Dust mite, allergens, and spillage are enemies for the mattress. These materials reduce the mattress’s durability and pose a threat to human hygiene. To protect the mattress from these materials and maintain our hygiene, we put a cover on the mattress that we call a mattress protector. In my article, I will discuss how to put a mattress protector on in the most convenient way. I hope you will not get bored next time you try putting on or removing your mattress cover.
Table of Contents
Types of mattress protector
Zippered mattress protector
Zippered mattress protectors give 360-degree protection for all six sides of the mattress. Although these mattress covers are difficult to fit or remove, they will give complete protection against bugs, stains, and allergens. They are the only mattress protectors that will completely encase the mattress. Therefore, these are useful for camping and outing where you need to encase the mattress to protect it from dirt and damage.
Fitted sheet mattress protector
A fitted sheet protector will not completely encase the mattress. At the bottom of the mattress, some parts of the mattress will be uncovered. It will cover the top and all four sides of the mattress except for the bottom. Put a mattress protector on knowing it will give complete protection against urine, stain, vomit, mold, and bacteria. It is unnecessary to lift the mattress completely when putting on a fitted sheet. Therefore, a single person can put it on and remove it. A fitted sheet mattress cover will be preferred if you have a child or need to clean the mattress protector too often.
Elastic strap mattress protector
An elastic strap mattress protector will cover the least area of the mattress. It has four elastic straps or anchors that will be tied with the four corners of the mattress. Thus, it will cover the surface of the mattress, leaving all other five sides exposed. An elastic strap mattress protector is easy to put on and remove. Even a 12-year-old kid can do it. Therefore, it is the most suitable mattress protector type when you require removing the mattress cover too often. But put a mattress protector on knowing it will give the mattress the least protection.
How To Put A Mattress Protector On? What’s the use?
Just learning how to put a mattress protector on isn’t good enough if you don’t know when to do so. So we are here to tell you what the point is of putting a mattress protector over your mattress. A mattress protector has many uses, not just for comfort, so here are some of them:
- Protects against spills and stains: A mattress protector creates a barrier between your mattress and any liquids that may be spilled on it, such as water, coffee, or wine. This can prevent stains from setting in and damaging your mattress.
- Reduces allergens: A mattress protector can help reduce the amount of allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen that can build up on your mattress. This can be especially helpful for those with allergies or asthma.
- Prevents bed bugs: Mattress protectors can also help prevent bed bugs from infesting your mattress. The tight weave of the fabric makes it difficult for bed bugs to burrow into the mattress and lay their eggs.
- Extends the life of your mattress: A mattress protector can help protect your mattress from wear and tear caused by body oils, sweat, and dirt. This can help extend the life of your mattress and keep it in better condition for longer.
- Improves overall hygiene: By adding a barrier between you and your mattress, a mattress protector can help improve the overall hygiene of your bed. It can help keep your sleeping surface clean and free from bacteria, dust, and other allergens that can accumulate over time.
How To Put A Mattress Protector On?: Process
Zippered mattress protector
A zippered mattress cover is not easy to put on and uncover. Therefore, it is better to take help from someone when trying to cover your mattress with a zippered protector. Below is the step-by-step process of how you can do the job.
- Remove all the bedding, pillow, bedsheet, and stuff from the mattress. You have to start with a bare mattress.
- Standing the mattress upright is the next step. You can not put a zippered cover keeping the mattress flat. Slide the mattress a few inches forward. Then stand the mattress upright with the help of your partner. If there is a wall nearby, rest the mattress on it.
- Now it’s time to put on the cover. Slide the cover from the top of the mattress to the bottom end. Trying this in the opposite direction is more labor-intensive. Make sure you do not put pressure on the zipper and damage it.
- When you have covered your mattress completely, lay it on the bed and zip it. Do not zip it or push it, keeping the mattress upright.
- If the mattress protector has a zip locker hook, lock the zipper with the hook to secure it. A zip locker will always keep the zipper in place, ensure proper sealing and give complete protection against dust, bugs, and mold.
Fitted sheet mattress protector
Putting on a fitted mattress protector is far easier. You can put a mattress protector on by yourself without needing the help of your partner. Below is the easiest process of doing the job.
- Before putting the mattress protector on, remove the pillow, bedsheet, and all other bedding from the mattress. Make the mattress clean by wiping and vacuuming.
- If possible, slide the mattress a few inches forward. Now try putting on the mattress protector at one corner. Better start with a headboard corner first.
- Fitted mattress protectors are elastic. You can stretch the mattress across the bed diagonally. Now attach the mattress to the opposite corner of the mattress.
- After you are done with two opposite corners, attach the mattress protector to the third corner. Stretch the other side and attach it to the fourth corner like before.
