Does a Latex Mattress Topper Need a Cover?

October 14, 2021

Using latex mattress toppers helps improve the quality of your sleep by adjusting the firmness level of your mattress. Most latex mattress toppers, however, don't come with covers. In fact, you can still use your latex topper quite comfortably without covers.

But if you would like to have a luxurious sleep experience and comfort while sleeping on your latex topper, adding a cover is a great idea. Covers have several benefits, and are also made using different materials that serve various purposes.

Find out more about these covers, their functions, and everything else you need to know right here.

What is a Latex Mattress Topper?

A latex mattress topper is a layer of latex foam laid on top of the mattress to alter its firmness level. The topper can be made using natural or synthetic latex, and can either be processed using the Dunlop or Talalay method.

Both types of toppers have a similar feel, depending on the firmness level you need for your mattress. For instance, if your mattress feels too firm, you can use a softer latex mattress topper made of either natural or synthetic latex foam.

However, natural latex mattress toppers have the upper hand in terms of quality. They are also more durable, eco-friendly, and unlikely to cause allergic reactions to sleepers. On the other hand, the chemical fillers and materials used to make synthetic latex may produce smelly off-gassing odors, and may irritate sleepers prone to allergies.

The processing method of the two types of latex mattress toppers also plays a significant role in their firmness level. Talalay latex foams feel softer than Dunlop latex, due to the slight differences in their manufacturing procedures. Therefore, if you're looking for a sustainable option of a softer latex topper, a natural Talalay latex would be a good choice over a Dunlop latex foam.

What are the Benefits of a Latex Mattress Topper?

A latex mattress topper can serve more purposes than just changing the way your mattress feels. Traditionally, a firmer topper is used on a soft mattress, while a softer topper works best on a mattress that feels too firm.

However, a latex topper has more advantages to a sleeper, such as:

Breathability

Latex foams are great for improving the breathability of your mattress because of their air pockets. The latex mattress toppers don't trap heat within these pockets, allowing air to freely circulate around your body as you sleep. As a result, you'll have a cooler night's sleep than when sleeping on other types of foams known to obstruct the flow of air around the body.

Motion Isolation

Latex mattress toppers are good at motion isolation because of their responsiveness. This is a great feature, especially for couples or sleepers that share a bed with their child or pet.

With a latex topper, you'll still get the body contouring comfort, without sinking too deep into the mattress. When you change positions or get off the bed, the topper almost immediately bounces back to its original shape. As a result, the topper absorbs all the motion to avoid disturbing the other sleeper.

Spinal Alignment and Support

The responsiveness and firmness of latex mattress toppers also make them a perfect choice for support and spinal alignment. Latex toppers contour the shape of a sleeper's body, but still remain firm enough to support the spine and other joints of the body. This is especially beneficial for sleepers with backaches and joint pains, or with medical conditions, such as arthritis or mobility issues.

Free From Allergens

Natural latex mattress toppers are free from chemicals fillers used to make other types of mattress foams. As a result, they're safe for sleepers who are prone to allergies caused by these chemicals.

Skin irritation is one of the common allergic reactions caused by chemically-filled foams. Infants show more signs of these reactions because of their tender and soft skin. Using the allergen-free natural latex mattress toppers is a great way of keeping your infants safe from such health problems.

Resistant to Molds and Dust Mites

Latex mattress toppers are low maintenance and naturally resistant to molds and dust mites. For this reason, you don't have to worry about spending money on pest fumigation and cleaning services when using a latex mattress topper.

Durability

Latex mattress toppers are a great investment well known to be more durable than other types of foams. In addition, these toppers can last longer than the average 4-year lifespan of ordinary mattress toppers, making them cost-effective and ideal for prolonging the lifespan of older mattresses.

How to Care for a Latex Mattress Topper

Your latex mattress topper can last for a longer period with proper care. Some tips on caring for a latex mattress topper include:

Provide Proper Support for Your Mattress Topper

Since mattress toppers are made from the same materials as mattresses, they need the same amount of care. For instance, mattresses need a proper base to evenly support and distribute the weight of a sleeper's body.

A poor base makes the surface of the mattress and that of the topper uneven, causing too much pressure on one side of the mattress and the topper. As a result, the topper becomes saggy, and worn out more on one side than the other. In fact, such a bed won't feel as comfortable as intended.

Use a Bed Tray to Carry Food

If you frequently have meals in bed, a mattress tray will help you hold your drinks and food in place to avoid spillages. Food and drinks stains can be difficult to clean ruining the appearance and quality of mattress toppers.

