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#1 in Sleep Product Research Millions Served Since 2008 Mattress Topper Reviews – Summary Memory Foam Mattress Topper Reviews Latex Mattress Topper Reviews Wool Mattress Topper Reviews Mattress Topper Reviews > Wool Mattress Topper-Pad Review, Ratings and Comparison on 490 Actual Consumer Experiences What You Need To Know THE GOOD: Wool toppers are often effective at softening a mattress and giving it a luxurious feel. They tend to be durable as well as fairly cool / dry in summer and warm in winter. THE BAD: In addition to being pricey, wool toppers may not provide adequate cushion for some side sleepers. Initial odor is possible. Regular shaking / fluffing may be needed to maintain loft and comfort. THE COMPETITION: Main competing toppers are feather and fiber. See how wool toppers compare to these and others in the mattress topper comparison. Wool Topper-Pad Ratings: Overall As a Group
The ratings show how wool toppers as a group compare to the average mattress topper as evaluated by consumers. For ratings on specific brands, see the following section. Wool toppers often range $140-$330. The average price for a wool topper is about $198 vs about $145 for the average topper. Memory foam and latex tend to do better in regard to preventing / relieving back and joint pain. Wool's ability to improve mattress support is generally inferior to that of memory foam and latex. Wool toppers generally have above average durability / longevity, but they will likely lose resiliency over time. The ability of wool toppers to conform and contour to a person's body is not a strength especially when compared to foam and latex toppers. Unlike memory foam, wool does not help to keep movement of one person from disturbing another person on the bed. No lumpiness / clumping While wool toppers are more likely to clump or lump that memory foam and latex toppers, less than 6% of wool owners report a problem.
Easy to move on Wool toppers/pads usually provide little resistance to moving around on and getting up off. Wool is silent when compressed or moved on. Easy to move, lift, handle Wool toppers tend to weigh 4-12 pounds depending mostly on size – making them lighter than most other topper types. The softness provided by the topper can allow sex to be more comfortable without lessening bounce or ease of movement. About 5% of owners report an initial smell – often "barnyard" in nature – but it is usually not severe or long lasting. In addition to keeping you warm in winter, wool absorbs moisture to help keep you cooler in summer. As a result, wool toppers often provide at least some relief for hot sleepers. Nevertheless, about 4% of owners report significant unwanted heat retention. Proper fit / secure Like mattress toppers in general, wool toppers may not fit properly to the dimensions of the mattress. And they may not stay fully secure.
A wool topper-pad usually has a clean and even appearance, but compression can leave a slightly sagged appearance to the bed. Occasional to regular shaking / fluffing may be needed to maintain loft and comfort especially for thicker wool toppers. They are often machine washable, otherwise spot cleanable. They tend to dry quickly. Some shrinkage is possible. The following table compares wool toppers / pads that rate 85% or higher in owner satisfaction based on at least 80 consumer experiences. Owner Satis- faction (Sample) Lambs Wool Mattress Pad twin, xl twin, full, qn, king, CA king .5 and 1.5 inch twin, qn, king, CA king About our Wool Mattress Topper review and research Ratings are based on over 485 wool mattress topper consumer experiences which were gathered primarily from review sections on retailer web sites. Wool mattress toppers accommodate changing body temperature by helping you to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer.