MATTRESS PROTECTORS

Mattress protectors and toppers are not actually the same thing although both can be combined with the features of the other to provide a layer that is comfortable to the sleeper whilst protecting the mattress and bed.

The main purpose of a protector is to do exactly what its name suggests, namely to act as a protective layer to everything below it. For this reason protectors normally have a waterproof layer within their composition and this prevents everything from spillage to sweat from reaching the mattress covering below. By doing this they help keep a mattress fresh, clean and free from odour.

Like toppers, protectors can have anti-allergy properties and they can be made from flannelette materials, towelling material, cotton and a number of other fabrics. The thing that they all have in common is a waterproof membrane which acts as a barrier to any moisture or liquid that could potentially reach the mattress or bed.

Because a simple waterproof membrane has a distinct and not terribly appealing feel to it, most protectors will have a padded layer above the membrane and this may be quilted and even offer cool feel properties. When this is the case the protector is combing its own function with that of a mattress topper. For many people this dual functionality offers the best solution and the best value for money.

The price of mattress protectors starts from only 15 or 20 US dollars (20 pounds Stirling) for a basic model, but when you combine the topper and protector and use a high quality barrier membrane along with visco elastic memory foam padding, you can easily reach three figures.