Mattress cover fabrics: which is the best mattress cover?

Mattress Cover Fabric Types & GSM (Grams per square meter)

The depth and grams per square meter (GSM) of the fabric will enable you to assess its quality and density. Opting for a higher GSM fabric usually results in a thicker and higher quality fabric than a lower GSM count. Quite simply there is more of the fabrics material in each square meter the higher the GSM.

Lower GSMs such as 100g will soon flatten and will soon stop providing that additional comfort layer.  100g more often than not feels thin and is slightly transparent. So when out looking at mattresses in retail stores a quick unzip of the mattress cover will enable you to feel the depth and quality.

You can always ask the store though most of the time they probably won’t even know the GSM!

Whilst mattress covers can come in a whole range of materials from cotton, cashmere, Latex and wool, the majority of Memory foam covers are polyester based. Now you may wonder why such a simple synthetic fibre is used so let us review the properties of polyester.

There are 2 main types of mattress cover:

• Quilted or stretch polyester covers (Mattresses up to £1000)
• Damask, Cotton or Natural Fibre covers (Mattresses over £1000)

The best Mattress Cover Type is Viscose Damask

When looking for a quality breathable mattress the best option for its cover is a Viscose Damask. This plant-based material is breathable, is woven into a soft touch yet resilient fabric. It doesn’t retain heat like polyester and it will last far longer unlike quilted fabrics which can stretch, bobble or sag in a matter of months.

When looking for a mattress the description should detail what cover fabric is used. You want to be looking for a Viscose Damask. Any other description such as ‘Luxury White Fibre’ or ‘Hypoallergenic mattress covers’ will all be polyester-based which you want to avoid unless you’re looking for an entry-level mattress.

Polyester mattress covers explained

Polyester shouldn’t be completely written off in your search for a new mattress. In fact in mattresses under £1,000 you’re probably not going to get a Viscose damask. Polyester is incredibly useful in entry to midpoint mattress manufacture and is far better than some of the zip on cheap synthetic covers.

• Incredibly durable and strong
• Can be dry cleaned and machine washed at high temperatures without shrinking or warping.
• Quick-drying and moisture repelling
• Returns to its original shape very quickly

Are natural fibres 100% natural? Natural fibres are usually the preferred choice in the mattress industry and a high quality mattress can often be seen to contain high GSM natural components.

That said a number of stretch natural fibres only contain a mere 4% natural fibre with the majority still being polyester.

In traditional mattresses, natural materials are always preferable because the construction method of traditional mattresses relies on these fillings to form part of the core mattress. They form layers above the pocket springs and help keep the mattress plush, breathable and keep its shape.

Is the natural fabric really fully natural?

A number of retailers will claim that covers are cotton or cashmere, but upon further inspection looking at the breakdown of the fabric, there is only a tiny proportion of these natural fibres in the mix. In reality, you’re buying a synthetic polyester-based fabric that contains some elements of cotton, cashmere or such. Sometimes this is as low as 4% or 6%. Confusing huh?! There’s more on upholstery here.

Heat-reduction fabrics

Outlast and Coolmax are a high wicking fabrics that claim they can help remove some of the heat issues in memory foam. We have already discussed the heat issue and how we recommend varying the tog of your duvet or alternatively choosing a hybrid foam instead of memory foam.

We think this is a more practical solution than using mattress fabrics to try and remove heat issues. You also need to consider that if you are following the correct mattress maintenance and care you will already have a topper, protector and bedding on top of your mattress.

So ask yourself how a mattress fabric cover is going to benefit you if you have a number of other materials sitting on top of it? Is it worth the extra cost for heat-reduction benefits if it’s buried under other layers?

What mattress cover fabric does John Ryan By Design use?

All our Artisan and Latex models use our John Ryan white viscose damask which has our insignia stitched into it. The Origins range uses a number of different finishes all which can be found in their product listings.

