Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Feb 24, 2010 3:21 PM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62
I would like to purchase a zippered mattress protector for the three Queen-sized latex toppers I ordered, which total 8". I don't want anything with vinyl or waterproofing.

Here's what I've found so far:

SleepEZ has one that's terry cloth @ $100. Another, which is a cotton cover quilted to wool looks very nice, but is pricey @ $240 + $49 shipping.

FoamByMail has a terry cloth protector @ $65. They also have a gray & white striped cover @ $45, which is cotton/poly.

SleepLikeaBear has a terry cloth protector @ $128 (I wonder what makes theirs twice the price of the one sold by FBM?). They have a bamboo/poly quilted cover for $267, and wool protectors which are even more expensive.

RockyMountain has a terry cloth protector @ $120.

Does anyone have any other recommendations?
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #1 Feb 24, 2010 3:27 PM
Joined: Dec 17, 2009
Points: 850
Natura washable wool pad, should be able to get one for 200 or less. 

Or St. Dormier washable wool filled pads, 100% terry cotton cover, $178 for a queen if you can find one, very good protector.

edit: nvm, you need a whole mattress covering?  forget my recommendations lol
This message was modified Feb 24, 2010 by budgy
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #2 Feb 24, 2010 3:53 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
Funny I was just looking at those mattress protectors. I know nobody believes me, but I use a plush blanket over my latex layers and it stays in place; and I don't notice it any hotter/warmer than a mattress pad.  Try it until you make a decision.

By the way how does your XFirm latex look, does it have a seam?

I am thinking of finding a fabric store that sells terry cloth, and just laying it over the layers.  You don't need a zipper.

Is the XFirm piece lots firmer than your 32ILD from Rocky Mountain mattress?
This message was modified Feb 24, 2010 by Leo3
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #3 Feb 24, 2010 4:13 PM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62
I didn't get the 3" Firm and XFirm toppers yet, they should be here by the end of the week - if they don't get snowed in!

I could use the cotton pad I have now, it has a stretchy side that expands, but I would like to zip the whole thing up to make it look like a traditional mattress.
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #4 Feb 24, 2010 4:17 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
If you are buying one, I would try to make sure that it unzips on at least 3 sides.  I think the sleeplikeabear and sleepez unzip on 3-4 sides.  Not sure about the others you mentioned. 

Some mattress protectors only unzip at one end and and partially  down the sides.  I think it would be very difficult to get the latex inside and lined up that way.  Certainly would be a pain every time you wanted to rearrange the layers.

Yes, wool is expensive if it is built in to the cover or in a topper.  The advantage of a topper would be that you try it with and without it to see which you prefer.  So, I am not sure you need it built in to the cover, but it is nice that way if you definitely want some wool above the latex.

Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #5 Feb 24, 2010 5:07 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
Just zip it into an allergy -proof mattress cover. This will prevent dust mites and keep your latex clean and safe.

http://www.natlallergy.com/cat/2/bedcare-mattress-covers-mite-proof-encasings-bed-bug-covers.html

As someone mentioned above, I have been using my latex for years with no cover. I think the one I've had the longest is a blended Talalay and it does have some "drying" to it, which may or may not be from having it un-encased. Not sure. But I don't use covers because it's just that much harder to change out layers if I do.
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #6 Feb 25, 2010 12:36 AM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
I agree with Jim, I don't use a zipper cover because I am always moving the latex layers around!  I know this sounds crazy, but I found some terry cloth fabric that I could make a cover.  It is 60" wide, I could just (too bad I don't havean extra in my closet) buy a super cheap mattress pad/cover from Ross, and cut the sheer fabric with elastic attached off, it wouldn't be that hard to do.  Click here to see the fabric.
 
I use to order fabric from FashionFabricsClub, and they are top quality fabrics.  They send you samples.  Just fun to look.  But I prefer elastic right now because my setup is over a mattress so that works for me.

But think I would rather spend the $64 at FBM for the 8" zippered terry cloth cover if I were you.  I may be you if I add some more latex, and move the mattress to the other room, and use the foundation from my Tempurpedic copy mattress.  Personally for me I want terry cloth, not stiff cotton, or anything else over the latex.  It just is a better feel, when you get your ILD combination just right that is
This message was modified Feb 25, 2010 by Leo3
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #7 Feb 25, 2010 1:30 AM
Location: Oregon
Joined: Oct 25, 2008
Points: 130
Last year, when I put my latex bed from FBM together, I bought their fully zipped, terrycloth cover, which is does the job well.  Over it we have the Costco cuddle bed mattress pad, which gives about an inch of extra softness.  I also bought, as a spare, another mattress cover from Shopbedding.com  This was a great deal, is 100% unbleached cotton with a full zipper and is less than $25 shipped.  I haven't used it yet but surely will someday.  To me, this is the ideal cover as its cheap, unpretentious and is thin enough that it won't take the feel out of the latex. 
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #8 Feb 25, 2010 9:20 AM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62
Thanks everyone. BillB that 100% cotton cover from ShopBedding is $15.95! Can't resist a bargain like that, thanks!
Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #9 Feb 25, 2010 11:51 AM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
narnia wrote:
Thanks everyone. BillB that 100% cotton cover from ShopBedding is $15.95! Can't resist a bargain like that, thanks!

At that price you don't have much to lose.

As I noted earlier, it will probably be difficult to put 3 layers in, if it only unzips on one end.  Latex has a lot of friction, so it does not slide easily.

You probably will be able to do it once with some effort, but switching around layers will be very difficult.  So, I would recommend you sleep on it for a while to make sure you are happy with the configuration before trying to put it in.

Re: Zippered Mattress Protector Recommendations
Reply #10 Feb 25, 2010 4:14 PM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62
Sandman I called them, and the zipper goes along the long side and then the short side, like an "L" shape, so I don't think it will be a problem getting the toppers in.