What is the difference between the Breathable Cover and Waterproof Protector Pad?
The
Waterproof Protector Pad is simply a waterproof barrier meant to go between the mattress and the sheet. It is fitted with elastic so it stays in place. The Breathable Crib Mattress Cover is also waterproof, however it made out of a thick 3D mesh that allows airflow to pass through the surface and dissipate out laterally. Basically, it is both a waterproof pad and breathable layer in one. The Breathable Crib Mattress Cover can turn any crib mattress into a breathable crib mattress.
Is the Breathable Crib Mattress Cover the same as the cover that come with the Breathable Baby Crib Mattress?
Yes. The cover can be used as a replacement for the cover that comes with the
Breathable Baby Crib Mattress or as an add-on to any standard sized crib mattress.
What is a "breathable crib mattress"?
A mattress that allows your baby to breathe through the surface in case he/she rolls over to be face down. It also makes the mattress more comfortable by allowing airflow between the baby and mattress which results in a cooler and less sweaty sleep.
How does Naturepedic do breathability differently than everybody else?
Naturepedic breathable baby mattresses come with a breathable layer on the surface of the mattress rather than making the whole mattress breathable all the way through (including the interior of the mattress). The breathable layer is removable, machine washable, and doubles as a mattress protector since it has a waterproof backing.
Why is the Naturepedic design better than a crib mattress that is breathable all the way through?
We believe that breathable crib mattresses that are breathable all the way through pose a safety risk to the baby without any added breathability benefit. If liquid (think pee, poop, spit-up, milk, etc.) get into the interior of the mattress, it is virtually impossible to clean. This will lead to mold growth which can contaminate the air your baby breathes in. Some designs allow you to wash the mattress core in the shower using cold water only. However, this is highly impractical for several reasons. Drying could take several hours and newborns sleep every 90 minutes, so your baby could get stuck with nowhere to sleep. Additionally, that kind of breathable crib mattress is made with phosphate flame retardants, which are known to be toxic.
Naturepedic breathable crib mattresses have a waterproof core that is covered with our exclusive food-grade surface made from non-GMO sugarcane. The breathable layer is on the outside of the waterproof core so you get the best of both worlds; a breathable surface plus a mattress core that will stay dry and safe.
Is there an official rating for breathable crib mattresses?
There is an official test for crib mattress breathability which is administered by a third party lab. In the test, a device is placed on the mattress surface and mimics a baby breathing face straight down. The device measures the air resistance to determine if the surface is truly breathable or not. The score is between 0 and 100 with a lower score being better. Any score lower than a 16 is a passing score, meaning that a baby can breathe through the surface indefinitely. Naturepedic breathable crib mattresses scored a 2, which is about the best you can get. We have tested other "breathable" crib mattresses on the market, including the ones that are open to the inside, and none score lower than a 2 with most of them scoring higher.
The Naturepedic design provides the highest level of breathability without compromising on a quality crib mattress underneath.
Is "organic" or "breathable" more important?
They are both important. However, if the mattress is breathable, the "organic" part is even more important. If babies can breathe "into" the mattress, we need to be asking how safe is the air quality of what they are breathing in? Using organic non-toxic materials guarantees that there will be no offgassing from flame retardants or other chemicals, whether inside or outside the mattress. Naturepedic is the only manufacturer that makes crib mattresses that are certified organic, breathable, and waterproof.
Do I need a waterproof mattress protector?
No. The cover has a waterproof backing that acts as a built-in waterproof pad. It is removable and machine washable. For added convenience, buy an extra organic breathable crib mattress protector so you can have a backup when one is in the wash.
Should I use a sheet over the Breathable Crib Mattress Cover?
We recommend using a sheet. You can launder your crib sheets without removing the breathable layer, which only needs to be laundered if there is a spill that leaks through the sheet.
Will a sheet reduce the breathability of the mattress cover?
Most standard crib sheets allow enough airflow that the breathability will not be affected. You can test your sheets by making a seal with your mouth and trying to breathe through them. You should not feel a lot of resistance. Densely woven or coated fabrics may reduce breathability.
Is the Breathable Crib Mattress Cover machine washable?
Yes. The cover can be machine washed and dried on medium heat.
How often should the Crib Mattress Cover be washed?
As long as there is a sheet over the cover, it only needs to be washed when there is a liquid spill that gets through the sheet. You can think of the breathable cover as an extension of the crib mattress.
Does the Breathable Cover make a non-breathable mattress breathable?
Yes!