Save yourself from a filthy dorm bed — this waterproof mattress protector is now on sale from $11.04
The Utopia is also our top budget pick in our best mattress protector guide — we tested and reviewed it in-house and found it to be 100% waterproof, as well as breathable and comfortable.
If you're on the lookout for other products which could help upgrade your dorm setup, explore our best mattress guide or take a look at our back to school sleep and mattress deals, where we track the top discounts. And of course, remember that the Labor Day mattress sales can also deliver savings on bedding. But first, let's take a closer look at this affordable protector and its specs…
Utopia Bedding Waterproof Bamboo Mattress Protector: twin was $12.99 now $11.04 at AmazonMade from 80% polyester and 20% viscose derived from bamboo, this Utopia Bedding protector is moisture wicking, breathable, waterproof and sweat and stain resistant. Our lead tester found it to be 100% waterproof and noiseless, earning 5 out of 5 stars for these two parameters (read the full Utopia Bedding Waterproof Bamboo Mattress Protector review for more info), and while it is a little slippery on the bed, it's great value for the price. Already affordable, you can also frequently find it on sale (often up to 33% off). Right now, a twin Utopia bamboo protector is $11.04 (was $12.99) while a queen size will cost you $15.29 (was $19.99) at Amazon. While it doesn't come with a sleep trial like some other brands, you will get Amazon's 30-day free returns and fast shipping benefits.
Our review: ★★★½User score: ★★★★½ (56K+ reviews)
While the bamboo viscose material is breathable, it might be insufficient for very hot sleepers. In addition to low scores for ease of fit and slipperiness, Utopia Bedding Bamboo Protector fell short of five stars for temperature regulation, as our tester slept hot on a few occasions while using it.
Those who regularly struggle with overheating or nightsweats are likely to need a mattress protector that provides consistent cooling. So, if you can stretch your budget a bit, we recommend getting the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling protector, which has the added bonus of staying in place once put on, making it a great choice for restless sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector: twin was $99 now from $74.25 at Brooklyn BeddingThe top cooling option in our best mattress protectors guide, this protector is crafted from soft, cool-to-touch fabric made from 'high tech PE fibers' (commonly known as GlacioTex). It is hypoallergenic, designed to be water-resistant (though we found it to be 100% waterproof in our tests), cooling and will safeguard your bed from common allergens including dust mites. We also noted that it snugly fit our bed and securely stayed in place throughout the testing period. Yes, it is pricier than the Utopia Bedding bamboo protector and Brooklyn Bedding offers 30 day returns rather than a trial period, but the 3-year warranty and free shipping sweeten the deal (read our full Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector review to know more). Our review: ★★★★½User score: ★★★★½ (1.4K+ reviews)
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Amazon Customer Left Stunned by 'Secure Location' Her Parcel Was Left In
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Buzz Feed
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30 Home Products That Will Change Your Life
A jar of the The Pink Stuff — aka TikTok's favorite all-purpose cleaning paste. From everyday messes like countertop spills and soap scum to years' worth of buildup like rust on windows, there's no grossness that this miracle cleaner can't take on. An emergency first aid kit that comes with 298 pieces of supplies so that you always have what you need if an oopsie happens. From minor cuts to more serious accidents, make sure your home (and especially your kitchen) has one of these, even if it's just to provide peace of mind. Unfortunately this kit's bandages are only available in a light beige color. If you're looking for more skintone variation please check out these, these, and these. 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Pastel Design Studio is a woman-owned small business based in North Carolina making original printable art and graphic review: "The cutest Wi-Fi sign! Can't wait to put it up for our guests this weekend! Love that I can change the details when we move and change passwords! So cute!" —HannahGet it from Pastel Design Studio on Etsy for $5.99. A set of drawer organizers that'll help keep your socks, bras, scarves, and more from overflowing onto your bedroom floor. The set includes four bins: one with six cells for scarves and tights, eight square cells for underwear, seven wide cells for bras, and 24 small cells for review: "I love these things; they're so versatile. I have them all over: drawers, closet shelves, cabinets. I use them for more than just underwear too. I use them for dry art supplies in open shelves and just about anywhere else I need to organize." —Kindle MacGet it from Amazon for $14.47 (available in seven colors). 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Buzz Feed
12 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
The Camping Safety Items You Should Have On Hand
Safety and emergency preparedness are typically two notions that most folks already take into consideration when it comes to camping and outdoor adventures. That still doesn't mean it's not important to take stock of what's in your current stash of gear, or, if you're a wilderness newbie, to learn what essentials to take. Cody Lundin is an Arizona-based survival instructor who teaches living skills and urban preparedness. He said that the specific essential gear that a person takes outdoors is really based upon 'their bioregion, the intention of the trip, personal skill level and experience.''In other words, if I head into the mountains with spruce and fir trees, or if I go into one of our four North American deserts, the gear that I carry may change to adapt to that specific landscape,' he said, adding that winter survival and desert survival are opposite outdoor temperature extremes that can kill the unprepared hiker or Lundin said that there are items that have been carried in the wilderness for thousands of years by native peoples that are just as valid today in a modern outdoor survival kit. So now that you've already got your tent, your sleeping bag is packed and the s'mores provisions are locked and loaded, consider the following list of items that Ludin and other wilderness experts say they always bring out into field — — plus guidance on how to make your next camping trip safe