Mattress topper and mattress cover

One of the factors affecting the duration of the mattress is the presence or absence of a mattress topper. Thanks to a high-quality mattress topper, an expensive base will not only last longer, but also retain its appearance longer. Finding your way in the huge assortment of bedding accessories is not easy. What criteria should be taken into account when choosing them, so as not to be disappointed in the purchase, in which cases it is advisable to purchase a thin model, and when there is a high topper and whether there is an ideal "clothing" for a mattress at all - let's figure it out.

A good consultant will certainly suggest the buyer, in addition to the mattress, to purchase a good mattress topper. And it's not just a matter of striving to increase sales. Mattress accessories - covers, mattress toppers and mattress toppers - are practical and extremely useful things that are designed to solve several problems at once:

• Protection of the base from various types of contamination.
• Creation of a barrier against dust and moisture.
• Ensuring perfect hygiene of the sleeping surface.
• Correction of mattress hardness parameters and temperature control of the sleeping place due to the "breathing" properties.
• Improved sleep quality.

The covers provide all-round protection of the mattress, protecting not only the top and sides, but also the bottom. They can be removable and non-removable. Structural elements of the non-removable version of the product include welt, aerator, inspection zipper, handle. Its main disadvantage is regular dry cleaning costs.

In this regard, removable covers are much more convenient, with the exception of jacquard products. Since washing this material is extremely undesirable, sooner or later you have to use dry cleaning services. Any other fabric can be washed without problems. Another disadvantage of removable covers is that they go astray.

The "stand-alone" cover with a zipper is a complete "clothing" for the mattress, being, in fact, its integral part. Under the cover you can see a multi-layer mattress filling or a thin protective layer that hides the inner layers. These products are hassle-free in service and can easily tolerate dry or wet sanitization.

Such products perform not only protective functions, but also act as a decorative element, complementing the interior of the bedroom. In this case, it is important to choose a color that is consonant with the background finish and texture, similar to furniture upholstery and other textiles.

Criteria for choosing such a cover:

• Natural fabric.
• Increased strength characteristics.
• Reliable zipper.
• High hygroscopic properties.

Now there is an increase in consumer demand for products with orthopedic functions - this is furniture with a base that corrects the hardness and mattresses with medicinal properties. To enhance the orthopedic effect, bedding accessories made of natural latex are used. No less in demand are waterproof and anti-allergenic covers, the manufacture of which became possible thanks to the use of innovative materials, which we will talk about a little later.

There are two categories of products of this type - thick mattress toppers, and thin ones. In addition to the ability to protect the blade, toppers can reduce and increase the stiffness of the blade:

• Orthopedic mattress covers. The wrong choice of mattress, in particular, the hardness parameters, is a reason to take a closer look at this particular group of products, especially if the deadline for returning an unsuitable product has already been missed. Such a model is often acquired for medical reasons in order to alleviate the patient's condition. In such situations, softness is fundamentally important, or vice versa - the rigidity of the berth. If you need to increase the orthopedic effect, a hard cover is used, where the fabric contains coconut coir. In another case, a soft mattress cover is taken: to soften the hardness of the sleeping surface, manufacturers use various fillers with orthopedic properties expressed to one degree or another.

• Woolen mattress covers. In some cases, buyers of this type of toppers just want to improve their well-being, while in others the need to purchase them is due to unpleasant diagnoses: sciatica, osteochondrosis, arthralgia, arthritis and other joint diseases of various localization. The help of woolen mattress covers is expressed in stabilizing the work of the circulatory system, normalizing the work of the central nervous system, and relieving muscle tension.

• Seasonal toppers. The point of buying a seasonal mattress topper comes down to the ability of such a model to create maximum comfort for the sleeper, depending on the season. The use of a summer topper, which is usually made of silk or linen, will provide a pleasant tactile contact, since the sleeping place will be moderately cool. In addition, these fabrics have the ability to wick moisture away from the body in the form of sweat. With a winter cover (wool + filler) you will always be warm. Don't forget about the health benefits of wool fibers.

