Tips for Selecting Bedding

There are many great waterproof products to choose from these days to keep your child, and your mattress, dry. These products are intended to reduce both mattress damage and laundry loads. Waterproof products provide a clean, dry sleeping environment for bedwetting children, adults with incontinence, pet owners, camps, rental properties, or any other time you want to protect expensive bedding.

Absorbent mattress protection: A waterproof mattress pad provides absorbency as well as moisture protection. Some pads even hold up to 6 cups of fluid. We offer several styles to choose from. Each style is super absorbent, has a comfortable top, a middle waterproof barrier to repel liquid, and a fully elasticized skirt. These mattress pads protect against bacteria, which can degrade fabric and lead to odors and stains. Placing the waterproof barrier inside the other layers makes the pads virtually noiseless.

When choosing a waterproof mattress pad, the type of waterproof barrier should be considered. Both vinyl and polyurethane are waterproof, but only the polyurethane barrier is breathable. Practically, this means that polyurethane does not reflect body heat and therefore, is cooler to sleep on. For a child this may not be important, but adults produce more body heat, so having a breathable barrier layer may be worth a few extra dollars.

A second factor to consider when choosing a waterproof mattress pad is the number and type of absorbent layers. A standard pad has three layers: the top absorbent layer, the middle barrier layer, and a bottom layer. The four-layer cotton top pad has an additional top layer of fine cotton, which enhances the appearance and adds comfort. The four-layer plush Beautyrest pad has a polyurethane barrier, as well as a thick and absorbent top layer.

Vinyl mattress protection: Zippered vinyl covers protect your mattress from fluids, odors, and dust mites, and protect you from allergens that may reside inside the mattress. Zippered covers surround the entire mattress or pillow and are specially treated to retard the growth of mildew and mold. They are easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Standard covers are a great value and meet everyday needs. For heavy-duty, institutional quality covers, look for the thicker Heavy Duty vinyl.

Mattress overlays for sheet protection: While a waterproof mattress pad is essential to protect the mattress, consider also purchasing a waterproof mattress overlay your child can sleep on. This will absorb small to medium accidents. Overlays are quilted, soft pieces of fabric with a waterproof layer that protect the sheets from moisture. The tuck-in mattress overlay has side flaps that tuck between your child's mattress and box spring to hold the pad in place, and is best suited for twin or full mattresses. Mattress overlays can be machine washed and dried and can decrease the overall laundry load significantly.

Unique products: We're pleased to be carrying the same Breathable waterproof sheets that are used by upscale hotels. This revolutionary product provides lightweight, waterproof, breathable bed protection that can be laundered and dried in the same load as the sheets. The thin terry cotton top layer is comfortable and attractive, and the breathable polyurethane layer is noiseless.

Choosing the right products for your family can be somewhat confusing. Take a look at our bedding comparison chart to get a full idea of the various products available. We strive to carry a full line of waterproof products to meet all your needs.