A mattress may be one of the most used items by a family. A mattress is often covered with a mattress protector in order to keep its user safe from dust and allergens and also from stains that may occur.
Most of all, a mattress protector helps to extend the life of a mattress. With care and effort, you can make your mattress have a long life along with its mattress protector.
How Long Do Mattress Protectors Last?
On an average, a mattress protector should last between 1 to 2 years. One of the biggest factors that determine when a protector should be replaced is the accumulation of dead skin cells, dander, and body oils in the protector.
Of course, there are several ways to get the most out of your protector. One of the ways is to wash your mattress protector every 3 to 4 months, keep spills and messes at a minimum on your protector and to immediately wash it if any spills occur.
What Does a Mattress Protector Do?
One look at the item’s name and you’ve already deduced the function of a mattress protector. In simple terms, it protects the mattress.
However, how does it really protect the mattress?
A mattress protector is usually made of polyester, down feathers, and cotton. Along with them, they often contain waterproof materials such as vinyl or polyurethane.
All of these materials keep away allergens and either contain or prevent the spread of different pests. Allergens can come from a variety of sources, such as dust mites, mold and mildew. Pests such as bedbugs can be staved off and their subsequent spread can be reduced thanks to this innovative mattress design.
Another function of mattress protectors is to keep the mattress from being stained. Whether it is sweat or from spills, a mattress protector, especially a waterproof one will prevent water damage to the mattress itself. The benefits of this include the mattress being cleaner, so its warranty may not be voided and to simply preserve the aesthetics of the mattress.
Different Types of Mattress Protectors
Along with mattress material, there are different types of mattress protectors, and each of them has different applications.
There are two main types, encasement types and pad types.
Encasement type mattress protectors also come in two varieties, hypoallergenic and one made to protect against bedbugs.
In the case of hypoallergenic mattress protectors, they are mostly manufactured using latex, cotton, wool and polyester. All of these materials are said to be allergy resistant, while latex is waterproof. Usually, a combination of wool, polyester and latex are used to make these mattress protectors.
Encasement type mattress protectors completely cover the mattress and are often zipped shut around the perimeter of the mattress. Encasement protectors are good to use if you’re trying to contain or prevent any infestations.
Bedbugs are a huge problem. Whenever an infestation is identified, professional help should be sought out. A bedbug resistant mattress cover has a locking zipper and is specially made so that bedbugs aren’t able to disturb the user.
Pad type mattress protectors break down into two groups. Panel and fitted.
Fitted mattress protectors are often like a thick sheet, with some hardy quilting on the top, the protector is usually the size of the bed and usually goes above a mattress topper for protection. Often hypoallergenic, they work quite well in their use application and tend to be easy to clean and maintain.
On the other hand, panel type protectors are usually small and often used for infants. They are generally waterproof and tend to be breathable.
Conclusion
Each sort of mattress protector has different use cases and often it may be the preference of the user as to which is used. However, there is a finite time that a mattress protector lasts, and that is about 1-2 years.