Any product from this group has protective functions, and what exactly depends on which subspecies of thin mattress covers you plan to deal with:

• Classic models. In their manufacture, both natural fabrics and synthetics are used. Externally, a classic mattress topper is a dense pad that is fixed on the mattress with various types of fasteners. The product protects the base from dirt, limits the access of dust, prevents the formation of frayed areas, thereby extending the life of the base.
• Waterproof products. The main function is moisture protection. The material contains special membranes to prevent water penetration. Moreover, this feature of the fabric does not in any way affect the level of comfort during sleep. Another advantage of a waterproof product is good "breathability", and therefore, the product is in high demand among dads and mothers who have recently become parents. The waterproof cover provides normal air circulation, unlike ordinary oilcloths, which create a harmful "greenhouse" effect, as a result of which the delicate skin of newborns is often covered with diaper rash. The waterproof mattress topper is a real salvation for those who care for the elderly or bedridden patients. Finally, it just makes life easier - you no longer have to worry about the safety of an expensive mattress because of a glass of juice or a cup of coffee accidentally spilled in the morning.

• Antiallergenic models. Here we are talking about protective functions of a different kind.The antibacterial properties of special impregnations in the fabric help fight house dust mites, restricting access to the base, the inner layers of which are a favorite place for parasites that form whole colonies there. The antibacterial mattress topper creates a protective barrier, thanks to which you will no longer be disturbed by fungus and mold - the main sources of strong allergens that provoke the development of asthma and exacerbation of symptoms of respiratory diseases.

Mattress toppers are single-layer - like most classic models and multi-layer. In two-layer waterproof counterparts, cotton is used for the production of the upper layer, and the membrane fabric is used for the lower one. Most of the models are three-layer, when the outer layer is made of natural materials such as cotton, silk, bamboo, jacquard.

Quilted mattress toppers, produced using ultrastep technology (thermostitching), which improves the appearance of the material and prevents the top layer from curling, are distinguished by a long service life. A profitable solution that will be appreciated by owners of furniture of non-standard shapes - mattress toppers for a round bed or a round bed.

Toppers are versatile products that, if necessary, can act as a full-fledged replacement for a bed or perform the function of an orthopedic base. Despite its small thickness, such an attribute fully supports the sleeper's body, providing maximum comfort. Depending on the task at hand - softening or increasing the hardness of the surface, manufacturers use various fillers.

Softening mattress toppers are made from the following materials:

1. Latex (natural) - moderate rigidity, pronounced orthopedic effect, water resistance, optimal heat transfer properties, resistance to deformation. This is the best filler from the existing ones, the products made from it are the most comfortable and reliable.
2. Memorix with the ability to remember body shape. The thickness of such toppers is 4 cm, which does not affect the cost: they are quite expensive. But the cost is more than offset by the level of comfort.
3. Holofiber / Struttofiber. Composition: polyester fiber + linen + wool + cotton. Due to the balanced combination of synthetics and natural raw materials, the mattress toppers are functional to the maximum. This is a clear demonstration of the ability of budget toppers to soften a hard mattress and level the surface.
4. Polyurethane foam (PPU) - a modern analogue of foam rubber. This filling provides the maximum softness of the topper, but one cannot count on long-term operation. Basically, polyurethane foam mattress covers are purchased due to their low cost, since practicality is definitely not one of their advantages.

The following are used to make elastic, rigid toppers:

• Coconut coir - hard latex filler to adjust the hardness of the berth. The material is characterized by excellent breathability and hygroscopicity.
• Bikokos / struttofiber (holofiber) - these materials are not used very often.

As for the coir mattress topper, the corrective ability depends on the thickness of the product. A small correction is needed - choose a topper with a parameter from 2 to 3 centimeters, if significant, then 6 centimeters.

