I was just wondering if anyone has tried a mattress protector setup such as this: wool puddle pad directly on top of mattress covered by a zippered cotton dust mite encasement. I ask because I would like an encasement, but also would like some protection of the mattress. Fully waterproof protection is not needed, but more protection is desired than the cotton encasement would provide.I have read other posts on mattress protectors here, but I don’t want to change the feel of the mattress too much and thought this might be the way to go instead of fitted wool protector and encasement…That or maybe a zippered dust mite encasement with a protective wool barrier on the top exist all bundled into one that I haven’t come across?
I should mention that I am after a fully organic solution here and trying not to spend fortune (under 400 would be nice). Also I have a Dunlop latex bed if that matters. If anyone has any insight that would be great. Thanks!
Hi whift47,
I haven’t use the combination personally but I know many people have (and organic mattress manufacturers that suggest it) and it works well … except I would use the wool puddle pad under the cotton encasement rather than over it. The cotton can help wick and spread out the moisture into the puddle pad to improve its water resistance and it will also feel better to most people. I don’t know of any “all in one” combinations.
There is a little more about mattress allergy encasements and what to look for in post #2 here.
I haven’t done much research into wool puddlepads and bedding isn’t an area of specialty for me but some google searches on “wool moisture pad” and “wool puddle pad” will bring up many options. In general they will either be felted, needlepunched, or tight weaves to help densify the wool and help with water resistance. There are also differences between them in the amount of wool content and the thickness of the puddle pad and in my experience it can be a good idea to talk with a knowledgeable retailer or manufacturer about how their product compares to others in terms of the type of wool they use, the method of construction, the thickness of the pad, how it “feels” and affects the feel of the mattress, its relative moisture resistance, care instructions, and how it may compare to other options you have available because there is a considerable range of options and prices for products that on the surface appear to be similar and are not easy to differentiate based on a basic description.
Based on the limited research I’ve done you should be able to find a combination that will work well that is in your budget range (depending to some degree on the size of your mattress) even though higher quality natural and organic fibers are typically in higher price ranges.
Hopefully some of the members here that have used a similar combination to what you are considering (a stretch cotton protector and a wool puddle pad) will see this thread and share their thoughts and feedback about the ones they purchased.
Phoenix
First of all , the budget shouldn’t be a problem. You didn’t mention your mattress size, which would affect price, but I’m guessing a King? Organic wool needlepunched wool pads 1/4" thick are $210; DIY versions by the yard are under $150.
The wool won’t stretch as much as a knit cotton will but at the same time, it will flex more a woven piece of cotton would. The shape of wool’s molecular fibers, being a coil shape, gives it room to expand instead of merely bending when compressed. Wool fibers have about 30% flex in them, cotton 0%. Wool can flex, cotton can bend. In the case of knit (vs. woven) fabrics, the weave of the fabric can allow the cotton fibers to pull away from each other and then to rejoin.
By the way, when I google Pheonix’s term “stretch cotton protector”, the first two sites show pictures of a double knit fabric, with which I am quite familiar with as we work with it too. While a 12" x 12’ piece will stretch in both directions about 3", 4" in one direction, it has no elastic or spandex in it; it is merely three layers of threads. I mention this because I find the website’s descriptions of stretch to be misleading. Though I’ve seen the same fabric called by stranger names.
Deborah