Is a mattress cover needed for a DIY latex bed?

Mattress Talk General Mattresses Questions
1

Is a mattress cover needed for a DIY latex bed? I notice they don’t seem to be restraining the foam much on the Pure Bliss mattresses I’ve tried.

Thanks, Scott

2

Hi scottinsd,

Yes … latex is susceptible to oxidation and breakdown from ozone and ultraviolet (and some of the other substances in the list here) and a good cover is important to protect the latex and ensure that it doesn’t break down prematurely over the longer term.

Phoenix

3

Phoenix, could you please define a ‘good’ cover? There are many out there, from a simple stretch knit to the thicker bamboo/cottons and also wool ones.

4

Hi JannyGoats,

There are far too many options and fabrics available in mattress ticks to define a “good” mattress cover based on specs. You would end up with a bunch of meaningless numbers that would only apply to the specific fabric you are using and anyone but an expert in fabrics would quickly be overwhelmed.

I would suggest a more effective “definition” would be a cover that is designed to be used as a mattress ticking, is sold (or used) by a reputable, knowledgeable, and experienced, retailer or manufacturer, and is appropriate to the design and performance goals and budget range of the mattress and the preferences of the purchaser. In the case of latex I would suggest that it should be thick enough to prevent light from coming through when you hold it up to the light and for a low to midrange mattress with a basic cover I would use a cost guideline of something in the range of 10% of the cost of the mattress or higher for more specialized or quilted covers.

Phoenix