How to Choose the Best Mattress Cover?
Table of Contents
Top Best Mattress Cover Based on Reviews and Price
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Why You Need to Buy a Good Mattress Cover?
Buying a mattress cover might seem like a pretty straightforward job. You go to the store, you ask for some options, you buy one and take it home. Go to any store where they sell mattresses and mattress covers, and they will be happy to sell you one as easy as that.
However, if you want to make the most for your money, then you need to buy one that will make your bed as comfortable as possible, protect you from allergens, dust mites, bed bugs, and pet dander, then you will need to learn a thing or few about mattress covers.
That’s why we have created a guide like this to educate you on the matter. So when you need to make that purchase, you make the best possible choice. Here is a list of factors to consider before buying a mattress cover.
Top 8 Factors to Consider Before Buying a Mattress Cover
1. Consider the Mattress Cover Material
This factor requires the most consideration. That’s why you need to learn about the available materials and choose the one that matches your preferences and expectations.
Latex Mattress Cover
Latex can be either synthetic or natural. If green is of importance to you, then make sure the latex is labeled natural. Whether it is natural or synthetic, you can expect great support.
Pros of Latex Mattress Cover
It provides excellent support, which is very beneficial if you or some family members suffer from painful joints or arthritis. Typically it’s firmer than memory foam and very durable. One of the best things about latex mattresses is that it doesn’t transmit any motions, which are super important if your partner tends to move during the night.
Cons of Latex Mattress Cover
Some people are allergic to latex, while others don’t like it because it feels too bouncy. Some people also find it too firm, and during summertime, it tends to feel hot. The average asking price is also an issue with many people.
Memory Foam Cover
Memory foam is made from polyurethane and is one of the most popular choices. Even though it is a very popular choice, it has its set of flaws.
Pros of Memory Foam Mattress Cover
It provides great support, even if it is an old mattress. It feels comfortable, soft, and minimizes motion from tossing. In case you sleep with a partner that can’t sleep in just one position, this can be a great option.
Cons of Memory Foam Mattress Cover
In summer, it can become hot, and there is an odor when it’s new. And yes, the typical asking price for a memory foam mattress cover is always on the higher end of the scale.
Polyester Blends Mattress Cover
Affordable and fluffy, that’s how most people think of polyester blends. But the fluffiness is a thing of the past as they have improved much in this area.
Pros of Polyester Blend Mattress Cover
There is no odor. They are quite affordable, and they are known for their excellent softness.
Cons of Polyester Blend Mattress Cover
There isn’t much support, and it can feel hot during summertime. After using it for a while, it can become lumpy.
Wool Mattress Cover
This is one of the most comfortable solutions, but more than often, they are hard to find.
Pros of Woolen Mattress Cover
They are durable and naturally antibacterial. They feel soft and very comfortable. Furthermore, they feel cool during hot summer nights and warm in winter.
Cons of Woolen Mattress Cover
There is a mid-ship odor that is felt in the beginning. But the greater issue here is that they are not easy to find, and when you find them, their price can be quite high.
Feathers Cover
These mattress covers are also known as featherbeds. If you are the type of person that cares about animal rights, you might want to go with some other option.
Pros of Feathers Mattress Cover
On average, it costs less than memory foam and latex. It feels soft and doesn’t retain any heat. Feather mattress covers don’t hinder when one of the partners moves or turns.
Cons of Feathers Mattress Cover
Their biggest issue is that they can create allergies to some people. Plus, over time, the feathers tend to compress and need to be shaken. Some people also find them crinkly and noisy.
2. Zippered Encasement Vs. Fitted Sheet Style Protection
A zippered mattress protector provides the perfect protection from allergens, dust mites, dander, bed bugs, and other contaminants. The best ones come with a micro-tooth zipper or one that is small enough so that bed bugs can’t penetrate it.
The fitted sheet-style cover slides over the corners and edges of the mattress. It has elastic edgings that provide a snug fit. If it has a waterproofing surface, it can be a great protector against stains and spills. On the downside, they are not effective against dust mites and bed bugs. That’s because of the bottom of the mattress, which is exposed instead of being encapsulated.
3. Consider a Hypoallergenic Mattress Cover
Dust mites are one of the most common household allergens. They tend to live within the mattress and feed on human skin.
The best way to deal with dust mites is to buy a hypoallergenic mattress cover. Hypoallergenic is a feature, not a type of mattress cover. Some of the best mattress covers have this feature.
Hypoallergenic mattress covers also protect from pet dander, mildew, and mold. If you are concerned about bed bugs as well, then make sure that you buy a mattress cover, which is certified by an entomology lab.
For maximum protection, in addition to the hypoallergenic feature, make sure that your new mattress cover also comes with a micro-tooth zipper or the smallest possible zipper. The importance of that was already explained in the previous section.
4. The Density of Mattress Cover
The next big thing to consider when selecting a mattress cover is its density.
Most mattress covers have a density from two to six or more pounds per cubic feet. The higher the density, the better support for the body. But that also means a higher asking price.
3 lb/ft³ of Density
This is quite soft, and it doesn’t provide much support. The average body will sink very fast. They are light-weight, which means they are easy to transport.
4 to 5 lb/ft³ of Density
This is a balanced density that works nicely for most people as it feels soft while providing decent support.
6+lb/ft³ of Density
It is a top choice for people that need plenty of support for their bodies (especially heavy people). This level of density is also recommended for people who have medical needs.
5. Consider Thickness
Most mattress covers are one, two, three, or four inches thick.
- One to two inches can feel a bit firm if the density is high as well. This is an excellent selection for those that have a firm mattress and just need to add a bit of extra comfort.
- Three inches provides a good level of support and softness. If you are not sure what to choose, this thickness is the right balance.
- Four inches provides extra support for all body parts.
6. Mattress Cover Size
Many people assume that all mattress covers are standard size and that they can fit any mattress. That’s simply wrong as a queen mattress needs a queen-sized mattress, a king mattress needs a king mattress protector, and so on.
But it is for the best if you measure the mattress length, depth, and width, to ensure that you buy a fitting cover. Based on those measures, the salespeople will give you a mattress cover that will fit on your mattress.
7. Ease of Moving and Cleaning
The best way to prolong the life of your mattress cover is regular washing. To that end, the mattress cover needs to be easily removed. Often, latex and memory foam mattress covers are harder to remove than wool and feather mattresses.
Also, make sure that they are labeled as machine washable. Nowadays, most are machine washable, but there are still some that need to be washed by hand.
8. Consider a Waterproof Mattress Cover
The best mattress covers are waterproof, and they point to that on their label. Each of the mentioned types above can be waterproof or not.
Mattresses labeled as waterproof can effectively block fluids, stop mold and mildew from growing within the mattress. The best ones on the market are also quite breathable and don’t retain stains.
Wrapping Up
Armed with the knowledge acquired here, you can freely start searching for your new mattress cover. There is no secret formula, but just a list of features and considerations that matter most. As long as you got that covered, there is no way you can make a bad decision.
A mattress cover might be a small investment. However, if you consider the value of good night sleep, its value is more important.
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