A mattress protector takes on everything that would otherwise go to the mattress: sweat, dust, crumbs, spilt tea. A mattress will not go into the washing machine, but a protector will, easily. So it is needed almost always, and the only question is which one: an ordinary textile protector or a moisture-proof one.
What a protector does and does not do
It really does:
- keep the mattress cover clean, with the stains left on something that can be washed;
- protect the mattress fabric from wearing through;
- in moisture-proof models, keep liquid from getting inside.
But a thin protector does not change the firmness of a mattress or level the sleeping place. If you want it softer or firmer, you need a topper — we cover that in a separate article. A protector has no therapeutic properties either.
What kinds of protector there are
| Type | What it protects against | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Textile | Dust and household soiling; lets moisture through | Thermo, Thermo with side panel |
| Moisture-proof | Moisture, dust, household soiling | Fresh, Safe |
| Mattress pad | The underside of the mattress where it meets the base | Veneto Mattress pad |
Textile. The Veneto Thermo mattress cover is the basic option: a surface of calico (100% cotton), with a thin layer of thermally bonded ThermoFiber fibre of 80 g/m² inside. It protects against dust and everyday soiling, but has no moisture-proof layer: spilt liquid will go straight through. There is also a version with a side panel in the same materials.
Moisture-proof. The Veneto Fresh mattress cover is sewn from a moisture-proof membrane fabric, and the Veneto Safe Mattress Cover is also of a moisture-proof fabric. Both make a barrier between liquid and the mattress.
Mattress pad. It goes not on top but between the mattress and the base of the bed. The Veneto Mattress pad is made of dense ReFiberMix felt (300 g/m²) and is held by elastic. It separates the underside of the mattress from the slats or the bottom of the bed.
Who needs which
A moisture-proof one is worth taking if:
- a small child sleeps in the bed;
- there is an elderly person in the house, or someone who is ill and spends a lot of time in bed;
- pets jump onto the bed;
- you like coffee or breakfast in bed.
A textile one is enough if adults sleep in the bed, no liquid gets there, and the feel of cotton under the sheet matters to you.
An honest caveat: membrane fabric feels different from cotton to the touch. If you are sensitive to such things, touch a sample in a store before buying.
Size and height
The size of the protector has to match the size of the mattress exactly. One that is too small will pull at the corners; one that is too big will gather into folds under the sheet. Veneto protectors are made in twelve sizes — from 800 × 1900 to 1800 × 2000 mm. If your mattress is wider, 2000 × 2000 mm for example, ask a consultant whether there is a protector for it.
The second thing often forgotten is height. Measure the mattress together with the topper, if there is one. For high mattresses there are separate versions with a height of 400 mm, such as the Veneto Fresh mattress cover, height 400 mm; they are made in sizes from 1400 × 1900 to 1800 × 2000 mm. It is one to consider, say, for the Veneto Gold Plus Mattress, which is 390 mm high.
All the models named have elastic fastening, so the protector does not slip when you turn over.
Before buying, write down three numbers: the width, length and height of the mattress. A tape is more accurate than memory, and the label on the mattress is not always easy to find. If two single mattresses lie on the bed, decide in advance whether each needs its own protector: that way they are easier to wash and change.
How to care for it
- Wash the protector as needed and according to the label; the programme and temperature depend on the material of the particular model.
- Membrane fabrics generally do not like hot water, ironing or aggressive products — these break down the moisture-proof layer.
- Put the protector on only when it is completely dry.
- It is handy to have two: while one dries, the other is on the bed.
- After an “accident”, wash it straight away rather than waiting for the planned wash.
Common mistakes
- Buying a textile protector and expecting it to protect against liquid.
- Taking the size “roughly”, or ignoring the height of the mattress.
- Thinking a protector will put right a mattress that has sagged or is uncomfortable.
- Taking it off for the summer: it is in the heat that the mattress gets the most moisture.
All the models are gathered in the mattress protectors category. For the warranty conditions on mattresses, including the requirements for care, see the warranty page.
In short
- A protector is there so that you wash it instead of cleaning the mattress.
- A textile one protects against dust and soiling; a moisture-proof one against liquid as well.
- It does not change firmness: that is what a topper is for.
- Match it exactly to the size and height of the mattress.
- A mattress pad protects the mattress from below, on the side of the base.
Frequently asked questions
Is a protector needed if the mattress has a removable cover?
Yes, it is simpler with one: a protector is far quicker to take off and wash than the cover of a large mattress.
Can a protector go over a topper?
It can. Then choose it by the combined height of the mattress and the topper.
How often should a protector be washed?
Wash it as needed, and after spilt liquid as soon as possible, if the instructions allow. The exact programme is given on the label.
Why a mattress pad if there is a protector?
They work from different sides: a protector looks after the surface you sleep on, and a pad the underside that lies on the base.
