Part of going to college is to further one’s education. On that note, here’s your first pearl of wisdom…that dorm room mattress has probably been around longer than it took your Professor to get tenure.
But hang on a sec, you say? Don’t most universities require regular cleaning? Sure, dormitory rules state that students should maintain cleanliness of their rooms. But most required rules are specific to what’s called the “common areas”. These include bathrooms, kitchen, hallways, living area…see anything missing on this list? Most colleges wish to respect the privacy of their students when it comes to their sleeping areas. That’s great. However that can also spell trouble. So unless 1) unsanitary living conditions are reported by roommates/dorm mates, or 2) the situation escalates to the level of unsafe by facilities, then it’s likely that mattress got a once-over “quick clean” by whoever was the previous resident… right before they left.
It’s for this reason that colleges now require a protected mattress covering of some kind when moving into dorms.
So what’s the difference then between a Cover, a Pad and a Topper? Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Mattress Cover – These are designed to protect mattresses from stains and spills. Some also are made to seal out allergens, dust mites and bed bugs. There are types that go on like a fitted sheet and only cover the top and sides, and there are those that completely cover the mattress top, side and bottom, with a zip enclosure (sometimes referred to as mattress encasement)
- Mattress Topper – These are basically a mini-mattress. Typically made of foam, they give added support to a mattress, helping cushion the back and neck. Foam latex offers strong firmness while Memory foam helps using body contouring. They can also be made from wool, feather or other fibers.
- Mattress Pad – These go on like a fitted sheet with an extra layer of quilting or padding on the top. Usually made of quilted cotton and/or fibrous padding, many include additional waterproofing, stain resistance, and moisture wicking. They’re easy to transport, attach, remove and launder. Generally inexpensive.
So, which one to get? The Cover is usually the required one. Ideally? Get all three. Why? Because while the Cover offers protection, it gives zero support to help that 7″ thick mattress feel anything like the 10″-14″ standard mattress we’re used to. The Topper gives solid support for the neck and back; critical for a good night’s sleep. Negatively, the insulation can make the bed uncomfortably warm, and most Toppers don’t have a way to directly attach to the mattress, making it prone to sliding around. Pads will stay in place like a good fitted sheet, and help regulate your body temperature with breathable fabrics and moisture wicking. But ultimately they’re not much more dense than a thick fitted sheet; therefore by themselves they won’t offer enough support to replace a good Topper.
The solution then, is a trifecta. The Topper should be placed over top the dorm mattress first. Second, both the Topper and dorm mattress should be encased or covered by the protective Cover. Lastly, the breathable mattress Pad goes over top, securing all three together.
Now that you know what to look for, the HomeTailer team has put together our quick Top List of Covers, Pads and Toppers rated from Good, Better and Best.
MATTRESS COVERS
GOOD : Ella Jayne Home Allergy-Free Dust Mite Free Mattress Protector (Twin) – $26.97
This Cover from Ella Jayne Home gets great reviews for it’s easy fitting, its extra width allowing to stretch over both a mattress and topper (up to a combined max thickness of 18 inches), and of course, you can’t beat the price. Some negatives from reviewers mentioned the cover alone (aka without a Pad) was a bit stiff and noisy, and while it is pest resistant against dust mites, it is important to note that the labeling does not identify how it fares against bed bugs.
BETTER: Bluestone Bed Bug/Dust Mite Cotton Mattress Protector (Twin) – $34.99
In addition to being anti-bed bug and anti-dust mite, this Cover from Bluestone also manages to be both breathable and waterproof. This seemingly impossible feat is achieved with 100% cotton fabric that is attached onto a 360 zip around impermeable case that (in addition to pest protection) keeps out allergens, bacteria, mildew and mold. Throw in a 4.5 star rating on Target and you’ve got one great cover to suit your needs.
BEST: Terminix Ultimate Mattress Protector (Twin) – $74.99
When a company has been in home pest abatement since 1927, you know a lifetime guarantee from them is no joke. This Cover from Terminix checks all the boxes, from maximum pest blocking, to allergens, to mold and mildew. No, it’s not inexpensive, but the real question is what price you put on your piece of mind?
MATTRESS TOPPERS
GOOD: Flexapedic 4″ Memory Foam Mattress Topper – $179.99
If you’re used to sleeping on a thicker-than-average mattress, this Flexapedic 4” Memory Foam topper will be a lifesaver. It features 2” 40D memory foam + 2” 25D regular foam, along with a 3M moisture management treatment, and an anti-slip reverse to help keep it in place. This Topper is also treated to be resistant to dust mites, and is antimicrobial. Its zippered cover is removable and machine washable.
BETTER: Puffy Mattress Cool Breathable Topper (Twin) – $170.00
While ensuring protection against all-things-nasty should always be first priority, sometimes those chemicals can be a hazard of their own. If sensitivity to harsh chemicals is a deal breaker, this Topper by Puffy Mattress was made for you. With Oeko-Tex Certification, there is full assurance of no harmful chemicals. Add to that a Lifetime Warranty and anti-slip grip, and you’ll know why this mattress gets 5-Star Reviews.
BEST: Appearances International CR Sleep 3″ Ventilated Air Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper (Twin XL) – $71.99
Gel-infused memory foam is the gold standard in breath-ability while supporting your contours, regardless of your sleeping position. This version by Appearances International is 100% hypoallergenic and independently US certified and guaranteed no prohibited phthalates, no ozone depleters, no CFCs, no mercury, no formaldehyde, no PBDEs, and low emission (VOCs) for indoor air quality. It also has anti-slip grips to keep movement down.
MATTRESS PADS
GOOD: Bluestone Waterproof Mattress Pad With Expandable Fitted Skirt (Twin XL) – $24.99
This waterproof and hypoallergenic microfiber Top from Bluestone blocks fluids, dust mites and allergens. It’s machine washable, and can easily handle covering your dorm mattress, Cover, and Topper altogether with no problem (up to 18″ thickness). And at under $25 bucks, this fellow is an absolute steal.
BETTER: Harmony Waterproof Mattress Pad with 3M Scotchgard® Moisture Treatment (Twin XL) – $29.99
This hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial down alternative fiberfill gives luxury comfort while the 3M Scotchguard moisture wicking material allows for superb breathability, all with waterproof backing. And it’s machine washable, with plenty of room to cover up to 18″ of thickness.
BEST: eLuxury Supply Co. Tencel Top Mattress Pad (Twin) – $110.00
Saving the best for last, this Pad from eLuxury Supply is made of Tencel – a soft, smooth, and breathable material. It is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, while being 70% more absorbent than cotton. Tencel is all natural, eco-friendly, and sustainable. It prevents bacterial growth for a clean comfortable night’s sleep. Machine washable, and as with all the Tops we recommend, it can handle up to 18″ deep of dorm, Cover and Topper.
In conclusion, while these favorites of ours were rated into Good, Better and Best, really the ultimate rating depends on your own personal preferences. If you decide to purchase any of these from our article, let us know how you think we did in giving them these marks!
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