You already know about the corner elastic bands by means of which the mattress covers are attached to the mattress. This type of fastening is convenient in that it allows you to instantly remove the product for washing. The minus of the rubber bands is deformation - an inevitable phenomenon during long-term use, as a result of which the mattress topper ceases to hold on to the mattress, sliding down and getting lost. Plus - a democratic price.

Knowing the exact parameters of the bed helps to avoid possible disappointments. In addition to the length / width of the bed, you need to measure the thickness of the mattress used, the latter is often overlooked. The result is dissatisfaction with the purchase.

As for the size of the mattress covers, everything is quite simple here:

• Products for the smallest - from 120x60 cm to 190x60 cm.
• Compact sofas, children's, teenage beds - from 70x120 cm to 70x220 cm.
• Single beds (children / adult models) - from 80x140 cm to 90x200 cm.Eurostandard - 145x200 cm.
• One and a half - from 100x180 cm to 130x220 cm.
• Double (standard / custom size) - from 140x180 cm to 170x220 cm, 160x200 cm is suitable for medium beds.
• Double (King Size) - from 180x180 cm to 200x220 cm.

If the priority is to purchase a topper with the ability to improve orthopedic properties, then it is very important not to be mistaken with the thickness. The thickest products can support a significant body weight. The 5 cm thickness is designed for weight up to 85 kg. Thin mattress toppers are 2-10 cm thick.

Bedding accessories are made from the following types of natural and artificial materials:

• Bamboo fiber, the value of which lies in its high antibacterial properties. Plus, it is hypoallergenic and undemanding to maintain.
• Silks - the lightness and softness of the fabric provides maximum comfort for tactile contact. It is a pleasure to sleep on a silk mattress cover in the heat.
• Wool (camel, sheep) or felt with medicinal and breathable properties. Do not forget that this material is the main contender for the role of an allergy provocateur.
• Jacquard - a popular type of fabric, despite its high cost. It is considered an environmentally friendly material and is definitely not an allergy provocateur.
• Cotton - excellent hygroscopicity combined with the ability to cool and refresh the sleeping surface.
• Polycotton - durability, practicality, hypoallergenicity - a combination that many buyers like.

The choice of mattress covers largely determines their purpose: for babies - waterproof, for allergy sufferers - hypoallergenic, when the goal is recovery, then woolen, you need to adjust the rigidity - orthopedic toppers. Determine immediately with the presence / absence of the need for additional impregnations - antistatic, with the relax function, which increase the cost of products.

For tips on how to choose a mattress cover, see the following video.

The main criteria for selecting the right model:

• Sizes and ratio of the dimensions of the mattress to the dimensions of the mattress topper. If the product has sidewalls, in addition to the width / length, find out the height of the mattress.
• Product type.
• Type of filler, if you plan to buy a topper.
• Individual characteristics of the organism, when a medicated wool product is purchased to minimize the risk of developing allergies.

Needless to say, in a high-quality product, the lines are smooth, the seams are strong, the fasteners are reliable, and the outer coating looks attractive. Hooks and protruding threads are not allowed.

The analysis of reviews shows that the vast majority of users have already appreciated the benefits of these accessories:

• Necessary and useful functions: protective, corrective and especially antibacterial.
• The ability of toppers to "correct" defects in the sleeping surface - joints, height differences.
• Convenience of fasteners, especially elastic bands.
• Ease of maintenance.
• Possibility to choose a mattress topper for any bed.

The main difficulty lies not in choosing a mattress topper, but in how not to be mistaken in quality. Especially when it comes to children's products. Supply in this market segment has long exceeded demand, and many manufacturers offer mattress toppers at low prices. But the opinion of mothers on this matter is invariable: it is better to spend money on a pair of expensive high-quality mattress covers than to fight with prickly heat, diaper rash, or even an allergy in a child. Health is more expensive.