Just had our first night on the new Berkley Ergo All Talalay latex bed. My GF bought a traditional mattress pad/protector. When I looked at it, it had a cotton top with a polyester base. This seems rather stupid considering the mattress has a cover of organic cotton top with wool.
I looked at your post #89. I’m basically interested in body fluid/sweat protection. Is there anything similar to the mattress cover itself? Organic Cotton over wool that can be washed or should I just look at the thick cotton only protectors?
Charlie…
Hi mattressgeek,
I would choose a mattress protector based on the functions it performs and the criteria that are most important to you rather than how similar it may be to your mattress cover which performs a different function. The cover will contribute more to the feel and performance of the mattress and the goal of a protector is usually to have the least possible effect on the feel and performance of the mattress, to protect against body fluids and accidents, and to keep your sleeping surface in a clean and hygienic condition because it can be removed and washed more easily than the cover.
If the criteria that is most important to you is a breathable protector that uses natural materials then you would be looking at either a cotton knit protector or a cotton/wool combination. The wool quilted protector (or a puddle pad) will be more water resistant but will also have a bigger effect on the feel of your mattress than a knit cotton protector.
If waterproof is your most important criteria (vs water resistant or moisture absorbent) then one of the thinner membrane types of protectors would be the most likely choice even though the membrane isn’t “natural” since there would be no other alternative. Each type has its own tradeoffs so which one is best for you depends on which of the tradeoffs you are most comfortable with for your circumstances and preferences.
The cover that would be closest to the cover on your mattress (cotton with wool quilting) would be one of the wool quilted protectors (like the St Dormeir) although the amount of wool would be less than your mattress cover but again … which mattress protector is “best for you” depends on the tradeoffs involved and your preferences, not on how similar it may be to your cover.
Phoenix