Wool Mattress Pads A Natural Safe Option But Not Entirely Waterproof
Since wool is moisture-resistant and dries quickly, wool mattress or puddle pads are sometimes used with mattresses that are not waterproof. Many wool puddle or piddle pads actually have synthetics in them, such as polyester, so look for 100% certified organic wool from a company you can trust. Keep in mind that wool can also be allergenic.
You cant count on wool alone to waterproof a mattress. If there is a lot of wetness from a baby or child, it can go through to damage the mattress and create mold and mildew problems. I recommend layering one or two organic wool puddle pads that are specifically designed to block wetness with an organic cotton mattress protector to serve as extra layers of protection. Cotton absorbs moisture and wool repels and wicks moisture away. When used in concert, the wool and cotton pads together can block the wetness, but dont count on it being completely waterproof.
What Encasements Can And Cant Do
If you already have a bedbug infestation, encasements can be used after treatment to ensure that bugs already in your mattress, box spring, and pillow wont escape. Encasements arent a cure-all against future infestations. You could still get bedbugs they just wont be able to get to your mattress. If you proactively buy an encasement and a year later see a bedbug on the cover, that doesnt mean the encasement failed youit just means that now you have bedbugs, and your encasement is protecting your bedding from being infested.
As for allergies, allergy bedding doesnt get rid of allergens . But if youre sensitive to dust mites, you dont want your mattress absorbing them, which is where the encasement comes in.
For either condition, bedding is just one part of the overall treatment plan. If you have bedbugs, consult a certified pest control specialist . And if you have allergies, listen to your allergists recommendation for a multipronged attack that might include air purifiers with HEPA filters, controlling your homes humidity, and a specific cleaning protocol. You should regularly launder your other bedding in hot water to kill dust mites, according to Andrew S. Kim of the Allergy & Asthma Center of Fairfax in Virginia. Studies show that protective bedding alone will not soothe your symptoms doctors recommend it as a part of treatment, not as a quick fix.
Mattress Pads Vs Mattress Toppers
Mattress pads and mattress toppers do have some similar functions, but choosing between the two comes down to whether you want to focus more on protecting your mattress or on significantly changing its feel.
Mattress pads are ideal for people looking to add a little comfort to their bed while also keeping their mattress clean and dry. Mattress pads wont significantly change a mattress firmness level, but they can soften or reinforce a beds surface depending on the design. Mattress pads can also protect your bed from moisture and dirt, helping to minimize unnecessary wear.
oppers are a better choice for sleepers looking to substantially adjust the feel of their bed. Because mattress toppers are thicker than mattress pads, they are better equipped to make a mattress either firmer or softer. When made from breathable materials, toppers can also facilitate a cooler sleep.
Toppers can help extend the lifespan of a mattress by minimizing premature sagging and impressions. Toppers can also reduce aches and pains by cushioning key pressure points throughout the body.
In short, mattress pads can fine-tune the feel of a bed and provide modest protection, while toppers offer a more notable transformation in comfort and support.
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Mattress Protector Vs Mattress Topper: Which One Should You Buy
Both protectors and toppers will keep your mattress in good condition for longer, whether its adding an extra layer of protection against wear and tear, sweat, urine and accidental spills.
However, if you are looking to transform the feel of your existing bed then a mattress topper is the only real choice, adding extra pressure relief, cooling or support depending on what you need. They come in a variety of sizes, prices and thicknesses, and can be used to make a hard bed softer, a soft bed firmer, and a hot bed a little cooler.
That said, a topper will never outperform a mattress protector at keeping your bed fresh and free from allergens. These fabric covers are also much easier to care for and can be washed much more frequently, making them a great choice for boosting your in-bed hygiene.
Mattress Covers For Humidity
Lastly, if you live in a humid region, your home is liable to track in moisture. A mattress cover will prevent moisture from locking in, which will help maintain the durability and comfort of your mattress.
This is particularly important for memory foam mattresses. Memory foam is prone to expand and contract with temperature changes, so adding a protective layer can help support your mattresss lifespan and your comfort.
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Mattress Protectors Vs Mattress Pads: Which One Should You Buy
When it comes to the one essential item you should buy for your bed, a mattress protector is it. Not only does this humble bit of fabric safeguard against spills, sweat, allergens and bacteria, it will keep your mattress protected for the duration of its sleep trial or warranty.
But if you need a bit of extra comfort or durability, then a mattress pad should give you what you need, creating more protection against wear and tear, and making your bed just that little bit snugglier.
While not all pads are waterproof, they do offer plenty of protection, so its worth adding one if you need slightly more comfort. If you want to radically alter the feel of your mattress, making it firmer, softer, or cooler, then you should consider a mattress topper, which is thicker and a great way to upgrade a mattress. Dont forget, you can use a mattress protector with a pad or topper for the ultimate in protection and comfort.
