Waterproof Mattress Pads

PL wonders about protecting her son's new mattress from wetness. He has an occasional wet night but is usually dry. On the wet nights, even his pillow can get wet. He also climbs into his parent's King size pillow top bed on occasion and mom would like to protect it from wetness as well. What is recommended?

It is prudent to protect all mattresses from wetness, as well as spills, other fluids, dust mites, bedbugs, etc. Waterproof mattress pads and waterproof mattress covers are great for this. The difference between waterproof pads and waterproof covers is that pads are usually absorbent while covers offer protection but less absorbency. The other big difference between the waterproof mattress protectors is the type of waterproof barrier, either vinyl or polyurethane. Vinyl is less expensive but doesn't breathe as well as the polyurethane barriers. Individuals who sweat easily may not find the vinyl to be as comfortable.

For your son's bed, an economical solution is a good basic waterproof mattress pad. This is three layers, does provide some absorbency and has a vinyl barrier. It can be washed and dried by itself and is easy to take off and put on. If your son is a "warm sleeper, either the Beautyrest breathable mattress pad or a premium breathable mattress cover is a good choice.

The premium breathable pillow covers are also a very popular product. They zip on the pillow, provide waterproof protection and are easy to machine wash and dry. A fitted or zippered premium mattress cover for your own bed is a good choice. I have these on my own bed and pillow and forget that they're even there. These waterproof mattress and pillow covers are lightweight, have a terry cloth top and can be laundered in the same load as the sheets. They dry quickly and are easy to put on the bed. The breathable premium covers cost more than the vinyl waterproof mattress covers, but they last longer and have a 10 year warranty.