From keeping your mattress free of stains to ensuring you have a hygienic place to rest your head each night, a quality mattress cover keeps your bed clean and pristine.
Mattress covers are designed to aid in the longevity of your mattress, giving protection, breathability, and an extra bit of comfort. Learn how to protect your bed with our mattress cover buying guide.
A mattress cover, also known as a mattress protector, is a thin barrier akin to a fitted sheet designed to safeguard your mattress from dirt, allergens, spills, and overall wear.
Unlike a mattress pad, which is thick and meant to add a layer of comfort to your sleep setup, a mattress cover should be barely noticeable to sleepers.
The Difference Between a Mattress Cover & Mattress Pad
While a mattress pad and cover are similar in appearance, they differ in purpose. A mattress cover is designed to act as an extra barrier for your mattress. It helps keep the mattress clean from spills, dirt, dust, and allergens and extends the lifespan of your mattress.
A mattress pad is designed to add an extra layer of comfort to the top of your mattress, giving one to two inches of plushness to your sleeping experience. Commonly made from cotton, wool, down, or synthetic fillings, mattress pads have a waterproof top layer to help act as a protective barrier.
Mattress Pad
Mattress Cover
Are Mattress Covers Necessary?
Sheets alone won’t protect your mattress from liquids or stains. While a mattress cover is not necessary, it helps prevent lasting stains and marks.
If you have children or live in a highly humid climate, a mattress cover goes a long way in keeping moisture out. If you are someone who often hosts visitors, a mattress cover provides them with a hygienic place to sleep.
How Do You Clean a Mattress Cover
Maintaining your mattress cover is the key to getting the most longevity out of your mattress, especially when it comes to waterproof protectors. Many options are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain; however, high heat and bleach may cause degradation or damage.
Before cleaning, check the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them for the best results.
What Size Mattress Cover Do I Need?
Mattress covers fit a mattress like a fitted sheet. It’s important to purchase the correct size for your bed. If a cover is too small, it won’t protect your mattress as intended. If it’s too large, you’ll run the risk of it bunching up and being noisy or uncomfortable. They are typically sold by mattress size. If you have a queen-sized mattress, purchase a queen-sized cover.
To help, here’s a refresher on mattress dimensions:
- Twin/Single: 38” x 75”
- Futon: 54” x 75”
- Extra-Long Twin: 38” x 80”
- Full/Double: 54” x 75”
- Queen: 60” x 80”
- King: 76” x 80”
- California King: 72” x 84”
What Type of Mattress Cover Do I Need?
Bed Bug Mattress Cover
Bed bug mattress covers are designed to protect your mattress from allergens and insects and can lock the bugs inside the encasement so they cannot escape.
Plastic Mattress Cover
Plastic mattress covers are great at preventing general wear and tear and moisture buildup that affects your mattress’s longevity, but they are not always waterproof.
Waterproof Mattress Cover
Waterproof mattress covers are durable, breathable, and water-resistant, ensuring the mattress stays fresh and clean. They are often made of polyurethane and are non-toxic.
Cooling Mattress Cover
A cooling mattress protector helps reduce body heat during the night for a cool and comfortable sleeping experience. They are designed to wick away sweat and heat while keeping your mattress clean.
Zippered Mattress Cover
A zippered mattress cover is designed to protect the entire bed. It slips over the mattress and zippers closed. This can be great for humid climates where the mattress can be exposed to more moisture.
Protect Your Bed With Quality Mattress Covers
From preventing spills and stains to keeping your mattress allergen and insect-free, find the mattress cover that is the best fit for your sleeping preferences. Shop our curated collection at furniture.com.