Choosing a cotton mattress

Many people have known wadded mattresses since Soviet times. However, such models still exist. Despite some "upgrade", wadded products remained affordable products. For more information on how to choose a cotton mattress and take care of it, read this article.

Despite the many modern models of mattresses, wadded counterparts are produced, moreover, according to the standards of Soviet GOSTs.

Cotton mattresses are usually purchased for municipal and state institutions (hospitals, kindergartens, military units). Often, due to habits, elderly people stop at this option.

Undoubtedly, wadded mattresses have their advantages. First of all, it is a completely natural composition and a relatively low weight (5-13 kg). The wadded mattress easily rolls up and takes up a minimum of space in this form. Therefore, we can talk about a compact and convenient transportation of the product.

Cotton mattresses absorb moisture well, and if necessary, they can be dried in the air. They are quite durable. The mattress can be heated in the sun. Has an affordable cost.

However, the product also has its drawbacks. Among them - the tendency of cotton wool to caking and the formation of lumps, which makes the mattress uncomfortable to use. In addition, it is a natural material that over time becomes a favorable environment for the development of bacteria inside. Due to the hygroscopicity of the filler, it can collect various liquids, which again leads to the formation of lumps inside the mattress, the appearance of unpleasant odors and mold. Finally, a wadded mattress cannot be orthopedic, which is unacceptable for people with back and joint diseases.

Today, there are manual, automatic and semi-automatic production of wadded mattresses.

Automatic is inherent in a large manufacturer with a large volume of orders. Semi-automatic, as a rule, means partial involvement of manual labor. Finally, hand-made mattresses are usually made to order, and it is in this option that the highest quality products are usually achieved, and a low percentage of scrap.

Both natural and synthetic fabrics can be used for sewing. The optimal material is mattress teak.

The production process consists of several stages.

1. Sewing a cover of the appropriate size.
2. Making the frame, it is necessary so that the filler does not collect in lumps.
3. Filling the cover with cotton using special equipment. The latter ensures an even distribution of the cotton wool. After stuffing, the product is weighed and the compliance of its mass with the values ​​established by GOST is checked.
4. Picking - that is, stitching the mattress so that the filler does not fall off and maintains uniformity. Depending on the type of product, up to 63 picks are provided.

The performance of a mattress largely depends on the type of filler. The latter can be one of two varieties.

Filler based on cotton fiber. Cotton filler usually combines long and short fibers. The former are responsible for the strength and ability of the product to keep its shape. Short fibers, also called lint, are necessary for the product to be fluffy, airy and keep warm.

Cotton wool is classified into several classes.

Elite cotton wool, which is characterized by a snow-white shade. Not used in serial production, only in the manufacture of a mattress to order. In the composition - up to 70% long fibers and 30% lint. Such cotton wool practically does not have unripe seeds, the maximum allowable rate of such is 2.6%.

Refers to the premium class and is used only for individual tailoring. The number of long and short fibers is approximately the same.

One of the best options for serial sewing. Such products, as a rule, are characterized by a balance of quality and price. The filler is heavier than Prima.

A budget product, one of the popular fillers for inexpensive mattresses. Heavier than sewing filler. As for the fiber ratio, 70% is lint, 30% is long cotton fibers.

An even lower-grade filler, in which the amount of short fibers can reach 80%, and long ones - 20%. Often, Type 2 Mattress Filler is mixed with Sewing Wool to reduce the cost of the product.

A low-grade product, a mattress with such a filling is heavy, voluminous, but loose. This is logical, because lint reaches 90% of the composition, while long fibers - 10%.

Cotton wool is called regenerated, obtained in the course of fiberizing and recycling of garment residues. Simply put, this is the processing of scraps of woolen, synthetic and cotton fabrics. That is why the finished filler is not only white, but also colored.

Regenerated cotton wool can also be classified, and therefore there are several varieties of it.

• Cotton - this type of filler is obtained by razvlechenie cotton residues. Cotton wool is of higher quality and is white in color.
• Wool blend - contains only natural woolen residues. It is optimal if the manufacturer subjects the raw materials to sterilization.
• Mixed - from the name it is clear that such cotton wool contains both natural and synthetic fibers.One of the advantages of the filler is that it does not accumulate static electricity.
• Synthetic - contains exclusively synthetic residues.

When determining the size of a mattress on a cotton base, they are usually guided by the size of the berth. When specifying the dimensions, the width of the mattress is always written first, and then the length. For example, 70x190 cm, the designation 190x70 cm is incorrect.

Single beds include mattresses, the dimensions of which are 80x190 cm. In addition, the length of the mattress can be 95 and 200 cm, with the same width of 80 cm. Single-bed mattresses are usually purchased for children and adolescents, since such a sleeping place may not be enough for an adult.

Half-bed mattresses will be more comfortable. As a rule, the standard width of such products is 120 cm. The length can vary, so the common dimensions are 120x190 cm, 120x195 cm and 120x200 cm.