and fun. Stormproof strike anywhere matches and match safe Survival instructor Cory Lundin stressed the importance of having fire in survival situations and the modern and reliable lighting tools to make one. "I prefer a gross motor way to create fire, meaning that it is easier to do when stressed out, with cold hands, in inclement weather, or the dozens of other things that can go sideways in the wilderness," Ludin said. "Save the exotic fire by friction sets for having fun, making fun of crap TV survival shows, or showing off to your friends."According to Ludin, he carries at least three different fire lighting methods in his personal kit because there are pros and cons to each type of ignition. One method is a pack of strike anywhere matches stored in a match safe. Based on this guidance, we chose this set of 25 storm- and wind-proof matches that are easy to light, will burn up to 15 seconds each and will relight even after being submerged in water. They come in a floating and waterproof match box that features an integrated and replaceable them from Amazon for $8.95+ (available in three colors). A Ferro Rod fire starter The Ferro Rod with striker is another fire lighting tool that came at the suggestion of Creekmore, as well as Lundin, who explained that it's a magnesium bar with a ferrocerium rod embedded in the side as an ignition source. The sharp-toothed sparker effectively shaves off hot ribbons of magnesium to make quick and easy work of lighting tinder. Creekmore suggests taking along cotton balls dipped in petroleum jelly when packing the Ferro Rod because these can help not only work as tinder for the fire, but also help sustain its burning for it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in four styles). A pack of three credit card-sized fresnel lenses Lundin's final fire-starting tool in his kit are fresnel lenses which are the size of a credit card and use magnification to concentrate sunlight onto to tinder in order to ignite a flame."All fire craft demands a reasonable amount of skill and attention," said Lundin, who offers fire safety courses. He noted that hundreds of acres of wilderness are lost to forest fires each year, caused by careless campers with no working fire a 3-pack from Amazon for $4.99 (available in three colors). A robust knife with a continuous blade "This robust, full-tang knife is perfect for a variety of survival tasks, from cutting and carving to gutting and skinning game," Creekmore said of the Morakniv Garberg knife. "Its durable build and sharp edge make it a reliable tool for any wilderness adventure."The Morakniv Garberg also fits the knife guidance of Lundin, who said that he advises opting for a fixed blade (not a folding knife) that is carbon steel with a wide sharpening bevel that is simple in design.""The skill of using the knife comes from the user, not the knife, and a simple blade design will give the user the most options for using the knife in a wide variety of environments," Lundin it from Amazon for $70.04. A two-way emergency satellite phone Mykel Hawke is an author, former Army special forces officer, an educator and survival expert possessing an impressive resume of qualifications. According to him, having the ability to to call for help is the number one thing to do in any emergency. "I recommend a [satellite] phone or a spot device or anything that can reach for help when you have no cell coverage," Hawke said. "Sat phones," like this highly rated option that we selected, allow users to send SOS notifications to 24-hour search and rescue services globally, as well as share your location with loved ones back home at any time — though an active satellite subscription is required. The Garmin is enabled with an accurate compass and other directional routing features that allow you to track back the direction you came from. Using Bluetooth, users can sync to all existing smart devices to help plan trips and the battery can last up to 14 days per charge. One important note is that, according to some reviewers who claim to have experience using satellite phones, delays in message response time is to be it from Amazon for $349.99 (available in two colors). A multi-fuel camping stove "[Have] a good camp stove and utensils for cooking and eating. The main thing we do [is] cook, boil, eat, drink, prep, clean and repeat so, own good stuff," Hawke explained. He said that he personally uses stoves that are multi-fuel to keep ignition options open. Based on this guidance, we researched and found this well-known option by MSR, a hybrid portable camping stove that uses a brand-exclusive technology to create the optimal fuel and air mix. This means the stove operates seamlessly with canister fuel, white gas, kerosene and unleaded gasoline. Additionally, the brand claims that the feed system from the liquid canister delivers "better cold weather and low-fuel performance with a more consistent output."Get it from Amazon for $179.96+ (available in two sizes). An all-purpose emergency first aid kit It might go without saying that a first aid kit should always be among your camping essentials but Hawke said that it's surprisingly an item that people often forget. Whatever kit you choose, Hawke said the kit should be one that will tend to both illness and injuries. We found this popular 299-piece kit that includes everything you need to disinfect wounds, bandage cuts and soothe burns. Clear plastic interior compartments keep everything organized and the soft sided zip case makes storage and transportation a it from Amazon for $19.71. An editor-endorsed sleeping pad Although a sleeping pad may not seem like a typical safety essential for camping, Hawke said that a good night's sleep is often under-appreciated in the outdoors and extended days of poor sleep can really put a damper on an otherwise fun camping didn't suggest a specific sleeping pad or brand, however we are big fans of the Expend MegaMat 10, a self-inflating pad that uses a core of air-channeled foam insulation to keep the pad lightweight, yet extremely comfortable and warm in cold conditions. The MegaMat comes in several sizes and lengths to accommodate different heights and number of sleepers. Get it from Amazon for $259.95+. A pair of tactical LED flashlights Hawke mentioned flashlights should be among the standard list of tools one would need for camping. We selected these Gear Light tactical flashlights for their compact size, affordable price point and the over 61,000 5-star Amazon ratings. These weather-proof and high-lumens flashlights have five light modes, a zoomable beam and claim to be strong enough to withstand a 10-foot a 2-pack from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two colors).
