What is a Mattress Protector?

Woman making bed with mattress protector underneath cover

Have you recently purchased a new mattress? If you have, you're probably wondering what's the best way to protect your investment. You've probably looked into mattress toppers, mattress protectors and mattress pads, and if you have, we'll forgive you for asking the question - "What is a mattress protector?"

Well, prepare to be enlightened because the devil is in the detail!

A mattress protector does exactly what it's name intends - it protects your mattress from all manner of things. Peep below to learn the finer details and why you should be looking to make one your next purchase!

Table of contents

  1. What is the difference between a mattress topper and mattress protector?
  2. Why do you need a mattress protector?
  3. What are the different types of mattress protectors?
  4. Does a mattress topper go over a mattress protector?
  5. Always use protection!

What is the difference between a mattress topper and mattress protector?

Mattress protectors

Nothing, they're exactly the same! 

Okay, that may have fooled you but we doubt it. A mattress topper is a removable layer that sits on top of your existing mattress, adding extra support and cushioning for optimal comfort.

While a mattress protector is a thin layer of protective material that helps to shield your mattress from body oils, moisture, bed bugs, dust mites, dead skin cells and other forms of household spillage.

You can read our full comparison on protectors vs toppers here.

Why do you need a mattress protector?

After reading these four reasons the real question you'll be asking yourself is "how have I gone this long without one?"

They keep your mattress clean

Without sounding too dramatic, humans can be pretty filthy and our bodies give our bedding a real workout.

We perspire profusely. We can all lay claim to producing unwanted oils from our skin. Dead skin cells are shed every single night, and many of us wear makeup.

That's all before you factor in the extracurricular activities that we like to indulge in as well.

Unfortunately, it all soaks into our sheets and, if you don't have a mattress protector on, through your sheets and into the mattress as well. FOR GOOD!

Mattress protectors prevent all these bodily fluids and other things from ruining your prized mattress. They are also super easy to clean. Check out our guide on how to clean your mattress protector.

Keeps your mattress in peak condition for longer

Mattress toppers

As we've just highlighted, all those lovely bodily fluids can seep through into your mattress without any protection from above!

This can have an adverse effect on your mattresses foams, ultimately shortening it's lifespan, but more importantly, negatively impacting your ability to have a peaceful, and comfortable sleep.

It's probably pertinent to note as well, for those with sensitive noses, unpleasant odours may follow as well.

Not to mention having to purchase a new mattress sooner than is absolutely necessary.

Keeps your allergies in check, and those pesky dust mites away

Many of us deal with dust mite allergies.

If stood before a court of law, these little critters would be found guilty of crimes against humans including sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath and a runny nose.

As we've mentioned, we shed dead skin cells in our sleep and dust mites go to town on them, feasting and embedding themselves in your mattress.

Unless of course, you have a mattress protector, which helps to blockade your mattress against the infestation of dust mites, keeping your bedding sterile and your night's rest peaceful.

Helps to preserve your warranty

This one is a slam dunk for mattress protectors.

If you weren't aware, most mattress warranties have a clause in the contract which voids the warranty if there is a stain of any kind on the mattress.

And what's the best way to avoid a stain? You guessed it, a mattress protector!

What are the different types of mattress protectors?

Quality mattress protector

Like most bedding products, protectors come in a range of different materials with varying benefits and drawbacks. Materials include:

  • Cotton - light and breathable, cotton is easy to wash with reasonable levels of comfort
  • Bamboo - eco-friendly and breathable, bamboo helps you regulate temperature control while also being anti-bacterial, and odour-resistant
  • Tencel - great for sensitive skin, tencel offers a cool and silky feel and naturally absorbs moisture
  • Man Made Fibre - usually made from either polyester, micro-fibre, or a blend of nylon-polyester, these are waterproof, good for allergies and easy to wash

At the risk of some shameless self-promotion, we highly recommend a bamboo mattress protector, an amazing crop, bamboo has earned the title of being considered a top eco-friendly material, and our waterproof mattress protector is designed to soak up body oils, stains and spills to prevent them soaking into your mattress or topper.

Designed with an elastic skirt around the edges to ensure a perfect fit, our bamboo protectors also come with waterproof backing to ensure you make the best possible investment for safeguarding the longevity of your oh so important mattress!

Does a mattress topper go over a mattress protector?

It's not as silly a question as you might think. If you're in need of adding extra cushioning and support for your mattress, than a mattress topper is perfect, but you still need to protect it from all the moisture, mites and other spills that can arise.

As such, it's important your mattress protector goes over the top of your mattress topper as the protector should encase the surface that your body is directly in contact with.

Always use protection!

Your mattress is a sizeable investment, and when looked after correctly can help you become a sleeping beauty for 10-15 years.

And just like our planet, they need maximum protection!

We've already highlighted the benefits of a bamboo mattress protector, but just before you go, there's one final element that we've been keeping from you...

Bamboo is super smooooooth, and as such, helps to reduce irritation delivering a sleeping surface that is perfect for sensitive skin and warding off allergens.

Treat your mattress and yourself to some bamboo bedding, because you deserve it!