Parental care for a newborn baby comes down to creating ideal conditions for rest, sleep and play of the child. Trying to give our baby only the best, we often make some mistakes. For example, some parents believe that a child should sleep on a soft mattress to make him more comfortable. In fact this is one of the typical mistakes. And the most suitable mattress for a child is a coconut mattress.
When choosing a mattress for a child, we must pay Special attention materials. All children's accessories must be safe and hypoallergenic. By purchasing a cheap mattress filled with polyurethane foam (foam rubber), we expose the baby to serious danger. In this review, we will look at all the features of coconut mattresses and study their advantages and disadvantages.
Coconut mattresses received this name because of their filler, which is natural coconut fiber. It is indeed made from ordinary coconuts. The manufacturing technology is quite simple - ripe nuts are collected, soaked in sea water and sent for processing. Their insides are used for confectionery purposes, and the outer fibers are combed out and dried.
Coconut coir is made from coconut fibers - this is a thread from which pillows, mattresses and other products are subsequently made. But only thin and short fibers are suitable for this. After this, the coir is sent for further processing, since pure form it is used quite rarely. Now the manufacturer faces two tasks:
- Give the coir the desired shape;
- Give it durability and elasticity.
Initially, coir is small balls of tangled short threads. In production, they are straightened, processed with natural latex and formed into slabs and blocks.
Since we're talking about latex, it should be noted that there are two types of coir:
- Latexed coir;
- Needle-punched coir.
And both types are quite actively used in the production of children's mattresses.
Properties of latex coir
Latexed coir is made by impregnating the original fibers with natural latex. Coconut fiber itself has antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties. Being treated with latex, coir becomes more resilient and elastic. At the same time, it gains resistance to stress. As a final result, producers receive safe and durable coconut slabs, which are sent for the manufacture of mattresses and other products.
Latexed coir has excellent antibacterial properties and is highly breathable. In addition, coconut fiber does not absorb moisture - it quickly evaporates and does not linger in the fabrics. And this is very good, because humid environment bacteria receive all the conditions for rapid reproduction.
Do not be alarmed by the strange rubbery smell emanating from a mattress with latex coir - this is what natural latex smells like, and the smell itself will disappear within a few days after opening the package with the mattress.
Properties of needle-punched coir
Needle-punched coir is not a full-fledged coconut fiber. During its production, short coconut fibers are nailed to the fabric base. The material turns out to be quite hard and dense, but not resistant to stress - soon dented places appear on mattresses made of such material, and the coir begins to crumble. After a few years, it completely collapses, resulting in mattresses become uncomfortable and even hazardous to health.
Pros and cons of a coconut mattress for a newborn
We learned how to make coconut filling for children's mattresses. Now we need to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of this material. Let's start, as usual, with the advantages - there are many more of them than disadvantages.
Naturalness
The first advantage is completely natural coconut coir. Both the fiber itself and the latex used to process it are obtained from plant materials. Therefore, we have at our disposal environmentally friendly mattresses made literally by nature itself - coconut coir is ideal material for children's crib mattresses. In addition, parents of the baby are recommended to purchase a coconut mattress for newborns in a stroller, since the child spends a lot of time in it.
No rotting
Coconut filling does not rot. Moreover, it is not subject to rotting even when wet - coconut fiber, due to the content of lignin, which is a natural polymer. Even if we wet the coconut fiber with water and keep it in this state for several days, it will do nothing - soon the moisture will evaporate, and we will get a mattress suitable for further use.
Hypoallergenic
Coconut filler has hypoallergenic properties. It does not cause allergies, does not accumulate unpleasant odors, and it does not harbor harmful microorganisms, for example, bed mites. In addition, coconut fiber has good heat transfer properties and is well ventilated.
Orthopedic properties
It is impossible not to note the orthopedic properties of this coconut fiber. Children's coconut mattresses are recommended for use by all children - such mattresses provide good back support and create conditions for the proper development of the spine. A rigid base makes sleep healthier and more sound. In addition, such mattresses are recommended for children and adults with spinal diseases - you should consult with specialists about this.
Flaws
Now let's talk about the disadvantages - there are not many of them, which once again confirms the excellent properties of this material. In fact, the only drawback of latexed coconut coir is is her high price . And this is quite understandable, given the labor intensity of its production - soaking alone takes up to several months. As for cheap coconut mattresses, they are made either from pressed (needle-punched) coir or from immature coconut fibers - they have a light shade.
