What is a waterproof mattress topper and how to choose it?

The mattress is the most expensive and oversized bedding. It bears the main load and is designed to last long if handled properly. If you have small children, bedridden patients or animals at home, keeping it clean is almost impossible. To prevent damage to the mattress from moisture and dirt, purchase a waterproof mattress topper.

During the entire period of use of the mattress or sofa, it is necessary to protect the outer textiles from stains and getting wet. There can be many reasons for their appearance, but it is difficult to clean the surface on your own. In addition, it dries unevenly, often showing up on the fabric with sloppy stains from detergents. Dry-cleaning your mattress is costly and problematic. Calling a specialist to clean at home is also troublesome and expensive.

From the moisture inside the mattress, not only an unpleasant odor appears, but also rotting can begin. Regular wetting of the inner mattress layers can significantly reduce the life of the protective structure. Therefore, buying a waterproof mattress topper becomes a real salvation for rational people.

A waterproof cover is used to cover the mattress, preventing it from getting wet upon contact with any liquid. The product can be of different thickness depending on the design. The volume is influenced by the number of layers, the type of fastening, the type of filler and outer fabric. The protective water-repellent mattress topper can be smooth or quilted. Some modifications are made like a sheet with a backing made of waterproof material.

In the manufacture of a mattress topper with waterproof properties, a combination of three layers is meant.

• Microfiber. Hypoallergenic material with antibacterial properties.
• Filler. It can be synthetic, silicone and holofiber. The filler is treated with silicone and formed into elastic hypoallergenic balls.
• Moisture-repellent layer. Consists of many tightly interwoven polyurethane fibers that form smaller cells than water molecules. Thanks to this structure, the material is breathable. Air flows in only one direction: moisture evaporates without penetrating inside.

Production of an innovative level allows you to achieve unprecedented qualities of fabric - maximum comfort and practicality.

The mattress topper is a reusable bedding set. Therefore, when choosing, it is important to focus on the design of such a protective product. You can consider models in the form of a tension cover, products with sides or fixing elastic bands. When buying a cover with sides, it is important to focus on the exact dimensions of the mattress.

Manufacturers offer waterproof mattress covers for beds in various sizes, as well as suitable for sofas, bassinets and mattresses in strollers. For a small child, they are important and needed to maintain quality sleep.

Breathable mattress toppers for children have an outer terry layer, they are pleasant to the touch.

Special properties are also imparted to medical waterproof products intended for the bed of bedridden patients. In this case, the mattress cover not only protects against moisture, but also performs a hygienic function. In the breathing fibers, pathogenic microorganisms and parasites do not start. Another obvious advantage of using a mattress topper for an infirm person is that the product can be disinfected.

For the care of a bedridden patient, it is better to choose a one-piece cover that protects the mattress comprehensively. Or choose a special waterproof cover against bedsores. A reversible cover is also needed if you need to place the mattress on the floor. The sheathed product will remain clean and can be further placed on the bed without preliminary cleaning.

The designs of modern mattresses oblige manufacturers to create mattress toppers of various shapes and designs. In addition to standard rectangular mattresses, toppers are also sold for oval, round and square mattresses. Round and oval waterproof products are traditionally produced for mattresses in cribs and cradles, they are also suitable for basket-type beds.

One of the first places in determining the quality of a water-repellent cover for a mattress is its ability to retain liquid and allow air to pass through. This condition is provided by materials and type of construction.

For the top layer, different types of material can be used.

• Natural: jersey, linen, wool, bamboo linen, etc. These are ecological options preferred by connoisseurs of natural resources.
• Synthetics: polyurethane, polyester. The price for synthetics is lower than for natural fiber, but its performance characteristics are somewhat inferior to natural materials. For example, synthetics have the property of electrifying.
• Combined: combining natural and synthetic fibers in one percentage or another at the discretion of the manufacturer. Covers with a surface made of mixed materials have the best value for money.

For sewing the front layer of the product, jersey, teak, calico, microfiber, velor and terry fabrics are used.

The main waterproof material is a two-layer mulet. The material has an external resemblance to a terry cloth.

Tencel is used as an alternative fabric for toppers. It is a soft fabric made from eucalyptus fibers.

The peculiarity of waterproof covers also consists in a filler treated with a moisture-absorbing composition and a membrane or glued layer.

The membrane is a material with polyurethane fibers laminated on both sides. A special interweaving of fibers forms multiple cells that are inferior in diameter to water molecules. This gives the material moisture resistant qualities.

Manufacturers produce several types of waterproof products.

There are thin enough covers that provide extremely protective surface properties. There are also models for correcting the firmness of the mattress and its leveling.

For example, we can give a waterproof mattress topper made of a material that repels moisture, but with a layer of filler in the form of the following components:

• polyurethane foam;
• felt;
• memory foam;
• latex;
• coconut coir;
• mixed materials.

The second layer determines the characteristics of the mattress topper. Latex gives softness, coir - hardness. Both options can correct the unevenness of the berth. Coir products are not folded, but stored unfolded.

Manufacturers offer different options for fastening mattress toppers:

• with deep sides;
• zippered covers;
• with elastic bands.

In the first version, the product is put on a mattress and fixed on it with side boards. In inexpensive options, the sides are held by an elastic band. Elastic mounts are located on four sides or around the entire perimeter.

There is no common drawback for all types of products. There are disadvantages for each specific variety. For example, elastic bands of small thickness stretch quickly. And a one-piece cover is more difficult to put on and you need to adjust the size exactly to the dimensions of the mattress. Covers with a massage effect, although comfortable, are much more expensive than conventional counterparts.

