To make this easy for our customers, we wanted to explain the difference between our 100% cotton products and waterproof variations, allowing you to make the right decision before purchasing. Both product variations have their merits. In some circumstances, a variation of both Cotton and Waterproof products may be the best option.
Overview:
Both textile options that we manufacture are just as effective as each other when used to control Allergens, Dust Mites, Bed Bugs, Pet Dander, Scabies & Bird Lice. To put this in perspective, the smallest of these things that we need to control is a dust mite allergen (AKA dust mite droppings (poop)). These microscopic allergens are between ~5-20µm (microns). A physical dust mite is around 200µm (microns).
Our Waterproof option has a super fine pore size of less than 1µm (microns) and our 100% Cotton option has a pore size of ~2.8µm (microns). See test data below.
Polyester Jersey & TPU Test Data
100% Cotton TEST DATA
Key Differences:
The main difference between our two product options is that the waterproof textile has a Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) lining. This thin 0.2mm membrane adheres to the inside of the soft Knitted Polyester Jersey Fabric. This lining will repel Liquid Spills, Urine/Incontinence, Grease & Grime. The knitted jersey is smooth, soft, quiet and elastic. The waterproof lining doesn't crinkle or crackle as you would find in some waterproof fabrics or PVC options. This exact textile is used in many medical and bio-medical applications.
Our 100% Cotton variation is manufactured from a high quality fine Turkish yarn which has OKEO TEX certification, TESTEX has tested this fabric for harmful chemicals and substances like Nickles, Cadium, Formaldehyde, Pentachlorophenol, AZO colourants, petroleum products and more.
We do not put our cotton through a Mercerisation machine used in nearly all cotton fabrics where the cotton is dyed or coloured. The mercerisation process not only increases the pore size of the fabric to allow dye to absorb into the cotton substrate. The liquid ammonia, sodium hydroxide and acids used in this process are not ideal. As a health and well-being business, we avoid this process. Therefore, you will notice our cotton is off-white and not starch-white in appearance.
Mercerizer Machine - Chemical Bath
Mattress Encasements
Our private/residential-based customers most commonly purchase our cotton mattress encasements where there is no need for waterproof functionality. These are perfect for customers with polyester allergies .
The best practice is to use our mattress encasements with a slip-on mattress protector placed over the top. This slip-on mattress protector should be removed from the mattress and washed each week with your linen, leaving the mattress encasement sealed. Our mattress encasements only require washing once every 6-12 months. Alternatively, steaming these outside with a steam cleaner (if the encasements are not physically dirty) saves time and effort.
Our cotton mattress encasements are not waterproof, they will not protect a mattress from liquid spills, dirt, or grime. However, they are 100% effective for controlling Allergens, Dust Mites, Bed Bugs, Pet Dander, Scabies & Bird Lice. These are seen as our premium option.
Our waterproof option is suitable in commercial environments, and where one of the key objectives is to protect our client's investment in expensive bedding and mattresses. 90% of our wholesale sales to Hotels, Motels, Hospitals, Hostels, Schools, Camps, and Refuges are waterproof variations. These are more cost-effective options; tick all the boxes required to protect a Mattress, Pillow or Quilt. These are very comfortable, and when used with a slip-on mattress protector placed over the top, you wouldn't have any idea this was on the bed.
Our customers find that when used with a slip-on mattress protector, the Heat and Breathability of the items are not noticeable with either product option.
The last difference between these products is the amount of stretch in each product. Our cotton fabric has minimal stretch. Only purchase for beds measuring within the advertised sizing. Our Knitted Jersey fabric has plenty of elasticity, accommodating a more extensive range of mattress depths.
Please Note:
Our 24cm tall mattress encasement is ideal for up to 27cm tall mattresses. Our 33cm mattress encasement is perfect for mattresses up to 38cm tall.
Pillow Encasements
Both product variations achieve the same results for controlling Allergens, Dust Mites, Bed Bugs, Pet Dander, Scabies & Bird Lice. The difference between our pillow coverers is that we find many customers also looking to protect their pillows from saliva stains, oil & grime; the waterproof pillow cover is perfect for this purpose. These are the most cost-effective option that will tick all of your boxes. They are comfortable and soft and don't make a crinkly noise. It will feel marginally different to sleeping only with a decorative pillow on an unencased pillow.
Our 100% cotton pillow encasements are a great option where there is no requirement for these to be waterproof or protect the actual pillow from stains, dirt, grime and comfort is your number one priority. We have a strong customer following who believe that cotton is the number one solution in every situation and are only searching for cotton options. For others, an OKEO Tex-certified fabric is of high importance.
Both our pillow encasement options are comfortable, and we receive excellent feedback on both of these. They serve their purpose well.
Breathability and Heat are not factors when you sleep directly on an encased pillow. Neither option will hold or trap your body heat.
For our customers who can't choose between either variation, some purchase a selection of cotton and waterproof pillow covers. They sleep directly on the one they prefer most and use the other for their second pillow.
Quilt Encasements
Unlike our mattress and pillow covers, Heat and Breathability is something you need to consider when purchasing a quilt encasement. Our comment to all our customers is that unless you require the waterproof functionality of a quilt encasement, your best option is to purchase our 100% cotton option.
Both quilt cover options will increase the heat of your sleeping arrangement as you add a layer to your existing bedding. The fine pore size of this extra layer will also reduce breathability. The heat will increase when you place an encased quilt over the top of your body. The cotton product generally increases body heat by 5-15% as the pore size and fabric breathe better, whereas the waterproof quilt covers can increase body heat by 10-40%. If you are too hot, body heat can be adjusted using a lower GSM quilt or duvet inside your encasement. The general rule of thumb is to avoid using a winter quilt (500-800gsm) inside a quilt encasement in the warmer months. It would help if you used an all-season or a summer quilt between 100 and 400 GSM to achieve the best result. Each customer is entirely different; however, it is worth noting this as a solution for hot sleepers. Many of our customers have found a comfortable solution to sleep with an encased quilt all year round.