Short answer
A fitted protector covers the top and sides like a sheet and is the everyday choice for spills and stains. A six-sided zippered encasement wraps the whole mattress and is the product designed to contain bed mite allergen. A mattress pad mostly adds cushioning. Pick by the problem: stains and spills, a fitted waterproof protector; bed mite allergy, a mite-impermeable encasement.
Key terms used on this page
- Six-sided encasement:
- A cover that zips closed around the whole mattress, top, bottom and sides. NIEHS advises encasing mattresses and pillows in allergen-impermeable covers.
- Skirt depth:
- How deep a fitted protector's stretch sides reach. Too shallow and it rides up, leaving the corners uncovered.
- Mite-impermeable encasing:
- A zippered cover that fully encloses a mattress, box spring or pillow so mite allergen can't pass through. The practice parameter says woven microfiber with a mean pore size smaller than 10 micrometers can block Der p 1, and it does not recommend nonwoven covers.
45%
Lower risk
In a randomized trial of 284 mite-sensitized children with asthma, the risk of emergency hospital attendance was 45% lower with mite-impermeable bed encasings.
<10 µ
Pore size
Woven microfiber fabric with a mean pore size under 10 microns can block passage of the main bed mite allergen, Der p 1.
This spoke is the buying view. For a side-by-side of what each one does, see our earlier comparison, protectors and encasings: what they do.
General information about mattress care, not medical advice. For allergy or asthma questions, talk with your doctor.
Fitted protector
Fits like a fitted sheet, with a waterproof top and stretch skirt. It's easy to take off and wash, which is why it suits everyday spills, sweat and accidents.
Six-sided encasement
A six-sided encasement zips closed around the whole mattress. NIEHS lists "Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers" among its ways to reduce bed mites. In a randomized trial of mite-sensitized children with asthma, the risk of emergency hospital attendance was 45% lower with mite-impermeable encasings. More on fabric in mite-allergen encasings and pore size and on combining encasements with sanitation in can sanitation replace an encasement?.
Mattress pad
A quilted layer for comfort. Unless it's labeled waterproof, treat it as bedding, not protection.
Which to buy
- Spills, sweat, kids, pets: fitted waterproof protector.
- Bed mite allergy: mite-impermeable encasement (and a washable protector on top, if you like).
- Softer feel: a pad, plus a protector.
Sleep Sanitation's view
This section is our view. Sleep Sanitation serves Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding towns. Every visit includes dry vapor steam, HEPA vacuuming, UV-C light treatment, the built-in bed mite sensor on our JIGOO UV-C mattress vacuum and a moisture check before we leave. We take your protector off at the start of the visit, so you don't need to strip it first; wash it yourself per its care label while we work or afterward. The first mattress is $249. Call or text (402) 512-5658, or email info@sleepsanitation.com. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 to 6, and we return calls and texts on weekends.
Changelog
- 15 October 2026: First published. Sources accessed on this date.
Sources
- Dust Mites and Cockroaches · National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
- Environmental Assessment and Exposure Control of Dust Mites: A Practice Parameter (Portnoy et al., 2013) · PubMed Central (Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
- Preventing Severe Asthma Exacerbations in Children: A Randomized Trial of Mite-Impermeable Bedcovers (Murray et al., 2017) · PubMed (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine)
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Manufacturer specifications and care instructions change; check the current version for your exact model. This page is general information, not medical advice. How we source and check pages: editorial standards.