Benefits of a wool topper versus puddle pad?

[Marni]

About to buy my little girls their own twin beds. In researching covers, etc though, I was wondering --

Why would someone buy a wool "topper" (which needs to be dry cleaned and is more expensive) versus a wool "puddle pad" (which can be laundered, and is cheaper)? Is added comfort the only reason? If so, wouldn't a puddle pad plus a 100% cotton mattress pad (over the puddle pad) do the trick -- if you had a comfy enough, chemical-free mattress?

Just wondering if I am missing something. Those wool toppers look nice -- but seem like a lot of work to clean if someone wets the bed. I want the best NATURAL protection possible for the mattress. We have no allergy concerns, btw -- but of course, would like to keep dust mites at bay.

Thanks for your feedback!

[snanna]

We love our wool topper over our futon, as it is cool/warm/soft and breathes well, but I wouldn't use it as a puddle pad. It has a cotton cover, so it would get smelly and need to be cleaned if it got peed on. A puddle pad is just wool, so it just needs to be aired out and it's good to go back on the bed.

Our toddler's bed doesn't have a wool topper, and is set up like this, from top to bottom:

sheet
bath towel
bath towel
wool puddle pad
cotton mattress pad
futon

That way the mattress pad stays dry (hopefully), and only the sheet and towels need to be washed.

Of course, it's been months since she peed in the bed, but I just can't let go... I suppose it's come in handy protecting the mattress from nosebleeds a few times, though.

[greentara_mama]

Originally Posted by Marni

About to buy my little girls their own twin beds. In researching covers, etc though, I was wondering --

Why would someone buy a wool "topper" (which needs to be dry cleaned and is more expensive) versus a wool "puddle pad"

wool toppers are more for adding a layer of cloud like comfort. Puddle pads are for preventing wetness from penetrating through to your mattress. I recommend the wool puddle pad with an organic cotton mattress pad over it for the best bedwetting - safe mattress cover.

Some wool toppers can be washed. I would never dry clean bedding- yuk!

:-)

[motherbirth]

We have a wool topper because our mattress is really old and the springs stick up and this was cheaper than replacing the mattress!