Once our customers have made their bed or mattress purchase, we always ask if they would like a mattress protector as well. Most bed buyers don't even know what a mattress protector is or how vital it can be to the longevity of their mattress and, more importantly, to their health. Read this guide to learn why a mattress protector is necessary, and see how it can improve your sleep. We will also give you a rundown of the best mattress protectors available at Dial-a-Bed right now.

As its name suggests, a mattress protector protects and cares for a mattress. It is like a fitted sheet, but made from padded layers of fabric. It should be placed directly on top of the mattress before a fitted sheet is placed on. Some mattress protectors are even made with waterproof material underneath to prevent liquids from leaking onto the mattress itself.

If you are wondering why you need a mattress protector and if it is not just a waste of money, then continue reading. Discover why a full-size mattress protector is so important for your new bed purchase or even to cover an old bed.

• Offers germ protection: Placing a mattress protector onto a mattress (especially one that has been slept on before you, or is used by a few different people) can prevent germ spread because you are not sleeping directly on the mattress itself. A mattress protector has also been shown to reduce allergic reactions caused by dust mites and other mattress bugs.
• Lengthens the mattresses' lifespan: When you use a mattress protector on a mattress, you keep the mattress in as great a shape and feel as it did the day you bought it. Mattress protectors help to prevent spills and accidents from seeping into the mattress and staining it. This can make it look aged and dirty.
• Protect the warranty: Many bedding manufacturers will offer you a warranty on a bed for a certain period after purchasing it but only if you use a mattress protector. If you choose not to, you could lose the warranty. At Dial-a-Bed we offer the 100-night Comfort Exchange, which allows you to exchange a mattress within 100 nights if you’re not satisfied. However, this will only happen if you use a mattress protector.
• Boosts comfort: Effectively, a mattress protector is an added layer of comfort placed on top of the mattress, bringing you more comfort and softness. Some mattress protectors are thicker than others, so it’s up to you to decide what level of extra cosiness you want when buying one.

Dial-a-Bed provides a variety of mattress protectors, each of which offers its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of our favorite mattress protectors:

• Bamboo mattress protectors are made with anti-allergenic properties and are excellent for those that need extra protection against allergens and dust mites.
• Waterproof mattress protectors are made with an additional waterproof layer. This prevents water and other liquids from seeping into your mattress and potentially destroying the foam layers.
• Extra comfort protectors are made with an extra layer of comfort cotton that gives you a softer, fluffier feel to your bed. This enhances the comfort of your sleep.

Investing in a mattress protector is a wise decision both for your health and mattress longevity. In summary, here’s why we think you should always opt to sleep on a bed that is covered by a mattress protector;

• It protects you and your family from allergens, dust and bed bugs.
• It protects your mattress from stains and spills, increasing the bed's lifespan.
• It provides an additional layer of soft comfort when sleeping. 

For a selection of mattress protectors as well as other accessories like pillows and pillow protectors, and a wide range of the most comfortable mattresses, each designed with the latest in sleep technology, and engineered to suit your unique sleep-style. Shop at any 76 stores nationwide or online at www.dialabed.co.za.

1. Is a mattress protector necessary? We think it’s essential.

Read our article above to find out why.

2. What is the purpose of a mattress cover?

It protects the mattress from spills and stains, offers you protection against allergens and dust, and adds an extra layer of comfort.

3. Can I sleep without a mattress protector?

Yes, you can. But we recommend investing in one for a better night’s sleep.

4. Do you need sheets over a mattress protector?

Yes. You should put a mattress protector directly onto the mattress and then add a fitted sheet on top of the mattress protector. This is the sheet on which you will sleep.

5. How often should you wash a mattress protector?

It should be washed at least every two weeks, unless there has been a spillage or leakage in which case it should be washed immediately.