MATTRESS PROTECTOR BUYING GUIDE CONTENTS

OVERVIEW 3 WHAT IS A PROTECTOR AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE? 4 STYLES 6 Encased Mattress Protector 6 Mattress Cover 7 Mattress Topper 7 MATTRESS PROTECTOR TYPES 8 Waterproof Mattress Protector 8 Breathable Mattress Protector 8 Hypoallergenic Mattress Protector 9 Cooling Mattress Protector 9 Temperature Control 9

MATTRESS PROTECTOR MATERIALS AND CARE (washability) 10 MATTRESS PROTECTOR SIZES 12 HOW LONG DOES A MATTRESS PROTECTOR LAST? 13 WHERE TO BUY MATTRESS PROTECTORS 13 BUDGET 13 CHECKLIST 14

2 OVERVIEW The first item you should purchase immediately after your mattress is a mattress protector. Some buyers think that this is a luxury item or believe they can do without the added expense, but a mattress protector keep stains off of the mattress and is easy to remove and throw in the wash with your sheets.

A mattress protector will also help alleviate allergies, keep mites off of your mattress (and you) and protect the conditions of your warranty should a problem arise!

This guide will help you navigate around the varieties available in mattress protectors and help you decide which one is best for your new mattress.

3 WHAT IS A MATTRESS PROTECTOR AND WHY DO YOU NEED ONE? A mattress protector is a item that is removable and washable. It sits on top of the mattress while some designs wrap around the corners, or completely encase the mattress using a zippered opening. There are three main reasons mattress protectors are necessary when purchasing a new mattress. They protect your mattress from spills and stains, create an allergen screen, and extend the life of your investment.

Protecting Your Mattress from Spills and Stains If you like to eat in bed, or have small children or pets, spills and stains will surely be on the menu. While some spills and stains are easy to remove on a mattress surface, without the protector they will penetrate the many layers that make up your mattress causing future odour and bacteria issues.

4 When purchasing for a small child’s mattress, bed-wetting is always something to consider. Mattress protectors with a backing will prevent any moisture from reaching the mattress surface and everyone can get back to a good night’s sleep.

Keeping more than one on hand in the linen closet for these eventualities will ensure the mattress continues to be protected, even if it’s not laundry day.

Keeping Allergies Under Control People with allergies can enjoy a fresh clean surface to sleep on every week when the mattress protector goes in the laundry with the sheets. It is helpful to regularly vacuum the surface of the mattress from dead skin cells, dust, and bed mites to prevent build-up, but mattress protectors are a simple way to keep allergies under control.

Extending the Life of Your Mattress Your mattress surface can look tattered and torn after years of wear and tear. A mattress protector will not only keep the surface of your mattress from looking frayed but keep the warranty intact should a problem arise. Should the mattress present a defect, a stained and torn mattress will not be considered under the warranty.

5 MATTRESS PROTECTOR STYLES There are 3 main types of mattress protectors to choose from. These include the encased mattress protectors, mattress covers, and mattress toppers.

ENCASED MATTRESS PROTECTOR The encased mattress protector is designed to completely enclose the mattress and uses a zipper to open one side to remove and replace. With this mattress protector, the mattress is completely protected on all sides. Encased mattress protectors are widely used to protect against bed bugs and other infestations. They offer a complete all-around mattress protection.

6 MATTRESS COVER A mattress cover resembles a fitted sheet. It wraps around each corner of the mattress with elasticated corners and offers a snug fit. These mattress covers are very effective against spills, perspiration stains and dust mites, however, they may not offer full protection against any bug infestation as the bottom of the mattress is not protected.

MATTRESS TOPPER The mattress topper is simply placed on the surface of the mattress and secured in place with elastic straps and by the fitted sheet that will cover it. Mattress toppers vary in thickness and filling to suit every sleep preference. They offer minimal protection against spills, stains, or bug infestations.

7 MATTRESS PROTECTOR TYPES There are several mattress protector types that consider health issues, lifestyle and budget. Select what is an absolute must for you from these varieties.

WATERPROOF MATTRESS PROTECTOR The waterproof mattress protector has a polyurethane backing which instantly makes your mattress 100% safe from any liquid spills. These protectors tend to be less breathable in warm conditions but if spills are your concern, they have got you covered.

BREATHABLE MATTRESS PROTECTOR The breathable and waterproof mattress protector helps keep the body from over-heating while protecting the mattress from perspiration and liquid spills. This type of protector will ensure comfort while protecting the surface of your mattress.

