I’ve been looking at latex mattresses and have noticed that different manufacturers use different materials to encase the latex layers. Some use heavy duty cotton to wrap the different layers while others use a very thin and stretchy material. My first thought is that a heavy duty cotton would negate some of the benefits of the latex and wanted to check here if that is correct.
Hey robsuo,
Good to see you on the forum and thanks for your question 
.
Good question, robsuo! Are you speaking of the mattress’s cover? A manufacturer’s choice of cover is a design element and one varying based on the desired outcome of a particular construction. For example, the use of wool could be part of an FR/ fire barrier design (often part of a “natural” story). Thinner, smoother covers using PCMs/ Phase Change Materials seek to bring a cooling, more temperature regulating feel to a mattress and would therefore pair well with latex’s natural breathability. Softer, plush covers also work well with latex, as they compliment latex’s buoyant, “sleeping on” feel. While a thicker cover can separate the user from the latex’s “feel” somewhat, the overall design intent towards the mattress’s resulting performance is the bigger picture. A component spec breakdown will better explain what story the manufacturer is trying to convey. Is there a particular mattress that you have further questions about?
Thanks,
Sensei
Hi Sensei and thank you for your response and the information about the mattress cover. There’s a lot to learn about buying a mattress and I needed a break from learning and shopping!! My back is telling me it’s time to get this done!
I was thinking about the layers of latex within a mattress and the different materials used to encase the latex. There seems to be a variety from thin stretchy material to heavy duty cotton. I was wondering how these different materials affect the firmness or other features of the latex. The one I have my eye on at the moment is a 9" latex (Oxford) from Black Sheep in Calgary. They wrap the individual latex layers within the mattress in organic cotton muslin. It felt great in the store and I’m going back to try it again. At my height 5’5" and 230 lbs, I’m also wondering if a 9" latex mattress would be sufficient. That will be part of my discussions with them tomorrow along with appropriate firmness.
Hello Robsuo,
It sounds like you are asking why some manufacturers encase their latex in individual cases inside the exterior case. The short answer is that extra encasement is not necessary, though it does a few things for the manufacturer, not the end user.
If the latex is individually encased, it is does so at the manufacturer overseas, not at the assembler here in the sale zone. The case can hide blemishes in the latex, can keep the handler here from touching and potentially tearing the latex, can give the resale company a place to put a logo. While I’m sure allergies are not considered with the individual encasement, there are people who cannot touch the latex itself without getting a dermatitis reaction, but as long as it is encased, they can touch the fabric without a reaction.
I find that they encasements make the layers slippery and more prone to needed a strong exterior case like the quilted one you on the mattress you are looking at. Otherwise if in a single layer case from a knit fabric, the layers can jiggle out of place sooner than if the latex is allowed to directly grip other layers of latex.
Best of luck getting comfort!