Yes, you need a mattress cover: Here's why

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Mattress covers protect against dust mites and bed bugs (Photo: Getty)
Mattress covers protect against dust mites and bed bugs (Photo: Getty)

You probably give your mattress next to zero thought on a regular basis, and that goes double for mattress covers. But while it’s easy to dismiss mattress covers as something you don’t need, the opposite is actually true.

Not only can mattress covers extend the life of your mattress, they can help protect you from dust mites and bed bugs, Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist/immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network, tells Yahoo Lifestyle.

There are a few things to look for, Parikh says. “Dust mites are microscopic, so the pores of the covers have to be small enough that dust mites cannot get through,” she says. Also, make sure you look for a cover that explicitly says it will protect against dust mites. “Often, bed bug covers are not enough if they are not meant for dust mites too,” Parikh says.

While everyone can benefit from a mattress cover, people who suffer from dust mite allergies, asthma, and eczema will get the most out of having one, Parikh says. And, of course, the same is true for anyone who doesn’t want to have to deal with bed bugs.

Whether you need a new mattress cover or want to invest in one for the first time, here are the bestselling and top-rated options online.

SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector

<a href="https://amzn.to/2WQdrEq" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector</a> (Photo: Amazon)

SafeRest’s mattress cover is the No.1 bestselling mattress cover on Amazon, and it has nearly 35,000 reviews to back it up. (One person even shared that the cover protected his mattress after his wife unexpectedly gave birth in their bed.) The cover protects against dust mites, fluids, and bacteria to ensure you and your mattress stays in good shape.

Shop it: SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector, $25-$35, amazon.com

Linenspa Mattress Protector

<span>Linenspa Mattress Protector</span> (Photo: Amazon)
Linenspa Mattress Protector (Photo: Amazon)

This cover has a smooth brushed polyester surface for softness, along with a waterproof backing for protection. It also comes with a 90-day money back guarantee. “Works as a force field for your mattress,” one reviewer wrote. “So good I bought a second,” another said.

Shop it: Linenspa Mattress Protector, $15-$20, amazon.com

AllerEase Ultimate Comfort

<a href="https://fave.co/2IdcqT2" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:AllerEase Ultimate Comfort;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">AllerEase Ultimate Comfort</a> (Photo: Walmart)

This zippered cover blocks 99 percent of allergens, including dust mites, so you can sleep more comfortably. It’s also bed bug-proof. “We have noticed a sharp decline in crawly pests and have not seen any bites,” one reviewer said. “Much better than my last cover,” another said.

Shop it: AllerEase Ultimate Comfort , $21 to $36 (was $35 to $50), walmart.com

Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement

<a href="https://amzn.to/2WNCyIb" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement</a> (Photo: Amazon)

Utopia’s zippered cover gives you 360 degree protection for your mattress. It’s also made of knit polyester to give you a comfy feel. “It has made a significant impact with my allergies,” one reviewer wrote.

Shop it: Utopia Bedding Zippered Mattress Encasement, $15-$25, amazon.com

Ultimate Guardian Mattress Protector

<a href="https://fave.co/2uNX3bR" rel="noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Ultimate Guardian Mattress Protector;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Ultimate Guardian Mattress Protector</a> (Photo: Walmart)

Ultimate Guardian’s mattress cover is 100 percent bed bug- and dust mite-proof, along with being waterproof. People are loving on it in the reviews. “I bought it for all my mattresses,” one person wrote. “The price was lower than I would’ve expected for the quality of this item,” another said.

Shop it: Ultimate Guardian Mattress Protector, $16-$23, walmart.com

Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:

? Help yourself (and your partner) stop snoring with these snoring aids
? Experts say these 8 bedtime products are game-changers
? What’s the deal with bamboo sheets, anyway?

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