When choosing bedding, you probably think about what quilt cover and how many cushions to use. But what about beneath the pretty bedding? Mattress and pillow protectors are often overlooked yet can do so much to enhance the comfort of your bed, while also extending the lifespan of your mattress and creating a healthier bedroom.
Whether you’re dealing with night sweats, allergies or simply want a fresher, more hygienic bed, let me share with you my top tips on how to choose the best mattress protector.
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Why every bedroom needs a mattress protector
Just so we’re all on the same page, let’s go over what a mattress protector is and what they do. Essentially, there are many types of mattress protectors (I’ll go over those in more detail in the next section) and their job is – as the name suggests – to protect your mattress.
It goes without saying that mattresses aren’t washable but protectors are. Many people start using waterproof mattress protectors when they become parents for peace of mind against upset tummies or bed wetting.
But mattress protectors are a good idea for young and old alike as they also help shield your mattress from sweat, body oils, spills, dust mites and allergens. You see dust mites can thrive in mattresses by feeding on the dead skin you shed while you sleep. Gross, I know! When you add another layer (the protector) over your mattress, it creates a barrier which eliminates their main food source. This is especially important for people with allergens as the proteins from dust mites can trigger allergic reactions, not bites.
Whether you want to protect your mattress against stains or take advantage of the hypoallergenic properties, a mattress protector can extend the life of your mattress and has a big impact on sleep hygiene.
Types of bedding protectors
When shopping for a mattress protector you’ll quickly realise there are many different types – cotton, bamboo, waterproof, quilted – so which is best? Let’s cover the main pros and cons of each type so you can decide what’s best for you.
Cotton mattress protectors
A great solution for most, cotton is natural, soft and breathable. The added layer enhances the comfort of your mattress while also helping to regulate temperatures. This is especially beneficial for hot sleepers and people with latex or hybrid mattresses that tend to run hot.
Cotton mattress protectors are easy to care for — just put them in the wash and hang dry like regular bedding. Because of their comfort, breathability and durability, cotton is the most popular choice of mattress protector in Australia.
Bamboo mattress protectors
Another type of natural fibre mattress protector is bamboo. Offering similar benefits as cotton, bamboo is also breathable, naturally moisture-wicking and stays cool to the touch. It’s another popular choice for people with sensitive skin.
Waterproof mattress protectors
When many of us think of mattress protectors, we think of waterproof mattress protectors. Older style waterproof protectors were very ‘plastic-y’ and would crinkle, causing a noisy and hot sleep.
Thankfully these have improved and better waterproof versions now have a cotton top with waterproof backing. These still offer reliable protection from spills and night sweats but with improved breathability so you can still get a comfortable sleep surface.
Waterproof mattress protects aren’t just ideal for children. If you have pets, an Airbnb or short-stay property where you need easy mattress upkeep, or just a home where spills are likely then this would be the best mattress protector type for you.
Quilted mattress protectors
Finally, there are also quilted mattress protectors which offer a thicker, padded layer of comfort. These are slightly warmer and a good option for cooler climates. Because of our hot summers, they are less popular in Australia. But if you’re the type of person who always feels cold at night they might just be the solution for a cosy night’s rest.
Pillow protectors
You might have noticed the heading for this section is ‘bedding protectors’ and that’s because it isn’t just your mattress that needs protection. Pillows collect just as much moisture and allergens as your mattress.
Although pillows are generally less expensive to replace than mattresses, you still want to create the most hygienic sleep environment you can and that’s why I’m a fan of pillow protectors. Using both mattress and pillow protectors creates the complete sleep protection system.
You can find pillow protectors in standard, queen, king and European sizes.
What to look for when buying a mattress protector
Now that you’ve got a good overview of the types and their main benefits, let’s talk about what to look for when buying a mattress protector.
In my opinion ‘fit’ is one of the main things worth investing in. I’ve bought cheap mattress protectors before where they just have elastic straps that hug the 4 corners of the mattress and these can easily come off, or shift underneath your fitted sheet. Not only are lumpy mattress protectors incredibly uncomfortable, if they don’t fit properly they aren’t doing their job.
Tip: always invest in a mattress protector with a fitted elastic skirt. If you have a high mattress, you may need one with a 50cm side skirt to keep your mattress protector firmly in place.
Another thing to look for when buying a mattress protector is one made from natural materials. Having slept on polyester mattress protectors in the past, they are hot and sticky. This is especially problematic if you have a latex or hybrid mattress or are a hot sleeper. Even if you need a waterproof mattress protector, look for one with a 100% cotton top so you still get good breathability.
Because I’m all about practicality, easy care is also an important factor and I suggest looking for one that’s fully machine washable. You’ll thank yourself later!
I also find it helpful to look at product reviews when shopping as you can quickly get a sense of what real people have to say. Is the quality as good as what they lead you to think online? What’s the delivery and service experience?
I recently switched to the 100% cotton mattress protector from Manchester Collection and have become another of their happy 5/5 star customers.
Protector care tips
The quality of your mattress and pillow protectors matters, but so does how you care for them.
How to wash and care for bedding protectors:
- wash them every 1-2 months with a mild detergent (or more often for people with allergies or when spills happen)
- avoid using fabric softener as it can reduce absorbency
- never tumble dry, especially if you have a waterproof mattress protector as the heat can damage their protective layer
- allow to dry out of direct sunlight.
Tip: for households with children and pets, it’s a good idea to keep a spare on hand so you can rotate between washes.
Our top styling and comfort tips
Mattress and pillow protectors are a great way to improve the comfort of your bed and one of the simplest, long-term upgrades you can make.
For even more ways to improve the comfort of your bed, try:
- airing your mattress and bedding weekly. I like to deodorise my mattress with this simple room spray you can make yourself at home
- layering your bed with crisp bedding made from natural materials, such as linen, cotton or bamboo
- enhancing the comfort when sitting up in your bed. Euro cushions or an upholstered bedhead can make a world of difference
- investing in a quilt and cushions that also offer breathability, the right density for your climate and a supportive construction.
I hope this guide to mattress and pillow protectors has helped you find the right solution for your needs. All of the products I used in my bedroom are from Manchester Collection and you can shop the full range of bedding protection online here. Do you have any questions I didn’t cover? Drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you asap.
