Making an organic mattress pad isn’t at the top of my project list. In fact, I’d rather just go out and buy one. But when I discovered the hefty price tag on my favorite ready-made versions, making my own is now my new obsession. Here’s a couple cost-saving style and fabric options for making your own healthy home mattress pad:
My first choice was the classic quilted style inspired by Coyuchi. It reminds me of the cozy, well-made pads from many years past – the kind that lasted forever! Using a couple of certified organic cotton sheet sets from Target and natural cotton batting I could make a queen size for about $130. That’s a huge savings compared to $270 at retail. However, once I realized how much sewing time it required I ditched that idea and will go with one of these:
1. Organic Wool Moisture Barrier Pad: this is the simplest one to make and will protect your mattress the best. Wool wicks moisture beautifully and dries quickly. The style is a flat, single layer of soft, densely woven wool fabric cut to fit the mattress top. It has overlocked edges and 1” elastic straps on all 4 corners to keep pad from shifting. Wash in cool water with little agitation and line dry for best results. This type of pad is great for cribs, too.
Fabric: Natural Organic Fine Wool Melton Moisture Barrier, 80” wide, $88.00/yard. Tip: for twin, full and queen sizes use the 80” fabric width as your mattress length and calculate your yardage length based on your mattress width plus a little extra for shrinkage.
Elastic: 1” wide, organic cotton or natural cotton elastic
Price Comparison: queen size retail price approx. $204 vs. make your own at approx. $160
2. Organic Cotton Flannel Fitted Sheet: use this in lieu of a more costly pad. It’s a simple protective layer for your mattress and you don’t have to sew a stitch!
Fabric: look for a 6 oz. or heavier flannel fitted sheet (or sheet set) preferably made of certified organic cotton, un-dyed. If an unbleached, conventional cotton flannel is your only option, be sure to wash it a few times to omit or reduce any chemical finishing residue before putting it on your bed. And, if your fitted flannel sheet comes in a set, use the flat as an extra layer placing it first on the mattress and tucking it under all the way around before putting on the fitted one.
Price Comparison: queen size retails at approx. $99.00.
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