Mattress Pads, Mattress Toppers and Mattress Protectors – Oh My!
Mattress protectors and mattress pads are two elements that we highly recommend for a cosy and comfortable sleep. While both differ in terms of their functionality and appearance, they are ultimately designed to beneficially augment your sleeping experience.
If you are confused about the uses of a mattress pad and a mattress protector and what you need for yourself, this comparison should help you to clear the air.
What is a Mattress Pad?
A mattress pad is a layer of quilt placed between the mattress and sheets. Its primary purpose is to add a layer of luxury and comfort while also adding some protection for your mattress against stains and spills. If you have opted for a waterproof mattress pad, it can also add waterproofing which ensures that urine, sweat, or other liquids do not percolate and get absorbed by your mattress.
Waterproof mattress pads, in most cases, carry an additional backing material, such as a membrane or lamination, on their underside. The material adds a layer of waterproofing.
Standard mattress pads are approximately one inch thick and are designed to improve the feel of your bed. For this, they are available in many materials, such as feather, latex, foam, and wool, and you can buy one depending on the comfort you seek.
At Bargoose, we offer both a four-ply Deluxe Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad and a three-ply Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad.
Types of Mattress Pads
Mattress pads can be divided based on the materials used. Here are its common types –
Wool
A natural ingredient, wool helps create thin pads and adds to the overall comfort factor. In addition, it offers good protection against fire because of its antimicrobial properties. Wool also helps to regulate body temperature.
Cotton
The most common mattress pads have cotton in them. Its usage is so widespread because it makes the pads breathable, hypoallergenic, and easy to adjust to. But given the natural tendency of cotton, it can suffer from wear and tear more quickly than other types of materials.
Memory foam
If you are looking for optimum support, a memory foam mattress pad should be your choice. This type of mattress pad is usually made of polyurethane; a material that contours to the body, enabling it to act as pressure and muscle relief.
What can a mattress pad do?
Here are the primary functions of a mattress pad –
- Slows down the wear and tear process of your mattress
- Adds a layer of comfort to uncomfortable beds
- Helps protect your bed against spillage and dust mite allergies
Benefits of a mattress pad
Some people buy mattress pads to add a layer of protection to their new beds. It is because mattress pads offer a myriad of benefits, such as –
Improves mattress life
Regardless of whether protected or left on their own, mattresses suffer from wear and tear. The lifespan of mattress can depend on many things including the quality of the mattress, the materials used, as well as the weight and sleeping styles of the user(s). In addition, your mattress is regularly exposed to body liquids, such as sweat, and other allergens, such as dust and mites, which adds to the mattress's degradation. Adding a mattress pad can increase the longevity of your bed. Its ability to absorb sweat and other fluids and prevent them from reaching the mattress reduces bacteria build-up and extends the mattress’ life over time.
Easy to apply and remove
Mattress pads are like bed sheets. Similar to a bed sheet, mattress pads are typically equipped with a stretch-knit skirt or anchor bands. This type of construction makes your mattress pad easy to install and allows for it to fit snugly around your mattress. Always make sure to check the dimensions of your mattress pad to ensure a quality fit. Importantly, mattress pads can be applied and removed without seeking any additional assistance.
Affordable
Buying a new mattress can be costly. A mattress pad is an affordable avenue for improving the comfort of your mattress with excessive costs, fees, delivery, or installation.
Improves the comfort factor
Generally, the primary purpose of having a mattress pad is to improve the comfort level of your existing bed. It offers a layer of cushioning, which can act as a cover for the loss of efficiency of your mattress. In other cases, the addition of wool-based or other luxury material-based pads can improve the feel of even a new bed.
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Bargoose Four Ply Deluxe Quilted Waterproof Mattress Pad |
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What is a Mattress Protector?
A mattress protector or mattress encasement is a durable, fitted sheet or zippered six sided encasement, placed between your bed sheet and the mattress surface. If you are using a mattress pad and a mattress protector, the mattress protector is placed directly on the mattress and the mattress pad is placed over it. Mattress protectors usually cover the entire bed, including the sides. In some cases, you will also find zippered mattress protectors which cover the bottom, fully encasing the mattress. These protect your mattress from liquids, bed bugs, dust mites and other allergens depending on the style you choose.
You can use protectors for all bed types, but be careful to check the depth of the mattress and buy a protector that can cover the entire surface with ease.
Types of mattress protectors
Mattress protectors can be differentiated based on fit, construction, or the material used.
The types of materials often used in mattress protectors are as follows -
Cotton
Known for its comfort, cotton mattress protectors add a touch of luxury to your existing mattress. Cotton is also the most breathable fabric and can be woven to help with dust-mite and other allergen relief. Cotton is also very absorbent but on its own it will not protect your mattress from spills or other accidents that can occur on the mattress.
Polyester
Polyester is frequently used for manufacturing waterproof protectors. The type of polyester used in a mattress protector will differ based on the manufacturer, or if they have been knit or woven. May sure you know what needs you are trying to satisfy before making your purchase.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a synthetic material which works excellently to defend against dust mites, bed bugs, spills, sweat, incontinence and more.
Bargoose bedding offers the best quality vinyl mattress protectors and encasements in the industry. Bargoose BedBug Solution Zippered Six Gauge Vinyl Mattress Protectors feature the patented BugStop Seal.
Polyurethane Barrier
Polyurethane is a synthetic material that offers high resistance to bugs and is waterproof and breathable. In most cases it is used in combination with other materials, such as cotton or polyester, which helps increase the effectiveness of the end product while keeping the comfort factor intact.
Spandex
Spandex is a component material often used in conjunction with bamboo, polyester or cotton. Spandex is often used to provide a stretch to fit quality to the protector and which allows it to adjust to varying bed sizes with ease.