Don't buy cheap coconut mattresses as they are no different good characteristics and quickly deteriorate. Pay attention to products from famous manufacturers.
Due to their rigidity, coconut mattresses are classified as orthopedic products, which means they are suitable not only for people with bad backs, but also for those who care about healthy posture in advance. That is why dense coir mattresses are recommended for the youngest children who are just developing the correct curve of the spine.
How to choose a coconut mattress?
The simplest and cheapest option is a thick mat made of coconut fiber (the thickness of the slab should start from at least 3 centimeters). Thinner options serve as a layer in combined models.
Signs of a quality filler:
- mature fibers are dark brown;
- the coir has been treated with latex (there are small white clots on the fibers);
- There is no unpleasant synthetic smell.
Coconut fiber, like other dried natural material, are quite fragile and will crumble under pressure. Therefore, they are specially impregnated with latex or stitched (the second method is considered less practical).
Single-layer coconut fiber board has high degree rigidity and may not be suitable for everyone (unless your doctor recommends this option). This mattress is usually taken by infants for safe sleep and correct formation of posture, or by adults for preventive treatment of the spine. An orthopedic pillow would be a good addition.
Softer products contain one or more layers of coir in combination with other types of filler. Clever combination modern materials results in a mattress that is well ventilated, provides anatomically correct support and gives real rest.
What is a coconut spring mattress? This is also a multi-layer product using high-quality spring block, which correctly distributes the load and helps the body relax during sleep. The more layers of coconut fiber, the harder the mattress will be (three layers are a bit firm for thin people, but are perfect for those with curvy figures).
Spring mattresses, which can also be purchased at the Matrason online store, belong to the category of soft or medium hardness.
How to disinfect a coconut fiber mattress?
Dry coir can only be cleaned using the dry method. The mattress should be regularly vacuumed, ventilated (preferably in the sun), and turned over to avoid squeezing.
You can wash the cover in a regular machine, selecting the mode for the type of fabric. When purchasing, pay attention to the length of the zipper - the longer it is, the easier it is to remove the cover. The zipper on one (end) side of the product is considered a demonstration one - so that the buyer can personally evaluate the quality of the filler.
Coconut mattresses are often purchased for newborn children, but here it is difficult to protect the crib from leaks. And even though moisture quickly passes through the fibers, the smell will still appear over time. A small solid block of coir can be washed in the bathroom with soapy water, put on a slightly damp cover and dry the product in a straightened state. It should be noted that this is an extreme measure for disinfecting coconut fiber, which can damage or deform the product, therefore, in order to avoid moisture penetration, it is better to use high-quality mattress covers.
Cleaning multi-layer orthopedic mattresses carried out only by specialists in dry cleaning using different detergents for different types mattresses and a very fast drying process so that the filling does not deform. You can clean small stains at home using a soapy solution and a soft sponge. When soaking old stains, try to keep the moisture as little as possible - the filler may become deformed and the metal elements may rust. If necessary, dry the mattress with a hairdryer.
Sleep for a person has great value. That’s why comfort, cleanliness, and the convenience of the bed and mattress are so important. Every housewife sooner or later faces the question: how to clean a mattress at home. No matter how high-quality the fabric for the mattress is, this is not a guarantee that sooner or later you will not have to deal with stains on the mattress. In this matter the most a good option- mattress pad. If the mattress gets dirty, you can remove the mattress cover and throw it in washing machine. There are, however, cases when a mattress cover does not help. Then, read our advice and begin to act.
Modern mattresses come in two types: spring and springless. They have such fillers as:
- Latex. It is produced on the basis of rubber (hevea juice). The big advantage of this filler is its elasticity and wrinkle resistance.
- Artificial latex. It is much tougher than natural. The big advantage of the filler is its affordable price.
- Polyurethane foam. Hypoallergenic filler, durable and elastic.
- Coconut coir. In domestically produced mattresses, latex is added, the ratio is 70%/30%. Natural filler has such advantages as: good ventilation, good heat transfer, long service life, hypoallergenic, does not absorb odors. The disadvantages include the high price of this filler.
- Cotton wadding. Hygroscopic, natural filler. Cotton mattresses with such content they have a low price.
- Cotton fiber. Natural material made from pressed white cotton. Comfortable, well ventilated, fluffy and elastic.