For a couple or just a wide bed, choose a double wadded mattress. The width of such a product can be 140, 160 and 180 cm. Accordingly, the dimensions of the product will be 140x190 cm, 140x195 cm and 140x200 cm. Similarly with two other widths: 160x190 cm and 180x190 cm, 160x195 and 180x195 cm, 160x200 and 180x200 cm.

If we talk about the minimum size of a cotton mattress, then its width can be 60 cm.The length in this case can be equal to 120, 140 and 160 cm.

The maximum size of the product is 180x200 and 200x200 cm.

Dimensions shown are standard. It is also possible to manufacture mattresses according to individual parameters, then the sizes can be any.

The thickness of the mattress is 4-8 cm. There are products with increased thickness, the thickest mattress is 18 cm.

The dimensions and thickness of a mattress affect its weight. It is clear that the smaller the product, the lighter it is. For example, a "feather bed" measuring 70x190 cm weighs within 5 kg. And if the mattress is oversized, for example, 160x190 cm, then it weighs about 13 kg.

The weight of the mattress also depends on the quality of the padding. Some manufacturers, to improve the performance of the mattress, make it more dense, which leads to an increase in the weight of the mattress by 1.3-2.7 kg.

Consider the most popular manufacturers of modern cotton mattresses.

A domestic brand that has been producing products with natural fillers for about 20 years according to the regulations of GOST Soviet times. Among the advantages of the products is high quality, which is due to the natural filling and teak cover. You can find mattresses in almost any size, including 55 cm wide and up to 200 cm long.

The mattresses have good air permeability, medium firmness, and are springless.

Another domestic company (Ivanovo), which also has a 20-year history. It produces not only wadded mattresses, so those who are looking for just them should pay attention to the "Comfort" line.

It is based on combed cotton wool with a multilayer structure. This ensures high performance of the product and makes it safe even for allergy sufferers.

The cover is made of high-strength teak. Buyers note its pleasant surface, as well as the variety of shades and design options for the case.

The mattress has a thickness of 7 cm, the cotton wool is evenly distributed, and for reliability it is also fixed with special peaks.

In general, no shortcomings were found, however, some buyers note the increased weight of the product.

In the line of this Russian manufacturer (Izhevsk) there are available models based on environmentally friendly regenerated fiber. The product has a uniform thickness, retains heat, and is quite soft. A cover made of high-quality coarse calico. Unfortunately, he is not filmed. Affordable and high quality model.

A Russian company (Krasnoyarsk) that produces fluffy and comfortable mattresses based on reclaimed cotton wool. Their products are distinguished by increased softness and airiness. But at the same time, there is no hammock effect, which is dangerous for posture.

The material of the cover is hygroscopic, does not cause heat during sleep. Convenient and inexpensive model, often purchased for children.

The products of this company with 80 years of history will delight you with the highest quality. Natural cotton wool is used as a filler. It is blown into a previously prepared coarse calico cover - thus creating a favorable microclimate for the product and uniformity of packing. The thickness of the product is 7 cm, the degree of hardness is medium.

Domestic manufacturer, in the line of which there is a single wadded mattress. The model has the name "Wadded" and belongs to the economy class. However, this is the best guest or summer cottage option if you need to quickly organize a sleeping place. The mattress is not suitable for everyday use - it will lose its characteristics too quickly.

Filler - regenerated fiber, outer layer - polycotton (not removable). Carrying handles available, affordability.

A modern model from a brand from Belarus. A feature of mattresses is the presence of a spring block, due to which the mattress is considered orthopedic. In the center of the mattress there are bicone spring blocks, and on the sides there are cotton fillers. It is represented by stitching batting, laid in 3 layers. The degree of rigidity of the product is medium. The cover is removable, made of stitched jacquard.

The model receives good reviews, is characterized by reliability and durability, and is designed for a weight of up to 120 kg.

Assess the appearance of the product. The mattress should have a smooth, even surface and uniform padding. The fabric part must be without puffs, unnecessary seams, must not be stretched and skewed. The same goes for the seams of the product.

Sniff the product - the presence of an extraneous "chemical" smell usually indicates improper processing of the filler. In this case, it is better to refuse to purchase, since this directly affects its properties.

After purchasing and unpacking the mattress, it is recommended to leave it in a dry, well-ventilated area to eliminate the factory odor.

High humidity is destructive for a cotton-based product. This is why it should not be stored or operated in damp, unheated rooms. To prevent the filler from getting wet, it is recommended to use a moisture-proof mattress topper.

Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is recommended every 7-10 days. If contamination appears, it is recommended to treat the product with warm soapy water and then dry it completely. It is recommended to ventilate the mattress after vacuuming.

Once every 10-14 days, the mattress should be turned from one side to the other. You can lightly "beat" the product with your hands, preventing the formation of lumps.

The mattress must not be washed. Upon contact with water, the cotton rolls off and cannot be dried. If traces of mold are found, it is better to get rid of the product. If an unpleasant odor appears, you can sprinkle soda on the surface and leave the powder overnight. In the morning, carefully knock out the mattress and vacuum it. Dry cleaning will deal with the problem faster and easier.

Be sure to use a mattress topper. When it comes to products for children or the elderly, it is better to choose waterproof covers.