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A mattress topper or cover is designed to do one of two things – enhance comfort or protect. In some cases, a mattress topper does both. Depending on the circumstances that apply to each bed and its night time inhabitant, you might want to explore several styles to decide which one is right.

A mattress topper that is quilted or padded is designed to provide extra padding between the mattress and the fitted sheet. Generally, a quilted mattress topper is not waterproof, but does protect the mattress to a degree. Accidental leaking in small amounts will be absorbed, but a quilted mattress topper is designed for increased comfort, not protection.

For waterproof protection, a vinyl mattress topper is most appropriate. These covers are made from thick, durable vinyl with elastic sides and should fit tightly over the mattress. They do not provide additional comfort, but do protect the mattress from repeated accidents. A vinyl mattress topper is ideal for children who are potty training or have not outgrown nighttime wetting. The down side to a vinyl mattress topper is the fit – some fit too loosely and the vinyl makes noises that can disturb a light sleeper.

To get the best of both worlds, look for a vinyl-backed, quilted mattress topper. This will provide you with both protection and comfort. These are generally not as comfortable as the quilted mattress topper designed solely for enhanced comfort, but it does negate the disturbing noises that an improperly fitting vinyl mattress topper creates. The only disadvantage is that a vinyl-backed, quilted mattress topper cannot be cleaned and wiped dry immediately. They have to be placed in the wash and dried before replacing.

You can find a mattress topper for most standard size mattresses. Less common sizes such as extra-long twin, super double, and California king might be more difficult to locate. Most every retailer of white goods sells mattress toppers, but you may find a greater variety by shopping online.

Assess the need you hope to fill with a mattress topper before you shop. If you have no concern about protecting the mattress from accidental leakage, you can shop for comfort only. If you are trying to hold off on a new mattress purchase but are finding your current mattress increasingly uncomfortable, a quality quilted mattress topper may help extend your current mattress life span for a time while providing you additional comfort. Mattress toppers range in price depending on quality and size. Remember that most children outgrow nighttime wetting in a short amount of time, so purchase for functionality not life expectancy in that case.

Also keep in mind that a mattress topper may impact the way your current sheets fit your mattress. You may have to switch to a deep pocket fitted sheet to accommodate for the extra thickness a padded mattress topper adds to your current mattress.

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