Phoenix. Have you ever seen a mattress protector that could be modified to be used as ticking itself, something stretchy, washable/durable, soft, and âmarketableâ, something that people would find attractive? I love the Bungee ticking from Desleeclama. I like how stretchy it is and how it doesnât require badding. Besides being made of polyester, I worry that it would shrink, and they say it can only be washed a maximum of 25 times. Is there a mattress protector u know of that might work?
Your questions bring up some interesting points about the differences between mattress protectors, mattress tickings, and mattress pads, which have different functions but many of these functions can overlap.
First of all ⌠a mattress ticking/quilting is an integral part of the construction of a mattress and is designed to stabilize and keep the components together and maintain the shape and structure of the mattress. It can also protect the materials inside the mattress in the same ways that a mattress protector can (protection from moisture, body oils, stains etc). The only real reason to add a protector to these would be the need to prevent stains on the mattress itself which would void the warranty and may cause hygienic issues with the mattress itself and to prevent the need to replace the mattress ticking. These types of issues can be overcome with a removable ticking that can easily be cleaned and in this case ⌠if someone didnât mind losing their warranty coverage and was OK with the possibility of replacing the zip cover ⌠then a mattress protector may not even be the way to go because in some cases it can detract from the feel and performance of the mattress itself.
Mattress tickings, mattress protectors, mattress pads, and mattress toppers have both protective functions and are used to different degrees to adjust the feel and performance of the mattress itself. If someone uses a âremovableâ version of one of these that can also be washed or ârefreshedâ, then the only real reason for a mattress protector would be to protect a component that canât be replaced or that would cost more to replace than the protector itself. In general though ⌠if a mattress protector was suitable for use as a mattress ticking ⌠then it wouldnât be a protector any more. It would have protective functions but would also be a more integral part of the overall feel and performance of the mattress itself.
This is a good example of some of the new designs and materials that are gaining popularity in the industry. Microcapsules that include things like silver as an antimicrobial, phase change materials for temperature regulation, various essential oils for either their âhealingâ or other properties, additions that enhance oxygen uptake, or newer methods of weaving or knitting that create more three dimensional structure with its own properties are all gaining popularity with good reason. Of course the materials used (like polyester) are also an important part of any design and while they may reduce the cost ⌠they can also reduce the performance. My personal choice would not be polyester in a mattress ticking.
So my âbestâ answer to your question is that with the exception of protecting a warranty or to âplay it safeâ and not have to replace a more expensive layer in the event of an accident that may never be âbadâ enough to justify a protector vs a removable cover, and with a removable cover/ticking that can be either cleaned, ârefreshedâ, or replaced, there really isnât as big a reason to include a mattress protector at all unless the protector is part of the overall design of the performance and feel of the mattress (which would mean it was more of a mattress pad or topper). Like all things ⌠this can be a tradeoff between different things that are important to each person but in essence a protector is somewhat redundant with a replaceable cover that performs the same function and can easily be cleaned. It can also act to reduce the benefits of a great ticking/quilting that has functions and properties that would function more effectively without anything in between them and the person sleeping on them.
An example of a more âstructuredâ zip ticking that looks like it is quilted but isnât and is both very stretchy and soft in itâs own right is sold by SleepEz and you can see a couple of pictures in post #33 here (although the lighting shows it as much darker than it really is). While this wouldnât have the waterproof qualities of a âmembraneâ type of protector or the water resistant qualities of wool, these qualities could be added to different degrees with a wool or even knit cotton mattress pad (to some degree) or topper as part of the design that could 'add" to or âfine tuneâ the performance of the mattress rather than having to choose something that would âdetractâ the least.
There are a lot of great design ideas coming out of Europe and while I havenât been there ⌠I would love to visit the Interzum show at some point so I could see and experience some of them first hand. ADMIN NOTE:Removed 404 page link | Archived Footprint: interzum.com/en/interzum/home/index.php
The ârightâ type of protector depends on the properties you are primarily looking for and how it interacts with your mattress. The three main types are wool (very breathable, water resistant, will affect the mattress a little more), a breathable membrane attached to fabric (the fabric is usually either synthetic or cotton, it is less breathable, waterproof, and the affect on the mattress depends on the type and how stretchy it is but is generally less), and stretch knit cotton (very stretchy so it wonât affect the mattress nearly as much, will absorb some moisture to protect the mattress but is not water resistant or waterproof and is very breathable). Thicker mattress pads and fiber toppers will also have their own âprotectiveâ and performance benefits along with the additional properties of thicker layers of various fibers including wool.
