, providing quiet yet durable protection. * "Expand-a-grip" skirt fits smoothly around any size mattress * 200 thread count cotton percale * USA Twin: 38" x 75" Twin X-Long: 38" x 80" Double: 53" x 75" Queen: 60" x 80" King: 76" x 80" Calif. King: 72" x 84" Tencel® Knit Mattress Protector The smooth hand and moisture-wicking properties of Tencel knit enhance your sleep comfort while protecting your mattress from allergens. * Made from hypoallergenic Tencel®, a silky-smooth fiber derived from wood pulp * Breathable and whisper-quiet poly backing helps protect the mattress face from moisture, dirt, dust, and allergens * Adjusts to fit all mattresses up to 22" thick * Imported 500 Thread Count Mattress Pad Above and beyond the ordinary, everyday mattress pad. State-of-the-art design with comfort in mind. 18 oz. of antimicrobial hypoallergenic fiber fill, with a stain-resistant, water-repellent shell.
Sleep with it for just one night and you'll be hooked — we were. * 500-thread-count checkerboard-jacquard shell lends a smooth hand * Stain-resistant, water-repellent shell * 18 oz. of antimicrobial hypoallergenic poly fill * Two-way skirt offers maximum protection * Imported Twin: 75" L x 39" W x 2" D Double: 75" L x 54" W x 2" D Queen: 80" L x 60" W x 2" D King: 80" L x 76" W x 2" D California King: 84" L x 72" W x 2" D This item cannot be shipped to a PO Box or an APO address. It must ship to a street address within the continental United States. Wool Fleece Mattress Pad Upgrade your sleep experience with the many wonders of shearling wool. A luxuriously soft, cushioning layer under your fitted sheet, wool provides natural breathability and wicks away moisture, keeping you warmer during the cooler months and cooler in the summer. * Machine washable * 1 1/4" thick wool fleece with nonslip backing * Elasticized skirt will fit mattresses up to 18" deep * Pure Australian wool * Australia Twin: 39" x 75" Double: 54" x 75" Queen: 60" x 80" King: 76" x 80"