Home Guides Home Home Improvement Does a Memory Foam Mattress Need a Protective Covering? A cover designed specifically for memory foam keeps a mattress clean. A memory foam mattress is a bit different than a conventional mattress, being made of special foam that conforms to the body's shape. Like a conventional mattress, a cover is not entirely necessary between the mattress and fitted bed sheet, but it does help keep the mattress clean. Some mattress manufacturers recommend using a pad or cover to protect a memory foam mattress, noting that conventional mattress pads or covers impede the beneficial qualities of memory foam. Covers made especially for memory foam are a good choice to protect the mattress. Memory Foam and Mattress Pads A conventional mattress pad offers a thin layer of cushioning, which works well with a standard spring-based mattress but is not ideal for memory foam, since memory foam is designed to allow the body to sink into it for form-fitting comfort. Retailers of memory-foam mattresses sell covers specifically designed for memory foam, offering protection against moisture and dust mites.
The cover keeps the mattress clean, since the cover is machine-washable and the mattress is not. Clean the mattress itself with a vacuum cleaner. A mild soap on a slightly damp sponge cleans spots and stains; avoid saturating the mattress to keep it in pristine condition. References Tempurpedic: Product CareSealy: Memory Foam -- Caring for Your Sealy Photo Credits Siri Stafford/Digital Vision/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionI've had the Total Protection Mattress Pad for my i8 queen size bed since I bought my bed in 2010. It adds to the comfort the of the bed while adding protection for the mattress. Great product!– Sergio R.Chicago, IL Mattress Topper Reviews > Memory Foam Mattress Topper Reviews Based on 38,517 Actual Consumer Experiences THE GOOD: Most popular mattress topper • often highly effective at improving mattress comfort • available in several varieties to suit personal need and preference. THE BAD: Potential for initial odor and heat retention • can be too firm for people under 120 lbs • somewhat difficult to move on / get up off • squishy feel possible • fairly heavy.
THE COMPETITION: See how other topper types compare to memory foam in the topper comparison. Ratings show how the various memory foam topper varieties compare to the average mattress topper. Ratings indicate what tends to be true; ratings for a particular model or individual topper may vary. The table below compares toppers with 89% or better owner satisfaction based on at least 500 consumer experiences. * Memory foam density indicates howFor example, foam with 3.0 lb (or lbs/ft) density means that a cubic foot of this foam weighs three pounds. See the above grid and memory foam density: low vs high to learn more about differences in density. ** Gel-infused memory foam tends to sleep about 25% cooler longer than regular memory foam all other things being equal. *** CertiPUR-US certified foam meets standards for content, emissions, performance and durability. Memory foam is made from polyurethane with additional chemicals to increase density. The foam is made up of millions
of spherical shaped, open cells. What makes memory foam unique is its temperature and weight sensitivity. Memory foam mattress toppers should generally be expected to last about three to four years with regular use – a rate somewhat better than that of the average mattress topper. Memory foam toppers with higher density foam (4 lbs/ft or more) may last somewhat longer than those with lower density foam (3 lbs/ft or less). As the toppers age and wear, they tend to lose their resiliency and support. They may also discolor and tear. Memory foam toppers often have warranty lengths of 2-5 years. Owner experience data suggests that the likelihood of successfully filing a warranty claim is low. Consumers, as a result, should probably not place much emphasis on warranty coverage when shopping. When unpackaged, memory foam can initially give off a gas or odor which can last from hours to weeks. Off gassing is the main complaint by memory foam topper owners as about 18% report the problem.
Off gassing can be a small annoyance to some people and unbearable to others. Learn more about memory foam off gassing. There is often randomness as to whether and how much a memory foam mattress topper will off gas. However, owner experience data suggests that off gassing tends to correlate with topper thickness. * Off gassing lasting more than 24 hours. About 7% of memory foam topper owners – vs about 4% for the average mattress topper – report that their topper sleeps hot or, in other words, fails to disperse body heat resulting in an unnaturally warm sleep surface. Thicker memory foam toppers tend to have more heat-related complaints than thinner varieties. This appears to be due to the fact that the sleeper often sinks further into thicker toppers where there is less air circulation. High density foam toppers may also increase the potential for heat retention. * Heat retention is enough to undermine sleep quality at least some of the time. Gel-infused memory foam tends to sleep about 25% cooler longer than regular memory foam – all other things being equal.
