A recent study done by Women’s Choice Award revealed that approximately 1 out of 4 women feel uninformed when it comes to the importance of using a mattress protector. While many assume that mattress protectors are only important when it comes to protecting your mattress against stains and moisture, most protectors can do much more than that. When it comes to ensuring a cleaner, more hygienic sleep space for you and your family, a mattress protector is one of the most important investments you can make.

What is a Mattress Protector?

Imagine wearing the same outfit multiple days in a row without washing it. After a while, you’d start to feel, well, gross. Now think about the last time you cleaned your mattress. While you (hopefully) wash your sheets and other bedding, your mattress has probably been collecting years of sweat, spills, allergens, dust mites, and more. And yet—that’s where you’re spending hours each night. 

A mattress protector is there to help put a stop to dirty mattresses. This removable cover acts as a barrier that protects your mattress from everyday grime and wear and tear. A mattress protector is so important, in fact, that most mattress suppliers only uphold their warranty if you’ve been using a protector. Plus, they’re much easier to wash and care for than cleaning your entire mattress. Remember, when it comes to your bedding, if you can’t clean it, protect it!

Why Do I Need a Mattress Protector? 

Think back to when you bought your current mattress. Most likely, it wasn’t the cheapest of purchases you’ve made. But that was fine because if you’re spending approximately one-third of your life sleeping, it’s an investment worth spending a little extra on. However, with each night you leave that investment unprotected, you’re leaving it vulnerable to bed bugs, dust mites, allergens, stains, moisture, mold, mildew, and everyday wear and tear, which, in turn, is shortening the lifespan of your mattress. 

Think of a mattress protector like insurance for your mattress. Whether it’s a sweaty spouse, potty training toddler, shedding pet, or midnight snack, messes in your bed are bound to occur, and a protector ensures your mattress is safe and clean when they do. 

Mattress Protectors vs. Mattress Pads vs. Mattress Toppers: How Are They Different? 

When it comes to those bottom layers between your mattress and your sheets, many can find it confusing to identify exactly which one they need. While some try to use these terms interchangeably, mattress toppers, mattress pads, and mattress protectors are three distinct products with different purposes. 

Here’s an easy way to break down the three: 

• Mattress Protector = Fully protects your sleep space without changing the comfort of your mattress
• Mattress Pad = Changes the plushness of your mattress by adding additional cushioning
• Mattress Topper = Adjusts the overall firmness and support of your mattress for a completely different feel

Some mattress toppers and pads do offer some protection to a mattress, but mostly because they are just providing an extra layer between you and the mattress itself. A protector has the unique job of fully protecting your mattress, typically from more than just everyday stains and moisture. 

Types of Mattress Protectors

When you’re ready to shop for a mattress protector, you’ll find there’s a wide variety of premium mattress protectors available—and not every mattress protector has the same impact. The three most common types of protectors are 1-Sided, 5-Sided, and Total Encasement protectors. 

And while most mattress protectors don’t offer additional plush or support to your mattress, there are many that offer other benefits such as cooling fibers which are often the best mattress protectors for hot sleepers. Deciding which protector you should buy depends on your personal needs and usage of the mattress.

Should I Get a 1-Sided, 5-Sided or Encasement Mattress Protector?

When it comes to 1-Sided, 5-Sided, and Total Encasement Mattress Protectors, the main difference is the amount of coverage and protection they offer. Use the chart below to help decide how much coverage you need for your mattress: 

A 1-Sided Mattress Protector is typically recommended for your minimal-use or guest bedroom mattresses. This will offer your spare mattress the protection it needs without investing in the premium protection you would want for your own bed. 

If you are looking to protect your everyday, daily-use mattress, using a 5-Sided or Total Encasement protector is going to be the most ideal choice. While many people think they only need to protect the top of their mattress since that’s the only side they sleep on, it’s important to remember that dust mites, spills, and everyday wear and tear can happen on any side of your bed. 

Cooling Mattress Protectors 

You can also enjoy additional benefits from your mattress protector. One of the most common sleep issues is temperature, and many people find themselves sleeping too hot. A cooling mattress protector offers the premium protection your mattress needs while providing cooling relief. Plus, Purecare’s cooling protectors are enhanced with exclusive rapid-chill FRÍO® cooling fibers that are proven to cool five times faster than traditional polyester for an even more refreshing sleep space. 

Purecare’s Premium Mattress Protectors

A survey from the Women’s Choice Award recently polled women on their most common issues with mattress protectors. Here were some of the more common issues reported: 

• The top issue reported by 44% of women was a poor fit, citing that their mattress protector moves around on their beds.
• The second highest issue reported by 35% of women was that their protector is too noisy, making a plastic or crinkling sound.
• Another top issue by 25% of women is that their protector is too difficult to care for with hard-to-maintain washing instructions. 

Luckily, Purecare’s premium mattress protectors address all of these issues and more. 

Snug & Secure Fit

Our premium mattress protectors are designed specifically to offer a snug and secure fit on your mattress. Our mattress protectors fit mattresses from 9-18” deep and can work on any mattress type. The secure fit also ensures that these are specially-designed mattress protectors for adjustable base beds so you don’t have to worry about them sliding off your mattress. 

We also offer select 5-Sided Mattress Protectors that come with a thick, 1” elastic band on the bottom to ensure a snug fit. Additionally, our elasticized Precision-Fit® corners found on select protectors offer an extra stretch for a more streamlined fit on your mattress. To go along with the secure fit, all of our premium mattress protectors include our innovative MiteTight® seams. Unlike most other mattress protectors, these double-bound seams ensure continuous protection for your mattress. 

Quiet & Breathable Mattress Protectors

We’ve developed an exclusive performance fabric that is quiet, lightweight, and breathable that lines all of our premium protectors. This means that our protectors do not make a plasticky crinkle sound when you move around on your bed. Additionally, because they are made from a lightweight fabric, our protectors do not alter the comfort or feel of your mattress. They are breathable and flexible in order to provide clean and comfortable sleep. 

Sanitize Your Sleep Space

Because it’s not easy to clean your mattress itself, we’ve made it easy not only to clean your mattress protector but to clean it in the best way possible. Most of our protectors are able to be washed and dried on hot settings. When you’re able to wash and dry your laundry on hot settings, this allows for a better breakdown of dirt, germs, and grime from your bedding—providing you with a more optimal clean. Additionally, because our 5-Sided Mattress Protectors fit like a fitted sheet, they are easy to remove and replace on laundry day. 

Layering Protectors

Looking to make laundry day easier and want to ensure your mattress is fully protected? Try layering your mattress protectors by encasing your mattress in our Total Encasement Protectors and then layering an easy-to-remove, responsive-fiber 5-Sided Mattress Protector on top.

And don’t forget to protect your pillows with our premium Pillow Protectors—complete with all of the same benefits you read about above. Plus, when you mix and match protectors for your sleep space, you can save up to 40%. Keep your sleep clean, protected, and comfortable with Purecare’s premium protectors.