THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO MATTRESS PROTECTORS

Mattress protectors are designed to do exactly as their name suggests: protect your mattress. Place these bed underlays on your mattress to preserve its longevity and provide a comfortable and healthy sleeping environment.

You can get mattress protectors in a range of sizes, materials, fabrics, and even colours.

Mattress protectors are often simple fabric pads you can lay over your mattress to protect your bed against:

• Wear and tear
• Spills
• Stains
• Allergens
• Mold
• Bacteria
• Pest infestations

They can also help maintain a consistent temperature in your bed, helping to reduce tossing and turning - or even contribute to the comfort of your bed if you have a stiffer mattress.

Since it’s much harder to clean your mattress itself, mattress protectors are also a good way to protect your mattress against natural grime. They’re removable, which makes them easy to wash and maintain.

Mattress protectors are made from a variety of materials, which boast different qualities. So how do you know which mattress you need?

Think about what you want most out of your mattress protector - whether it’s to protect against stains or bed bugs, to avoid allergies, or to add further warmth to your bed. And then look for the best mattress protector material below…

Since a large reason you buy a mattress protector is to be able to wash it regularly, you want to buy one that’s easy to remove and care for.

Keeping your underlay fresh and clean will keep your bed odourless and protected against bacteria, mold and pests. Below is some general care advice to help you get the most out of your protector.

You should wash your mattress protector and pillow covers at least once a month.

It depends on the protector you buy, but most underlays are machine washable. You should be able to wash it with the rest of your linens.

If you’re washing a waterproof underlay, use a bleach-free detergent, as the bleach may damage the waterproof backing.

Just make sure to check the instructions on your product so you’re not machine washing something that is dry clean only!

Yes, many mattress protectors can be put in the dryer, although you should always check the specific instructions. You can even tumble dry waterproof covers, as long as they’re on a low-heat setting.