Protective bed care

Beds and bedding can be subjected to a whole range of spills and accidents that can see anything from a drink to urine escaping onto the bed. If any liquid gets into a mattress the odours cannot be removed and this means that the mattress is ruined. Given the costs of beds and mattresses this can be an expensive accident and one that can be avoided.

Although some spills and stains can be removed many cannot, therefore the most effective action is prevention in the form of a protective waterproof and water resistant membrane. Membranes of this type are made specifically for bed protection and they are called mattress protectors. A mattress protector is the best way of preventing accidents or incontinence from permanently damaging a bed.

What is a mattress protector

A mattress protector is a special waterproof cover that overlaps the top surface of a mattress. It is secured to the bed by either wrapping around the sides of the mattress (like a fitted sheet), or by elasticised straps that loop around the mattress corners.

Once in place a mattress protector will prevent any kind of liquid or fluid from passing down and into the mattress and in so doing it protects the mattress from liquid spills and damage.

Mattress protectors can also be combined with mattress toppers. When this is the case there is, in addition to the protective membrane, a further material layer that includes extra padding for comfort and support. The material used for this “comfort” layer could be anything from a feather and down filling to slow recovery visco elastic memory foam.

Once in place it is almost impossible to detect a mattress protector and, as well as protecting against spillages, a mattress protector will also prevent sweat from permeating the mattress material. Many mattresses develop localised areas of discolouration that appear over time and this is normally the result of constant contact with hot bodies and sweat.

Who can benefit from a mattress protector

The obvious beneficiaries are those with incontinence, or those who take drinks and meals in bed, however many bed and mattress manufacturers now recommend the use of mattress protectors for all of their products.

A mattress protectors is seen as hygienic and as been a good precautionary measure to protect against any kind of liquid or moisture related mattress damage. The overall is result is that a mattress protector can extend the life of a mattress and keep it clean and odour free.

Mattress protectors are washable or can be wiped clean.

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