Memory foam toppers can often be added to just one side of a bed to, in effect, provide different firmness and feel for each side. This can make a mattress more suitable for couples. Learn more on how to have a topper on one half of a mattress. Higher-density and thicker memory foam toppers can impact romantic activity. While they offer some advantages such as improved comfort, they also may reduce bounce and make movement more difficult and awkward. Learn more about the pros and cons of memory foam on this issue.Protectors for Memory Foam Mattresses Mattress protectors can be one of the wisest purchases for a memory foam mattress, as they can help preserve your investment and extend the life of your bed without detracting from comfort. Read on to learn about the benefits of pairing a protector with your memory foam bed and see how the different types of protectors compare. Benefits of Using a Mattress Protector with Memory Foam Beds A protective mattress cover is designed to prevent liquids and other substances from reaching the surface of the bed.
While many associate mattress protectors with kids or incontinence, the truth is that they offer many other benefits like keeping your bed clean, healthy, and in good condition. The most obvious benefit of mattress protectors is their ability to prevent or reduce stains due to waterproof or water-resistant backings. Aside from nighttime accidents, they can also keep pet stains, spilled drinks, sweat and other fluids off of your bed, or at least give you extra time to clean up before the stain soaks in. This is very useful for memory foam mattresses, as the foam absorbs liquid and can be fairly difficult to clean after the fact without damaging the material. Avoid Mold & Mildew Because a protector prevents liquids and perspiration from penetrating the mattress, this significantly reduces any chance of mold or mildew developing. While memory foam is naturally resistant to mold, frequent moisture exposure or spills that do not thoroughly dry could create an issue. Reduce Dust Mites & Allergens
In addition to liquids, mattress protectors can also keep your memory foam mattress cleaner and healthier. The removable barrier can reduce the amount of shed skin cells, dust mite debris and pet dander that infiltrate the bed. Most mattress protectors are also machine washable to keep allergen levels as low as possible. Another important reason to use a mattress protector on a memory foam bed is the warranty. With nearly every manufacturer, stains can impact your ability to successfully file a warranty claim down the road since liquids can damage the foam and may also be unhygienic. If your mattress is still in it’s trial period, stains can also void return policies. All of these protective and preventative features of mattress protectors combine to extend the useful lifespan of your mattress. Smelly or unsightly stains can require a mattress replacement, especially if mold develops. Certain liquids and cleaners can also affect the foam and reduce its lifespan. Keeping your mattress dry and covered helps reduce allergens and keep your mattress healthy, and also helps ensure that you will be able to return or file a warranty claim later if needed.
Which Mattress Protector is Best? Mattress protectors are not all created equally; there are different types and materials depending on your needs and concerns. A waterproof mattress cover will have a non-porous backing designed to totally prevent liquids from penetrating the surface. These are ideal for protecting a bed when incontinence and spills are a concern, but can be less breathable and flexible depending on the backing material. Plastic and vinyl material offer a more resistant barrier, but may also trap heat and be noisy. Polyurethane backing stops liquids, but allows air flow and is flexible for greater comfort. Water-resistant mattress covers have a less restrictive barrier, but also may be more breathable and flexible. These do not prevent 100% of liquids from seeping through, but can prevent minor stains and give you extra time to soak up an accident. There are two main types of mattress protectors; encasements which entirely surround the mattress and covers which slip over the mattress.
Encasements cover all sides of the bed from top to bottom, and are primarily designed to prevent bed bug infestations or manage severe dust allergies. The more common style of mattress protector slips over the top of the mattress like a fitted sheet for easier removal. Compare Amerisleep Mattress Protectors Amerisleep offers two types of protectors to complement memory foam mattresses, a Classic protector and an Organic Cotton option. Below is a comparison of the features of each style: The two mattress protectors offer a similar level of protection, slip-on design with all-around sewn-in elastic, one year of warranty, and easy machine-washable care. Both also use non-toxic polyurethane backing to repel liquids while still allowing air to breathe through for temperature control and comfort. The Classic protector features cotton-polyester blend fabric and is imported, while the Organic protector features 100% certified organic cotton fabric from Canada and is made in the USA.