There is a list of the different types of Natura mattress protectors and mattress pads on their site here. the different types of wool they use in their products are described here.
With a mattress protector ⌠wool is generally compressed and they use smaller amounts of wool because this affects the feel of the mattress less than thicker wool mattress pads and toppers. Pads are also more âfeltedâ which means that the wool is âfuzzedâ together and doesnât retain its natural resilience (which isnât necessary in a mattress protector).
The Amazon version has a different name but Natura only lists one âpadâ which is washable and there is someone here that confirmed with Natura that it was the same one.
The more wool in the pad ⌠and the more compressed the wool (or if it is felted) ⌠and the more it may affect the feel of the mattress. Both of these are more âpadsâ and contain more wool than the St Dormeir (which has 7.5 oz /sq yd). In general the goal of a protector (as opposed to a pad or topper) is to provide the breathability of wool and water resistance in as thin and stretchy a layer as possible to affect the feel of the mattress less.
the Natura I bought when it was on sale at Costco almost 2 years ago (and probably wouldnât buy again because the wool would be enough without the âbreathable/waterproofâ membrane) is this one. It has held up well though over a fair number of washings and would be a good choice for those who wanted both wool and the waterproof membrane. ADMIN NOTE:Removed 404 page link | Archived Footprint: naturaworld.com/mattress-protector-deluxe
So in theory if I wanted a little more fluff on top the mattress with the temp control and the wicking ability of the wool the pad (as opposed to the protector) would be a good option? I realize the âloftâ would lessen after a while but Iâm assuming the mattress will over time âgiveâ more as well.
I see itâs not washable - but being you canât dry the other one anyway - I donât know that I wouldnât just dry clean either of these.
2)Elasticized cotton percale skirt. (Washable wool one doesnât list what the skirt is)
3)Color?
Just because it doesnât say âprotectâ - the sheer nature of the wool (listed to be in the same amount 2.31 lbs) still gives the same protection to the mattress regardless, right?
Yes ⌠this is exactly right. Wool tends to compress (around 30% depending on the initial density) and then will stay fairly consistent (it doesnât get as compressed as cotton batting like in a futon and always retains some of its resilience) while foam of course tends to soften over time so to some degree they can offset each other.
I see itâs not washable - but being you canât dry the other one anyway - I donât know that I wouldnât just dry clean either of these.
2)Elasticized cotton percale skirt. (Washable wool one doesnât list what the skirt is)
3)Color?[/quote] ADMIN NOTE:Removed 404 page link | Archived Footprint: naturaworld.com/mattress-pad-fitted
This one uses Naturawool (see the previous link about the different types of wool they use) which is not washable but hasnât been treated. The density is the same.
Wool that hasnât been treated to be washable will felt (the fibers will âfuzzâ and matt together) with washing and lose itâs resilience. Airing out a wool pad outside to dry it will refresh it because it activates itâs natural self cleansing and deodorizing properties. Itâs a good idea to do this anyway even if it canât be washed because wool can clean itself this way.
The first one you listed also has a fully elasticized skirt but it doesnât list the material. A call to Natura would probably answer this as well as whether the pictures on the site shows the color accurately.
The ones that say"protect" include a thin polyethelene membrane that is waterproof while the ones that are âpadsâ have the water resistance of wool but are not âwaterproofâ. The membrane allows water vapor to pass through it but not liquids and is less breathable than just wool. The washable wool has had the outer scales of the wool removed so it will compress more and become more âfeltedâ than the non washable wool pad which will stay more lofted. They would offer similar protection because of the similar wool density although more felted wool will tend to keep the water on top more (see the video here) while more lofted wool would tend to absorb it more (wool can hold and then âreleaseâ up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet). ADMIN NOTE:Removed 404 page link | Archived Footprint: cozypure.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=23
I spoke with customer service at Natura and she said the difference between the 2 Natura pads were 1) One was washable 2) Cover style.
