An cotton crib mattress features no polyurethane foam that can off gas and leach chemicals into your child's sleeping environment. The mattresses are made of all organic and natural materials that encourage a sound and healthy sleep. Chemicals used in the growing of natural materials or the manufacturing of oil or chemical based substances like plastics can involve toxic chemicals that seep into the mattress and the air.

Young kids spend a lot of time sleeping in the early years so if you want to make sure they are sleeping soundly and securely then an organic cotton mattress is recommended. In addition if your children show early signs of respiratory allergies like asthma then an organic cotton crib mattress is doubly important due to the chemicals  mentioned above.

Some manufacturers of organic cotton mattress include:

• Sealy Naturalis
• Naturepedic No Compromise Organic Cotton
• LA Baby Organic Cotton Innerspring Crib Mattress

A cotton mattress cover is a wonderful addition to any mattress and can protect you from bed bugs and dust mites or protect your mattress from soiling if accidents occur.

A mattress cover differs from a mattress prad in that it offers a thin layer of protection only, ideal if your mattress is already comfortable and you don’t want to change the feel of it with a bulk pad.

Types Of Cotton Mattress Cover

A cotton mattress cover generally comes in one of two distinct styles.

1. The first style is intended simply to protect your mattress. It covers the bed and wraps around the outside and tucks underneath between the mattress and the base (if you have one). This type of cover is used for both allergy and protection purposes

Generally the top cover is a small weave cotton fabric, which is then backed by a polyurethane film, which is both waterproof and breathable and acts as a protective barrier. The sides are a often a stretchable cotton that fits the mattress snugly.

2. The second style is intended for mite proofing your mattress. It uses a zipper system that encases your mattress and doesn’t allow anything in or out. That way if your mattress has dust mites then they won’t affect you and you can easily take the cotton mattress cover off if you need to wash the cover if soiling occurs.

Thread Count, Size and Fabric Style

Once you have decided which style you need then there are a few other choices to make, based on thread count, size and the process used to treat the fabric.

Size is fairly obvious and will depend on whether the mattress you wish to cover is a single, twin, Queen or King.

Thread count will determine not only the feel of the cover but also its durability. Generally the higher the thread count the softer and more durable it will be

In regard to the production process of the cotton there are a few things to consider, particularly if you are at all sensitive to chemicals.

Ideally the best option is an organic cotton mattress cover that has not been treated with any chemicals. This will ensure the highest level of protection for you and your family.

Some mattress covers are treated with chemicals to make them more mite and fire retardant. If you have concerns about these chemicals, ask the supplier or check round for different opinions a to make your own decision as to whether these chemicals are beneficial or harmful to your particular circumstance.

Cotton Mattress Cover Products

Here are a few products to consider.

Protect-A-Bed Premium Waterproof Mattress Protector

• Comes in all ranges of size from Single to King
• Waterproof: Polyurethane film backing repels liquids like urine & sweat.
• Breathable Barrier Fabric: Allows body vapor to breathe through pad.
• Dust Mite & Allergy Barrier
• Machine washable in warm or hot water. Tumble dry on medium heat.
• More Information available at Amazon

 AllerZip Waterproof Bed Bug Proof Zippered Bedding Encasement

• Comes in all ranges of size from Single to King
• Cotton-terry cloth cover
• Waterproof polyurethane film backing
• Breathable Barrier Fabric: Guaranteed NOT hot to sleep on. Allows body vapor to breathe through pad.
• 3-sided zipper lock is certified barrier for bed bugs, dust mite & allergen.
• Machine washable in warm or hot water. Tumble dry on medium heat.
• Protect either mattress or box spring.
• More Information available at Amazon

 Newpoint Terry Waterproof Mattress Protector

• Breathable waterproof protection
• Easy care machine wash warm
• Clean hygienic sleep environment for all ages
• Cotton terry cover
• More Information available at Amazon

 AllerSoft Mattress Protectors - Organic Cotton

• 100% organic cotton
• Helps relieve your allergy, sinusitis, allergic eczema, asthma, sinus pressure, and more.
• Thread Count: 285 threads per square inch.
• Totally breathable and membrane-free.
• Average Pore Size: 4.91 microns.
• Machine wash warm and dry up to 140F or hang dry.
• More Information available at Amazon

A cotton mattress is made with only certified organic cotton, grown naturally from plants that haven’t been genetically modified and without using pesticides.  The production processes of these mattresses are environmentally and socially responsible. But not only that, cotton can help you have a deep, rejuvenating sleep.

Cotton is soft and durable. It’s breathes well and is also a good conductor of heat; in summer it cools your body, in winter it helps insulate and keep you warm. As a natural fiber, cotton offers superior ventilation to most materials, so it won’t sweat when you do.

What Types of Organic Cotton Mattress Are There?

There are very few authentic 100% organic 100% cotton mattresses on the market.

Most commonly mattresses made of cotton (organic or otherwise) are combined with other elements in stacked layers, to make them cheaper or softer. These additions such as latex, wool, or an inner spring element can be man-made or also be derived from organic processes.

If you are after a 100% pure organic cotton mattress then you need to confirm a few things with the supplier.

1. That certified organic cotton is used to make the outer fabric cover.

2. Pure certified organic cotton has been used to fill the mattress

3. Organic cotton thread is used to sew all the cotton in place

A pure organic cotton mattress can have an almost 50% compression rate over a 3-6 month period. This is perfectly normal and a natural aspect of cotton material. Airing and breathing of the mattress is recommended and it will continue to provide a firm but cushiony support.

Combining other materials with the cotton is not a bad idea if you prefer a lighter mattress. You can always find mixed mattresses that are also organically produced. Wool and latex are the safest options as those sensitive to electro- magnetic fields should stay clear of inner springs as metal is known to enhance the field.