- Synthetic down (holofiber). Modern artificial filler. Hypoallergenic, good ventilation due to the tubular structure of the fibers, fluffy and inexpensive.
Rules of care
Each mattress has its own proven rules of care. Let's start with the most common one - a cotton mattress.
Cotton mattress
Cotton mattresses are purchased more often because of the natural filler and low price.
- Do not allow the cotton filling to bunch up; try to roll rather than bend the mattress.
- Ventilate in the air once a month.
- Turn over periodically to avoid dents.
- Vacuum at least once a week.
- Clean the mattress as it gets dirty, using shampoo upholstered furniture, or just soap suds.
Coconut mattress
A practical and firm coconut fiber mattress is well suited for small children, especially newborns. This mattress is good for children's spine, the fiber is hypoallergenic.
- Dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner is recommended.
- This mattress requires a removable cover, which makes it easier to care for.
- Requires frequent ventilation and repositioning.
- Do not let children jump on such a mattress, otherwise holes and dents will appear.
- You can’t dry it leaning against a heater; it’s better to use a hairdryer or iron.
Everyone knows that the best and most beneficial mattresses for the spine are orthopedic ones. With the condition that it is correctly selected according to the degree of rigidity. For example, it is better to buy a hard mattress for a child, because the child’s spine has not yet formed. For an elderly person, a soft mattress is more suitable.
- Do not bend it under any circumstances! Especially it concerns spring mattresses, or models with coconut coir filling. The springs may lose their shape and the coconut filling may burst.
- You can't knock it out. How to clean an orthopedic mattress? Only dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and removing stains - this is discussed below.
- Do not allow children to jump on this mattress if you want the product to serve you longer.
Use a mattress cover to protect against dirt and dust.
Cleaning the mattress from stains
It's no secret that fresh stains are removed much easier and faster than old and dried ones. A cleaning steam generator or a vacuum cleaner with an aqua filter helps to deal well with dirt and stains on the mattress. If there is no such equipment, then before cleaning the mattress from stains, go over it with a regular vacuum cleaner to remove dust, crumbs, and dust mites. This is especially true before cleaning children's mattress, because it is dust that is known to provoke allergies in children.
Blood stains
It is most effective to remove blood stains immediately before they are absorbed into the fabric. There are several ways to deal with blood stains.
- Cold water is sufficient to remove fresh blood stains. It is enough to wet a cotton pad or cotton napkin in cold water, and blot the stain, changing the water.
- Hydrogen peroxide is good for removing blood stains. Use a weak 3% peroxide solution. We set up 1 table. spoon of peroxide in a glass of water, put several cotton pads in the glass, squeeze out a little, and place on the stain. Leave for 5-10 minutes, then change. Repeat several times, finally blot with a dry cloth.
- For old blood stains, use a paste: mix hydrogen peroxide, salt, and starch in equal parts. Apply to the stain and leave for 15 minutes. Then remove the paste with a damp cloth. Finally, blot this area with a dry cloth.
Cleaning mattresses from urine stains - not an easy task, since it is also complicated by the presence of odor. This is especially true for orthopedic mattresses.
- Baking soda will help remove a fresh urine stain. To do this, pour baking soda onto the stain and leave it for 1-2 hours. If the smell remains, remove it with a cotton swab and vinegar. We blot with a dry cloth, then dry with a hairdryer or vacuum cleaner.
- Removes unsightly stains from children's mattresses boric acid(borax). Drop a drop of water onto the powder and apply the paste to the stain, rubbing it into the fabric. Leave for 15 minutes. We remove the remaining powder with a vacuum cleaner.
- You can use alcohol to remove such stains. This will help remove stains and disinfect the mattress. Use a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or vodka to blot the stain. Do not wet it too much, otherwise you will have to dry the mattress for a long time. We treat the stain until it disappears.
- Using a cotton swab, slightly moisten the stain area, add coarse salt, and leave for 1-2 hours. The salt will absorb all the urine. Collect salt with a vacuum cleaner. Then treat the remaining stains with hydrogen peroxide using a cotton pad. The stain area will foam a little. This is fine. After the formation of foam stops, wipe with a dry cloth.
Other spots
You can remove other stains if you know that:
- Coffee stains can be removed with a paste of salt and water. Leave for 30 minutes, then remove the salt and dry.