8 HYPOALLERGENIC MATTRESS PROTECTOR The hypoallergenic mattress protector is specifically designed with the allergy sufferer in mind. It is typically made from the least porous fabric so that tiny dust mites, bedbugs and other allergens don’t get through. A hypoallergenic mattress protector equally protects the mattress from wear over time. It is available in breathable and moisture-wicking materials, while maintaining its anti-microbial properties.

COOLING MATTRESS PROTECTOR The cooling mattress protector is made with a specially engineered material that gives off a cooling sensation while lowering the temperature of the mattress surface. Some materials include gel technology or bamboo which are known to keep the body cooler while sleeping. Ventilated gel technology in mattress protectors are designed to improve air circulation while maintaining all of the other important features. Bamboo is a renewable resource that naturally promotes air circulation with the added bonus of being ant-microbial.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL MATTRESS PAD The temperature control mattress pad is similar to an electric in that it plugs into an outlet and is designed to go under the body to regulate the heat or coolness factor. This technology helps those with sleep disorders, performance-seeking athletes and those wishing to enjoy a deeper sleep experience by maintaining a steady and constant temperature.

9 MATTRESS PROTECTOR MATERIALS AND CARE (WASHABILITY)

It is important to be able to wash and dry your mattress protector on laundry days along with sheets. The many varieties however do carry specific washing and drying instructions that should be followed to get the best performance and longevity from your mattress protector.

The polyurethane or polypropylene mattress protectors are typically made from a cotton or cotton/ blend fabric but have a waterproof bottom. Washing in cold water on the gentle cycle helps preserve the life expectancy of the elastic and other fibers, and the dryer setting at low will prevent any damage to the plastic bottom layer.

The bamboo mattress protector is easily washed in cold water with gentle detergent. To protect the fabric of the cover, it is recommended not to wash with items with large zippers, hooks or made of heavy fabrics like denim. If bleaching is required, it is suggested to use ½ cup of baking soda in the wash cycle and ½ cup of white vinegar in the rinse.

The cotton and polyester blends in a mattress protector are by far the easiest fabric to wash. In cold or warm water, using mild bleach-free detergent on the gentle cycle will remove stains and restore freshness. Hang to dry or tumble-dry at the low setting to protect elastic fibers.

10 MATTRESS PROTECTOR SIZES Mattress covers come in as many sizes as there are . They are available in the following sizes:

SIZE DIMENSIONS

TWIN 39” W x 75” L

TWIN XL 39” W x 80” L

FULL 54” W x 75” L (Also known as Double)

FULL XL 54" W x 80” L

QUEEN 60” W x 80” L

KING 76” W x 80” L

11 HOW LONG DOES A MATTRESS PROTECTOR LAST? Typically, a mattress protector should last the life of the mattress, between 7 and 10 years. Depending on the quality, fabric, and style, this estimate will vary.

WHERE TO BUY MATTRESS PROTECTORS Mattress protectors are available at all mattress retailers, as well as various department stores and online outlets.

BUDGET When considering your budget for the perfect mattress protector it is important to consider several factors. Health issues including allergies should be the first consideration on your list of must haves. If you enjoy eating in bed, have young children or pets, stains and spills should be on the list as well. Bug infestations will happen to anyone, so if this is a concern, make sure this is also getting some attention. Ultimately, determining the protection level you absolutely can’t live without will help you set your budget.

12 CHECKLIST

Buying a new mattress protector is an investment in your health and the life of your mattress, but it can also be intimidating with all of the various considerations to keep in mind. We’ve included this handy checklist to help you make the perfect choice.

1. Consider the size of the mattress you want to protect with a mattress cover. 2. Tell the experts if you (or a member of your family) suffer from any medical conditions such as certain allergies that get worse at night, night sweating, bedwetting, etc. They will recommend the mattress protector best suited for your needs. 3. Determine your budget before you consider all the extra features that various mattress protectors offer. 4. Determine your preferred fabric such as cotton, polyester or bamboo and ask about the benefits or drawbacks of each. 5. Consider the style you need such as full encasement, or mattress top cover. Minimizing risks like bug infestations isn’t always easy especially if living in a multi-family dwelling so, if this is a concern, ask about the options. 6. Consider features such as waterproof materials if you have young children and/or pets.

13 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM where one of our experts will be happy to help you find what you are looking for!