So - using you as a sounding board⌠I donât have a clothes line or any way to secure to pad if I were to put it outside to air dry or even just air out as the case may be. Am I asking for trouble? Is it going to end up on the ground if I try to fenagle something? Should I just plan on dry cleaning instead? Although it seems sort of counter intuitive to take a natural product and have it chemically cleaned. : \
Good grief - Iâm getting to the point - as my mom would say, âThe Normandy invasion didnât take this much work.â But I donât want to buy the mattress until I have the cover - I mean protector.
What is this â10 year (or even 15 yr) warantyâ I am seeing on some of the protectors? What is the waranty for? Or what does it cover? If the protector fails - they replace what?
Maybe Dorothyâs words ⌠Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY ⌠should be Covers, protectors, and pads ⌠OH MY
Iâd make my decision based on deciding on what was most important to you.
Wool that is washed wonât maintain its loft as well but if you really donât have a way to air it out outside then maybe washing is the next best thing and thereâs no doubt itâs handy if you donât have access to a place to air it out. Depends I guess on how you feel about washing vs the self cleansing of wool and how important maintaining a little more loft is for you. Bear in mind that neither of these are particularly âloftyâ anyway and it seems to me your main goal is protection not loft. If washing seems convenient to you ⌠then thatâs the way to go. If airing it out is possible or more attractive ⌠then thatâs the way to go. Both will âprotectâ your mattress. If you really canât decide ⌠theyâre both good products and Iâd just flip a coin
Even a small stain on a mattress voids the mattress warranty so what they are saying is that they have a 10 year warranty against manufacturing defects (not against wearing out) so you can âprotectâ against voiding your mattress warranty because of stains for 10 years by using one of their protectors.
After doing a little more research (imagine that) - I found out apparently if you buy the protector with the new mattress (at the same time) from an âauthorizedâ dealer the protectorâs waranty does somehow cover product âfailure.â But obviously for most of us - thatâs not relevant because we are buying from local independent retailers and most places who stock these âsuppliesâ are national chains. Anyway - just a note of clarification.
This is the mattress protector I ended up getting. Amazon.com Been happy with it. Also got the corresponding pillow protectors. Only thing I have to say as an observation is that they both seem big in relation to the mattress and the pillows (long).
Itâs been fine in terms of temperature and noise. Iâve tried not to make mention of it to see if my husband had any comments of his own. (Heâs generally a very hot sleeper) I donât know that heâs even noticed that itâs on there.
I just purchased a Latex Mattress based recommendations on this site (Spindle Mattress). So I was looking for a good mattress protector not a mattress pad. There are a lot of expensive ones out there but I was looking for something more reasonably priced. After reading various reviews on the protect-a-bed products I decided not to go with them. I found this one on Amazon. It has over 1900 reviews with 1500 5 star reviews and a great price. I will give an update when I am able to use it but wanted to share this link.
Iâm always leery of Amazon reviews, but I do hope you read the 86 one star reviews as well as taking note of the 1500 five star reviews. Of all the reviews, close to 10% are one or two star reviews (thatâs a guesstimate, math not being my best subject).
I never read the great reviews - itâs the ones with the problems I read at Amazon.
I hope this works out for you - the price sure is good.
I think the Luna is one of the better choices of the thin membrane type and is one of the more popular options mentioned in the mattress protector post.
There are a number of people on the forum who have purchased the same one you have and seem quite happy with it and the only negative comments Iâve heard is that for a few people it can sleep a little warm but thatâs common to most of the membrane type of protectors. It should work well for you and itâs good value compared to some of the others as well.
After quite a bit of reading, I ended up purchasing a 34 ILD 100% Natural 6" Dunlop core from Sleeponlatex, with the potential of adding a 2" comfort layer on top if needed. Now Iâm looking into mattress covers and/or protectors.
From a previous bed purchase, I already have a mattress protector:
Is this enough of a layer to protect the latex from UV/ozone concerns? Or should I purchase a mattress cover? It really only has a protected layer on top, with mesh on the sides.
If I purchase a separate mattress cover instead, would I even need the mattress protector anymore?
Iâm currently looking at terrycloth, velour, or bamboo/cotton covers from 2ezmemtex on ebay. Would the terrycloth be sufficient in protecting the latex? Isnât that essentially what I have with the mattress protector?