The types of construction typically used in mattress protectors are as follows -
Fitted
As the name suggests, these protectors fit like a bed sheet. These coverings offer adequate protection against spills, stains, sweat, and other occurrences caused by human contact but leave the mattress exposed from the bottom.
Bargoose Home Textiles manufacturers a variety of fitted mattress protectors:
- AllergyCare Cotton Fitted Mattress Protectors
- AllergyCare Organic Allergen Barrier Mattress Protectors
- Bargoose Fitted Six Gauge Mattress Protectors
- Bargoose Fitted Three Gauge Mattress Protectors
Zippered Encasement
If you like complete protection for your mattress, this encasement type of protector is the best for you. These come with a zipper and offer 360-degree protection for your bed.
Bargoose also manufactures the following zippered mattress protectors:
- BedBug Solution™ Elite
- BedBug Solution™ Hybrid Mattress Protector
- BedBug Solution™ Six Gauge Zippered Mattress Encasement
- BedBug Solution™ Basic
- AllergyCare™ Cotton Allergen Barrier Bedding
- AllergyCare™ Organic Cotton Allergen Barrier Mattress Protector
- AllergyCare™ Pristine Allergen Barrier Bedding
- Bargoose Zippered Three Gauge Vinyl Mattress Protector
- Bargoose Barrier Bedding Zippered Polypropylene Mattress Encasements
Anchor Band
Also known as strapped, this type of mattress protector has four straps at the four top corners of the mattress. While they cover the top, the sides and bottom are left unprotected. These are a great economic choice for many businesses.
What can a mattress protector do?
As the name suggests, a mattress protector does the job of shielding your mattress. It covers a myriad of use cases, including protection against –
- Bed bugs
- Dust mites
- Bacteria
- Allergens
- Sweat
- Incontinence
- Overheating
- Liquid and stains
Its protection capabilities depend on the material you choose. This helps augment your overall sleep quality and is excellent for improving the general hygiene and health factor while keeping the mattress’ longevity intact.
Benefits of a Mattress Protector
Protects your health
If you are someone with allergies, a mattress protector is a must-have! Mattress Protectors can help curb exposure to dust mites and other allergens. This will further prevent microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, dust mites, and more, from thriving in your bed and disturbing your sleep.
Increases mattress lifespan
A mattress protector is designated with the job of preventing unwanted elements from reaching your mattress. It means that having them on will ensure an improved life for your bed and enable you to enjoy the newness of the mattress for longer.
Covers your mattress warranty
Most mattress manufacturers do not provide a warranty on spillage. So, having a protector enables you to prevent liquids from seeping and reaching the mattress, thereby preventing you from abstaining from the warranty.
Ease of cleaning
It is no easy task to clean a mattress. However, a mattress protector is removable, making it an easy to use and easy to clean solution. Not only are you able to regularly maintain your mattress but you will be able to adjust for varying needs throughout the year including allergies, guests, accidents, spills, and the like.
At Bargoose we offer a variety of mattress protectors in both the fitted and zippered encasement style. Take a look at our comparison chart to pick the one that would be best for you.
What is a Mattress Topper?
Mattress toppers are thicker than mattress pads and are an excellent addition for those looking for more softness, firmness, cooling, or pressure relief. These are essentially an extension of your existing bed and are a cheaper alternative to buying a new mattress. In addition, their usage extends the life of your current bed and can help you get rid of discomfort caused by your old mattress.
What is a zippered duvet/comforter cover encasement?
The word ‘‘duvet’’ comes from French and means "down" (a traditional filling extracted from geese and ducks). Duvets are usually soft blankets filled with either down or synthetic fibers. Similar to a mattress, a duvet can accumulate dust, mites and other allergens. It is also susceptible to spills and accidents. Given its size and fill, it can be difficult to clean. For additional protection, you can opt for a hypoallergenic duvet cover. These work effectively in containing the allergens or repelling them, enabling the user to minimize their exposure to symptoms linked to allergies. Alternatively, you can also opt for waterproof or bed bug proof variants which provide better protection against water and bed bugs, respectively.
At Bargoose we offer duvet covers in our AllergyCare Line, including our AllergyCare Pristine, AllergyCare Cotton, and AllergyCare Organic Cotton.
What is a pillow protector?
A pillow protector is a encasement that protects your pillows by offering a layer of security against spillage, wear and tear, and moisture. These come in several types, such as allergen barrier, waterproof, or bed bug protectors and allow you to enjoy your favorite pillows a little longer while offering better protection against unwanted elements.
Bargoose has a complete line of pillow protectors including:
- CleanAir™ Allergy Relief Pillow Protector
- BedBug Solution™ Zippered Vinyl Pillow Protector
- AllergyCare™ Organic Cotton Allergen Barrier Pillow Protector
- AllergyCare™ Cotton Allergen Barrier Zippered Pillow Protector
- AllergyCare™ Pristine Zippered Pillow Protector
- Terry Waterproof Pillow Covers
- Standard Zippered T-130 Pillow Protector
- French Fold Pillow Protectors
- Hidden Zipper Pillow Covers
- Bed Bug Proof Polypropylene Pillow Encasements
- 3 Gauge Zippered Vinyl Pillow Protectors
What is the ultimate way to protect a bed?
At Bargoose we recommend you start with a zippered mattress encasement, which you will leave on your bed washing 1x every year. Put a waterproof mattress pad on top of the zippered mattress protector. It can be easily removed and washed between each guest stay or when you wash your sheets at home just the same.
Similarly we recommend a zippered pillow protector be used to encase your pillows from dirt, dust allergens, moisture, and even bed bugs. This is placed directly on top of your pillow but beneath the outer pillow case.
Still Have Questions? Call us at (516) 255 - 1736 or email us at info@bargoosebedding.com.
