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 HistoryThank you for your recent purchase of a Sherwood sleep system. Your mattress and matching foundation have been engineered to provide one of the finest sleep systems available. The following care instructions can help preserve your warranty rights: Rotate your mattress from end-to-end at 2 weeks and then every 2-3 months thereafter. King and Queen mattress sets must be supported by an appropriate frame with a rigid center bridge bar and supporting leg. It will also need at least (i) 5 legs, or (ii) 5 equally spaced hardwood cross-slats. Use a quilted mattress pad to avoid stains. When moving, carton your mattress and transport it on its side. Do not remove the law tag or label containing the model name. Do not bend, stand or jump on the mattress. Do not use cleaning fluids on the product. Do not smoke in bed or expose the mattress to open flame or fire.* Do not lift your mattress by its handles.
Handles should only be used for positioning the mattress on the foundation. The Warranty Period begins on the date of purchase shown on your sales receipt and follows the Warranty Schedule below. To determine the Warranty Period that applies to your product, see the 3-Digit Code shown on the law tag affixed to your mattress and refer to the following Warranty Schedule: If a defect occurs during the Warranty Period, Sherwood shall, at its discretion, repair or replace your mattress or foundation after a complete inspection and determination that the damage is a result of a manufacturing defect during normal use. The fee for repair or replacement for product that is in the Prorated Period of ownership is calculated as follows: (Purchase Price) x (# of Years Owned) ÷ (Warranty Period). In all cases, transportation costs of the product to and from the store or factory, as applicable, are not covered by this Limited Warranty and are the responsibility of the purchaser. If the identical product is not available, Sherwood may substitute a product of comparable value.
In the event of repair or replacement, the Warranty Period shall continue from your original purchase date. This Limited Warranty is only valid for the original purchaser of the product. If you discover a defect in your mattress or foundation, please contact the authorized Sherwood dealer (Find a Retailer) where you purchased your sleep set. If the dealer is no longer in business or you have moved outside the service area, please contact Sherwood’s Customer Service Department (use our contact form). To make a claim use our contact form and make sure that… You upload a copy of the original bill of sale. Needed to determine the original date of purchase and the purchase price. You upload a photo of the label containing the model name and the law label. Must be attached to identify the bedding and validate this Limited Warranty. You are the original purchaser of the product and provide the law label for this Limited Warranty to be valid. Claims made by anyone other than the original purchaser of the product.
Claims made outside the United States. Product that is purchased from an unauthorized Sherwood dealer. Structural damage from using an improper bed frame (see Care Instructions). Structural damage from not using the mattress in conjunction with a matching foundation or equivalent (see 1633 law label affixed to mattress for matching foundation(s)). Burned, stained or soiled fabric, even if the product is defective. Damage due to abuse such as bending, or standing or jumping on the mattress. Comfort or firmness preference of the product. Body impressions less than 1.5” (3/4” for smooth top or non-quilted type mattresses). Body impressions less than the amounts indicated are caused by the natural compression and settling of quality upholstery materials and are not considered a manufacturing defect. They are an indication that the upholstery layers are conforming to your body’s individual contours. Floor models and bedding sold “As-Is”.
Replacement of a non-defective piece in the sleep set because the matching piece is defective. Handles and Corner Guards. Transportation costs of the product to and from the store or factory, as applicable. ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ON THIS PRODUCT, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL NOT EXCEED IN DURATION THE TERM OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. THE SERVICE TERMS STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL BE THE CONSUMER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IN THE EVENT OF PRODUCT FAILURE DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. SHERWOOD SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT, OR FOR THE BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY. This Limited Warranty is valid only in the United States and gives you specific legal rights that may vary from state to state. * Your product meets the requirements of the Federal Flammability Standard, 16 CFR 1633, when your mattress is used alone or with one of the foundations specified on the 1633 law label affixed to your mattress.