The ultimate mattress protector guide
In the world of sleep, mattress protectors are often overlooked or mistaken for a topper - but they’re really an important part of getting a great night’s sleep for years to come. Mattress protectors help keep your bed clean and hygienic, and can even make your bed a little more comfortable. It’s a win-win situation!
We’ve put together a simple guide to everything you need to know about mattress protectors. (And if you feel like checking one out yourself, we suggest you give our super-soft mattress protectors a whirl...)
What is a mattress protector?
Mattress protectors protect your mattress - literally. Unlike your actual mattress they’re easy to remove from the bed and clean, often in a domestic washing machine, which means you don’t have to worry about the mattress itself. They protect the mattress against dust and moisture, and many are waterproof, which is useful for accidents.
To fit a mattress protector, you usually just need to buy the right size - they commonly come in single, double, queen, king, and so on - and fit it over your mattress. Most mattress protectors are elasticated just like a fitted sheet, so you simply put it on over your mattress (but under the bed sheet) and you’re ready to go.
What does a mattress protector do?
There are lots of benefits to protecting your mattress, but these are the three main reasons we think they’re a great idea.
1. Mattress protectors are hygienic
Keeping your sleep environment hygienic is essential. For those prone to allergies and ailments such as eczema and asthma, which are aggravated by house dust mites, this is even more important. Studies have found that as many as 1 million microscopic mites can happily make a home in your bed.
We designed our new mattress protector specifically to combat these problems. Through extensive research, we found that using a fitted, waterproof mattress protector was one of the most effective ways to ensure your sleep environment is protected and clean and safe from things like bed bugs. Dust mites struggle to live on a waterproof mattress protector as it stops any moisture getting into the mattress, without which mould and bacteria - which dust mites need - can't thrive. Put yours on a hot wash with your bedding every week for maximum effect.
2. They prolong the quality of your mattress
Have you seen brownish patches on an unprotected mattress or pillow before? They’re caused by the salts and minerals in perspiration, discolouring the material as it dries out. Throughout the night our bodies temperature can fluctuate between 1-2 degrees Celsius. This, combined with tossing and turning, can see an adult lose up to 1 litre of water a night. If you use a standard sheet between you and the mattress then these fluids will pass through to the surface of the mattress, causing it to stain.
Simba’s mattress protector’s polyurethane waterproof layer acts as a barrier between these and your mattress, prolonging its life and quality.
3. Mattress protectors are comfortable
While mattress toppers are designed specifically to combat an uncomfortable mattress, your protector can make your mattress feel better too. Your protector can enhance your mattress’s performance, help keep it cool, and add a little extra softness too.
Buying a mattress protector based on price is not recommended as cheaper protectors are usually made from polyester, which is not breathable and compromises the benefits of the mattress. That is why we created our mattress protector using 100% cotton, a soft, breathable and natural alternative.
If you’re a Simba hybrid mattress owner, the layer of Simbatex, which has been scientifically engineered to keep you cool, will be complimented by a cotton protector. This cotton layer creates airflow between the five layers, keeping you cool. To top it off, we’ve made sure that the Simba Mattress Protector is OEKO TEX 100 certified, so it contains no harmful chemicals.
Mattress protectors vs mattress toppers
Many people are understandably confused by the difference between a mattress protector and a mattress topper. After all, you put them both on top of your mattress to improve its quality, right?
The difference is that a mattress protector protects your mattress from dirt, moisture and dust, while a mattress topper increases the comfort of your mattress if it’s old, worn out, or just low quality. Toppers can be filled with feathers, synthetic alternatives, or memory foam.
So, should you choose a mattress protector or topper?
If your mattress is genuinely uncomfortable a mattress topper won’t solve the problem for long, if at all. While it might smooth out immediate lumps and bumps caused by old springs, it’s unlikely to offer extra support to sagging beds, and furthermore can trap heat and make your bed uncomfortably warm. They’re a great short-term solution, but the only way to fix your bed is to buy a new mattress (which, ahem, we make).
A mattress protector, on the other hand, is something that everyone should ideally have. They help keep your mattress clean and hygienic, and if they’re designed for comfort like ours, they’re fully breathable and easy to care for at home. Once you’ve spent money on a decent mattress, it makes sense to help it last as long as possible.
If you do have both a mattress protector and a topper, make sure you put the topper down first. Your topper should go right next to the mattress with the protector over the top of both, finished by a bed sheet over everything. That way your topper is also protected, not just your mattress.
Cleaning your mattress protector
Most good mattress protectors should be easy to wash at home, and better yet, you should be able to put them in a tumble dryer (usually on a cooler setting). This saves you having to lug them back and forth to a specialist cleaner - after all, the point of a mattress protector is to make caring for your bed easier.
It’s a good idea to throw your mattress protector in the wash along with your bedding (around once a week) which makes regular cleaning a doddle. Just remember to wait for it to dry fully before putting it back on your bed, as moisture is the last thing you want in your mattress.
Thinking of choosing a Simba mattress topper? They fit all standard bed sizes, not just our hybrid mattresses, so everyone can enjoy the cool, breathable fabric while they’re sleeping. Check out our reviews to see what others have to say!
