For a mattress protector to be effective it needs to be waterproof. If a material is waterproof it may also be marketed as ‘breathable’. However, for a material to be breathable and waterproof, it means that the holes in the material are small enough to stop water particles going through, yet large enough to let air particles through. This is a very minimal amount of airflow. Other mattress protectors have a waterproof backing with a 3D mesh on top that holds the child above the backing meaning air can still flow around it. Either way, using a mattress protector means covering up the mattress with a waterproof material that is likely to have minimum ventilation. Therefore, it is likely to reduce the breathability of the mattress. However, there are 2 key benefits of a ventilated mattress which would still apply even when a mattress protector is used.
- Hygiene: air flowing through a mattress keeps the materials fresh and hygienic.
- Temperature regulation: air flowing through a mattress helps maintain temperature and avoid the accumulation of heat while your baby is sleeping. There is evidence to suggest there is a link between heat accumulation and Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI), so it is important that the sleeping surface for your baby maintains a comfortable temperature.