My son has asthma, we all have allergies, and we have dogs. I spend a lot of time vacuuming mattresses, and I still never feel like they are clean and allergen free. This mattress protector is perfect! It was very easy to put on the mattress. Zips on, and fits snuggly. It is waterproof, but still comfortable. You don't even really notice it is there. I love that I can throw it in the washing machine  each time I change the sheets, and feel confident we are all sleeping on clean mattresses, with limited allergens. I don't know why I didn't start using one years ago!