Most of us sleep on our mattresses every night for many years and never think about cleaning it. If the
mattress is unprotected, it can become stained or marked and cleaning with a vacuum cleaner will usually not remove this. Mattress
covers are removable items that are placed on top of or encase a mattress to keep it clean and dust free, and provide protection to both the
mattress and consumer. A mattress cover can be used to protect your mattress from allergens, dust mites, stains, spills and other accidents that
might include body liquids.
In most cases, a mattress warranty is voided if the mattress becomes stained, so people use a pad or cover.
This protects the surface of a mattress from stains or marks due to natural perspiration. In its simplest version, it is a fitted sheet that is
lightly quilted. This item protects against some light liquid stains but does not offer much additional protection to the mattress.
Waterproof covers keep mattresses clean by protecting them from spills and sweat secretions. In some cases,
the waterproof cover may be made from plastic, which can be very hot to sleep on and changes the way the mattress feels. Other versions are flat and
have a rubbery or flannel feel or they may be fitted and made from a breathable material.
Some covers also protect the person sleeping on the mattress from things like irritants, allergens, and
dead skin. Doctors often recommend a special cover for people with certain allergies, especially a dust mite allergy. Dust mite waste can cause
asthma, allergic reactions, or irritate the skin. A cover intended to provide this type of protection usually fully encases the
mattress.
To protect against bed bugs, mattress covers must be used on both the box spring and the mattress.
Waterproof protectors are recommended to keep mold from growing within a mattress. This is another way to reduce allergy symptoms and may be
recommended by a physician. A cover is relatively inexpensive based on the level of protection it provides.
There are two basic styles of mattress covers; a looser fitting cover that goes over the top of the
mattress and has straps that hold it in place, and one that encases the whole mattress, sometimes with zippers, that forms a tight
seal.
There are even specialty covers, such as cooling mattress covers. If you have night sweats or hot flashes,
when sleeping, a cooling cover should help. CoolMax, made by DuPont is a thick mattress cover that keeps your body cooler by controlling moisture
levels. It is weight and temperature sensitive too.
Types Of Covers
The types of mattress covers available range anywhere from simple cotton ones to very thick memory-foam
padded covers. They are made to fit most mattress sizes including everything from your king size mattress
down to your crib mattress. They will be called wrap, fitted, guaranteed to fit, and anchor. They can also contain hypoallergenic fabrics and
stain-resistant components. You will have to determine what is best for your needs while keeping the costs in mind.
The Basic
The basic style is simply a quilted cotton design with a small layer of polyester. This type of mattress
cover will fit snugly around the edges of the mattress with elastic.
Mattress Protector
If all you need is protection and softness and comfort are not an issue, then a protector would be for you.
These are great for allergy sufferers as they are usually dust mite resistant and keep pet dander out of the mattress. These have zippers on the
sides to fully encase the mattress in a fairly durable waterproof cover.
Memory Foam
The most expensive mattress covers are made of memory foam, which is material that changes shape to fit
your body. It is sensitive to heat and softens the most around the warmest parts of the body. If it is very cold in the room, it will feel firm at
first until it warms up.
Down
Down mattress covers, which are made from feathers, are a nice way to bring comfort to your nighttime. They
are quite warm and soften the overall feel of the bed. This would not be a good choice for people with certain allergies however.
What About Cost?
Mattress covers have a wide range of prices. You can expect to pay around $20 for the most basic,
twin-sized mattress cover. For luxurious memory foam, you can find them to be $300 or more. Don't forget that price increases as you go up in
mattress size. Mattress covers are generally priced according to the thickness. The thicker it is, the more comfortable it will be, and the more you
can expect to pay. They also come in a variety of materials which also impact cost. When the time comes to make your purchase, keep in mind the
fabric's thread count. Just like with all other linens you buy, the higher the thread count is, the softer the cover will feel, and of course, the
more it costs. You will probably find what you need in a larger linen shop with ease. Want to get the best prices? For discount options, be sure to
check out places like Walmart and Target first, or do an online search to compare prices.
Tips on Caring For Mattress Covers
Like any other part of your bedding, you need to wash and care for mattress covers. How often you wash
depends on how often they are used. If the covers happen to be in a guest bedroom where they aren't used much, be sure to still wash a couple times a
year to keep them dust free. If it is used daily, then you need to wash the cover one or twice a month.
Be sure to follow the washing instructions on the tag. If working with delicate handmade items or mattress covers made of down, it's best to have them cleaned by a professional so as not
to damage the material. Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is to wash in warm or hot water in the regular cycle. You can add a small amount of bleach if
the covers are white.
If you are using a zippered cover and want to reduce any allergens from getting in through the zipper, put
tape such as duct tape along the length of the zipper. Always take care when putting a zippered mattress cover on the bed so as not to create
tears.
Now you know some of the basics so you can get started shopping. Enjoy your new purchase!