Rotate and Flip Your Mattress Topper

A mattress topper should be rotated and flipped every six months. That way, the topper won't feel old and saggy on one side more than the other because it spreads your body pressure evenly across the mattress.

Avoid Exposing Your Topper to the Sun

Latex is known to break down easily when exposed to the harmful UV rays from the sun. Therefore, if you leave your latex mattress topper uncovered in direct sunlight, it'll destroy its structural composition, causing it to have a much shorter lifespan. It may also not feel as soft or firm as it used to before the exposure.

Perform Spot Cleaning

Latex mattress toppers are easier to clean and maintain. You can use a damp cloth and a detergent to wipe off any dirt or stains on the surface of the mattress.

In addition, these toppers don't need to be aired out in direct sunlight to dry. Instead, you can simply leave them uncovered in the open air for a while to dry, before putting them back on your bed.

Use a Washable Latex Mattress Topper Cover

Cleaning a topper can be a little bit more time-consuming than cleaning a washable mattress topper cover. All you'll need to do is take it off the topper, and put it in a washing machine, and later hang it out to dry. That way, you won't have to worry about exposing your latex topper to the sun, or finding a way to wash the stains off it.

What is a Latex Mattress Topper Cover?

A mattress topper cover is a piece of fabric that covers a mattress topper to protect it from damages. The cover can be made from cotton or other types of fabric and materials used to prevent the general wear and tear of the latex topper.

Usually, a latex mattress topper cover is designed into the shape of a pocket with a zip on one end of its edges. The mattress topper is then slipped inside this pocket, and zipped to keep it in place.

Other designs resemble a fitted bedsheet that wraps the top and sides of the topper. The cover is easily removable and also washable, allowing you to easily clean your beddings whenever necessary.

Some of these covers are also designed to add extra cushioning, and a plush feel to the topper. Others have a protective layer that protects the mattress topper from moisture and dirt. Although most mattress toppers are sold without topper covers and can work well without one, it's a good idea to invest in a cover to prolong the lifespan of your mattress topper, and add a luxurious feel to your bed.

What are the Benefits of a Latex Mattress Topper Cover?

Below are some of the benefits of using a cover with your latex mattress topper.

Protects the Topper from Moisture

Waterproof mattress topper covers keep moisture, such as sweat and accidental drink spillage, from damaging the mattress topper. In addition, these types of covers are often easy to clean, so you don't have to worry about stained beddings.

Without a cover, all the stains from the spillage would discolor the mattress topper, or even cause it to produce a foul smell.

Protects the Sleeper from Allergens

Sleepers who are allergic to VOCs emissions and chemicals fillers used to make other types of toppers can benefit from adding a protective cover on the topper. The cover acts as a barrier that protects the sleeper from having direct contact with the topper, reducing the chances of having allergic reactions.

Prevents the Topper from Sliding

A mattress topper should stay on top of the mattress without sliding off. If your mattress topper slides when you change your sleeping position, then a cover can help you keep it in place.

Provides Extra Cushioning

Depending on the design of the covers and the materials they are made of, you can add extra cushioning to your latex mattress topper. For example, the organic cotton covers from Eco Terra Beds are great for more than just protecting your mattress topper. They add a touch of luxury and comfort to the topper, without altering its firmness level.

Protects the Topper from Sun Damage

Latex naturally breaks down when exposed to too much sunlight. The UV rays can damage the topper, and make it less durable. The latex topper will also lose its elasticity from the damage, and may not give you the same comfort and firmness level as before.

One advantage of using a latex topper is that it is low maintenance and easier to clean. If used the right way, a latex topper doesn't require regular cleaning or air drying. However, the best way to avoid cleaning your latex topper is by using a washable cover.

Latex Mattress Topper Cover Vs. Mattress Protector

A latex mattress topper cover isn't a mattress protector, although they have a lot of similarities. A mattress protector goes between the mattress and the bedsheets, and primarily protects the mattress from spillage accidents and moisture. 

A mattress protector can also be placed over a mattress topper as a protective layer against moisture, pet dander, wine spillage, etc. However, the mattress protector won't always serve all the purposes of a topper cover, such as preventing the topper from sliding off the bed, or protecting it from sun damage.

Mattress topper covers and mattress protectors also differ in design. Most protectors are made with a thin layer of waterproof material with elastic straps fitted on the corners. These elastic straps secure the topper in place on top of the mattress. The waterproof layer is normally made from materials such as vinyl or polyurethane, while the upper layer derives from cotton, polyester, bamboo, and down.

