Hi LAsleeper and r_letch,
@LA Sleeper
I sometimes (ok … maybe occasionally or rarely) wish this would happen more often … it’s the only way to “check” on things (or me :)) sometimes and makes sure that research keeps going. It’s happened more than a few times though that people weren’t so happy with my opinions. I actually like differing opinions and much of the research I’ve done was the result of differing opinions held by people who I respected and my curiosity about how such widely different opinions could be equally valid led to a lot of research into the “whys” behind the “whats”.
I personally agree with you and I would also use a new protector in most cases but this would also depend on the condition and type of the protector I had. If it was a high quality wool protector or pad or one that I had washed regularly and I thought it was still in good condition (including hygenic condition) then I would consider keeping it and my reading of the question was more towards “was it OK” rather than “is it the best idea”.
Your comments about putting the mattress together are also great. There is also a customer step by step with pictures on their website here. They also used to have a video (which I remember watching) but they are in the process of changing their site and it has temporarily disappeared (NOTE ADDED: The video is here). FairfaxMom also mentioned the lack of instructions in post #2 here and I mentioned I’d ask about it when I talked with him next which I did today. They are working on a new website which will include videos and lots of updated pictures and information :).
I lucked out too when I bought this on sale at Costco. Mine is still in good condition although the wool has flattened a bit in some areas (it was thin to begin with). It’s still doing what it’s supposed to do. If I had to choose again though … I’d probably choose the Dormeir because it doesn’t have the waterproof/breathable membrane and in retrospect I’d probably choose a little more breathability and “water resistant” over a protector that was fully waterproof. I’ve never used it but I think the Dormeir may also be a little bit more stretchy.
@ r_letch
As to any other protector suggestions the three main functions (besides an encasement that is meant to protect against bedbugs) that represent the tradeoffs involved are water resistence/waterproofing, breathability/ventilation/temperature regulation, and the effect it has on the “feel” of the mattress.
My personal choice if it was just about the feel and absorbing basic moisture and body oils when you are sleeping (and water resistant or waterproof wasn’t important) would be a stretch cotton protector such as this (and there are others that are similar but this one is particularly nice although it’s expensive). This would have a great combination of breathability, soft feel, and would stretch with the compression of the mattress but it lacks water resistance or waterproof qualities.
My next personal choice would be a thin wool protector such as the St Dormeir or the Natura. This has more of an effect on the mattress but it is breathable (the Dormeir more than the Natura which has a waterproof membrane). There are other types made with wool as well such as felted “puddlepads” which don’t have cotton around the wool (cotton can improve moisture transport).
The thin cotton protectors with a waterproof/breathable membrane are also a really popular “compromise” choice and they are generally good for having less of an effect on the mattress (although some have reported that it can create a “drum effect” and they didn’t like it as much because of this) but it’s less breathable than either cotton or wool without a membrane. I would choose a cotton or viscose fabric rather than a synthetic fabric bonded to the membrane.
Gotcha Covered has an organic cotton stretch knit protector here.
Naturepedic also sells one that is organic for those where this is desirable.
Protect-A-Bed makes a stretch knit Tencel (Eucalyptus) protector here.
SafeRest also makes the Perlux stretchy Tencel protector here.
I haven’t slept on enough of these to really know the differences between them from personal experience but Protectabed and Luna protectors seem to be good choices. The Protect-A-bed protectors are Oeko_Tex certified.
A few other options (of the breathable/waterproof membrane type) for comparison purposes include …
http://www.purecare.com/shop/c-1-mattress-protection.aspx
Recovery Mattress Protector Made with Celliant which can help promote circulation
https://www.maloufsleep.com/products/sleep-tite-protectors/ (see post #1 here)
http://www.safetyshieldmattressprotector.com/
http://www.stslinens.com/mattress-protectors-and-pillow-protectors
http://www.saferest.com/mattress-protector.html
There’s lots more and some good price research in post #1 here but that should be enough for reference.
Phoenix