- After securing the corners, make sure all four sides of the mattress are covered by the elastic mattress protector sheet.
- We are done. Now you can slide the mattress back to its original position.
Elastic strap mattress protector
An elastic strap mattress protector will cover only the top of the mattress. Putting it on the mattress is so easy that a little kid can do it. The mattress protector has four elastic straps on four corners. Each of the straps has to be attached to the corners of the mattress. Before doing this, do not forget to remove all the beddings from the mattress. After securing one corner, stretch it to the opposite side and secure it with the corner of the mattress. Do the same with the remaining two straps of the mattress protector. Straps are like anchors to keep the protector cover tied with the mattress.
How To Put A Mattress Protector On? Advantages
Protection from stain
Stain protection is one of the major benefits of having a mattress protector. Over time, your mattress can contact different stain-causing elements such as soil, spill, and water. These elements will ultimately cause permanent or temporary stains and cause mold formation on some occasions. Therefore, if you have a mattress without a protector, the mattress is always at risk of getting damaged. Furthermore, if you have a mattress protector, you choose to remove it and wash it in your washing machine. The protector will give you the freedom of enjoying your morning tea or coffee on the bed fearlessly.
Protection from allergens
A mattress without a protector will absorb the allergens inside it. Because the mattress is thick, it is difficult or almost impossible to clean the mattress and get rid of the allergens such as dust, animal dander, dead skin, hair, etc. If you have a mattress protector, you can clean it regularly and keep yourself protected from allergens.
Additional comfort
Although a mattress has its own comfort layer, having a protector will add to the comfort. Mattress protectors are usually made of a special fabric that can stretch in all directions. Thus, it is comfortable sleeping on it. However, be sure about the quality of the fabric before making your decision on it.
Protection from bed bugs
Bed bugs are a global problem. Sometimes, it becomes an impossible job to get rid of them even if you keep your house clean. A mattress protector can protect you from bed bugs by adding a washable layer to the mattress. Bugs stay inside the crevices of the mattress. Thus, it is difficult to identify and kill them. The mattress protector will create a protective layer and prevent bugs from entering the mattress.
Durability enhancement
Purchasing a mattress costs a big sum of money. Using an extra protective layer on it will enhance the mattress’s durability. The protective layer will help the comfort layer mattress not wear out within a few days. So it will increase the durability of the mattress.
Ease of maintenance
A mattress without a protective cover is difficult to maintain. Whether you have a cover, a mattress needs to be cleaned periodically to keep the dust, dirt, allergens, and molds away from it. Additionally, your life will be easier during regular maintenance if you have a mattress with a protective cover. As the mattress protector is removable, you can clean or even wash it in the washing machine. Washing the protective cover will do most of the job. You need to give substantially less effort to maintain the mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Should I put the plastic side of the mattress protector up or down?
The plastic side of the mattress protector will stop the spillage from seeping through. They have waterproofing properties. Firstly, they will work against water and any other liquids. However, plastic is not comfortable to sleep on. You should put the plastic side down. Similarly, the rough side of the memory foam mattress topper goes up.
Why do I need a mattress protector?
Mattress protectors are like the seatbelts of a car. They protect the mattress from different external damage. On top of that, a rightly chosen mattress protector can enhance comfort. They are also good for your hygiene. If you have them, maintaining the mattress will be easier for you. You also need to know how to store a mattress topper.
What are the qualities of a good mattress protector?
A mattress protector should be waterproof. It has to protect the spill from seeping through the mattress. Another quality it should have is the ability to withstand frequent wash. It should not wear out if you clean and wash it regularly in the washing machine. Organic mattress protectors are eco-friendly, but they are not good for washing in the dryer or washing machine. Apart from these, your mattress protector has to have enough breathability. It should provide you with enough airflow and comfort.
What kind of mattress protector is better for me?
If you need to wash the mattress protector regularly, the zippered type protector is the best option. It will completely cover the mattress and give 360-degree protection. But it is not easy to put in and remove. If you have the habit of eating and drinking on the bed or are a child who will make the bed dirty, you need to clean the mattress cover more often. In such instances, a fitted sheet or elastic strap mattress protector will be the better option.
How often do I need to wash my mattress protector?
You have to wash the mattress protector at least once every two months, whether or not it gets dirty. However, if you have an unintended spill or the cover gets too dirty for other reasons, you should wash it.
Bottom line
Putting on a mattress protector is tedious if you do not try it the right way. Although using a mattress cover is optional, it can enhance the longevity of your precious mattress to a great extent.
It is also great for the cleanliness of the mattress, which can help you live a healthier life. Most people do not know how to deal with mattress protectors. Therefore, I tried my best to guide you so that you do not get in trouble while putting on the mattress protector.
I wish you enjoy a heavenly well, made bed with a hotel-like experience.
