Optimize my mattress toppers

April 3, 2024 6:56 PM

I have the following objects that can be layered on my mattress: 1 - waterproof mattress topper - this allows small incontinent people to visit me at night, this is a good thing despite how I've described it. 2 - squishy pad - this makes my hard mattress comfortable for sleeping. 3 - mattress heater - this keeps me warm. What is the best way to stack these three things on the mattress so that they all have maximum functionality?

Please know that I will give extra credit if you provide reasons for your answer.

posted by Vatnesine to Home & Garden (5 answers total)

Top: Waterproof (you don't want either of the other two layers to get wet)
Middle: Heater (you want this above the squishy so that the squishy doesn't insulate you from it, wasting most of the heat)
Bottom: Squishy (it's what's left — you'd ideally like it as close to you as possible for maximum squishyness, but the other two concerns override that)
posted by whatnotever at 7:04 PM on April 3 [12 favorites]

The other reason that you don't put the heating blanket underneath the squishy

is that putting electric blankets underneath mattress toppers can trap the heat and cause fires.
posted by chariot pulled by cassowaries at 8:16 PM on April 3 [1 favorite]

I would pay attention to how well heat moves through the waterproof pad - if it is too impermeable you run the risk that the heat will get trap, build up and create a fire hazard. Bigger risk if you like the heater set on high rather than low. I will preheat my bed with two sheets and a down quilt on top of the mattress heater and it doesn't seem to overheat but you can quickly check if the waterproof pad is comfortably warm but not hot on both the top side and the bottom side with the heater under it then you are probably OK. (Obviously the bottom side will be warmer than the top but the heat should passing through it well and not building up on the underside)
posted by metahawk at 10:27 PM on April 3 [2 favorites]

Especially considering the visitors I would nix the mattress heater entirely for safety reasons. Opt instead for a heated blanket or foot warmer that lives at the end of your bed (that short people won’t reach so you can keep it on top of the waterproof layer). And maybe heat retaining bedding like flannel.

The squishy mattress pad goes underneath the waterproof pad so it stays protected.
posted by Mizu at 10:49 PM on April 3 [6 favorites]

Alternative passive heating system: toss some thick towels in the dryer and layer the hot fabric between the waterproof topper and the squishy pad. This is safer than a mattress heater if the kiddos are not getting to the bathroom in time. The extra absorbency is a plus.
Bonus points for a mylar emergency blanket or other reflective material to bounce the heat back where you want it.
Layers are: mattress, squishy pad, mylar blanket, fitted or pinned flannel sheet to keep everything in place.
Add hot towels or mattress heater where needed, then add waterproof topper where needed.
Finish with your choice of top sheets and blankets. May I suggest that the other person have their own child-sized blanket to eliminate air pockets and absorb any moisture. This one item may need replacing during the night.
Don't lie directly on the waterproof surfaces since sweat is then trapped against your clothes and skin.
posted by TrishaU at 11:12 PM on April 3