But all mattress protectors aren’t safe or healthy, especially for children. Many are made with synthetic components that leach volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air. Breathing VOCs, or coming into skin contact with them, can cause a number of negative health effects, ranging from eye and respiratory irritation to major organ damage and cancer. Choose mattress protectors made with safe components, with the features you need to protect your mattresses and the people sleeping on them.
Get the Features You Need
Mattress protectors have different features for different types of protection. Waterproof mattress protectors can block moisture from soaking into a mattress, for example. They’re often used with babies, children, and others who are at risk of spills or accidents. Even if you’re not likely to wet the bed, a waterproof mattress protector might be a good idea if you eat and drink in bed. Waterproof mattress protectors can protect your mattress from other bodily fluids, too, like sweat or menstrual blood.
However, moisture protection isn’t the only feature you, or other members of your household might need from a mattress protector. If you need bed bug protection, a six-sided mattress protector that encases your entire mattress, like a bag, could keep the little critters out of your mattress. Choose a mattress protector with a micro-tooth zipper, that has been certified by an independent entomology lab. You should get bedbug-proof pillow protectors, too.
You might also want mattress protectors to protect your mattresses from wear and tear, or cut down on allergens in the bed. You can wash mattress protectors, so they’re ideal for keeping allergens out of the beds of those with allergies. And many mattress protectors come with plush tops that make mattresses softer and more comfortable.
Choose Safe Materials![]()
When you choose mattress protectors for your family, it’s vital to choose protectors made of safe materials. Many plastics used in mattress protectors may off-gas VOCs into your home, and cause toxicity problems if you or someone in your household comes into skin contact with them. In particular, you should avoid buying any mattress protectors that contain:
- – Vinyl, unless it is phthalate-free
- – Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- – Polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA)
- – Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
- – Polyurethane foam
Polyurethane plastic, however, is usually safe for mattress protectors. Avoid polyethylene protectors, not because the material is unsafe, but because it doesn’t tend to hold up too well to washing.
Most waterproof mattress protectors will have the waterproof layer sandwiched between two layers of fabric. However, the safest choice is a 100 percent organic mattress protector made with organic cotton or wool. Wool can be an allergen, so obviously don’t buy it if the person who will be using the mattress protector is allergic to wool. However, wool does have some natural water-resistant properties, although it won’t be completely waterproof.
If you want to avoid using any kind of synthetic materials in your mattress protectors, layer one or two organic wool mattress protectors with an organic cotton mattress protector. Cotton absorbs moisture, while the natural oils in wool repel and wicks moisture away. When used together, organic wool and cotton mattress protectors can block much of the wetness from reaching the mattress. However, they won’t be fully waterproof, and you’ll still need to be vigilant to make sure that moisture doesn’t reach the mattress, where it can cause mold or mildew to grow.
Mattress protectors keep sweat, skin oils, spills, and accidents from damaging your mattresses, and because you can take them off and wash them, they’re ideal for keeping your beds clean and allergen-free. But it’s important to be careful when choosing mattress protectors. Make sure you avoid potentially toxic synthetic components and go for organic materials whenever possible. You and your family will sleep better for it.
About Author:
Tiffani Wroe is a leader in marketing authority, she prides herself in her ability to create and provide high-quality content that audiences find valuable. She also enjoys connecting with other bloggers and collaborating for exclusive content in various niches. With many years of experience, Tiffani has found herself more passionate than ever to continue developing content and relationship across multiple platforms and audiences. When Tiffani is not researching, editing, or submitting content you can find her practicing yoga, photography, D.I.Y crafting, and dog training.
