Mattress protectors are chameleons of the bedding world because they can significantly change the feel of a mattress or not at all. It depends on the thickness of the protector and the denseness of the foam/fibre filling.
Suppose you want to make your mattress feel softer or firmer because you don’t find it comfortable anymore. In that case, a thick foam mattress protector (at least 3cm) with a softer or firmer foam will transform it.
Contrarily, a thin mattress protector will do the job if you want to protect your mattress from snagging without changing its feel. You can also pick up waterproof mattress protectors, which are perfect for people with incontinence. These are also available for toddler beds, ideal for children without changing mattress comfort.
Before buying a mattress protector, firstly consider what you want from it. If you change how your mattress feels, you want a thicker mattress protector with a softer or firmer foam than your mattress.
What is a mattress protector, and what’s it for?
A mattress protector is a mattress covering that extends the lifespan of your mattress by reducing wear on the top layers. A sufficiently thick mattress protector can also transform the feel of an old mattress, making it more comfortable.
Mattress protectors are fantastic for protection against moisture, liquids, food, dust, pet dander, allergens, bugs, and soiling. A waterproof mattress protector ensures liquids cannot reach the mattress surface, preventing damage.
Mattress protector types
Mattress protectors are split into three types:
Comfort and protection are three to 5 centimetres thick and provide more softness or firmness to the mattress.
Protection – these are less than 2cm thick, protecting against snagging and giving you time to clean up spills.
Waterproof – these are less than 2cm thick, protecting against moisture and liquids with a polypropylene layer.
Mattress protector pros and cons
Pros
Extra thickness lets you change how your mattress feels, reducing the need for a new mattress and saving you money.
Extends the life of your mattress by reducing wear on the top layers and saving it from spills, moisture and stains.
It keeps your mattress smelling fresh.
Reduces the need to clean your mattress.
It helps maintain your mattress manufacturer’s warranty.
Cheaper than buying a new mattress (however, it isn’t a substitute if your mattress is old and damaged).
Cons
You need to select the right product for the desired effect – the last thing you want is a mattress protector that is too firm or soft.
Waterproof mattress protectors have a polypropylene layer that feels scratchy and can cheapen the feel of the mattress.
Mattress protectors cannot rescue an old, damaged mattress – if your mattress is past its best, you should replace it.
Mattress protector materials and layers
Pictured: Mattress Protector material layer, orthopedic soft and absorbing.
Comfort mattress protectors are made from medium or high-density memory foam, sometimes sandwiched with a firm support foam. These provide squishy body contouring support for pressure relief and comfort.
Protective mattress protectors are thinner, usually made from a thin layer of core support foam or fibrous filling with a quilted cover.
Waterproof mattress protectors are made from foam with a polypropylene top layer, which feels scratchy and can reduce bedtime comfort.
Is a mattress protector a substitute for a new mattress?
Although a mattress protector can change how soft or firm your mattress feels, it only helps to an extent. The top surface might feel more comfortable, but it won’t provide the support you need or work like a new mattress.
If your mattress is old, damaged, and past its best, we recommend upgrading to a new mattress to maximise bedtime comfort. We have mattresses for sale from little as £239 for a king, so a new mattress could cost less than you think!
