Do I Need a Mattress Protector?

You Need Protection Against Spills and Stains 

You don't have to be careless for a spill to happen in bed. Maybe you reach for something on your nightstand and accidentally knock over your water glass. Maybe you're having coffee while you catch up on a show and the cup gets bumped.

The problem is that your sheets can only do so much. Once there's more liquid than they can absorb, there's a chance it will reach the mattress underneath. So, if you regularly keep drinks by your bed or like having breakfast and coffee in bed, a mattress protector is a must.

Something to keep in mind, though. A mattress protector is different from a mattress topper, as the latter adds cushioning to your bed, changing the overall feel of your bed. 

You Hate Cleaning Your Mattress

Cleaning a mattress is a very different job from cleaning your sheets. You can't just take it off the bed, put it in the washing machine, and forget about it. A mattress is bulky and awkward to handle, and even dealing with one stained area can take a surprising amount of work.

Plus, you need to invest in the right equipment and cleaning products. If you'd rather leave the job to a professional mattress cleaning service, you'll need to budget for that, too. And after all that, you still have to make sure the mattress is completely dry because mold can grow in damp environments.

So yes, you can clean a mattress when you need to. It's just a bigger job (and quite a hassle, frankly) than throwing a protector in the washing machine. For some people, that alone is a good enough reason to use a mattress protector.

You Want to Extend the Life of Your Mattress 

A mattress is a huge purchase, so most people would rather not replace one earlier than necessary. Of course, some wear is unavoidable, but not everything that affects a mattress comes from normal use. Of course, a mattress protector won't stop a mattress from aging or guarantee that it will last for a particular number of years. It simply removes some of the avoidable wear and soiling from the equation. 

You Want to Preserve Your Mattress Warranty 

Most warranties cover specific manufacturing defects or structural issues, not normal wear or changes in comfort. Some manufacturers even exclude stains, liquid damage, or other types of soiling, which can become relevant if you ever need to make a warranty claim. A mattress protector can help you avoid some of the situations that may be excluded. 

You Want to Keep Your Mattress Odor-Free 

Your mattress spends several hours in contact with your body every night, so it will encounter sweat and body oils. Over time, they can work their way into the mattress and create smells that are harder to remove than those from a sheet. With a protector, you limit that transfer, and once the protector starts to pick up odors, you can remove it and wash it. 

You Want to Protect Yourself from Allergens and Dust Mites 

A mattress can collect plenty of microscopic material over time, including dust and shed skin. That creates an environment where dust mites can live, and the allergens people react to are largely found in dust mites' waste and body fragments, which contain potent proteins and enzymes that trigger an allergic reaction. 

With a properly fitted mattress protector, you have an additional physical barrier between you and the mattress surface, limiting direct contact between dust, shed skin, and your bed. Of course, you will still need to clean your sheets, blankets, and protector regularly. Don't forget to keep your bedroom humidity under control, too. 

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the ideal relative humidity is between 30% and 60%.

Fun Fact: Dust mites can't ingest water. They absorb water vapor directly from the air. 

You Have Pets 

When your pet sleeps on the bed, it's not just fur you have to deal with. Dander, dirt, drool, wet paws, and the occasional accident can all make their way onto your bedding, and some of that can eventually reach your mattress. A protector takes the brunt of those everyday messes, and when it needs cleaning, you can just pull it off the bed and toss it in the wash.

You Have Kids

A child's bed can go from completely clean to needing an urgent wash pretty quickly, especially when toilet training.

Once that happens, you're no longer just doing laundry. Moisture can get into the foam and padding, where it is harder to remove and dry. When you have a waterproof mattress protector, all you have to do is strip it off the bed, wash it, and put on a clean one. 

Why Get Olive + Crate's Waterproof & Cooling Bamboo Mattress Protector 

If you have decided you need a mattress protector, Olive + Crate's Waterproof & Cooling Bamboo Mattress Protector is the one you should get. 

Unlike cheap protectors with only a waterproof membrane, ours has a waterproof membrane and bamboo fabric. 

The waterproof layer sits underneath, creating a barrier between spills and the mattress. Meanwhile, the bamboo viscose sits directly against your skin and absorbs moisture. This layer is also breathable and has a cooling construction to keep the sleeping surface comfortable, not warm and clammy. 

Other protectors can make a noticeable crinkling sound when you move around at night. Ours is designed to stay quiet throughout the night. And yes, there are six different sizes to choose from, with 18-20" deep pockets for a secure fit. Moreover, our protector maintains your mattress' natural feel rather than adding a thick layer.