“Why do I need a mattress protector?” “I don’t eat or drink in bed, I won’t make a mess” “The kids are all grown, they don’t need a protector anymore.” “I’ve already got one from my own bed.” All these ideas can run through your head when asked about acquiring a mattress protector for your bed. While, some of these points are valid, they do not solve all the issues that may arise with your mattress that can be prevented with a mattress protector.
It’s not just Orange Juice
While it is true that mattress protectors will help protect mattresses from spills, accidents, and other household mishaps, that is not the main contaminants to encounter your mattress. Sweat, Dead Skin Cells, Dust Mites, all will attack your mattress without a proper mattress protector. According to WebMD, “Each adult person sheds about one and a half grams of skin every day.”1 Over the span of years, (keeping in mind that most people keep their mattress for 8 + years) all that accumulates to make the mattress heavier. So what? What does it matter if my mattress gets heavier? And you are correct, the weight is not the important issue. The important issue is what those daily attacks are doing to what lies underneath the cover of your mattress.
Human bodies secrete sweat, oils, hair, and skin cells at a regular rate. As you lay sleeping (hopefully 8 hours) at night, all of these things can trickle down to your mattress. While all this may seem unsanitary, the biggest problem comes when they reach the foam layers of your mattress. According to The Mattress Nerd, “Perspiration (or any moisture, like spilling a drink) will wear down the foams in the mattress, shortening the comfort life. It’s a similar effect to a kitchen sponge after too many uses.”2 So, not only does the mattress protector shield you against contaminants, it also helps to increase the life of your mattress.
Stain, Stain, Go Away
The next biggest reason to invest in a mattress protector is that it prevents stains. The truth of the matter is that in today’s modern market, any stains on the mattress will void your warranty. Part of this is because, as stated above, the moisture will break down the mattress faster. The other part is that trying to fix a mattress with a stain is a sanitary nightmare. By purchasing a mattress protector, you are protecting your investment so that if something does go wrong, the manufacturer will be able to help you.
In summary, mattress protectors are important for every mattress, no matter the age and habits of the user. It is a great way to increase the life of the mattress, keep it clean, and protect your investment. When looking for a mattress protector, always make sure that it has a solid warranty for cleaning or replacing your mattress if something does get through it. In addition, micro fiber and micro fleece are great materials for allowing air to get through and prevent a plastic like feeling. In today’s market, there are even protectors designed to keep your mattress cooler which are great for foam beds that generally sleep hotter.
Thanks!
Adam Swift
Long’s Furniture World and Mattress