Similarly, the mattress topper cover can be made from the same materials as mattress protectors. However, they are often designed into zippered pockets that encase the whole mattress topper.

A mattress protector isn't always a necessity if you have a moisture-wicking cover. Such a cover quickly repels moisture to the surface to allow it to dry up faster. Therefore, a cover can serve more than one purpose, including protecting the topper from moisture.

Do I Need the Organic Cotton Cover?

There are several benefits of using an organic cotton cover for your mattress topper. For instance, organic cotton is sustainably grown, harvested, and processed to produce a soft fiber used to manufacture various items, including clothes, bedsheets, and covers.

Although a mattress topper cover isn't a necessity, you can't overlook all the benefits it comes with. But, an organic cotton cover is even better.

Here are the benefits of a cover made from 100% organic cotton.

Breathability

Organic cotton has great insulation properties because it allows air to flow freely through the fibers, without trapping heat. Such a cover can keep you warm during the cold winters, and cool during the summer. This property also makes them cost-effective, because you won't have to change your topper or its cover to suit different weather conditions.

Plush Comfort

You can't ignore the feel of luxury that comes with organic cotton. Such a cover can make a rather firm mattress topper feel more cozy and pillowy. The plush comfort is also great for cushioning, allowing your joints to rest easy on the sleep surface. As a result, it improves the quality of your sleep and general health.

Zero Allergies

Organic cotton is one of the safest materials to come into direct contact with the skin. In addition, this type of cotton is free from the harmful chemicals that cause allergic reactions to many sleepers.

So if you struggle with sleep allergies, such as a clogged nose or skin irritation in the morning, you may consider using an organic cotton cover.

It may not be easy to tell apart 100% organic cotton cover from non-organic cotton cover by touch or sight. Instead, you may want to find out if the manufacturer has GOTS certification as proof of authenticity.

The GOTS certification is the leading organic textile certification standard that limits the use of harmful chemicals, such as bleaches and dyes on textiles.

FAQs About Latex Mattress Toppers Covers

We've answered some of the most frequently-asked questions about latex mattress toppers below.

Does a Latex Mattress Become Softer with Time?

A new latex mattress topper may feel too firm during the first few nights, but will definitely feel better with time. Your latex mattress topper will need a few days to completely break in, and conform to your body's shape and the pressure of your body weight.

Do Latex Mattress Toppers Sag?

Latex foam is highly responsive, bouncing back to its original shape almost immediately. With proper use and care, your latex mattress topper should look and feel just as good over the years. However, that does not mean that they can't have dips and dents over time. Just like any type of foam or mattress, the topper isn't immune to aging.

About the Eco Terra Latex Mattress Topper

Eco Terra Beds cares about improving the quality of sleep and general health for every sleeper by using all-natural latex for manufacturing mattresses. In addition, the revolutionary designs of Eco Terra mattresses offer high-quality performance at very affordable prices.

Besides, an Eco Terra hybrid latex mattress offers all the sleep benefits that 100% natural latex is known to have. Here's why you should choose a latex mattress topper from Eco Terra Beds:

• Made with the finest quality of 100% single-sourced natural latex.
• No chemicals, synthetic fibers, or fillers mixed with the latex.
• Available in three firmness levels; soft (ILD 15), medium (ILD 28), and medium-firm (ILD 36).
• Available in six different sizes, ranging from Twin size to a Cal King size.
• You can choose between a 2-inch or 3-inch thickness level of the mattress topper.
• The 100% natural latex is Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and Eco-Institut certified.
• Highly durable with a 5-year warranty.

Eco Terra Beds also has a latex mattress topper cover sold separately. You can choose to add the extra plush and comfort of this natural cotton cover to your mattress topper for a night of deep rejuvenating sleep. The single-sourced natural cotton is also GOTS certified to ensure that sleepers have only the best quality materials.

Eco Terra Beds ensures that you don't spend more than required when purchasing a new mattress, topper, or cover. Unlike other online mattress stores, Eco Terra Beds allow you to make your orders directly to the company, and not through middlemen. Therefore, all the warehousing costs, sales commissions, and third-party fees are eliminated, making your purchase cheaper.

In addition, Eco Terra Beds offers free shipping to all contiguous US states directly from the main factory. You'll enjoy the most comfortable and health-promoting sleep of your life with these mattresses and toppers. All you'll need to do is place your order online, sit back, and wait for your delivery.

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