Benefits of An Organic Cotton Mattress

The major advantage of a 100% Organic Cotton Mattress is the health aspect. Beds made from man-made fibers are bound to be chock full of chemicals, as are mattresses with non-organically grown fibers.

Firm organic cotton mattresses are also very beneficial for back health.  By providing a firm support for your spine and neck, these mattresses also help poor sleepers reinforce better sleeping posture.

Cotton Mattress Pads help protect your mattress from accidental mishaps that could damage your mattress and can also add insulation as well as extra layer of softness. So in short they protect and enhance your mattress and help ensure a comfortable and relaxing sleep.

Cotton mattress pads are a natural alternative to man-made materials which are not particularly nice to sleep on as they don’t breathe as well as natural fibres. This is a significant factor when sleeping for many hours at a time. Man-made fibres or cotton blends traditionally don’t last as long as pure cotton so making the decision to buy cotton mattress pads is practical from both a comfort and financial point of view.

Cotton Mattress Pads come in two styles:

• Guaranteed To Fit, Tailor Fit or Expand a Grip

One size fits all. These all-purpose mattress pads are designed to fit snugly over the mattress sides, whether your mattress is of the largest or smallest style. If you have a small or large mattress, these expand and contract to fit your size and the rest is tucked securely underneath. These mattress pads generally expand to fit mattresses of up to 24 inches in depth.

• Fitted Mattress Pad

A more general mattress pad, these are designed to fit standard mattress sizes. These mattress pads look like a standard fitted sheet and come in various sizes, the same as beds and sheets (e.g. single, twin etc).

Fabric Components

Not all cotton mattress pads are created equal. 
Some contain 100% cotton in both the filling and the cover, using only elastic in the sides to ensure a firm fit. Cheaper mattress pads use a polyester mix in either the filling or the cover.  Polyester covers may pill after extended use while those containing polyester filling will not be as insulating as cotton fill.

100% cotton mattress pads are the most comfortable and the most durable. Just like sheets, mattress pads can come in different thread counts. And, just as with sheets, the higher the thread count, the more durable and luxurious the mattress pad.

Organic cotton mattress pads are also available. The cotton included in these mattress pads is grown and managed without pesticides or artificial fertilizers and so offer additional peace of mind.

Another factor to consider is how the filling is secured. The filling in higher quality cotton mattress pads will not move around and create lumps and divots that will be uncomfortable to lie on. Look for more stitching over the surface of the cover. The extra stitching keeps everything in place when you move around on the bed.

Cotton Mattress Pad Maintenance

Taking care of your cotton mattress pad couldn’t be easier. Most all can be placed straight into a washing machine and wasted with warm or cool water. In terms of frequency, it should be washed more often than your duvet or comforter covers but not as often as your sheets.

Cotton Mattress Pads FAQ

What is the best quality cotton mattress pad I can buy?
100% cotton, preferably organically grown, extra thick, Guaranteed To Fit style.
These cost a little more but the investment is worth it, providing more comfort for you and the best available protection for your mattress.

My mattress is quite deep, which mattress pad should I buy?
If you have a big, deep mattress or are looking to get a mattress topper to place on top of your mattress for extra comfort, try the Guaranteed To Fit style pad discussed above.

My Mattress Pad keeps slipping off, how can I fix this?
Try purchasing some straps to secure the pad under the mattress or look for non-slip mattress grippers. This is a thin sheet made of grippy material that fits between your mattress and the bed base.

Where Can I buy Cotton Mattress Pads?
You can check out the suppliers on this page or try Amazon which has a large range of mattress pads and other bedding supplies.

The Cotton Mattress is a complete sleeping alternative to the standard inner spring mattress. It provides a firm base to sleep on and is used regularly in countries like Japan or India where a mattress can also serve as base for meditation.

An increasing number of people are turning to mattresses made of cotton (or other natural fibres) due to concern about the Electro Magnetic Field caused by inner-spring mattresses. These springs, referred to as “poison arrows” in Feng Shui, can heighten the Earth’s EMF while you sleep, causing undesirable responses in sensitive sleepers.

Cotton Mattress Variations

Often available in chemical free or organic variations, the cotton mattress is a healthy option for those sensitive to the metal or chemicals commonly used in inner-spring mattresses.  

A cotton mattress can often be referred to as a futon, and may also contain a layer of wool, springs or latex to lighten the weight of a full cotton mattress. Mixing components also offers a less dense version of the pure cotton mattress.

The common varieties of cotton mattresses:

• 100% cotton: Firm & heavy. Often organic or pesticide free
• Cotton/Latex: Firm but softer than full cotton, heavy. Latex is another word for rubber and, as with most natural substances, organic latex is the healthiest option available.
• Cotton/Wool: Medium to firm, heavy.  Wool is added to soften the mattress.
• Cotton/Inner Spring: The lightest and softest option but not the best option for those sensitive to metal.

Cotton Mattress Care

All mattresses with a high percentage of cotton require airing. This could involve simply rolling the mattress up on the bed base, turning the mattress over or placing it in the sun.

The size and weight of a cotton mattress should be taken into account before purchasing as they can be rather unwieldy. Most often the airing process simply requires one person to roll one end of the mattress over the other in the morning and then roll it back down in the afternoon.

To ensure that the mattress breathes effectively it is recommended that pure cotton mattresses be placed on a base made of wooden slats.

Bases for a Cotton Mattress

Cotton mattresses need to breathe and its best to ensure they keep dry by placing them on slat bases. The slat bases are traditionally lower to the ground and the planks of wood that support the mattress can be made of either solid hardwood or can be flexible.  

Those mattresses with inner springs do not need the slats and can be placed on traditional bases though should still be rotated regularly.