From red wine, berries, or juices. Add baking soda or salt. Leave for 20-30 minutes, remove with a vacuum cleaner, wash with foam (for example, shaving foam). - Oily spots. If they are fresh, cover them with starch, salt, or talcum powder. After 20 minutes, clean off the powder and add one more time.
- Beer or tea stains. Soak a cotton pad in 9% vinegar and wipe the stains.
- Traces of lipstick are washed off with alcohol.
- A trace of chewing gum or adhesive tape. Place ice on the stained area and then scrape it off. with a dull knife. Wipe with a cotton pad with alcohol.
If you take proper care of the mattress, it will serve you for a long time.
The video talks about how to care for a mattress and how to remove stains from a mattress.
Children's mattresses easily absorb foreign odors, especially when the baby wets himself at night.
Dirt accumulates on the surface. After cleaning the case and airing the product, bad smell persists because urine gradually permeates the inner layers of the mattress.
Children's products should not be dry cleaned, otherwise they may cause allergic attacks to the components. chemical reagents can't be avoided.
Manufacturers of children's mattresses indicate on the labels that the products cannot be washed. Then how to wash a children's mattress?
There are special detergents for washing mattresses. They are intended for surface care of products with coconut filling. The removable cover is washed in an automatic machine in the classic way. Non-removable covers, for example, in cotton children's mattresses, are treated with specialized detergents
for manual care of mattresses at home. If you put it on top of the mattress protective case , you can use a carpet cleaner for treatment, and you can use it to remove odors. special means from the pet store. Suitable also baby soap
Cotton mattress
for washing and baby powders.
How to wash a children's cotton mattress?
Initially, the surface of the mattress must be thoroughly vacuumed to remove dust from the inner layers.
- The following methods are used to remove stains:
- greasy stains are removed with undiluted alcohol; after cleaning, the surface is washed with water;
- spilled juices, teas and other liquids are washed off with a vinegar solution, the ingredients are taken in equal parts; neutralize odors from food products
- You can use a solution of baking soda;
- stains of unknown origin can be removed with an ammonia solution at the rate of 1 teaspoon per glass of water; fresh urine is eliminated soap solution
or a vinegar solution, you can apply a paste of salt and lemon juice to the puddle, let it sit for several hours and rinse off.
Such products consist of 3-5 layers. How to wash a children's mattress with? After removing the cover, the mattress must be carefully disassembled into layers. It is recommended to wash each layer separately.
- Take half a bath of water and add half a pack of baby washing powder. To wash your mattress, you can choose powders with a pleasant aroma.
- The layer is lowered into the bath and allowed to soak for 5-10 minutes, after which it is washed carefully by hand. A children's mattress with coconut filling may also contain buckwheat husk. Such layers cannot be rubbed, otherwise the husks will jump out of their own pockets.
- Rinse the mattress thoroughly in home bathrooms with plenty of water until the water runs clear.
This washing method eliminates unpleasant odors, including urine.
The material must not be centrifuged. It is enough to squeeze out the water a little with your hands and lay out the layers to dry on a special hanger for drying. Products should not be over-dried, otherwise problems may arise with the assembly of layers.
Semi-dry layers are collected in reverse order, put on the cover. Next, let the mattress dry thoroughly in the assembled state, turning it over to the other side as it dries.
A coconut filled mattress with foam rubber is widely used for cribs. Therefore, it is quite logical that it is susceptible to such types of contamination as urine, blood, food stains, which are quite difficult to remove. In addition to this problem, housewives do not know whether its filling can be washed. Find out how to wash a coconut mattress correctly and what products to use to clean it from the article. Although it is inexpensive, I still want it to last longer. To do this, you must follow the rules for its operation.
Using the mattress correctly
It belongs to the type of orthopedic mattresses. The filler inside is coconut fibers, which in itself speaks volumes about its strength. However, you should not believe those manufacturers who loudly insist that such mattresses can withstand any mechanical stress, including jumps and impacts if transported incorrectly. As a rule, the seller gives such recommendations if coconut fibers are bonded with synthetic adhesive solutions. It is quite clear that in this situation there can be no talk of any environmental cleanliness.
It’s better to make it a rule to follow some principles for using a mattress filled with coconut. Here they are:
- compliance temperature regime indoors in the range from ten to forty degrees and maximum value air humidity of eighty-five percent;
- to protect against various types of liquids, it makes sense to use an external hygienic mattress cover;
- Such material should not be placed on excessively hard and textured surfaces such as cots, sofas, or floors. Better buy wooden frame, which will enhance the orthopedic effect;
- The dimensions of the product must fully fit the size of the child’s crib;
- From time to time it is worthwhile to ventilate the filler;
- Don’t forget to vacuum the product to get rid of dust and small dirt.