If I end up purchasing the velour or bamboo type covers, would the cover for 8" of foam be appropriate fr the 6"? From what Iâve been reading, the slight looseness of it compared to the 6" may affect the feel of the latex. I figured I might save some money purchasing the 8" just in case I ordered another 2" topper.
No ⌠this is a mattress protector not a mattress ticking. A mattress ticking is part of the mattress itself and contributes to the feel and performance of the mattress and helps it keep its shape. I would use an actual zip mattress cover that is designed to surround the materials inside the mattress and protect the layers inside and the type of cover you used would depend on how it contributed to the design goals of your mattress design and on your preferences between sleeping directly on the latex or having a quilted cover.
Yes ⌠a mattress protector is always a good idea to keep your mattress hygienic and protect against the moisture and body oils that all of us emit each night and prevent them from getting into the mattress. The protector can be removed and washed much more easily than a mattress ticking.
I donât know the specifics of their covers so I donât know. It would depend on the specifics of the material. If you can hold it up to the light and not see any light through it then it would probably be OK. If itâs a cheap thin material then probably not. It would also depend on the amount of stretch it has and how it contributes to the feel and performance of the mattress. When you are buying separate components then you are dependent on your conversations with the supplier and the knowledge and experience of the person selling the cover and how much they know about covers that are appropriate for latex (vs how much they want to sell you a cover).
I would buy a cover that was designed to tightly fit the thickness of the materials in the mattress. I would probably wait with buying a cover until you have finalized your design (sleeping on the latex with just a protector and a sheet wonât cause harm in the short term).
We also purchased from Karl at sleeponlatex. Our latex is scheduled to arrive on Wednesday!
We ordered a double knit organic cotton cover from FoamOrder to âhold things togetherâ, but we just found out that our order has been cancelled due to a pricing error
So back to the drawing board! Keep me posted on what you purchase and how it works, ok?
The mattress is great. Perfect firmness etc for me.
Only issue is that the thread of the quilting on the top of the mattress is coming out in one spot. If you pull even slight it continues to come out so Iâm not doing that. I called the folks at SAM and they are saying theyâll pick it up and fix it but they arenât happy about it. Is this something I should worry about? Seems like if I pull it would go all the way across the mattress and it is a brand new thing.
Hello - fantastic site! I read through the above topic and links to previous posts on mattress protectors, which were all quite helpful. Iâm still stuck with a feeling of dread about using a waterproof mattress protector (we have 3 little kids, so I feel like we do need the protection given the likely event of accidents by the little ones at least for the next few years). We are buying a great mattress from a local San Diego mattress maker recommended by this site - 4" of talalay over encased coils with a cover that includes wool - and breathability/avoiding a âhotâ sleeping surface is very important to my wife.
In a previous post that you linked to, you had mentioned potentially using a basic cotton cover over a wool-based protector as a means of increasing the effectiveness of the water âresistenceâ of the wool-based protector (with the trade-off being the affect on the feel of the mattress). Our mattress will be on the very soft side, so I feel that there is some room to give with respect to the feel, since some marginal firming up of the âfeelâ will not likely put us in the too firm territory.
My question is whether it might be an effective approach to use a very thin/membrane type/stretchy-as-we-can-get waterproof protector (which, as you mentioned, tend to retain heat) as a base layer against the mattress, then add a more breathable cover/protector of some sort above that with the goal of making the sleeping surface itself more breathable? I have avoided research on mattress âpadsâ (due to the discussions RE affecting the feel of the mattress), so Iâm only really aware of the wool type mattress protectors. If this approach would make sense for âsolvingâ the waterproof/heat problem, are there any particularly noteworthy very breathable mattress âpadsâ that would be a better second layer than the wool-based âprotectorsâ?
Iâm not sure of the reasons for your âfeeling of dreadâ but mattress protectors with a thin waterproof membrane are a very popular choice where the odds of an âaccidentâ are higher.
If you are purchasing from one of the members of the site in San Diego you are certainly making a great quality/value choice ⌠and congratulations on your new mattress
I donât have any specific suggestions but this would certainly be a reasonable option. The membrane in the lower protector could still have âsome effectâ on the sleeping temperature of the mattress but because of the wool layer above it the effect would be less than it would with only a thinner membrane style of protector by itself. Rather than buying two separate protectors though ⌠it may be worth considering one of the wool quilted protectors that already include a waterproof membrane that are included in the reference post about mattress protectors.
