You may think this page is a little “off subject” considering my website is about all things airbed. However, I was thinking about the fact that although mattress protectors are normally used for standard mattresses, they’re also useful on the air variety.
I recently advised a couple on buying one because they couldn’t afford an airbed that offers all the “high-end” features, but this way they could still satisfy all their wishes ánd stay within budget (well, almost).
Below you will find my ideas on mattress protectors for air beds, and how they can help reduce those little annoyance some models have.
Those Little Accidents
I know many parents reading this will think fondly of their little ones as they call in the middle of the night because it wasn’t possible to make it to the bathroom in time. If your child is sleeping on an air mattress, this sort of accident could damage the airbed, and also make for a very uncomfortable camping trip!
As you no doubt know if you’ve read through some of my reviews, not all air beds are created equal. If you buy one on a budget, it may not have features such as stain resistance or the ability to repel liquid. In this situation it’s a good idea to invest in a mattress protector, and there are many on the market designed specifically for air mattresses.
Slip-Sliding Away!
Again, I refer to the cheaper end of the market with air beds. Some models don’t have fancy flocked tops that feel like heaven when you lie on them. In fact, they can have surfaces that are REALLY slippery. Even if you pop a sheet on top, this can end up being wrapped around you by the time you wake up in the morning.
A mattress protector is the perfect solution to this problem. Lots of them are made of materials like cotton, or a mix of cotton and say, polyester for added comfort. They’re also generally made with an elastic edge so they fit tightly around the sides of the airbed – no more waking in the morning fighting with a sheet for you!
Keeping it Clean
Another issue found with airbeds is keeping the surface clean, especially if you use one on camping trips. Kids are not so great at taking their muddy boots off before they decide to jump all over their bed, and this can cause problems with stains. It could even mean that nasty bugs become engrained in the surface. Some mattress protectors have surfaces that are comfortable to sleep on, but at the same-time easy to wipe off.
Indoors or Outdoors
This is one thing I would like you to keep in mind if you’ve decided a mattress protector is something you would like for your air bed. As mentioned, there are a variety of materials used for this type of product. It may seem like I’m stating the obvious but it’s better to have a more plastic based material when you’re sleeping outdoors.
If you intend to buy one for indoor use it is possible to go for a more cotton based type material. However, bear in mind it will need to be washable.
A Quick Re-Cap
So, those are some tips on what to think about when considering a mattress protector for an air bed. The trick is to understand what you want from it, and if it will do the job adequately. They can make life an awful lot easier if you’re traveling with children, and they can also make life more comfortable if you don’t have the money to spend on a high-end model.