Key Takeaways:
- Travel-size, disposable waterproof mattress pads make vacationing with bedwetting kids easier and less stressful.
- Waterproof mattress pads stop urine from seeping into the mattress, whether it belongs to a hotel, friend, or family member.
- Disposable waterproof mattress pads are easy to roll up and throw away in an airtight garbage bag.
How to Manage Bedwetting In Someone Else’s Bed
For those of us who vacation with young children, a pack of disposable, waterproof mattress pads is a non-negotiable travel item.
We take our kids on trips to experience new adventures and learn about different peoples and cultures. It’s supposed to be a fun and enlightening break. A chance to de-stress. So, why waste one minute wondering whether your child is going to ruin your friend’s mattress. Or cost you a damage and clean-up fee when the hotel staff found blood or urine on the bed when they came to clean.
Scroll down for an overview on the top two options we recommend, which are a waterproof mattress pad or a waterproof mattress cover that goes over the mattress like a fitted sheet. You can choose disposable or washable, depending on your personal preference.
Waterproof Mattress Pads for Travel
A travel-size mattress pad will make your vacation less stressful and more enjoyable. You can rest easy, knowing you won’t be worried about dealing with wetting accidents and morning clean-up every night when you go to sleep.
Description & Features
A waterproof mattress pad is a square or rectangle piece of layered materials, like in the photo above. There’s a soft cotton top and a waterproof bottom. Many brands use fun patterns for the kids, so the product doesn’t feel so medical. The mattress pad goes over the sheets, so mattress and bedding stay clean and dry when there’s an accident. They come in a variety of sizes, but when you’re on vacation it’s best to choose one that covers the entire top surface of the mattress.
Pads are much easier to put on and strip off than a mattress cover, but they should be just as effect as effective at blocking urine leakage as long as they are large enough and don’t shift when your child moves around in their sleep.
Look for these top features:
- 100% waterproof
- holds up to 8 cups of liquid
- leakproof edges
- non-skid bottom, so it stays in place throughout the night
- disposable
Benefits of Waterproof over Water Resistant
Don’t take chances when you’re on the road. Make sure the mattress pad is 100% waterproof. Don’t settle for water resistant or water repellent. Waterproof pads are impenetrable to liquids, so any wetting accidents are quick and easy to clean. You just pull the pad off the mattress and thrown it away. There’s no fuss, no bother, no damage, and no embarrassment. A mattress pad that holds up to 8 cups of liquid will definitely keep the mattress dry.
Give Yourself Permission to Use Disposable Pads on Vacation
The choice between disposable and washable mattress pads comes down to your personal preference. Yes, washable pads are more eco-friendly; but consider giving yourself permission, while you’re on the road, to throw away a few disposable mattress pads and avoid the daily cleanup hassle. You can pack some airtight garbage bags with the pads to make clean-up easy and hygienic for you and hotel staff.
Waterproof Mattress Covers for Travel
Description & Features
A mattress protector cover is like a fitted sheet in size and shape. It goes over the mattress and under the bottom sheet, so it’s sandwiched between the two. Mattress covers surround the top and 4 sides of the mattress and catch any outlying leakage that can happen when children shift to the edge of the bed in their sleep. Travel-size waterproof mattress covers are specifically designed to be portable and easy to use. They are made from lightweight, yet durable materials that can withstand the rigors of travel. Many are designed to fit a variety of bed sizes, from twin to king, ensuring that one size will fit any bed you might encounter on your travels.
While mattress protectors provide more coverage over the sides of the mattress, they are bulky to pack and more difficult to strip from the bed when there’s an accident. So, they’re a less convenient option than a disposable mattress pad.
Look for these top features:
- 100% waterproof
- holds up to 8 cups of liquid
- fitted elastic design that stays in place throughout the night
- disposable
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a travel-size mattress cover fit any mattress?
A travel-size mattress cover is typically designed with flexibility in mind, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. They come in various sizes to fit different mattresses, from bunk beds in RVs to queen-sized beds in hotels. Always check the dimensions of the cover and compare them to the mattress you’ll be using to ensure a proper fit. A cover that’s too small won’t offer full protection, while one that’s too large might bunch up and be uncomfortable.
2. How do I clean my waterproof mattress cover while traveling?
Cleaning your waterproof mattress cover while on the road is simpler than you might think. For washable covers, you can rinse them in the sink with some mild detergent and hang them to dry. If you have access to laundry facilities, you can wash them with your regular laundry load. Just be sure to avoid fabric softeners and bleach, as these can damage the waterproofing. For disposable covers, there’s no need to clean them; simply put them in an airtight garbage bag and throw away.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2014). Bedwetting. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/genitourinary-tract/Pages/Bedwetting.aspx
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022). Bed-wetting. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-wetting/symptoms-causes/syc-20366685
- National Association for Continence. (n.d.). Waterproof Mattress Covers and Pads: Protect Your Bed. NAFC.org. https://www.nafc.org/waterproof-mattress-covers-and-pads-protect-your-bed
- Sullivan, M. J. (2018). Protect Your Mattress from Incontinence with Waterproof Mattress Pads. AgingCare. https://www.agingcare.com/articles/waterproof-mattress-pads-149554.htm
- Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Bedwetting. UrologyHealth.org. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/b/bedwetting
