Should You Put A Mattress Protector On A Memory Foam Mattress?

Proper care for anything you invest in means that it will last longer. You take care of your home by keeping it clean, and you pay extra attention to your kids to protect them from dangers. The same concept applies to something like a mattress. 

You want your mattress to last a long time, and you want to keep it safe from dirt and allergens. This is why a mattress protector is so important. No matter what kind of mattress you have, you should buy something that protects it and keeps it in good condition. 

What Is A Mattress Protector?

humidifier in the bedroom

A waterproof mattress protector is a cover for your mattress that is usually made of a material like cotton. Its purpose is to prevent dirt, fluids, dust mites, and insects from getting on your bed. A protector is designed to stop anything from growing on the fibers of the bed and can help prevent a bed bug infestation. 

These mattress covers often come in a variety of sizes for different sized beds and are usually waterproof. This means that your mattress will not get wet from sweat or spills, protecting your mattress from bacteria. They are usually breathable and machine washable, so that you can be sure you're protecting your bed from wear and tear. They generally look like extra thick bed sheets in the fitted sheet style, or they are zippered all the way around for total mattress encasement.

It can provide a sense of security for your bed, adding some peace of mind while you sleep. However, a mattress protector is different from a mattress topper. A mattress pad/topper is made of soft and cushy material to provide extra comfort on older or less comfortable beds. It can be quilted or memory foam. 

It gives you extra padding for extra support while you sleep. A mattress protector does not provide any extra padding, as that is not its purpose. 

What Is A Memory Foam Mattress?

A memory foam mattress combines layers of polyurethane foam with springs or support form to create a mattress that molds to your body shape. It is different from traditional mattresses and hybrid mattresses. Memory foam was invented by NASA to help improve the safety of aircraft cushions. 

It is now widely used in the mattress world because of its unique texture and design. It creates a “sinking feeling” when you lay on it because it moves and creates an imprint of your body shape. This type of mattress can be ideal for side sleepers because of its extra cushioning and support. 

Some benefits of a memory foam mattress:

It can help evenly distribute your body weight to reduce pressure on the heavier parts of your body. This can help with blood circulation and relieve aches and pains. 

  • Proper spine alignment. 

Since it contours the shape of your body, a memory foam bed is great for targeted support. 

  • Low motion transfer.

This creates your own personal sleeping zone and means that you won’t wake your partner during the night. Some people complain about the lack of breathability and airflow when it comes to even the best memory foam mattresses, but something like this can usually be alleviated with a cooling mattress protector.

How Long Do Memory Foam Mattress Last

If you have a memory foam mattress and you are looking to lengthen the lifespan of it, you should consider a mattress protector. Memory foam mattresses lifespan can vary depending on the quality of the foam and how well you take care of it. 

Usually, the average is about seven years. This is mostly due to hygiene reasons because dust and dander can build up during this time period making it unsafe to sleep on. However, you can make your mattress last longer with a washable mattress protector. 

mattress and pillow

Other Types Of Mattresses

You shouldn’t only consider getting a mattress protector for a memory foam mattress. Every kind of mattress should be protected from everyday dangers.

The most traditional kind of mattress is the innerspring mattress. They have been around since the early 1900s and are made of steel coils that become compressed when you lay on them. This type of mattress is affordable, but it also wears out faster than other types of mattresses, so you'll regularly need to get a new mattress, even if you're using the best mattress protector.

A hybrid mattress is becoming more popular recently. It is made of innerspring and memory foam. Usually, the springs are at the bottom layer, and the memory foam is at the top layer for added comfort. This allows for a more custom sleeping experience, providing pressure point relief, a cooling effect, and a springy bounce to the mattress. If you're interested in this effect but don't want to buy a new mattress, consider adding a memory foam topper to your innerspring bed.

