Top covers and mattress protectors for latex mattress

Mattress Talk Additional Components & Accessories
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Hello from Perth again, I have been posting questions with different areas of focus so as to keep the posts from being too long but everything I have posted so far is aimed at helping me to choose a mattress. Everything is a bit interconnected and as I read more on this site more questions and potential issues arise. It really is going down a rabbit hole…

Whilst I am trying to decide on the density and firmness of a latex mattress to suit myself and my husband I have come across information pertaining to the impact of a mattress cover.

I’ve read all that I can find on your site about this element of a mattress. It all concurs with my own experience on our current mattress, a Sleeping Duck medium hybrid mattress where, when I sleep directly on the foam comfort layer with just the included stretchy zip off mattress protector/mattress cover, I feel that I sink into the mattress more than when I put a lightly quilted cotton protector on top. I slept well directly on the stretchy mattress cover but I prefer the feel of the quilted protector (more like sleeping on top of the mattress). SD manufacturer recommends not using an additional mattress protector and just sleeping on their cover which is removable and washable and you can buy a spare.

Based on this experience I believe that I would prefer a quilted over stretchy mattress cover on a latex mattress. I did lay on a latex mattress with soft comfort layer placed on top of the soft core but not all layers were contained within a cover and I found it too soft and springy for me.

The mattress I am considering is a Heveya organic latex and has the following type of cover:
4cm Bamboo Top Layer, Organic Cotton Quilting and Cotton Backing Make Up The Outer Cover with all round 3D Mesh - also all around zip allowing cover to be detached for airing or dry cleaning if necessary.

The thicker, quilted cover of the Heveya does seem to firm up the comfort layer in the same density. However at 4cm, it is a little thicker than the 1-11/2 inches I have seen recommended on your site and would like an opinion on whether this is a potential issue.

Here is what I have found out by reading previous posts:
The cover will certainly have an effect on the latex below it. A stretch knit cotton will affect the ability of the latex to conform to your body shape less than a woven fabric ticking. Thicker layers of wool can create localized cushioning but can also reduce the ability of the latex to conform and relieve pressure along the entire surface of the body … particularly as it compresses and gets firmer … so these are also “layers” that will interact with all the rest.
Cotton batting for example will compress and become firmer than wool. Any quilting on top of the mattress should be less than 1” thick.

Any comments on the use of bamboo and cotton for the ticking in the mattress cover? Is this cover too thick and will it reduce the effectiveness of the latex comfort layer?

Finally, I am now starting to think about mattress protectors and how they might change the feel of what I experience in the showroom when placed on top of this 4cm cover. The salesperson/sleep consultant recommended the Minijumbuck quilted cotton and wool mattress protector which is thicker than the standard quilted cotton protectors and may in turn add another dimension/layer to the mattress, further impacting the effect of the latex comfort layer. Any thoughts on this issue?

Of course this is easily fixed if I did find a thicker quilted protector affected the feel of the mattress negatively. I can just find an alternative (however the Mini jumbuck is quite expensive). From my reading I might consider trying a stretchy protector to go over the 4cm quilted bamboo and cotton mattress top cover, but most of these seem to have a waterproof layer under pure cotton jersey and I have never liked the feel of a waterproof protector.

Another alternative is a pure wool and quilted cotton double sided topper instead of a protector. I did try this on my previous mattress and found it did not change the feel of the foam comfort layer as much as a thinner quilted cotton protector. It did firm the comfort foam layer up in a positive way whilst still providing some sink in feel.

As you can see by my recent posts, the more I find out the less I know, and the less I feel confident in making a choice. I am looking for opinions here even though I know that it is my own PPP that matters in the end.

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Following the thread.

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Hey Micron!

It sounds like you’ve been doing a lot of digging, and it’s easy to get caught in the rabbit hole of all the options and advice out there. It can definitely feel overwhelming, but you’re on the right track!

You’re right about the mattress cover making a difference. The fabric you choose can definitely impact how the latex beneath it feels. Generally, stretch-knit fabrics won’t interfere with the latex’s ability to conform to your body, while something like a woven fabric can make the latex feel a bit firmer and less conforming (especially something zippered). When you add layers on top, they’ll always have some effect, especially as they compress over time, so the goal is to find a balance between additional softness/comfort/protection and the latex being able to do its thing.

As for the 4cm bamboo cover, it’s right on the cusp of the thicker side compared to what we usually recommend, but it might not be a huge issue if it’s soft and still allows the latex to shine through.

For the mattress protector, the Minijumbuck quilted one might add a bit more cushioning, but you’re right…since it’s thicker, it could change the feel of the mattress a little. If you’re worried about it, a thinner protector or something stretchy might be a good way to go if it doesn’t make the latex feel too compressed. But I hear you on the waterproof layer. Those can definitely feel a bit off, especially under cotton jersey. Wool protectors, on the other hand, can be a nice, breathable option that adds some cushion without too much firmness (generally speaking).

Of course as you already know, it’s all about what works for you and how you feel on the mattress once everything’s put together. No one knows your comfort like you do, so keep trusting your instincts!

NikkiTMU

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Many thanks Nikki, I’ve been finding it difficult to source a “natural” stretchy mattress protector with no waterproofing here in Australia. Tencell is an option but most have some sort of a “breathable” waterproof layer. I might look at pure wool, not too thick. I’ve not ever experienced a stretchy cotton jersey protector (or sheets) preferring percale cotton sheets and natural cotton mattress protectors. Trial and error I guess (and expense if the trial proves to be an error).

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It is not Australia, but I have ordered from this person in Italy and have found his products to be very good. Perhaps you can order from him or find out what he is using and see if someone in Australia offers it.

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Thanks, I will check this out and see if he ships to Australia and I may trawl the European bedding stockists here. I see he stocks actual full mattress covers also. My experience on polyfoam comfort layer covered in a stretchy fabric suggests I prefer a quilted cover, I like the effect it has and I feel more like I am sleeping on top of the mattress.

On my Sleeping Duck mattress the removable cover was a nice thick stretchy fabric but I liked putting a quilted cotton protector over that cover. So I think I will be fine with the cotton ticking in a quilted cover on the latex, it is just the protector I need to decide on but I can wait and just use a protector I already have for the moment (I tend to get ahead of myself).

I tried a latex mattress that had a very minimal thin cover and I didn’t like the really bouncy, flexi feel of the latex so close to my body so I am confident with the quilted cover on latex. We’ve decided on latex for durability and hoping it provides superior comfort but we have been comfortable in the past on pocket spring mattresses, mostly quite firm with no pillow top or very small pillow top.

I found that when I put a thick woollen quilted underlay on the small pillow top mattress I had back ache and I assumed it made it too soft. It would seem I like a reasonably firm mattress (but not futon firm, that gives me pain), but I am now older so that can change comfort needs.

There are a lot of options for cotton/wool protectors here and one I found with 150gsm wool inside pure cotton casing, quilted but it didn’t have a fitted skirt, just elastic at the corners. I think the wool filling would provide some degree of waterproofing and as the cover of the Hevaya mattress is removable it can be washed if need be.

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