A protector is one of those small buys that quietly saves you money, since it stands between everyday life and an expensive mattress. Here are the main styles in our protectors and toppers range.

Waterproof protectors

The workhorse of the range. A waterproof mattress protector shrugs off spilt drinks, night sweats and the little accidents that come with kids and pets, while still feeling like a normal soft layer under your sheet. They are the obvious choice for children's beds, guest rooms and anyone who likes a cuppa in bed. We also stock more specialised options such as washable bed pads and bed-wetting protection for extra peace of mind.

Everyday cotton and quilted protectors

If your main goal is a clean, fresh mattress rather than full waterproofing, a breathable quilted or cotton protector adds a soft, launderable layer that catches dust and dead skin. Wash it with your sheets and your mattress stays much nicer for much longer.

Cooling protectors for hot sleepers

Run warm at night? A cooling protector or cooling bed pad helps draw heat away so you are less likely to wake up too toasty. It pairs well with the rest of our cooling bedding if summer sleep is a struggle in your house.

Protectors, dust mites and allergies

Here is a plain-spoken note worth reading. Mattresses, pillows, carpets and other soft furnishings can all harbour dust mites and the allergens they produce, since the mites feed on the skin we naturally shed and like warm, humid spots. Dust mite allergens are one of the most common triggers for allergic asthma, eczema and rhinitis. A washable protector helps by giving you a launderable barrier that keeps the sleeping surface cleaner. It is worth being clear about one thing though: a standard protector is not automatically the same as a fully enclosed, dust-mite-resistant encasement. For a diagnosed dust mite allergy, the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) recommends allergen-resistant covers that fully enclose the mattress and pillows, plus washing bedding weekly in hot water where the care label allows. If that sounds like your household, it is worth talking to your doctor and treating a protector as one helpful step rather than a cure.

Do not forget the pillows

Pillows collect just as much as mattresses do, so a set of pillow protectors under your pillowcases finishes the job. They are an easy, low-cost add-on that most people overlook.

A topper is the fastest way to change how your bed feels without buying a whole new mattress. Our mattress toppers and pads come in a few main fills, each with its own personality.

• Wool. A New Zealand favourite. Wool toppers and underlays add gentle warmth in winter, breathe well so you do not overheat, and naturally wick moisture. Lovely if your room runs cold. One caveat: if you have a diagnosed dust mite allergy, get allergy-specific advice first, since clinical guidance such as ASCIA's suggests removing woollen underlays in that situation.
• Feather and down. The plush, sink-in option. A feather and down topper softens a bed that feels too firm and gives that hotel-style cloud on top.
• Memory foam. Contours to your body and eases pressure on hips and shoulders, which side sleepers in particular tend to love. Bear in mind foam holds a little more heat and usually is not machine washable.
• Microfibre and polyester. The affordable, easy-care all-rounder. Washable, soft, and a good pick if you want feather-style softness without feathers.

A topper is a smart move if your mattress feels too firm, your room is cold, you are dressing a guest bed, or you simply want a comfort lift. One honest caveat though: a topper freshens up a tired mattress, but it will not rescue one that is genuinely worn out or sagging. If your mattress has had its day, it may be time to look at a new bed or mattress. We dug into the comfort side of this in our earlier post on how mattress toppers make your bed more comfy.

The simple rule of thumb: a protector earns its place on almost every bed, because it is a small spend that guards a big one. Add a topper on top when comfort or warmth needs a nudge. If you go for both, a common approach is to put the topper on the mattress for comfort, then a fitted protector over the top, then your sheet, so the surface you actually sleep on stays clean and easy to wash. Just check the protector is deep enough to fit securely over both the mattress and the topper, and follow the care instructions that come with each product.

One question we get constantly at this time of year: can you use an electric blanket with a waterproof protector? The short answer is yes. We covered the how and the order of layers in our guide to using an electric blanket with a waterproof mattress protector.

Match the protector or topper to your bed size, and check the depth if you have a deep or pillow-top mattress, since a standard fitted skirt may not reach. New Zealand bed sizes vary a little between makers, so measure if you are unsure. For care, follow the label: most protectors machine wash easily, while foam toppers usually need spot cleaning or airing rather than a spin in the machine. Our care guide has the general rules of thumb.