Why wouldn't you protect your mattress you pay so much money for a great bed.. I have mattress covers/ protectors on all of our beds. They are perfect and keeps stains off the mattress. You can get some that also give a little more padding ,, there are so really good ones out there

These mattress covers are well padded,I like a little extra comfort, I like the deep pockets it fits snugly down around my mattress and it washes beautifully,the padding doesnt bunch together. It stays in place, a really great product, I bought mine at Walmart but can be purchased almost everywhere