Why you should always use a mattress protector

Mattress protectors should be used with all types of mattresses. From the finest £100,000 Savoir bed to the £400 entry-level mattress model.

Why?

Because a mattress protector is the first line of defence against:

• Sweat
• Odour
• Mattress Damage

Given the fact you can’t remove a mattress cover in most cases, it is essential you help to avoid nasties such as sweat, dead skin and liquids from irreversibly damaging your brand new mattress.

Mattress protectors can cost as little as £10 and can be removed and then washed with your regular mattress maintenance.

A mattress protector should be washed on a 60 degree wash at least once per month.

Eco Mattress Covers Explained

Consideration for the environment is paramount when choosing any new piece of furniture and mattresses are no exception. There is a move to more plant-based mattress fibres as we have demonstrated with our UK first Artisan Latex Vegan mattress.

There are a number of eco mattress zip on covers now available such as:

• Bamboo
• Hemp
• Cotton

These can help you avoid man-made synthetic polyester covers and choose a more breathable mattress cover. The drawback is the cost. These eco mattress covers usually have a very high price tag and some quite delicate washing instructions if they are removable. For example, pure bamboo tends to bobble and shrink on hotter washes.

So bear in mind that any removable cover or protector needs to be able to be machine washed at a temperature to kill bacteria. One alternative is to choose a 100% cotton bedding set that can be washed at 60 degrees and also avoids plastic-based polyester.

Mattress covers to prevent dust mites

Now that you’ve worked out what kind of mattress cover and protector you need it’s time to consider how to reduce dust mites. These critters can quickly build up in your bedroom without you even noticing them. Dust mites feed off dead skin and other bodily debris. A certain level of dust mites in soft furnishings is acceptable with frequent cleaning and bedroom maintenance.

However, if you don’t follow the correct mattress maintenance then dust mites can quickly become a problem especially if you have allergies, asthma or are allergic to dust. As they build up the levels of dust allergens can rise causing poor nights sleep and irritants to sleepers. Many people mistake dust mites with bed bugs which are two different beasts! More on bed bugs here.

To reduce dust mites in the bedroom we recommend:

• Cleaning your bedding on a 60-degree wash once per week including any mattress protector
• Open windows each day to help with bedroom ventilation
• Ensure you vacuum and dust your bedroom weekly
• Avoid letting pets share your bed (or increase your weekly mattress cleaning regime if so!)
• Vacuum your mattress – both sides – once a month

As with any bedroom breathing or skin allergies, it’s important to ensure a consistent cleaning regime and ventilation in the bedroom to help reduce these allergens.

How to clean a stained mattress cover

Whilst mattresses can be cleaned we would always advise that you use a mattress protector in the first place to avoid spills. We also know that sometimes accidents happen and your mattress cover can become stained and unsightly.

If your mattress cover has become stained due to sweat, spilt tea or other accidents then you can follow the instructions below to help remove them:

1. Fill a bowl with warm soapy water and another bowl with warm water (no detergent)
2. Always use a warm damp cloth with a small amount of detergent (never wet or soaked)
3. Sponge the stains in a circular motion
4. Rinse the cloth in the second clean bowl to help remove the stains
5. For stubborn stains, bicarb of soda can be added as a paste (mix with some water) to help list stubborn stains
6. Using a clean cloth then sponge the area to help dry it
7. Open a window and leave the mattress to air dry – never be tempted to use a hairdryer it or place it next to a heat source!

Our recommendation

Mattress covers help provide both comfort and protection. A high-quality viscose damask is probably the best option. Whilst other natural fibres and heat-reducing covers can be interesting often the cost or limited lifespan of them makes them more of a marketing tool than a ‘must-have’ for your mattress.

We believe that you would be better off putting your money into other components of the mattress or high-quality bed linen rather than an ineffective expensively marketted mattress cover.

Need more help or a tailored mattress recommendation? Get in touch with our small team of mattress experts on 0161 437 4419.