Pillowtop mattresses have padding on the top of the bed that provided enhanced comfort. They are usually made of cotton or latex and tend to be on the more expensive side. This material promotes the plushness of the mattress and diminishes the firm feeling of the coils underneath. The downsides of this kind of mattress are that it has a higher motion transfer effect and is not as durable as other mattresses.

Gel mattresses are comparable to memory foam but without the heat. Gel offsets the heating effect and is infused into the foam to make it cooler. The gel will take on the temperature of the surrounding material. This is good for people who get overheated while they sleep. 

There are also latex mattresses, although these are not overly popular these days. No matter which one you have or decide to buy, you should buy a mattress protector to improve your mattress’s positive qualities. 

Benefits Of A Mattress Protector

Besides making your mattress last longer, there are a lot of other benefits that it has. It can protect the warranty of your mattress, keep it cleaner, and protect you from allergens and dirt. 

Accidents happen, and sometimes they can be difficult to clean up. This is especially true for stains on mattresses. They can be hard to get out and leave horrid odors behind. Having a waterproofing mattress protector will catch any fluids on the bed and make it easier to remove them. 

People shed a lot of skin during the night and can pile up in your bed after a while. The oils that your body secretes can get absorbed into your bed and cause it to become unsanitary. That's why a hypoallergenic waterproof mattress protector is so useful.

If you get any type of moisture on your mattress, it can affect the life of your mattress. If your mattress becomes worn out sooner than you expected, it could be a huge unexpected cost for you. 

A lot of warranties for mattresses are voided once you get a stain on it. This means you won’t be able to return or repair your mattress, even though you paid for it. 

Mattress protectors are affordable and can keep you from having to replace your mattress every few years. They can also be used throughout the whole year, no matter the weather.

Another benefit is that they can help improve your sleep quality. Rest is extremely important for you, and not waking up throughout the night is the preferred quality of sleep. If allergens or dirt are irritating your breathing during the night, this could cause you to wake up and not even know why. 

The Everlasting Comfort mattress protector is waterproof and hypoallergenic, which is perfect for people with memory foam mattresses. Memory foam can collect dirt and dust, just like any other mattress. It comes king size, queen size, and more, so you can find whatever you are looking for. It also has a lifetime guarantee and can be washed in your washing machine.

Types Of Protectors

When it comes to picking a memory foam mattress protector, there a few different types to consider. There are different materials to think about, which can affect what the protector can do for you. 

Waterproof protectors are preferred for not only messy people but anyone who eats in bed or has children who wet the bed. 

If you overheat easily, you should look into cooling protectors. This will help with the ventilation of air in your mattress, preventing your body heat from getting trapped underneath you. 

You’ll also want to find the type of mattress protector that is easy to remove. This means that in a rush, you can quickly remove the cover and throw it in the washer. Some protectors have zipper enclosures for easy removal and access. 

Other Protectors

If you are thinking about protectors, you shouldn’t stop at mattresses. You should also consider getting covers for your pillow. 

Your pillow is where your head rests during the night and is what you are breathing on. If your pillow contains dust or pollen, it can affect your sleep quality and lead to health problems. 

Pillow covers are often hypoallergenic and waterproof, just like mattress protectors. Our pillow cover at Everlasting Comfort allows your pillow to be fully enclosed, preventing anything from getting in. It’s also made of cotton and has a lifetime guarantee. 

In Summary

No matter what kind of mattress you have, you should want to protect it. Memory foam can be a little pricey, so you should especially want to make one of these kinds of mattresses lasts as long as possible.

Mattresses can be expensive; however, a good night’s sleep is worth it to most people. You want to make sure that you are doing everything possible to allow the most comfort for your sleep.

You shouldn’t wait until after you partially ruin your mattress to think about buying a protector for it. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/memory-foam-pros-and-cons

https://www.allamericanallergy.com/what-people-with-allergies-should-look-for-in-a-mattress/

https://www.healthline.com/health/pain-relief/how-to-massage-your-pressure-points

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