Skip to main content. 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 CorrectionSee how it all works here.Do I need a mattress pad or mattress protector for my new Casper, Tuft & Needle, Leesa, Saatva, or other online mattress? This is by far one of the most common questions I receive on my blog, and it’s long over due for a quick question and answer post. First off, it’s important to note the differences between mattress pads and mattress protectors. A mattress pad is a relatively thick piece of quilted material that sits on top of your mattress, but below your sheets.
A mattress pad can help to protect your mattress to some degree from general wear and tear, and help reduce allergens, but in general you’d purchase a mattress pad to add comfort to your mattress. The primary reason I would suggest buying a mattress pad is because you’re unhappy with your current mattress and a mattress pad can be a nice short term solution to add comfort to an older or uncomfortable mattress. If you’re buying a brand new mattress, whether it’s foam, innerspring, or otherwise, there is really no need to purchase a mattress pad. Mattress toppers would be a similar option if you’re seeking a temporary solution to add comfort, but that’s another blog post. A mattress protector also sits directly on the surface of your mattress, but below your sheets. It’s similar to a fitted sheet in the way it covers the mattress. They are generally made from cotton, polyester, or other materials, and are designed to help repel liquid and prevent other sources of damage (dirt, dust, allergens, etc).
The most common use for a mattress protector is simply as a liquid resistant protector. In the event you were to spill a drink, have an accident prone child or pet, or have a sexy-times accident, the mattress protector will help to ensure your expensive mattress stays fresh, clean, and unsoiled. I would highly recommend a mattress protector to anyone who is purchasing a new mattress, or already owns a mattress without a mattress protector. They are an inexpensive way to ensure your mattress stays nice for years. Most mattress protectors are fairly thin. They don’t have to be thick to do their job if they are made well. As such, they have very little impact in terms of the feel and comfort of the mattress they are on. My wife and I have been using a pretty good and inexpensive mattress protector we purchased from Amazon when we bought our mattress. We’ve slept several times with it off to get a sense of the feel and I cannot tell any noteworthy difference in feel, comfort, or sound when the mattress protector is on vs. with it off.
In addition to protecting your mattress from damage, liquids, etc. they can also aid in reducing allergens, dust mites, and asthma issues. If you have an older mattress that you’re not terribly happy with I would recommend a mattress pad. Mattress pads are an inexpensive way to add a little life to older or otherwise uncomfortable mattresses. If it’s a new mattress, there is no need to purchase a mattress pad (assuming you are happy with the mattress). A mattress protector on the other hand is all but required. It’s inexpensive, protects your investment, has no visible impact, and shouldn’t dramatically change the way the mattress feels. In my book it’s a no brainer. Below are my favorite mattress protectors and mattress pads: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. The Organic protector offers the advantage of being free of dyes and harsh chemicals, making it safe for sensitive skin., and the recycled and organic materials make the product eco-friendly as well. With the broad scope of advantages mattress protectors offer, this important and relatively inexpensive accessory should be on every new memory foam mattress owner’s list. Using a protective cover from the beginning helps ensure your investment lasts as long as possible, while staying clean, hygienic and healthy. Modern mattress protectors like those from Amerisleep offer an ideal solution for use with memory foam mattresses, with breathable materials that preserve comfort while offering excellent protection against spills and allergens. Find your perfect sleep by comparing our mattresses. Get answers about Amerisleep mattresses before you buy.