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 Memory foam mattress toppers tend to have a thickness between 2 and 5.5 inches. The more softness and support you want to add, the thicker your topper needs to be. Take into account your sleeping position when you choose a mattress topper. If you sleep primarily on your back or stomach, your weight is dispersed over a relatively large surface area, and the moderate amount of thickness of a 2-inch topper works fine. In contrast, if you sleep on your side, all of your weight is concentrated into a narrow part of your body, and as a result, more pressure is placed on your hips, shoulders and knees. In this case, you may prefer a 3 to 5.5-inch thick topper. If you want a cushy bed that you sink into, you need a soft or plush firmness rating. In contrast, firm and medium toppers are considered to be the best for providing relief for aches and pain, as they absorb movement and provide stability. Finally, plush firm, the perfect compromise for many sleepers, invokes the sense of lying in a cloud but still supports your back and joints.
The density of your mattress topper refers to the pounds of material per cubic foot of mattress. If you buy a topper with a density of 3-pounds, every cubic foot of the mattress contains 3 pounds of foam or gel. The more support you want; the more density you need. If you're just looking for a bit of a boost, 2 pounds of density may be enough, but if you want serious relief for pain or discomfort, turn up the dial to 4 pounds or higher. Three-pound density is the perfect compromise and the most popular. Traditional memory foam pads for mattresses feature a thick layer of polyurethane foam, but you can also find mattress toppers that contain gel. These toppers feature gel beads infused into memory foam. They tend to cost a bit more than traditional toppers of the same thickness, but they offer greater air flow. The cooling nature of a gel-infused mattress topper is ideal for steamy nights and sleepers who love the cool side of the pillow. If you like the peace of mind of an old-school name in the mattress industry, you can stick to mainstay brands such as Simmons BeautyRest, Broyhill, and Sealy.