Additional protection and more hygiene
The use of a regular bed sheet or fitted sheet for the basic protection of the mattress and mostly for optical reasons is a matter of course for most people. An exception are the box spring beds, where the mattresses often have decorative fabric or synthetic leather on the sides, so that a harmonious and coherent overall picture results. Since there is usually a thin topper mattress on top of the mattress, the mattress of the box spring bed does not have to be provided with a sheet.
Molton, Kalmuck & Co.
In addition to sheets or fitted sheets, there are other bedding products that can be used for additional mattress protection and improved hygiene. Particularly known and widespread are absorbent or moisture-absorbing molton or Kalmuck bedding. These are available in different versions, including completely waterproof items. Fitted sheets are very practical and easy to use. In contrast to simple ones, these do not protect individual parts or the entire lying surface of the mattress, but also the sides. For optimal hygiene, it is advisable to wash bedding for mattress protection at least every four weeks.
Encasings
The so-called mattress encasings are additional full covers for mattresses that are drawn around the entire mattress again. Thanks to a special textile finish, the encasings offer reliable protection against mites, bacteria and fungi. The encasings are washable at high temperatures. They are so perfect for use in allergy-free beds. They are particularly recommended when buying a new mattress, as they prevent contamination with or settlement of house dust mites in the mattress right from the start.
Encasings for mattress protection from the Betten.de online shop:
Topper
The topper is basically a thin additional mattress with a height of about five to ten centimeters. Like the mattresses, toppers are available in numerous designs, which differ from one another primarily in terms of the core material used and the properties of the cover.
The topper can be used to refine the feeling of lying on the bed, while the actual mattress still largely determines the ergonomics and sleeping comfort. If a large topper is used in the double bed, the often unpleasant “visitor gap” can be comfortably bridged with two single mattresses. The use of a topper also creates an additional “protective layer” between the sleeping person and the mattress of the bed. Body moisture and stains initially only reach the topper, which is gentle on the mattress and can prevent “worse” from happening.
There are toppers whose appearance and structure correspond less to the mattresses and more to the classic duvets or duvets. These topper models filled with down and / or feathers provide a wonderfully soft feel and also offer the advantage of being completely washable. Small-format toppers constructed in this way can therefore be cleaned and “freshened up” in the washing machine at home at any time. For larger toppers, these can be placed in professional hands for cleaning, as they are too heavy for normal household washing machines, especially when they are damp.
Even with the toppers there are many products that have special equipment, e.g. for mite protection, for improved hygiene.
How often should I clean my mattress?
In contrast to bed linen, which should be changed or washed every 14 days in the warmer months and every 28 days in the colder months, longer intervals are recommended when cleaning the mattress when it comes to washing the Reference goes. The mattress covers, which are very much geared towards functionality, are not designed for regular washing at short intervals and can suffer very badly as a result.
If you take care of your mattress well and regularly, it is sufficient to wash the mattress cover 1-2 times a year. Just act here as required (e.g. in the case of stubborn soiling) or if you simply want new freshness in bed. In general, it is advisable to wash the mattress cover in summer or on a warm day, because here the conditions for quick drying in the air and thus for immediate readiness for use on the same day are best.
When is it advisable to replace the mattress?
In general, the mattress should always be changed if there are negative effects on your own health and well-being. This can be the case with a mattress that has been used for too long as well as with the wrong mattress that does not meet your own requirements. Even extreme soiling that can no longer be removed should give reason to think about buying a new mattress.
Based on the quality and price of mattresses, there are general guidelines that state that it is advisable to replace it after five to eight years for inexpensive mattresses, after ten to fourteen years for high-quality mattresses and after five years for mattresses with a fixed cover.
