The bedroom is like an oasis. For many of us, it is a room that belongs only to us. After a long, busy day of work or school, there is no better feeling than collapsing into bed and finally letting yourself relax. Whether you like reading, watching movies, writing in a journal, or simply resting, your bedroom should be a place where you can feel completely comfortable and safe.
That being said, it is obvious that your bed itself plays a major role in creating this sort of cozy environment. If your mattress is too hard, too lumpy, or too flimsy, relaxing in bed can feel more like a nightmare than a daydream.
Even if your mattress is perfectly soft, cozy, and pleasant, there is one more quality that can potentially detract from your sleeping experience—that is, cleanliness.
The hygiene of your mattress is absolutely essential when it comes to enjoying your bed and bedroom. For one thing, many people find it difficult to feel completely comfortable when a space is not clean. Knowing that your mattress or bed could be harboring germs, bacteria, dust mites, bed bugs, and dirt is a disturbing thought. What is more, these unwanted substances can actually harm your sleeping patterns and your health.
If the thought of a dirty mattress has disturbed your peaceful bedroom oasis, do not fret: you can protect yourself. By using a mattress protector on your bed, you can guard yourself against germs and grimy substances, all while elongating the lifespan of your mattress before you need to buy a new mattress.
You may be wondering: is it worth it to buy a mattress protector? Do the benefits outweigh the monetary cost? Will my mattress protector last long enough to get my money’s worth?
If you are reading this post, you are probably either considering purchasing a mattress protector, or you are wondering how long the life of your mattress protector will be. Let’s delve into this subject and explore everything there is to know about the lifespan of mattress protectors.
What Is A Mattress Protector?
As we previously mentioned, a hypoallergenic mattress protector is a valuable tool for protecting yourself and your mattress against dirt and germs. It is a piece of removable bedding that goes underneath your fitted sheet. In short, it serves as an extra layer of defense against all of the unwanted substances that may enter your bed, preventing these substances from building up on and inside of your mattress.
We, as human beings, are not always perfectly clean, although we might like to think that we are. We bring bacteria and dirt into our homes from the outside world. We produce sweat and oil as we sleep that accumulates in our beds. We even make mistakes sometimes—shocking!—like spilling food or drinks and making a mess. That is why waterproof mattress protectors exist—they reduce the impact of such occurrences from impacting your mattress in the long run.
You can remove your mattress protector, clean off all of the unhygienic substances, and place it back on your bed. If you accidentally spill, or if your child has an accident, you have a bonus layer of protection; your mattress will not suffer permanent damage from these things.
It's important to note that they're not same mattress toppers or mattress pads, as they're providing protective mattress encasement rather than padding.
Mattress protectors are intended to preserve your quality mattress. This raises an important question: how long do they remain effective? Can mattress protectors guard you against germs forever? Let us explore that question now.
The Average Lifespan Of A Mattress Protector
Like all good things, the life of a mattress protector must come to an end eventually.
Unfortunately, mattress protectors begin growing less effective after a finite period of time.
The exact lifespan of a mattress protector is not the same in every circumstance; however, on average, a mattress protector should last between one to two years.
The reason that mattress protectors do not last forever is that they accumulate dander, body oils, dead skin cells, and more, just like your bed sheets, pillowcases, and mattresses. Eventually, the buildup of these substances becomes overwhelming, and you should replace your product.
As you use your mattress protector, you might notice a few signs that indicate that you should replace it. Read about those signs below.
Reasons To Replace Your Mattress Protector
Each time you change your bed linens, examine your mattress protector for the following signs.
- Holes. Holes in your mattress protector will allow unwanted substances to break through to your mattress and accumulate within it. This defeats the purpose of using a mattress protector.
- Any spots that are particularly worn or tattered. Along similar lines, spots that seem extra worn-down will soon become holes. This may be a sign that the time is approaching to replace your mattress protector.
- Open seams. Open seams on your mattress protector create a problem similar to holes. Moreover, they may cause your mattress to become uncomfortable.
- An excessive buildup of stains. Although mattress protectors are built to endure spills and stains, these stains may eventually be a sign of overuse.
- Odors. If your mattress protector has a strange odor, this is a definitive sign to replace it. This can be a sign that mildew, bacteria, or something unpleasant has begun to accumulate. Additionally, if the mattress protector is for your child who is potty training, you may want to replace it more quickly.
How To Make Your Mattress Protector Last
Fortunately, there are many ways to ensure that your best mattress protectors last as long as possible. If you want to maximize the value of your mattress protector, follow a few simple tips.
Firstly, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions with regards to cleaning and washing your product. Most mattress protectors can go in the washing machine, though not all. This makes it quite easy and convenient to clean your mattress protector.
Along similar lines, wash your mattress protector at least every three to four months. This will ensure that it is as clean and effective as possible. If you spill food, a drink, or any other liquid on your bed, you should wash your mattress protector right away. Moreover, if you have pets such as dogs or cats who sleep on your bed, you may need to wash your mattress protector more often than the average person.
As a general rule, it is best to wash your mattress protector in cold or warm water, using mild detergent. When it comes to drying your product, using a mild temperature and cycle speed is preferable, as well. However, remember to check with the manufacturer’s specific guidelines before washing your product. You want to be absolutely sure whether you need a specific bleach or fabric softener, and whether you can dry it on low heat or have to leave it to air dry.
Is It Worth It?
With all of the care involved, you may be wondering if purchasing or using a mattress protector is even worth the money and time. You have to wash it, take care of it, and replace it semi-frequently. To some, this may seem like an unnecessary and burdensome product to use.
Do we believe a mattress protector is worth this extra effort? Yes! Whether you have a box spring mattress or a memory foam mattress, it's worth protecting your investment.
To reiterate, mattress protectors can do wonders to ensure that your mattress lasts for a long time. Most mattresses should be replaced every ten years. With a mattress protector, you can ensure that you will not have to replace your mattress any earlier than necessary. For example, spilling something on your bed with no mattress protector could be fatal for your mattress. A protector will ensure that the spill never reaches the mattress itself.
Moreover, the health benefits of using a mattress protector outweigh the costs. Indeed, if you fail to use a mattress protector, dust, mold, or even pet hair can accumulate in your mattress itself. This often aggravates allergies. Using a protective mattress cover that is allergy-proof can decrease allergens in your bedroom.
In Conclusion
The bed is, arguably, the most important feature of the bedroom. Our beds are where many of us read, watch television, and simply unwind after a long day. And, of course, our beds are where we sleep.
You deserve to feel safe, happy, and comfortable in your own bed, and taking care of your mattress is an important step to take to ensure that you do.
If you want to make the most of your mattress, utilizing a mattress protector is the most important action you can take. It will help you to sleep more soundly at night, to maximize the value of your mattress, and to promote your personal health. For these reasons, a mattress protector is a smart and beneficial investment.
Of course, mattress protectors do not last forever. After one to two years, it is probably time to replace yours. Moreover, you should be aware of the warning signs of a deteriorating mattress protector. If you notice any issues with your mattress protector, be sure to replace it as soon as possible. This will help you to maintain your mattress and make the most of it in the long run.
Visit our website for more information about mattress protectors and other products that will make your life more comfortable.
Sources:
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy/art
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-often-to-replace-mattress-2017-9
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