Is it worth buying a mattress pad or can you do without it?

Is it possible to sleep on a bed without a mattress pad? Of course you can! Is it worth saving on a mattress topper? Definitely not. This simple “intermediary” between bed linen and mattress performs several important and useful functions.

Types of mattress covers

Mattress covers are not just rag covers. They are divided into several types depending on what function they perform:

• • Protective. These are, as a rule, single-layer products made of dense fabric, which are attached to the mattress in the same way as fitted sheets, or using elastic bands at the corners.

• • Corrective. They are bought when the mattress is too hard, but you want it softer, or vice versa. Also, the product will help for some time if the spring mattress “sinks” in a certain place.

• • Special. For example, waterproof - they are used on the beds of small children, paralyzed people and patients suffering from enuresis.

Why do you need a mattress pad?

If we talk about a regular mattress cover, the main thing it does is protect the mattress from contamination. After all, the sheet not only absorbs well, but also allows sweat mixed with sebum to pass through - all this turns out to be a layer below. There is no place for such stains on the surface of the mattress, because it is difficult to clean. But washing and drying a mattress cover takes a couple of hours.

Why is it important to keep your mattress clean? Because accumulated sebum and exfoliated skin particles are an ideal environment for bacteria, fungi and dust mites.Bacteria can lead to skin (and not only!) diseases, mites and fungi can lead to allergies.

In addition to protecting against dirt, the mattress cover performs several more functions:

• If a person sweats while sleeping, the sheet quickly becomes saturated with moisture and wets the surface on which it lies. When there is no mattress cover, there is a risk that after some time the top layer of the mattress filling (often these are natural materials - felt, batting or coconut coir) will begin to rot. In this case, all that remains is to change or repair the sleeping place, because the smell will be depressing.
• Mattress covers are not always made from high quality fabric. If you get a mattress “dressed” in synthetic knitwear, then after a while, pellets will form on its surface due to the friction of the sheet. They are very uncomfortable to lie on. Even a simple mattress cover made of thick cotton will save the situation.
• Continuing the theme of cheap fabrics, it’s worth remembering mattresses that “electric shock” and “magnetize” hair. It is advisable to hide them under a layer of fabric that is not electrified.
• Did you buy an expensive mattress with a smooth jacquard cover and cover it with a silk sheet? Alas, you will slide along with it. Between two slippery fabrics, a regular cotton mattress pad will come in handy.
• More expensive mattress covers - for example, those made in Germany - are made of fabric with antibacterial impregnation. Such products will help people with weak immune systems or those who are being treated for a bacterial disease. And this is a great option for a baby crib.

An impressive list of arguments, isn't it? And all this is just about ordinary textile mattress covers. Don't forget about the rest - corrective, massage, memory effect.Take a closer look at these options if you're thinking about changing your mattress.

For example, many have heard that for back pain you need to sleep on a hard surface. But is it worth buying a firm mattress right away? What if you can't lie on it all night? The most practical option is to buy an inexpensive mattress pad made from several layers of coconut coir and try sleeping on it. If this is “not your thing,” well, wasting a couple of thousand is not as bad as buying an unsuitable mattress for a couple of tens.

If you don't have a mattress pad

A few tips for those who are still doing without a mattress cover:

• Change bedding as often as possible. You should not wait until sweat and sebum settle on the surface of the mattress and begin to penetrate inside along with fungi and bacteria.
• In hot weather, do not make the bed right away - let the moisture that has accumulated in the fibers of the sheet overnight evaporate.
• If you notice that some stains have already appeared on the mattress, try to remove them immediately. For example, you can mix a slurry of ordinary soda and water, apply it to the case and rub it with a brush. Then just sweep away the dried powder.

And the main advice is to buy a mattress cover. It's inexpensive and solves so many problems.