The assortment offers mattress covers designed for the size of children's and adult sleeping places. You can pick up the product in a stroller or in a crib, for a single, one and a half and double beds. There are modifications for sofas as well. The sizes of waterproof covers and toppers meet the standards adopted for the manufacture of mattress products. Some models have a small allowance.

Comfortable use means precise fit of the topper without wrinkling or creasing. The canvas should not curl and slide under the body in a dream.

The dimensions of the mattress must be specified in advance so that there are no doubts when buying a mattress topper:

• in the baby's crib - 50x90, 120x60, 70x120, 70x160 cm;
• on small sofas, beds of preschoolers and adolescents - 60x140, 70x120, 70 by 150, 70x160, 70x220, 80x140, 80x160 cm;
• on single beds - 80x180, 180x90, 80x190, 80x200, 90x190, 90x200 cm;
• one and a half - 100x180, 120x190, 120x200, 130x220 cm;
• double - 140x180, 140x200, 160x200, 160x190, 170x220, 180x200 and 200x200 cm;
• European standard, King Size - 180x180 and 200x220 cm.

According to the specified dimensions, it is clear that you can choose a moisture-repellent type mattress topper for any sleeping place. This will help preserve upholstery and padding by preventing the cost of dry cleaning and buying new mattresses or sofas.

On the Russian market there is a huge selection of models of waterproof covers made in Russia and imported analogs. Well-known brands are often sold in company stores. The rating of the most popular brands in Russia will help you choose a worthy manufacturer from a variety of names.

• Ikea. One of the largest companies in the world engaged in the development and production of household goods. In a wide range of Ikea mattress toppers, there are high-quality moisture-repellent covers. They can be viewed and purchased in company stores, as well as ordered on the official website.

• Ascona. The representative of the Swedish concern, whose products are associated with European quality among domestic consumers. Water-repellent covers from the Askona factory are accompanied by international certificates and consumer approvals. The waterproof Miracle Membrane fabric significantly extends the life of a sleeping mattress or sofa.

• Hoff. In the HOFF hypermarkets there is a collection of mattress toppers with a waterproof coating Impress. Products made from mixed fabrics are environmentally friendly, but at the same time durable, which is due to the combination of synthetics and natural fibers in the composition.

• Ormatek. Produces waterproof cases in various sizes. It is convenient to choose and order on the official website.

• Leomax. A well-known group of companies selling in a TV format unique toppers with a waterproof backing. The Leomax assortment includes models not only for mattresses and sofas, but also for car seats.

• "Shimmer". Manufacturer of functional and ergonomic mattress toppers of excellent design. High-quality and effective products of TM "Mertsana" are the result of numerous tests carried out in leading Russian scientific centers. The manufacturer was one of the first in Russia to carry out voluntary certification of its products.

• SN-TEXTILE. Another worthy company that produces muletone, terry and polyester toppers that are moisture-tight and eliminate the greenhouse effect. The "breathable" properties of the material create comfortable conditions for healthy sleep.

• SWEET BABY. Produces goods for the smallest consumers. The outer surface of the product is soft, made of cotton terry. From the inside, the textile is supplemented with a waterproof polyester layer. Mattress toppers for babies are breathable, non-electrifying and suitable for the most sensitive skin. They are easy to wash on a delicate cycle and by hand, it is permissible to dry them in an electric dryer.

• OLTEX AquaStop. A product that can withstand up to 100 washes at 90 degrees. The universal sizes of products with a hypoallergenic structure will suit any buyer who appreciates safe and environmentally friendly sleep products.

When choosing a moisture-proof mattress topper, you need to pay attention to several important criteria.

• Quality certificate for the product. A product designed for the bed of a child or a disabled person with limited mobility must fully comply with the declared characteristics. Caring for a seriously ill person involves frequent changes of bed linen. It is desirable that this process take place without difficulty. Easy to pull on and off the elasticated covers and zippered pads.
• The size. It is selected according to the dimensions of the mattress, so as not to make a mistake in the calculations. Better yet, purchase a moisture-resistant cover immediately when you buy a mattress.
• Appointment. The choice of materials depends on the purpose of the purchase. If a waterproof mattress cover is bought for a newborn, models made from natural fabrics are preferable. For preschoolers or adolescents, a thin mattress with a headboard is suitable, combining hygienic and corrective functions.When a waterproof cover is supposed to cover upholstered furniture that is rarely used as a berth, you can purchase a synthetic model or choose a mixed fabric. Some synthetic materials tend to creak under the weight of the body. Before buying, it is advisable to find out if the product will creak. In the silence of the night, this is important, especially if loved ones sleep nearby.
• Seasonality. In a warm period, it is undesirable and uncomfortable to use warming fabrics. But for the winter, it will be far-sighted to get a woolen mattress topper. The best option for a rational purchase would be a double-sided cover with a "summer" and "winter" side made of different materials. If there is a susceptibility to allergic reactions, it is necessary to choose hypoallergenic materials.

The range of products is wide enough and is constantly growing. There are options for waterproof covers for any wallet.

More expensive modifications such as thickened toppers solve two problems at all: they protect the mattress from moisture and even out irregularities.

The waterproof mattress cover will greatly facilitate life in the presence of small children and sick people who are lying down. Such a thing would also be useful for those who like to have breakfast in bed with a traditional cup of coffee or juice. However, such bedding will benefit any sleeping place, since it will keep it clean for a long time for comfortable sleep and relaxation.