Finally, some mattress manufacturers will give away protectors as part of a free bedding bundle, which nearly always include the brands best pillows and sheet sets, giving you everything you need for a comfy nights sleep. So if you are buying a new bed, check to see whether you can get a free cover for it before buying your own.
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Tumble Dry Or Air Dry
Finally, you can either put your mattress protector in the dryer or air dry it under the sun or by a fan. If you choose to tumble dry it, do so with similar fabrics, but be sure to use a low heat and low tumble setting. After the topper is completely dry, its ready to use. Dont iron your mattress protector as excessive heat damages the waterproof lining.
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Do You Need A Mattress Protector / Mattress Cover
A quality mattress represents a significant investment that you want to last. You also want it to stay clean and healthy and to maintain the comfort and support you originally bought it for. Over time, that mattress can become soiled, start to deteriorate, and can accumulate dust, allergens, and other nasties that you dont want in your bed.
You need a mattress protector if you want to keep your mattress safe from dirt, spills, perspiration, and other accidents. All of these can damage your mattress, void your warranty, and shorten its life expectancy. A mattress protector also provides a barrier against allergens such as dust mites.
Without a mattress protector or cover, any bed will accumulate dust mites which eat the dead skin cells that are shed by every person who sleeps in the bed. While dust mites are a common cause of allergies, they affect every person to some degree. A mattress protector will help to avoid that build up of shed skin cells and dust mites. This mattress cover from National Allergy is highly rated for its ability to reduce allergens from affecting you.
Additionally, some mattress covers are made with specialized fabrics and materials that help breathability and temperature regulation while people sleep.
However, a mattress cover is not what you are looking for if your goal is only to improve the comfort of your mattress, without needing the protective barrier..
Mattress Protectors Vs Mattress Pads: Differences
- Mattress pads are usually one to two inches thick
- Mattress protectors are very thin yet often waterproof
- Pads are more expensive but not as pricey as toppers
While mattress pads arent as thick as toppers, they still offer a touch of plushness. Mattress protectors offer a thin layer of waterproof fabric that can barely be felt and are more effective at keeping dust mites and other critters at bay.
The barrier provided by protectors not only keeps your bed clear of accidental spills , but if you sleep hot and are prone to sweating, then your mattress will stay fresh and free of bacteria too.
While both accessories can be cleaned in a washing machine, a mattress protector will fit into the machine more easily and dry quicker, making them a more practical choice. They are also more portable, as well as simple to fold, pack or store away when not in use.
For more plushness and protection against wear and tear, then a mattress pad is the better option. While not all pads are waterproof, they still offer some protection against sweat and spills, but you might want to consider using a protector beneath a pad to ensure your mattress stays dry and clean.
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Mattress Protector Vs Mattress Topper: What Is A Mattress Cover
- A mattress protector safeguards against spills, dirt and allergens
- Most can be machine washed and dried
- They will not change the physical comfort of your bed
Mattress covers are designed with fabric that is usually either waterproof or water-resistant. They are compatible with most beds and are vital if you want to keep your mattress in good condition for as long as possible.
In essence, they ensure youre sleeping on a fresh, hypoallergenic surface – and one thats often sweat-wicking. These thin yet hard-working fabric layers can be machine washed and are fairly inexpensive, often starting from as little as $10.
Regardless of how much you pay or how padded it is, a mattress protector will not alter the physical feel of your bed. So if youre looking for extra support, cooling or softness, then you should pick a mattress topper instead.
Protectors can be used on all manner of beds, including hybrid and memory foam mattresses. Its worth checking the depth of your mattress before you buy a mattress protector to make sure it will fit. Most use simple elasticated straps, or attach in the same way a fitted sheet would.
What Are The Different Types Of Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers come in three main varieties: memory foam, latex foam, and down/down alternative.
The best mattress topper for you depends on your needs and preferences:
- Memory foam mattress toppers: Memory foam contours to your body, making it great for pressure relief for side sleepers. Regular memory foam can feel quite hot as you sleep, but gel memory foam offers a cooler sleeping option.
- Latex mattress toppers: Latex offers a bit more support than memory foam, making it a good option for people who prefer a firm mattress feel. Latex can also be good for people with back pain, as well as people who prefer natural materials.
- Down/down alternative mattress toppers: Down toppers provide an extremely soft sleeping experience . Down toppers are great for people who don’t need extra support. Down is also the most breathable of these three materials, so if you tend to sleep hot, this may be the best option for you.
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Polyurethane Can Be Safe But Do Your Research
Polyurethane on its own can be relatively safe, depending on how its formulated. It can be formulated with added chemicals or solvents. Polyurethane foam, for example is highly toxic due to additives to make it into a foam. You definitely want to avoid mattresses made with polyurethane foam, but the plastic is a different story. If you see a waterproof mattress protector made with polyurethane plastic, youll need to dig deeper to determine its safety. Its difficult to know if a plastic is off-gassing, but sometimes the toxic smell will give it away.
