I’ve seen beds without the benefit of a mattress cover. Most of these mattresses still look new, except that the holes and stains are dead give-aways to the fact that the mattress isn’t given care. Mattresses are big investments, and as such, they need to be protected and properly cared for.

The top layer of the mattress is the most vulnerable part. It takes everything — bodily sweats and fluids, dust, wear and tear. Providing a decent cover somehow cushions it, making its quality last longer.

Having a mattress cover is also hygienic. If you are sleeping in the same mattress sans the cover for years and years, think of how much bacteria, dust mites, microorganisms and allergens remain and thrive there.

In choosing the right mattress cover, it’s best to go for materials or fabrics which are most absorbent, as it also helps in providing you quality sleep.

Mattress covers could be anything from mattress protectors, bed sets, bed linens, bed sheets, quilts and other types of beddings.

With mattress covers, you get to enjoy your mattress better and longer.

Photo: Pottery Barn Sheets

Is it necessary to also get a new box spring when splurging for a new mattress? From Star Tribune’s Fixit it’s both a yes and no.

If the box spring is still in good working condition with cracks and rips absent from the it, then maybe spoiling for a new box spring aside from the new mattress may not be needed. But do suggests to also consider what Better Sleep Council says:

A mattress and foundation are engineered to work together as a set, and the foundation takes a lot of the nightly wear and tear and contributes to the bed’s overall comfort and support. Putting a new mattress on an old foundation, pairing it with a foundation it wasn’t designed to work with or adding a board between the mattress and foundation will impede comfort and reduce the useful life of your new mattress. It may also affect the manufacturer’s warranty coverage.

Before buying a mattress do make the best informed choice first before anything.

The bedman says he has been working in the bedding industry for years and has provided this video on how to buy the right mattress and bed. This video’s topic: Firmer vs softer, different sleeping positions and comfort levels:

Don’t be too quick to purchase that memory topper you’re eyeing on. Make sure that it comes with a very important feature, one that prevents it from slipping off the bed.

Some mattress topper have little side garter belts to tuck in between the mattress. In the absence of this, you can purchase the very same garter belts in any home center or department store.

On the other hand, I prefer to look for a mattress topper which already has a velour cover. It makes it easier.

Other kinds of covers are usually the culprit as to why the topper is slipping.  A quick solution? Remove the covers, place the mattress topper on top of a bare main mattress and cover these altogether with a fitted sheet.

Sateen or Satin? Many people do get confused by this. Both are luxury bedding types, but which one is better and which one do you need? Here’s how to easily distinguish between a sateen and a satin:

Sateen is a very smooth material made from cotton. It’s used more popularly for bed sheets and feels cooler on the skin.

Satin is also a smooth material coming from either rayon, silk or nylon sources. It is characteristically shiny and would be best used for accents like pillows and throws.