Share this page with friends

You’ve woken up in the night and you’ve wet the bed. We’ve all been there, I know I certainly have. Accidents happen, you can’t control them. You can however, control how you handle the clean up job. Nobody wants a mattress that smells of wee, so join us as we take a look at what you can do to stop unwanted odours in their tracks. 

How to protect your mattress from urine

When urine seeps into a mattress, it’s not just about cleaning it up. It’s about preventing long-term odour, bacterial buildup, and even permanent damage to your bed. Acting fast and using the right protective tools can make all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at the best ways to stop those lingering smells and stains from ever becoming a problem.

Mattress protectors

Plastic mattress protectors vs cotton-based mattress protectors

The plastic waterproof mattress protectors are great for fully protecting your mattress from leaks and stains. They’re easy to clean too. The downside is that they’re not as comfortable as the softer, cotton-based ones. The plastic covers are also quite noticeable. If you’re trying to maintain a level of discretion then you’re probably best opting for the cotton-based protectors. 

Choosing your mattress protector

Not all mattress protectors are created equal, so it’s important to choose one that suits your needs, comfort preferences, and lifestyle. With so many options out there, a little guidance can go a long way in helping you find the right one for you. Here are some things to consider:

1. Decide on the level of protection you need

• Light protection: Ideal for occasional leaks or if you're using additional products like pads or pants.
• Heavy-duty protection: Essential for regular incontinence. Look for fully waterproof designs.

2. Choose your material

• Plastic-backed protectors: Offer full waterproofing and are great for high-risk situations, but may be less breathable.
• Cotton or quilted protectors: Softer and more breathable, often with hidden waterproof layers for comfort plus protection.

3. Check for comfort features

• Is it breathable to prevent overheating?

• Does it make noise when you move?

• Is it soft enough for a good night’s sleep?

4. Ensure it fits your mattress

Look for deep-pocketed designs that match the depth of your mattress, especially if you use a topper or thick mattress.

5. Look for easy maintenance

Most protectors are machine washable, but double-check the label. Quick-drying fabrics and durable stitching are also a plus if you’ll be washing it frequently.

6. Consider extras

Some protectors include hypoallergenic layers, antibacterial treatments, or cooling technology — these can be useful depending on your needs.

For more information, see our guide to waterproof mattress protectors.

Night time pads & pants

Nighttime pads and pants are absorbent products made to be worn while you sleep, offering protection against leaks that can lead to discomfort, disrupted rest, and mattress damage. By absorbing liquid before it reaches your bedding, these products provide peace of mind and help your mattress stay clean throughout the night.

You can’t get urine odours in your mattress if the urine never makes it to the bed! Vivactive have a range of pants & pads specifically geared toward people who find nighttime difficult. They’ve been designed with a massive absorbency capacity, so that you can sleep safe and sound in the knowledge you’re fully protected. 

Which is right for you: Pants or pads?

Choosing between nighttime pads and pants comes down to your personal comfort, mobility, and how much protection you need. Both options are highly absorbent and designed for overnight use, but each comes with its own benefits.

Decide on your preferred fit

• Pads: These are worn with close-fitting underwear or fixation pants. They offer flexibility and can be changed easily if needed during the night.
• Pants: Pull-up style and worn like regular underwear. Ideal for those who prefer an all-in-one solution and want a secure, snug fit.

Consider your mobility and independence

• Pads: Easier to change if you have assistance or need to change while in bed.
• Pants: Great for people who are more mobile and prefer a product that stays firmly in place.

Think about absorbency needs

• Both options come in different absorbency levels, but pads tend to offer higher capacity in the largest sizes, making them ideal for heavier leaks.
• Pants offer reliable all-round protection with less bulk.

Check for comfort and discretion

• Some people find pads less bulky and more breathable.
• Others prefer the security and underwear-like feel of pants.

If you’re not sure which is best, it might be worth trying both to see which works better for your body and bedtime routine.

Bed pads

As well as providing fast-acting absorption, they feature a lovely soft top layer so that you can sleep in comfort, confidence and security. There are two types of bed pads:

Disposable bed pads - great for:

• Sleeping at someone else’s house
• Quick and easy removal and disposal
• Awesome odour control
• Super-fast absorbency 

Washable bed pads - great for:

• Sleeping on a soft and cloth-like material 
• Being more environmentally friendly than disposables
• Cost-effectiveness
• Holding a massive amount of liquid

It’s up to you to decide which one you think will suit you best. As a starting point, why not purchase a pack of disposables and a washable bed pad and try them both out?

How to maintain washable bed pads

Taking care of your washable bed pads properly will help them last longer and stay effective. Most can be machine washed, but it’s important to follow the care instructions on the label. 

Use a non-bio detergent and avoid fabric softeners, as these can reduce absorbency over time. Wash at the recommended temperature – usually around 60°C – to kill bacteria and maintain hygiene. Whenever possible, air dry your bed pads to preserve their waterproof backing, although some may be tumble dryer safe on a low setting. With regular care, washable bed pads can remain soft, absorbent, and reliable for many washes.

How to dispose of disposable bed pads

Disposable bed pads are designed for single use and should be thrown away after they’ve been soiled. To dispose of them, roll or fold the pad in on itself, seal it in a plastic bag or nappy sack, and place it in your household waste bin. Don’t flush disposable bed pads down the toilet, as this can cause blockages. If you’re using them regularly, you might want to think about using a lidded bin to keep things discreet and odour-free.

Mattress deodorisers

Sometimes, there’ll be accidents no matter what. If this does happen, then mattress deodorisers are a great product for tackling smells straight away. They are specially formulated sprays to tackle unwanted odours at the source. They work by eradicating the bacteria that cause bad smells, not just masking them.

Urine odours can be stubborn and nobody wants a house that smells of pee. So, it’s essential that the leakage is tackled promptly. By using an inferior cleaning product that simply masks a smell, you’ll eventually find the problem hasn’t really been dealt with. You need a solution like Vivactive’s mattress deodoriser that’s specially formulated to neutralise bad odours and kill the bacteria that cause them.

It’s a quick and hassle-free way to tackle the problem, ensuring a fresh and odour-free mattress for a comfortable night's sleep.

• Tackles odours at the source: Specifically designed to neutralise bad smells, not just mask them.

• Kills bacteria: Effectively eliminates bacteria that cause urine odours.

• Quick and easy to use: Simply spray on your mattress for a hassle-free solution.

• Long-lasting freshness: Helps keep your mattress fresh and odour-free for longer, ensuring a more pleasant sleeping environment.

What causes urine odours in mattresses?

Urine odours are particularly stubborn, and the reason lies in the science. Basically, our wee contains compounds like ures, uric acid, and ammonia, and when it soaks into fabric and foam, bacteria starts to break these compounds down. This then produces a strong, unpleasant smell than can linger.

Even if the surface looks clean, uric acid crystals can remain buried deep in the mattress fibres. Over time, moisture in the air or repeated accidents can reactivate the smell, which is why it’s always better to try and prevent stains first. If you want to read more about preventing and removing stains, then see our blog ‘How to remove urine stains from your mattress’.  

Browse mattress protection solutions today

If you’re at the stage where you’re deciding which waterproof mattress protectors you need and want, then take the time to browse our range. We also have a range of washable bed pads for protection too, along with a catalogue of other incontinence products, whether you need pull-up pants, adult nappies or pads. Browse our range today!