by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: November 05, 2009

Your mattress is a major expense and because it costs a lot of money you are going to want to take care of it in every way possible. That can mean rotating it and turning it and also using a mattress cover to protect it from damage. There are other reasons to use a mattress pad and the reason why you are buying a mattress pad will determine the type of mattress pad that you purchase.

Waterproofing

Especially with a mattress that will be used by small children or an adult who may suffer from incontinence a waterproof mattress cover is a must. There are many different waterproof mattress covers, some of them are elasticized and fit over the top of the mattress and tuck tightly underneath. There are other waterproof mattress covers that have a zipper and the entire mattress is placed within the cover and then zipped in.

For added comfort since a waterproof pad can be warm and cause excess heat in anyone sleeping on them some of the mattress covers come with a terrycloth finish. This will keep the plastic away from the body and also absorb any excess perspiration.

Padding

Some mattress covers are padded on the top. These are especially designed for mattresses that don't already have a padded or pillow top. They add a little additional cushioning while still protecting the mattress from any light spills or accidents. The usually are padded on top and the sides are elastized and made of a light material.

Cotton is the preferred material for a mattress cover as it is easy to clean and being a material fiber it can breath.

Temper material

Temper is a newish material that when placed on the top of the mattress gives the impression that it is molding itself to the body. It helps to distribute body weight and is used to help prevent body sores when a person has to spend a lot of time in bed.

Down cover

The ultimate in luxury is a down mattress cover. These are sometimes called feather beds and they add a lot of softness and comfort to almost any mattress. If your mattress is in it's last few years, this can help to extends its life and improve your sleep.

When it comes to mattress covers there are several things to keep in mind. It should fit like a glove, you want to be able to move in your sleep and not have the mattress pad or the sheets move. It should be treated with a stain guard so that it will retain its good looks as long as possible. It also need to be washable for obvious reasons. When it comes to mattress covers they are a necessity not a luxury. They will extend the life of your mattress and also help to provide you with a higher quality of sleep. Buy a good a mattress pad as you can afford, it is an investment in your wellbeing.

Learn more about this author, Isabelle Esteves.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.