Breathable Crib Mattress Reviews

What You Need To Know

Breathable crib mattresses help to prevent suffocation when a baby turns over on their stomach during nap times. These mattresses work due to a special filling that is porous and allows air to flow freely. Others use a 2-part concept – usually a frame and a thin mattress topper that stretches on to the frame, allowing air to circulate through to the baby. These mattresses are extremely valuable to babies at a higher risk of breathing difficulties due to SIDS, premature birth, and more.

Most of the breathable mattresses on the market are made of organic materials like coconut fiber cores or cotton that hasn’t been bleached or dried. Eucalyptus covers help the infant to stay cool, they prevent itchy rashes, and the pores allow babies to breathe normally, even if they flip onto their stomachs during sleep. The mattresses are fully washable and are not treated with chemicals or fire retardant.

These mattresses are designed to keep gaps from forming between the crib and the mattress itself. They are also lightweight, with some weighing less than 7 pounds. This makes them easy to remove for washing and drying. Some even dry up to 50% faster than others. The variety of colors is also great for matching up with a nursery since most of these are not meant to be used with sheets or bedding.

The Design and Constructions of Breathable Crib Mattresses

Like standard mattresses, breathable crib mattresses have a support layer that promotes healthy and comfortable sleep. They also have a soft yet breathable exterior cover that in most cases is waterproof. And because babies are also sensitive to temperature fluctuations, these crib-sized mattresses have airflow technology that promotes temperature regulation. Unlike full-size mattresses, crib mattresses are thin, with most of them measuring just under 6 inches in height. Despite their size and breathable material, crib mattresses are built with quality materials and can last for a long time.

Most of the breathable mattresses on the market are made of organic materials like coconut fiber cores or cotton that hasn’t been bleached or dried. Eucalyptus covers help the infant to stay cool, they prevent itchy rashes, and the pores allow babies to breath normally – even if they flip onto their stomachs during sleep. The mattresses are fully washable and are not treated with chemicals or fire retardant.

Layers

Crib mattresses are much simpler when compared to full-size, adult mattresses. Most breathable crib mattresses only have one layer and a cover. The mattress layer is roughly 6 inches in height, ensuring that your infant is safe if he or she rolls off during the night. In fact, your infant can sleep on some mattresses without the cover (depending on the material), but you won’t get the extra protection when accidents arise. If you see mattresses advertised as “two-stage,” don’t confuse this with two layers. Two-stage mattresses have a different level of firmness on the opposite side. One side of the mattress is for infants and the other side of the mattress is for toddlers.

Cover

The cover, without a doubt, is one of the most important pieces of a breathable crib mattress. Not only does it ensure breathability, but it also protects the “core” of the mattress from stains. Since babies are sensitive to toxins and synthetic materials, many mattress brands only use organic fabrics for covers. Some of the most popular products on Amazon are also hypoallergenic and are put through a rigorous emission-testing process. Since covers are bound to get dirty, it’s always a good idea to make sure that it’s washable.

Comfort and Feel

Breathable crib mattresses should be comfortable without compromising safety. As experts suggest, these mattresses should be somewhat firm to properly support the infant’s body. With that said, it’s still necessary for the mattress to be comfortable so the infant can get a good night’s rest. There are two keywords to pay close attention to when shopping: “softness” and “firm.” The mattress seller will typically indicate that the mattress is firm, but sometimes you must dive deeper into the reviews to see how customers describe the mattress. There are both foam and non-foam options, both of which can offer just the right amount of comfort for your infant.

Temperature Regulation

Just like adult human beings, infants sleep best at a regulated temperature. Parents should maintain the infant’s room at a temperature between 68° and 72°F. The temperature of the room keeps the baby both comfortable and healthy. When an infant is too hot, research suggests that the risk of SIDS increases. For this reason, it’s critical to choose a mattress that has strong temperature regulation features. Most mattresses have a light outer cover that diverts heat or an inner-layer that aids in circulating the air. To properly regulate your infant’s temperature, you should also consider factors such as the blankets they sleep with or their pajamas.

Washable Fabric

We all know that accidents happen, and they usually happen more than once. Many breathable crib mattresses are made with a hypoallergenic washable cover (for example, those made by the Newton brand). If your little one has an accident, all you have to do is remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine. You do not have to take the covers to the dry cleaners. Thanks to their long-lasting materials, crib mattress covers won’t shrink after you wash them. Not only is the cover machine washable, but it also helps prevent “accidents” from seeping below the fabric and into the mattress.

Durability and Longevity

Since children may use cribs until they are three years old, it’s important for crib mattresses to be durable and made with high-quality materials. Certain brands have patented covers with two layers that help extend the life of the mattress all while maintaining a breathable outer layer. And given that most mattresses have washable materials, you won’t have to constantly buy a new mattress when accidents happen. Not all mattresses explicitly state the lifespan (in fact, few do), but it’s easy to get a good indication by looking at the reviews and the certifications that the mattress holds.

