The Importance of Mattress Protectors

We have all been in the situation when we have bought a new pair of

shoes and the salesperson tries to sell additional sprays, polishes,

shoe-guards and various other accessories. We might compare this type

of “upselling” to acquiring a brand new mattress. If the product is

completely satisfactory and to our exact specifications, why should we

spend more money getting a protector for it?

The fact is, it is a false economy NOT to invest in a mattress protector. It really is

the equivalent of going out in the rain without an umbrella – put

simply, you will end up regretting it!

Protecting your Warranty as Well as your Mattress

A new mattress will come with a warranty. The main purpose of the

warranty is to protect the consumer from any defects in the

construction. This covers a variety of issues: for example, maybe the

mattress will start to sag. If it dips in the middle, without anyone

being on it, up to or beyond an inch in measurement, then you have a

right to make a claim.

Broken coils are another possible problem. These may work their way out

through the fabric and poke out. The stitching on the seams can come

undone, or a foam topping can end up being bunched up and

uncomfortable. Any of these physical defects can be used to validate

the warranty and obtain a replacement. However, the warranty will be

null and void if the mattress has a stain on it.

Yes, a legitimate claim cannot be accepted if there is any mark or

stain on the mattress whatsoever. You may think you are extremely

careful, never spill a drink in bed, nor sweat heavily, but you would

be amazed how moisture can seep through after many nights of regular

use. Liquids can wear down the fabrics of the mattress wadding. And it

is not simply perspiration: our bodies also excrete oils, they shed

skin cells, and they may leave traces of make-up, saliva, or blood.

A standard bed sheet is no barrier to these excretions going straight

through to the mattress underneath. The minerals and salts in these

leaks dry out and discolour, and we end up sleeping on top of these

ugly stains. The only solution is to fit a mattress protector that

absorbs these fluids, which can then be taken off and washed

separately. This will keep the life of the mattress in a “good-as-new”

state for a great deal longer, and preserve the date of the warranty.

Protection from Dust Mites

Another huge benefit to a mattress protector is that they create a

shield against dust mites. Allergies to these little critters can cause

all sorts of problems, from a runny nose to wheezing and shortness of

breath. If you don’t fit a mattress protector, your dead skin cells

will drop down onto the mattress itself, and dust mites will feed on

these. It is not a pleasant thought, but luckily there is an effective

way to prevent it, and that is the quick and easy fitting of a

protector. Without one, the mattress can effectively become a breeding

ground for mould and bacteria, and if left undisturbed those dust mites

will multiply.

By the way, a mattress protector should not be confused with a mattress

pad or topper. A

protector is a very thin layer that does not change the feel of the

mattress at all, and is often waterproofed. A pad, on the other

hand, creates another layer of padding, as does a topper. Ideally, if

your mattress is carefully chosen to suit your needs, you won’t need

any additional help to make it comfortable.

How to Choose your Mattress Protector

So what type of protector should you choose? You want the protector to

have the ability to wick away the moisture and heat emanating from the

body. A breathable fabric is the best for this. Less expensive options

feel more like plastic, and are not as breathable, but they are still

waterproof. Some people are concerned that a waterproof protector will

be crinkly and hot to sleep on. As long as the material used is at

least partially breathable, this should not be a concern. Polyurethane

(PU) is a waterproof membrane which is undetectable when you lie on it.

Actual plastic or rubber should be avoided, as these materials do not

allow the air to circulate, and therefore they can lead to overheating.

Mattress protectors on every bed in the home really are a necessity to

guard against stains and dust mites and to prolong the life and health

of the mattress and those who sleep on it. A stained mattress cannot be

exchanged, and this would be a great shame if for any reason you had a

legitimate reason to need to redeem the warranty. When buying a new

mattress, do not hesitate to purchase a protector at the same time, and

put it on as soon as you get home. You won’t even know it’s there, but

it will be providing an invaluable service.

Be sure to visit The Bed King for your mattress protectors to ensure your mattress has a better chance against dust mites and retains its warranty! The Bed King offers mattress protectors for all bed sizes!

Article source: https://thesleepshop.co.uk/blog/the-importance-of-mattress-protectors/

Maximise your space with these functional design tips

Duality of design is the concept of using clever ideas to use the space in your home to its full potential. Here’s how you can use it.

The concept of duality in interior design is not a new one. Examples of this are sleeper couches and beds that fold away into walls in order to create the illusion of an extended floor space. However, over the years, this concept has become more concise and a lot more practical in terms of application.

Urban property developers, Blok, are huge advocates of duality in functional design within urban homes. They ensure that when they develop an idea, they incorporate spaces where the use of clever design leads to spaces being maximised to their full potential, which would normally be considered as passive space.

To give some insight into how to duplicate this technique in your own home, WAUW’s lead architect and member of Blok’s development team, Eric van den Berg, shares some tips:

“Firstly, look for dead corners or areas that take up a lot of floor space but serve only one function. Often open spaces such as entrance lobbies, passages and staircase landings could easily be used for another purpose such as a storage area,” says Van den Berg.

Eric also advises that no matter the size or shape of your space, all you need is a little imagination. “There are a number of ways you can use empty gaps. Try turning them into a study, bar, daybed or reading nook; the possibilities stretch as far as your creativity allows.”

He shares that people are not as set on hiding personal items away as they once were and are instead celebrating them in their homes. For example, hanging your bicycle or positioning your surfboard in your entrance hall, almost as an installation instead of functional equipment that must be stored away, is a clever use of those unused sections in your home, also known as a ’third spaces’.

Van den Berg continues, “The simpler the design, the more creative you can get. However, if the plan is less complicated, you will need to put a lot more thought into it. An example is turning the unused gap under a flight of stairs into a bar area, thus alleviating pressure from the kitchen or dining area and creating something that is entirely new.”

“In the end, if your unused space serves its original purpose and other functions whilst simultaneously adding to the character and design aesthetic of the rest of the home – you have a winner,” concludes Van den Berg.

For advice on the best beds and sleeper couches Cape Town has to offer - visit The Bed King here.

Article source: https://bedssleepscience.tumblr.com/post/169457585511/maximise-your-space-with-these-functional-design-tips