As stains appear, you should get rid of them immediately, if possible. Find out how to wash a coconut mattress correctly in the following sections.
If possible, it is better to remove blood immediately. This is done with a cloth soaked in cold water. If it has already been partially absorbed, then hydrogen peroxide will come to the rescue. Apply it to the stain and wait until the reaction occurs, accompanied by the release of foam. And then calmly collect the solution with a sponge.
How to wash a coconut mattress using laundry soap? Very simple. It is applied to the stain with a toothbrush and then rinsed with clean water.
You can use soda or salt. Any of these substances must be mixed in water, pour the resulting solution into a spray bottle and spray onto the area of contamination. Then wait twenty minutes until it is absorbed. And remove with a cotton swab or napkin.
Another unpleasant type of pollution is urine stains. How to wash a children's coconut mattress from them, and what products to use?
These types of stains are dangerous not only because they contaminate the product, but also because they cause a characteristic odor. As a precaution, far-sighted housewives use oilcloth when covering the mattress, on which a mattress pad is put, and then a sheet on top. If you have not taken such precautions, you can only clean fresh urine stains yourself at home. But old stains can only be washed off by dry cleaning.
How to wash coconut mattress using liquid soap? It needs to be foamed in water, applied to the contaminated area, and then blotted with a regular napkin. As a rule, urine is also removed along with the solution.
A combination of salt and lemon juice is also an excellent cleaner for these types of stains. They are mixed until a thick consistency is formed and left in place for two hours. In this case, a double positive effect is achieved - the salt absorbs all the liquid, and lemon juice eliminates unpleasant odor. Then, the area where the solution is applied is wiped with a damp cloth.
A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda works great for removing urine stains. This mixture is dissolved in water, applied using a spray bottle to the contaminated area, wait chemical reaction, and then clean it with a cloth.
If the unpleasant odor still remains, it can be removed using ordinary table vinegar.
Find out how to wash a children's mattress with coconut shavings to remove food stains and other types of dirt in the next section.
Getting rid of food stains on a mattress
Grease stains can be easily removed if you use ammonia. A few drops of it are diluted in water, a soft cloth is soaked in the resulting solution, wrung out well, and then the dirty area is wiped with it.
If the mattress has been stained with drops of wax, they can be removed with a damp cloth and an iron. The napkin should be placed on the stain and ironed on top. All wax comes off the mattress immediately.
How to wash a coconut mattress to remove chewing gum or plasticine. Instead of washing, you will need ice. With its help, sticky contaminants are frozen, after which they are easily scraped off with a knife.
If the nature of the stains is unknown to you, you can use dishwashing liquid diluted in water. It is applied to the area of contamination, and some material is placed on top that absorbs moisture well. All the dirt will pull out on its own.
Is it possible to wash a coconut mattress? in the usual way? It is best to carry out this procedure without using filler.
Washing a coconut mattress
Under no circumstances should the coconut filling itself be wetted. To get rid of unpleasant odors it is hung on the balcony and dried in the open sun. In winter, use a battery for this purpose. The main thing is not to overdo it and not to dry it out. Otherwise, the coconut filler will lose its shape.
But the foam layer can be washed. It detaches from the filler very easily. It should be twisted and in this form placed in washing machine. It should be taken into account that foam rubber after washing requires additional drying on a radiator or in the sun, since its porous structure retains moisture for a very long time. And in the case of coconut filling, there should not be any liquid inside the mattress, even in the smallest quantities, as this will lead to the formation of mold.
How to wash a coconut mattress to get rid of mites, dust and dirt inside the fibers? If you have a steam generator at your disposal, you can use it for cleaning. Hot steam can dissolve many types of stains, kill mites if there are any, and also blow out all the dust ingrained deep into the coconut fibers. It is important to dry the filler well after such treatment.
In conclusion, it should be added that, despite low price mattress filled with coconut flakes, it makes sense to follow the rules for caring for it. As practice shows, stores do not always sell environmentally friendly materials. In an effort to give the coconut filling increased strength, manufacturers use adhesives of synthetic origin. Therefore, being the owner of a truly environmentally friendly mattress, it makes sense to keep it in good condition for as long as possible.