I used this site to buy a mattress about a year ago that I ended up being really happy with (thank Phoenix! you really helped me out). It turns out the mattress protectors I bought at the same time ain’t that good for me.
I’m using Phoenix’s post on mattress protectors here: Post #89.
The ones I bought last time are the first type Phoenix mentions. (I bought two of the same kind, so when I wash one I have another to use right away) They are the cheaper ones that are thin and have a waterproof membrane. About a week ago I was doing a bunch of work on laundry, getting out a bunch of stains, etc… And just ending up sleeping on my bad with just a mattress protector on top of it. It felt good. There’s kind of a fuzzy felt on top of the mattress protector. But I had a hard time falling asleep that night, had no idea what caused it. Second night had more trouble. And the third night didn’t fall asleep at all. My back was wet and I couldn’t figure out why I was so hot. That day I figured it must have been sleeping directly on the mattress protector.
I usually have a cotton sheet over the top of the mattress protector. And I guess that cotton sheet in between me and the mattress protector offers enough breathability that I don’t notice the mattress protector so much. But I’m really having trouble believing that if sleeping directly on the mattress protector flat out prevents me from sleeping, that even though adding a cotton sheet helps, I find it hard to believe it completely eliminates the problem of the mattress protector I’ve got. I always have intermittent problems sleeping, and I’m guessing the mattress protector hasn’t been a huge issue on a regular basis, but it has been there.
So, I’m looking at Phoenix’s post #89 linked above and thinking I need a more breathable (and more expensive) mattress protector.
From Phoenix’s descriptions, there are the ones I looked at, in order I looked at them:
#1 Natura Washable Cotton Fitted Mattress Pad (of Phoenix’s type 2 in post #89) - I have a firm mattress that I really love. But I figured it would be nice to have a little bit of wool cushion under me for something different. And this one does look a good deal and is machine washable which is a must for me. But if you look at the user reviews at the bottom of that page, everyone who owned it longer than a week that commented, they said the straps that fit the protector to the bed are made of cheap nylon and break easily.
#2 Naturepedic Organic Mattress Protector Pad (non-waterproof) (of type 3 in Phoenix’s post #89) - this one is thinner and less water resistant I guess than the protector linked just above. Oddly, I can’t find it on Naturepedic’s web site. I can only find it on that The Clean Bedroom web site. The Clean Bedroom’s web site says it’s made out of flannel. So I called and asked the salesman, saying I know if you sleep under flannel, it’s really warm. But is the same true if you sleep on top of it. He said yeah it was, he wouldn’t recommend that one for me. I called Naturepedic and they didn’t answer the phone. They might have already been closed for the day. I left a voice mail and am about to email them.
These are the ones The Clean Bedroom salesman recommended that I’m really leaning towards at this point:
#3 Suite Sleep Organic Cotton Stretch Knit Mattress Pad (of Phoenix’s type 3 in post #89) - Probably a very safe choice. Probably offers enough mattress protection, won’t make me hot and won’t mess with comfort layers either.
#4 Sleep & Beyond myProtector Fitted Mattress Protector - little bit of wool which is a little bit of a risk. Will add some cushioning and I like firm mattresses and pillows. But I may enjoy a little bit of cushion, I don’t know. Just not a lot. I bought the Flobeds shredded latex toppers awhile back and hated them. (Actually The Clean Bedroom salesman said he never tried this one, it just look interesting - and inexpensive - from looking at the web site).
#5 Suite Sleep Washable Wool Mattress Pad - Fitted Detail - more wool and way more expensive. I don’t think the extra wool will add extra heat. The thicker wool will surely add more protection for my mattress even though I’m not sure I need more protection. And it will add more cushion which I’m interested in trying.
One reason I’m so interested in wool is I live in the South where’s it’s HUMID. Atlanta is one of the least humid areas in the South, but it’s still notably more humid here than up north. And when I’m hot at night, my back is usually a little damp. With wool’s wicking power, I’m wondering how much of a god-send it would be.
Right now I’m leaning towards getting one of #3 and one of #4. I need two so that when I wash one, I have another ready to go (or I’ll never keep my mattress protected). I’m kind of in a hurry because summer is starting and I can’t be hot if I’m gonna sleep well. Plus money is kind of tight. I could easily dip into savings, but I hate doing that. I’m gonna need that money for a new car or a new house before too long. I’m trying to stay in my monthly budget. But I could go over if it’s really gonna help me sleep.
I’m just trying to get all the variables to settle in my mind and am wondering about what people think of what I’m thinking.
Does anyone know anything about those brands I’m looking at? It’s hard to find good reviews of this stuff on the Internet.
Am I going too overboard getting new mattress protectors for what’s gonna be at least another $300? I only know for a fact I can’t sleep on my current mattress protector directly. If there’s a cotton sheet on top of it though, I guessing that really can’t be enough to make the problem go away completely even though apparently it helps.
There’s a sale going on at The Clean Bedroom and the salesman was nice to me are the only reason’s I’m particularly interested in that site. I’m open to changing away from those guys.