How to protect the bed mattress Part 1: topper

Buying a mattress is not a negligible investment, so it is important to take good care of it. To ensure that it performs its function properly for a long time, it needs to be protected against stains and bacteria. It’s not enough to use just an ordinary sheet for protection, but rather a cover or topper (known as a mattress topper) that not only protects but also adds comfort to the mattress.

Choosing the right protector

On the market you can find covers, covers, pads or toppers whose main purpose is to protect and extend the life of the mattress. However, from a design point of view, there are differences.

• A topper is basically a low top mattress that just lays on top of the main mattress. It has a cover that houses the core.
• The mattress pad is also placed on the mattress, but it is narrower than the topper, is attached to the mattress with rubber bands and has no inner filling. It is characterised by its stitching.
• The cover can be likened to a sheet into which the entire mattress is placed.

The protector may be partial or integral. The advantage of partial protectors lies in their easy replacement. The disadvantage, however, is that they can bunch up on the bed. The integral version is more common. It is attached to the mattress at the corners with rubber bands (similar to a tension sheet).

Dimensions of protectors

The range of sizes follows the range of mattresses.

• The child pads are available in two sizes: 120 x 60 centimetres and 140 x 70 centimetres.
• Adult mattress protectors are sold in standard sizes as single or double mattresses (90 x 200, 90 x 220, 180 x 200, 200 x 200 centimetres and so on).

Production materials

Select the material of manufacture according to the purpose for which you are purchasing the protector. You can decide between a combination of fabric or fabric and impermeable material.

The combination of cotton and waterproof but breathable polyurethane coating is very popular. The protector therefore retains liquid but breathes at the same time, so you don’t have to worry about heat retention, steaming and sweating.

More durable protectors contain a PVC or rubber backing. They have the advantage of holding more load, but at the cost of being leaky, which leads to feeling hot and sweating. They are also noisy when in motion, so you need to consider whether there will be anyone else sleeping in the room or bed with the person sleeping on this mattress before buying. In the case of long-term patients, it is advisable to consider special mattress protectors that also contain an anti-substance pad to prevent bedsores.

Sheep’s fleece is no exception. The merino wool mat is popular for its breathability and thermal insulation properties.

Properties of protectors

Some covers can be enriched with aromatic oils to soothe and promote healthy sleep. The oils are gradually released, thus improving the quality of sleep. Among the most popular oils are lavender and eucalyptus, which also repel insects and prevent bacteria. Aloe vera extracts soothe the skin.

Since dust mites, bacteria and mould tend to accumulate in mattresses, leading to allergies, there are protectors with anti-allergy properties. Compared to other products, they are enriched with silver ions, for example, or can be impregnated with probiotics that feed on the scales of the skin. In this way, they prevent dust mites. Also suitable for allergy sufferers are covers containing wood cellulose, which can effectively wick away moisture accumulated during sleep (at night, our body sweats out about 0.5 to 1 litre of water). When absorbed, cellulose behaves similarly to wood.

What is a topper and what is it made of

A topper is basically like a mattress topper that forms a comfort layer between your body and the mattress. It can absorb sweat and other liquids that don’t reach the mattress directly. This part usually forms the top layer of a three-part boxspring bed construction, but you can also use it on conventional beds. The topper is made from a variety of materials that make it easy to adapt to your requirements.

Mattress topper manufacturing materials

The right topper should suit your sleeping habits, so it is made of several materials.

• Top mattress made of memory or lazy foam – topper adapts optimally to your body. Memory foam can react individually to pressure and body temperature by changing its firmness. This makes it the ideal support for your back. The slow return to its original shape stabilises the body in the optimal position. The memory foam stores body heat well, which makes sleeping more comfortable, has a positive effect on the blood circulation to the various parts of the body and prevents bedsores.
• Cold foam topper – is a classic design that offers flat elasticity and breathability. Its advantages are excellent elasticity and dimensional stability. It is a firm and comfortable base that returns to its original shape after loading. Cold foam is characterised by large and open pores, which make it excellent at dissipating moisture and heat.
• Topper made of gel foam – characterized by a long service life. Gel foam ideally combines the advantages of cold and memory foam. It will be appreciated by all those who have restless sleeping. It offers optimum pressure relief as the point-elastic gel adapts to the body pressure.
• Latex topper – rubber is used for production, which makes latex not as breathable as other materials. Better airflow is achieved due to special surface perforations. Since latex is antibacterial, this topper can be used even by allergy sufferers. The advantage of latex is its dimensional stability and elasticity, which makes toppers made of this material one of the softest.

It is recommended to rotate the topper every month and replace it once every five years.