Choosing bedding is no trivial matter. The quality of the mattress will determine the sleeper’s comfort throughout the year. But the truth is, it’s not always easy to find the right one among the models available on the market. Knowing everything there is to know about mattresses could make it easier to find the ideal one. In addition to sleep technology, other key factors—such as the mattress cover—play a role in choosing a mattress. If you’ve never heard of it, the mattress cover is the fabric sewn over the filling and visible to the naked eye. The mattress cover is an important part of the mattress since it’s the part that comes into direct contact with the sleeper’s body (when no sheet is used). Made from various materials, it contributes to the sleeper’s comfort. Here’s what you need to know about a mattress cover.
How important is the mattress ticking?
The term “coutil” refers to the outer fabric cover that encloses the mattress. It is also known as a “mattress cover” or “mattress fabric.” The presence of the mattress cover is not without significance for the sleeper. Together with the filling, it partly determines the comfort level of the mattress—provided, of course, that it is well designed. A good design requires compliance with the hygiene and safety standards mandated by organic certification labels for this type of component.
A combination of hygiene, durability, elasticity, and good ventilation in the mattress cover will help improve the sleeper’s comfort in both summer and winter. Conversely, a stiff cover that lacks proper ventilation and is not designed to withstand the wear and tear of time will, over time, cause insomnia, drowsiness, and irritability.
The importance of the ticking can also be gauged by the fact that its presence helps preserve the sleeper’s physical well-being. Thus, if the mattress core were made of chemical substances (polyurethane foam, polyether foam, and viscoelastic foam), the sleeper would not be directly exposed to them. On the other hand, the combination of a breathable ticking and natural latex sleeping technology further promotes falling asleep.
Materials Used in the Design of a Mattress's Cover Fabric
The mattress cover can be made from fabrics produced either from natural materials such as cotton, wool, silk, or bamboo, or from synthetic materials such as polyester, viscose, and polypropylene.
Synthetic materials used to make the ticking
Mattress cores on the market are generally made of polyester, polypropylene, and viscose. Each material has its own unique properties; these properties determine the mattress's support and comfort.
Polyester is used to make mattress ticking because it is extremely durable. However, it is highly flammable, polluting, moderately breathable, and can cause allergies.
Polypropylene is inexpensive and not very breathable. As a result, the sleeper will not enjoy optimal comfort, especially in the summer. A polypropylene cover is particularly not recommended for people who sweat a lot at night.
Viscose offers excellent durability. However, it does not retain heat. Therefore, using a viscose mattress cover in the winter is strongly discouraged. Similarly, viscose does not absorb moisture, which can cause discomfort for sleepers who sweat heavily.
Natural materials used to make the ticking
Natural materials used to make mattress covers generally provide greater comfort in everyday use because they offer good breathability. The most commonly used materials are: cotton, wool, silk, and bamboo.
Cotton is a lightweight, breathable material that is also easy to care for. It is highly valued for its insulating properties. As a result, the cover on the summer side of mattresses is typically made of organic cotton to provide the sleeper with maximum comfort.
Wool is an environmentally friendly material that does not cause allergies. Its strength lies in its ability to absorb moisture and retain heat. It is most commonly used in the construction of the winter-side cover of mattresses.
Silk provides a soft, plush feel. It is prized for its thermoregulatory properties. Like wool, it is a durable and resilient material used in the construction of the ticking for high-end mattresses.
Bamboo's breathability makes it a material of choice for mattress ticking. Naturally antibacterial and dust-mite-resistant, it is particularly recommended for the comfort of people with allergies.
What kinds of treatments does a fabric cover undergo?
During the manufacturing process, the mattress cover undergoes a number of treatments. The goal is to prevent the growth of bacteria,dust mites, and other arachnids, as well as to protect the mattress core from moisture. Thus, to enhance the mattress’s hygiene and safety, two types of treatments are generally applied to the ticking: an anti-dust mite treatment and an anti-sweat treatment.
Anti-mite treatment for ticking
This treatment is designed to prevent the proliferation of dust mites and other bed bugs on the surface of the mattress. In fact, under the influence of moisture, heat, and perspiration, the mattress—specifically the ticking—harbors microorganisms that can multiply quite rapidly. This situation is often a source of discomfort for sleepers, whose bodies are exposed to numerous stressors every day.
Thanks to the anti-mite treatment applied to the ticking, this problem occurs less frequently. The most effective treatment against these parasites is made from natural and eco-friendly ingredients. It contains no traces of chemical miticides. In fact, most of these innovative technologies have received numerous certifications, proving that their manufacturing processes comply with all safety standards.
The anti-perspiration treatment for the fabric
Sweating is a physiological phenomenon that cannot be controlled and occurs at key times of the day. During the night, for example, the body tends to release the excess heat stored during the day. In the summer, evaporation through sweating is so profuse that it can compromise comfort in bed. That is why the mattress cover undergoes an anti-sweat treatment.
What exactly is this? Manufacturers cover the mattress with a thin fabric—similar toa mattress pad—made from natural materials (latex, wool, buckwheat, etc.) to improve ventilation. Since this helps regulate temperature, the sleeper enjoys greater comfort.
We could have mentioned the flame-retardant treatment, which slows down the combustion process and prevents the fire from spreading into the mattress's core. However, the technology used most often contains endocrine disruptors, whose presence poses a health risk.
In conclusion, the mattress cover is an essential component of the mattress. The choice of material and the type of treatment will determine the quality of the sleeping experience. Natural materials generally provide greater comfort because they are well-ventilated.
We recommend these other pages:
- Sleep Quality: The Role of the Mattress
- What are the different types of mattresses?
- What are the materials used in mattresses?
- How long does a mattress last?
- Rolled and Compressed Mattresses: Are They a Good Idea?
- Understanding Mattress Densities
- What is mattress filling?
- What is the core of a mattress?
- How is a mattress cover made?
- When should you replace your mattress?
- How much does a mattress weigh?
- How to Move a Mattress