Mattress Protector Buying Guide

Using a mattress without a mattress protector is like using an expensive smartphone without a case. A mattress protector is a removable bedding layer that wraps around your mattress to keep it safe. Let's take a look at everything your mattress gathers over time.

Dust and the dust mites that come with it

Food particles

Dead skin cells

Moisture and sweat

Germs and allergens

A mattress protector protects your mattress from these elements, keeping it hygienic while you sleep on it. It also prevents your mattress from being worn out, keeping it fresh as new and making it last longer. Checking these 8 points can help you make sure the mattress protector you choose is a good one.

1. Size

King size: 72 inches x 78 inches (6 feet x 6.5 feet)

Queen size: 60 inches x 78 inches (5 feet x 6.5 feet)

Single bed size: 36 inches x 72 inches (3 feet x 6 feet)

2. Material

Cotton

Feel - soft, cushioned, cool

Reason - Breathable, i.e. absorbs and releases moisture quickly so you sweat less, easy to clean, eco-friendly, good for every season, most natural for your skin.

Polyester

Feel - shiny, slightly thin, warm

Reason - Moisture and wind resistant, easy to handle, tends to heat up, but its elasticity (i.e. it bounces back after each wash) keeps it light and thus keeps heat under control.

Vinyl

Feels - like leather or plastic, and it's cold

Reason - Moisture, damage, and stain resistant, very durable, fits the mattress very well, and can be cleaned with just a wipe

3. The way it holds the bed in place

Fit: slides over the corners and edges of your mattress and holds them in place

Features - Reasonable, fits over your mattress with little effort, but twisting and turning while sleeping may make it unravel.

Has a zipper. Contains your mattress and closes it with a zipper

Features - Completely encases and protects the mattress, durable, requires tougher materials such as vinyl to carry the zipper.

Elastic: It has straps that grip the four corners of your bed to hold the protector in place

Features - Great for cotton or cotton topper protectors that score high on comfort and won't unravel.

4. Types of finishes

Quilted. Keeps the fibers in place and evenly distributed to add extra cushioning to your mattress.

Non-quilted. Prevents dust from collecting in the corners of the stitching, aligns well with the sheets, and stays crease-free.

5. Thread count.

Thread count indicates the number of threads per square inch in the fabric. A higher thread count means the fabric will feel softer and thicker.

6. Breathability.

This means the flow of air through the fabric. When the fabric is more breathable, it stays cooler and more comfortable.

7. Is it easy to clean?

Look for a protective cover that is machine washable or easy to wipe down.

8. Is it hypoallergenic?

A mattress protector that is hypoallergenic is resistant to a variety of allergy causes and also protects those who are sensitive to certain types of fabrics.

How to care for your mattress protector.

Wash it once before use. Follow any specific washing care instructions on the label

Wash in cold or warm water temperatures with other bedding. High temperatures may damage it

Dry on a low heat setting or simply line dry.

Use a bleach-free detergent.

Wash it on average once a month

Wash and dry at home. Dry cleaning or ironing may destroy its protective qualities.