Mattress protector vs fitted sheet? They may sound like they serve the same purpose, but in fact, these are two different products.
One protects your bed from stains and bacteria, the other provides a smooth and comfortable sleeping surface.
Just how essential are they and can you use one without the other?
Keep on scrolling to find out.
Mattress Protector vs Fitted Sheet: What’s the Difference?
First off, what is a mattress protector?
A mattress protector (or mattress cover) coats and shields the bed from spills, dirt, sweat and bacteria. Although it’s not often seen as an essential bedding accessory, a mattress protector is the most effective way to stop potentially harmful elements from affecting your health and damaging your bed.
A mattress protector typically consists of a waterproof layer and a fabric pad that can go over the top and sides of the bed or encase the entire mattress. Some products even have quilted tops to enhance comfort or antimicrobial covers to further protect the bed from dust mites, bacteria and bed bugs.
Is it OK to sleep on a mattress protector?
You can sleep directly on a mattress protector although it isn’t recommended.
For one thing, even the best mattress protector uses polyurethane and other synthetic materials to effectively shield your bed from spills and dirt so sleeping directly on the cover is not advisable.
It’s not comfortable either since mattress protectors feature a waterproof layer that can feel too stiff, especially for side sleepers.
Plus sleeping on a bare cover exposes it to dirt, hair and dust so you would have to wash it at least once a week. However, mattress protectors aren’t designed to be laundered that frequently because it will affect their longevity.
This is why it would be wise to pair mattress protectors with a set of soft and smooth fitted sheets.
What’s a fitted sheet?
Fitted sheets, also known as bottom sheets, go over the bed to provide a soft and comfortable sleeping surface, as well as additional protection for the mattress.
Unlike flat or top sheets, fitted sheets come with elastic edges so they stay in place no matter how much you toss and turn during the night. Also, most fitted sheets have deep pockets of 40cm, giving you plenty of room to fit a mattress protector or a mattress topper in between.
Can you use a fitted sheet only?
Yes, but keep in mind that a fitted sheet on its own doesn’t provide an effective barrier against bed bugs, spills and night-time accidents.
Reasons to Use a Mattress Protector
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you need a mattress protector, here are some of the reasons why you should buy one.
1. Keeps your mattress clean and dry
The most obvious reason why you should get a mattress protector is to ensure your bed stays clean and moisture-free.
Consider this: the average adult produces around 100 litres of sweat annually during sleep, most of which seeps into your bed. This makes mattresses a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus and mould which can lead to serious breathing and health issues.
What’s more, moisture could significantly damage the construction of the mattress and can give it an unpleasant smell over time.
A waterproof mattress protector also stops stains from forming on the mattress, so you can eat or drink in bed without worrying about spills.
Cleaning stains off a mattress is not complicated, but it can be a time-consuming process that you won’t have to do if you invest in a protector.
2. Great for people with allergies
Did you know that the average adult sheds about half a billion skin cells every day, attracting around 100,000 to 10 million dust mites in your mattress, who live off dead skin cells and hide in the crevices of your bed? Dust mites are one of the most common allergens, causing red and itchy skin and eyes, nasal congestion and even asthma.
If allergies are keeping you up at night and causing breathing problems, you should definitely consider a mattress cover. Not only are most mattress protectors hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, but they also trap dust mites and other irritants under the cover keeping them away from you and your mattress.
3. Easy to use and clean
Even though most beds come with a removable and machine-washable cover, getting it back over the mattress after it’s been in the wash can be a real pain in the neck.
Mattress protectors, on the other hand, can be attached to the sides with elastic straps or fastened with zippers, making it incredibly easy to remove them and put them back on the bed.
4. Prolongs the lifespan of the mattress
Mattresses are an expensive purchase and they should be in your life for five to seven years, or longer if the mattress is properly taken care of. Using a mattress protector on top will make sure your bed retains its shape and freshness, thus prolonging its durability.
5. Ensures your warranty is valid
Almost all mattresses come with a warranty that will replace your bed in case of manufacturing defects. However, your warranty will not be valid if the mattress is stained or damaged beyond the usual wear and tear.
Reasons to Use a Fitted Sheet
Here are some reasons why you should add fitted sheets to your shopping cart.
1. Protection for your bed
Although not as effective as a mattress protector when it comes to safeguarding your bed from pet hair, strains, and dust mites, bed linen, in particular fitted sheets, do provide an extra layer of protection for both the mattress and the mattress protector.
2. Comfort
As stated above, sleeping on a bare mattress or mattress protector is not the best idea. Fitted sheets will give you the added comfort and silky smoothness necessary for a good night’s sleep.
3. Stay in place
Fitted sheets stay on top of the mattress even if you are a restless sleeper. They won’t untuck or bunch up while you’re sleeping, so there’s no way that you would spend the night on the bare mattress protector.
4. Cooling properties
Fitted sheets, especially linen and bamboo sheet sets, provide a cool as well as comfortable sleeping surface—something which you will appreciate on those hot summer nights.
5. Choice of design and material
Fitted sheets can come in all sorts of designs, materials and sizes—with so much choice on the market it will be very easy to find a style that matches your bedroom perfectly.
Fitted Sheet vs Mattress Protector: The Bottom Line
Mattress protectors and fitted sheets shield your mattress from bed bugs, dust mites and allergens.
Can you use one without the other?
Yes and no.
You can use just a fitted sheet, but this will not provide adequate protection for your mattress and will not stop it from getting stained or wet.
On the other hand, you can’t sleep on a mattress protector directly as these are not very comfy. Even if you opt for a pricier quilted or bamboo mattress protector, you will still not get the same smooth, luxurious feel as you would with a set of quality fitted sheets.
The final verdict: Go for a mattress protector and a fitted sheet —this combo will prolong your mattress’ lifespan and give you the quality sleep you need.
1. Do I put a fitted sheet over a mattress protector?
Yes, the fitted sheet goes over a mattress so you can have a soft and comfortable sleeping surface. You shouldn’t sleep on a bare mattress or mattress protector—they can feel stiff and uncomfortable, plus they collect a lot of dust mites and dirt and are not as easy to clean as bed linen.
2. Does a mattress protector make a difference?
Yes, a mattress cover is one of the most effective ways to protect your bed from sweat, spills, stains, dust mites and bed bugs. It can improve your sleep and health as well as ensure your mattress stays clean, dry and fresh.
3. What’s the best material for a mattress protector?
Mattress protectors come in different sorts of materials and sizes. If you have allergies, a bamboo mattress protector would be the best choice as bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic. If you want a cooling mattress protector because you sleep hot, then opt for light and airy cotton.
4. Is a mattress protector the same as a fitted sheet?
There shouldn’t be a mattress protector vs fitted sheet dilemma as these are two different products. A mattress protector may be designed in the same way as a fitted sheet, but it doesn’t have padding and is usually waterproof. A fitted sheet provides comfort, but cannot effectively protect your bed from spills, stains and allergens.
