Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
May 14, 2009 9:58 AM
Joined: May 14, 2009
Points: 1
Hello, and thanks for creating a very informative and interesting forum. I do feel that I learn 2 things, and then have 3 more questions. Oh well...

My wife and I have decided that latex (mattress!) is the way to go for us, and of the few we've been able to recline upon, we prefer softer ones, like the Serta Serenity Plush, a similar Serta model, and (maybe especially) the Original Mattress Factory's "plush" latex model (see http://www.originalmattress.com/products_and_prices/mattresses_and_box_springs/foam_and_latex_mattresses.aspx ) . What each of these seem to have in common is a fairly thickly quilted cover which contains a (non-latex) foam. (These are not pillow-tops, which we do not prefer and I've learned here are to be avoided.) These were the most comfortable in our 20-30 minute tests, as the less quilted ones seemed too firm to our liking. When I investigate the world of options on the internet, there seems to be a split between the quilted more plus approach (example http://www.greenmattresses.com/mattress-acadia.html ) and the thin velour or terry-cloth like approach that places like SleepEZ and others take. I am no purist- all we want is a good sleeping "system". So I'm interested in feedback/opinions regarding the more substantial quilted covers, like the Acadia model by green mattresses, especially if there are those who have experience in both kinds. We are average build/weight, and are side/back sleepers. Softer models have felt better on my shoulders, although I'm concerned that too soft will bother the back.

Any help will be welcomed and appreciated, so thanks!

Re: Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
Reply #1 May 15, 2009 5:50 AM
Joined: Sep 7, 2007
Points: 476
I know you're looking for someone to point you in the right direction, but unfortunately it's really a matter of preference and only you know what is going to feel best to you. Some people like more interaction with the latex, and for them the terry cover will provide that. Other people prefer a little more of a barrier between themselves and the latex, and like the plush sensation of the quilted cover.

Since you seem to gravitate to the mattresses with PU toppers over the latex, I'm wondering if the highly resilient, bouncy character of Talalay latex bothers you a bit. In which case you might want to look into Dunlop latex which has a more neutral feeling to it than Talalay--more like conventional foam. Overall I think you would be happier with a quilted cover. Note that SleepEZ standard cover is actually quilted with an inch of wool batting, but you can order it with the terry cover by request.

Re: Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
Reply #2 May 15, 2009 9:33 AM
Location: Oregon
Joined: Oct 25, 2008
Points: 130
I do not think the cover is that important in the scheme of things. All it really does is protect the mattress. You don't see it day to day. The mattress covers you see in the stores ooze luxuriousness and comfort, but all they really do is hold and protect what is in them. For my thinking, I want to be as close to the latex as is possible to get the full benefit. Too thick a cover and you will lose some of the feel of the latex.. You should put a mattress cover/protector on anyway so how many layers do you want between you and the mattress?

You will pay dearly for a luxorious cover (several hundred dollars). If thats what's important - go for it. I would rather put my money into the latex itself and have a thinner cover that could be easily and cheaply changed if needed. That's what I have now from FBM. I also bought another cover for about $20 for a spare but haven't needed it yet.

As soon as I get done sending this, someone will object and say the cover is very important, in fact the most important thing.... That's fine, that's their opinion only. For me, I had to learn to think outside the box to know what is really important.

Bill

Re: Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
Reply #3 May 15, 2009 12:34 PM
Joined: Nov 19, 2008
Points: 53
It's so hard to describe how something feels and each person has a different perception of "firm" and "soft."  I have almost the exact mattress set-up as BillB -- in fact, he was very helpful to me when I made my selection -- and I find that the Cuddle Bed mattress cover, with about an inch or so of batting in a pillowtop, adds softness to the bed. But I never slept on it without this cover and don't know how different the mattress would feel without it. I considered buying a more expensive, quilted mattress cover with wool batting and now I'm glad I didn't spend the extra money.  
This message was modified May 15, 2009 by Beanie
Re: Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
Reply #4 May 15, 2009 4:01 PM
Location: Oregon
Joined: Oct 25, 2008
Points: 130
I will add to my post that the only reason I have the Costco Cuddle Bed pad on is for my wife's comfort.  As a side sleeper she needed that extra 1" of fluff to ease the pressure points in her shoulder and hip areas. I actually would prefer it without the extra padding.
This message was modified May 15, 2009 by BillB
Re: Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
Reply #5 May 16, 2009 1:38 AM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
Then there is my opinion..... I tried the Cuddlebed and didn't like it. I can't explain why, but I didn't. I just have a blanket to protect the Dunlop latex, and my zoning layers of various products. Then I have a cotton jersey sheet over that. I like it fine this way. I can feel the memory foam and latex under the thin blanket. Not all of us like the same things as you can read here.....
Re: Importance (or not) of the cover [my first post]
Reply #6 May 17, 2009 10:16 PM
Joined: Jul 10, 2008
Points: 69
First, I correct me if I'm wrong, but the OMC is cheaper than the Serta, and I think that OMC makes a better bed in general.  That said, I am actually disappointed in OMC's use of the pu foam in their quilt. If I am seeing the picture right on their web page, they also use a layer of PU foam after the latex and before the cover. The mattress core will last longer than the PU foam. For the money you are spending, and that you know that you like the latex, I would go with Flobeds or SleepEZ. For a little extra $, you can get customizable layers that will work perfectly for each of you. And you have huge flexibility. I know that if you can't find a good foam layer combination, I think that they will take the bed back, something that OMC won't do. Finally, the covers are much nicer than a the terry cloth that you described.