Whats The Difference Between A Mattress Pad And A Protector Do You Need Both
Using both a pad and a protector isn’t a bad idea, as both can serve different and complementary purposes, aiding in comfort and function together. However, you may not need both.
A protector is great if you’ve got kids, pets, love to eat in bed, or are just plain clumsy. Additionally, if you’re suffering from allergies, these products could be useful in creating a barrier between allergens hiding in your mattress and yourself.
If you’re only looking for additional plushness, firmness, or spruce up an old product, a mattress pad is a great bet.
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Do You Really Need A Mattress Protector
Half a liter of water is approximately what the human body will lose during eight hours of sleep. The question is: where does it all go? Some of it will evaporate into the atmosphere, but most goes straight down into your mattress. So, how do you protect your mattress from all of this moisture on a daily basis? The best answer is often a mattress protector.
You need a mattress protector to protect your mattress from spills, moisture, allergens, dust, and bed bugs because this extends the life of your mattress.
A mattress protector can protect your mattress from stains, liquid spills, night sweating, and excess humidity which is, sometimes, responsible for premature damage to the mattress. They extend the life of your mattress.
Unfortunately, most mattress buyers often ignore a mattress protector or misidentify it as a mattress topper, which has a different purpose. Actually, a mattress protector is an important component of offering a comfortable night’s sleep for a long time to come.
Which Is Right For You
The decision between a mattress pad or topper and a mattress protector will ultimately come down to your needs. If youve recently purchased a new mattress and want to protect your investment, a mattress protector can do that for you. If you have an old bed or are unhappy with your current mattress comfort or firmness level, a mattress pad or topper in the appropriate thickness and material can help improve your sleep experience.
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What Is A Mattress Pad
A mattress pad includes any thin layer that adds additional preservation, support, or comfort to your bedin other words, a broad range of products.
Usually, mattress pads sit on top of the mattress and beneath any topper, protector, or sheets. Most have a quilted fabric lining that contains their padding material. Since everyone prefers a different feel or plushness to their sleep, mattress pads come in many shapes and sizes.
To that end, here are some different mattress pad materials and their benefits:
- Cotton All natural, machine-washable, hypoallergenic, and breathable. Cotton mattress pads work particularly well for those who like a softer feel or have sensitive sleep needs.1 However, they have less protection against mattress wear and tear.
- Wool A less common and more expensive natural option, wool pads are thinner and soft in texture. With antimicrobial properties, they help regulate body temperature.2
- Down The luxurious under-feathers of duck or geese, down makes for the coziest mattress pad. While expensive and stain-absorbent, they keep sleepers plenty warm.
- Polyester or rayon These synthetic fiber pads are incredibly durable, resisting stains, bodyweight pressure, and allergens. Check for machine-washability, since some are dry-clean only.
- Memory foam For the most physical support, memory foam is your best option. The polyurethane material molds to your bodys shape, reducing joint pain as you rest.
Mattress Protector Vs Mattress Topper: What Is A Bed Topper
- A mattress topper is usually 2-4 thick
- They can significantly alter the feel of an existing mattress
- They are usually spot-clean only, but some have washable covers
Bed toppers are a fast and affordable way to upgrade your existing mattress. So if yours is currently too firm, you might need the extra pressure relief from a thick memory foam or feather option. If you sleep hot yet dont have the budget for one of the best cooling mattresses, a cooling topper will help regulate your in-bed temperature.
These typically start around 1-2 thick, with some going up to 4. They are usually made with the same materials found in different mattresses in a box, such as memory foam or latex. Toppers rest on top of your mattress, with some having non-slip surfaces or elasticated straps to help keep it in place beneath you.
Using a good quality topper can extend the life of your mattress by a few years. However, they should not be used on ageing or sagging mattresses, as they still need a decent foundation to help give your body the support it needs while youre sleeping. If your current bed has seen better days, then there is no substitute for a brand-new mattress.
But if your existing bed is still in good condition, but you need a firmer surface to support your spine, then there are many foam mattress toppers that provide excellent support, while extra cushioning options deliver pressure relief for the knees, hips and shoulders.
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Mattress Pad Vs Mattress Topper
When it comes to a mattress pad vs. mattress topper, the widespread confusion seems natural, since the terms are often used interchangeably and are used to mean the exact same thing!
However, a mattress pad is a thin piece of material that is placed on top of your mattress to adjust the firmness, whereas a mattress topper is an often an upgraded thicker version of the two. Both are designed to make your mattress more comfortable and in some instances to protect it, without the use of a mattress protector, which can sometimes make noise.
Think of it this way. Mattress pads and mattress toppers are brother and sister, and mattress protectors, on the other hand, are a cousin of the two. These three kinds of bedding products are specially made to enhance your comfort while sleeping, and improve the life of your mattress. However, pads and toppers are basically the same in what they offer compared to what a mattress protector can do.
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