Sinkage

Crib mattresses don’t have anywhere near the level of sinkage that standard mattresses have. Most of these mattresses are soft yet firm, ensuring that the mattress is comfortable but doesn’t cause the infant to shift his or her position. Pediatricians also recommend mattresses on the firm side because they support musculoskeletal development. As an extra bonus, some products are dual-sided, meaning both sides of the mattress have the same level of firmness (and in some cases, different levels). Most mattress listings on Amazon have an indicator of the firmness level and it’s always a good idea to read the reviews to make sure the product listing holds true to its word.

Pricing

Given the smaller size of these mattresses, they are a little expensive, but well worth it. Depending on the brand, breathable crib mattresses range from $100 to $300. Mattresses at the high end of this range generally have additional layers and more advanced technology. You’ll also notice that the cheaper options may not have the same quality certifications and organic materials as those that cost more.

Safety Features

Effective breathable crib mattresses use technology that promotes airflow and reduces CO2 rebreathing. These mattresses typically boast an internal breathable space that enhances air circulation. Another important factor that contributes to the safety of the mattress is the outer material. While it depends on the brand, the material is usually an organic and light cotton that does not contain glue, foam, or allergens. Most fabrics are waterproof, meaning the mattress will still be breathable even if water spills on it.

When shopping for a breathable crib mattress, you should look for safety certifications such as Greenguard Gold. This industry-leading certification is only given to mattresses that pass strict emission and toxin tests. Even if a mattress is truly breathable, other factors can pose a counteractive threat, so it’s important to consider the safety and the quality of the materials used in the construction of the mattress.

Trial Period

Unlike standard mattresses, most breathable crib mattresses either offer no trial period or a much shorter trial period. For example, Newton Baby is a brand that offers a 100-night free trial to ensure that the mattress works for your infant. If you’re searching on Amazon and want to find mattresses with a free trial, a good trick is to add “trial” at the end of your search. You may have to do a search on the product’s page to find the details regarding the free trial period. At the end of the day, a trial option is very valuable so you can see how well your child sleeps on the mattress.

Warranty

The exact features and length of the warranty will vary depending on where you buy your breathable crib mattress. Given the high price of these mattresses, it’s important to read the warranty details carefully. Unfortunately, many brands don’t explicitly state the warranty on their Amazon listings. You may have to go to the manufacturer’s website to find the details or contact the seller directly. For example, all Newton mattresses, which are popular on Amazon, come with a two-year limited warranty. Keep in mind that certain stipulations apply; in many cases, you must be the original owner of the product.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind

Breathable crib mattresses are pricey. They can range from 200 dollars upwards to over 500 dollars. Most hold a low weight limit, anywhere from 35-65 pounds, making the usefulness of the mattress limited to young children and infants. Also, some of these breathable mattresses can take up to three months to ship. This can be an issue for those requiring a breathable mattress quickly for their newborn. A few of the mattresses have been known to have a plastic smell when they arrive. This is quickly dissipated once the mattress is aired out for a few days. Some reviewers say they will only use the mattress as a ‘topper’ on a regular mattress because it is so thin.

What Others Are Saying

With thousands of reviews on Amazon and other e-commerce sites, scanning through them and picking out the important details can be challenge. We did the hard work and came up with the consensus: most parents are very satisfied when it comes to the safety features of these mattresses. They also like the chemical-free materials used by most brands and the sense of quality that these mattresses provide. Most reviewers described these mattresses as the perfect “fit” for their cribs and as a convenient product.

Furthermore, most parents are happy to pay the higher price for the extra protection these mattresses offer over a standard mattress. While these products are an investment, they value having peace of mind over a cheap mattress that doesn’t boast the same number of safety features. To top it off, many parents love the fact that these mattresses don’t give off a smell like many others do (thanks to the fact that most of them are constructed with organic and toxin-free materials). Keep in mind, certain brands do have complaints of smells, so always take a glance at the reviews. Overall, consumers have very few negative comments about breathable crib mattresses.

Should You Buy a Breathable Crib Mattress for Your Infant?

The answer is clear – yes, you should buy a breathable crib mattress for your infant to prevent suffocation. While babies should always sleep on their back, there’s always a risk that they could shift positions during the night and end up on their stomach. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, roughly 3,500 infants die each year because of sleep-related causes.

A breathable crib mattress is a strong safeguard to prevent infant deaths. A safe, breathable crib mattress is a must-have to protect your little one. Not only do these mattresses offer invaluable safety features, but they also are convenient and hygienic. Most brands go out of their way to make sure all the materials used in production are safe and won’t irritate your child. With many brands offering trial periods and warranties, you should feel at ease when shopping online.

These mattresses also have thousands of reviews, so you can get a clear idea of whether a particular mattress is a good choice for your infant. As you search for a mattress, don’t forget to consider the temperature-regulating technology, the washability of the mattress, and other important features that are a huge advantage.