It’s easy to learn how to waterproof a mattress for outdoors because there are two best ways. First, we’ll talk about waterproof mattress protectors and sheets, to even water repellent strays. As a bonus, you’ll even get a tutorial for a DIY waterproof mattress protector!
Assuming you’re in this article because you’re going camping, why not check out an air mattress? It is portable and compact for traveling. However, if you’re hesitant about comfort, here are some tips on how to stay warm on an air mattress.
How To Waterproof A Mattress For Outdoors At A Low Cost
Mattress protector and sheets
The easiest way to waterproof a mattress for outdoor use is by using a waterproof mattress protector. It’s even easy to learn how to wash a waterproof mattress cover for your convenience each time you use it. These mattress protectors typically use a waterproofing material like vinyl to protect your mattress from liquids.
Just remember to pick the correct size of waterproof cover for your bed to ensure complete protection for the outdoors. When selecting a protector for outdoor use, a helpful tip is checking for a heavy-duty zipper and thick material so it wouldn’t get worn down quickly. But if you’ll use other liners for the bed outdoors, perhaps a waterproof mattress sheet would suffice.
Water repellent spray
Since it’s impossible to find a waterproof mattress, you can consider turning your existing one with a waterproofing spray instead. It’s a good idea to invest in these spray products before bringing your mattress for outdoor use. What’s excellent is they don’t generally change the texture of the bed, so you’ll still feel comfortable for sleep.
You only need to ensure the compatibility of the spray with your mattress material. For example, Nikwax offers an array of products for various materials. Then, follow the application instructions of the spray you’ll get to get the ideal water protection on your mattress.
Can You Store A Mattress Outside?
You must know how to store a mattress long-term. But if you’re considering outdoor storage, you need to secure the protection of your bed to avoid the disintegration of its materials. In addition, you never want to expose the mattress to extreme temperature changes, sunlight, rain, animals, and pests.
Some outdoor considerations for storing the mattress include the shed or the garage. They will provide the cover for the bed to protect it from various weather conditions. If you don’t have one, consider getting a pop-up canopy to place on your porch or other outdoor areas.
How to store a mattress outdoors
- Select an outdoor shelter to keep rain, sunlight, animals, and pests from the mattress
- Prepare the mattress for storage by sealing it tightly with plastic
- Place the mattress flat to maintain its structural integrity
- Check the storage area regularly to address any potential issues such as flooding
- Aerate the mattress every six months or as often as needed to ensure that it doesn’t trap moisture
- Consider learning how to store a bed in a storage unit instead of outdoors, especially if your area’s weather fluctuates a lot
Which Mattress Protector Is Waterproof?
Different mattress protectors in the market are waterproof. They typically use vinyl, but please check if the manufacturer mentions if it’s free of phthalate for your safety. If the bed is used by a child, pregnant women, or those with health conditions, consider using polyurethane mattress protectors.
How to make a waterproof mattress protector for the outdoors?
It’s possible to make a waterproof mattress cover if you have materials like PUL, TPU, canvas, or nylon taffeta. Some cotton fabrics even come coated with wax. To make a waterproof mattress cover, measure your mattress to know the size of material you’ll need.
Then, make a mattress cover like usual, ensuring that the finished product protects the mattress on all sides. You can also combine tightly woven fabrics like nylon and polyester with a layer of polyurethane to make a water-resistant and waterproof mattress cover. Then, place the plastic layer underneath the bed for outdoor use so you won’t feel hot when lying over it.
Is Memory Foam Good For Outdoor Cushions?
It’s possible to use memory foam for outdoor cushions, but you have to remember that its structure can encourage liquid to get trapped in the holes or pockets within the foam. This means that even if the memory foam cushion looks dry, its interior composition is very wet. As a result, you risk degradation on its overall composition or even odor and mold growth issues.
What is the best filling for outdoor cushions?
Dryfast foam would be the most ideal for outdoor cushions because of its open-cell structure. This means moisture will dry faster since it moves easier. Some foams even come with antimicrobial properties to prevent bacteria and fungal growth.
Conclusion
If you’re bringing a bed for camping and other outdoor activities, it should withstand the challenges such as moisture due to weather. Therefore, it’s useful to learn how to waterproof a mattress for outdoors to avoid damaging your bed’s material integrity. To recap this article, you can use a waterproof mattress protector or a waterproofing spray on your mattress.
We also recommend that you stick with materials like Dryfast foam on your bed for outdoor use. Remember that not all mattresses can be recovered when they get wet.