100% Cotton Cot Mattress Protector & Encasement

A 100% cotton cot mattress protector and encasement — tightly-woven cotton fabric with an independently-tested pore size of 2.8 microns. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, full zippered closure. Available in Standard (132 × 72cm) and Boori Cot (132 × 78cm) sizes, both 13cm depth.

At a glance

• Fabric: 100% cotton, tightly woven upland cotton
• Pore size: 2.8 microns at maximum distribution — independently tested by capillary flow porometry (Galwick fluid).
• Seams: Enclosed binding for continuous barrier integrity
• Closure: Full zippered closure
• Coverage: Encloses all six sides of the cot mattress
• Certification: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 (tested for over 100 substances of concern)
• Cot mattress depth: Fits cot mattresses up to 13cm deep
• Sizes: Standard (132 × 72cm) and Boori Cot (132 × 78cm)
• Care: Machine washable, tumble-dry on medium heat
• Quality: Manufacturer-backed against defects

What this product is

A full encasement that seals the cot mattress inside a tightly-woven cotton barrier — can be used in homes where dust mite allergens are a concern.

• Why this matters for dust mite allergens. Dust mite allergens are carried by fecal pellets and body fragments that typically measure 10 to 40 microns. Cot mattresses accumulate skin cells over time, making them a dust mite allergen reservoir. This encasement's 2.8-micron weave traps these allergen-carrying particles inside the mattress.
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Every component (fabric, thread, zipper) has been independently tested for over 100 substances of concern.
• Use alongside other dust mite reduction steps. Barrier bedding is one piece of an allergen-aware nursery, alongside regular vacuuming, hard-floor surfaces where possible, and reduced soft furnishings.

Who this is for

• Parents who want a dust mite barrier on their child's cot mattress as part of an allergen-aware nursery setup
• Households setting up an allergen-aware bedroom across the home, including the child's room
• Parents who prefer 100% cotton bedding for their child without polyurethane laminates or synthetic fibres
• Parents who want OEKO-TEX certified bedding under their child's fitted sheet

It's probably not the right fit if:

• You need waterproof protection for bedwetting or accidents — see our waterproof cot mattress protector instead
• Your cot mattress is significantly different from the listed sizes — measure first and contact us if unsure
• Your child has moved to a single bed — see our cotton single mattress encasement

What the fabric does

Dust mite allergens are carried by fecal pellets and body fragments that typically measure 10 to 40 microns. This fabric tests at 2.8 microns at maximum distribution, well below that.

• Tightly-woven cotton barrier. Particles inside the cot mattress stay inside, rather than passing through the fabric.
• Enclosed binding seams. Fabric edges are sealed within a binding strip so the barrier extends from corner to corner without a gap.
• Full zippered closure. The zipper closes to seal the mattress inside.
• Breathable. Woven cotton, not laminated plastic — no heat trap, no "crinkle" feel. Washes and dries like normal cot bedding.

Test method: capillary flow porometry using Galwick fluid, conducted by an independent third-party lab.

Sizing

Measure your cot mattress before ordering. Cotton has minimal stretch, so a close size match is important. If your cot mattress is significantly different from these sizes, contact us before ordering.

How to fit it safely

Fitting the encasement correctly is important for both barrier integrity and safe sleep:

1. Remove the cot mattress and any existing bedding.
2. Unzip the encasement fully and slide it over the mattress, making sure all six sides are covered.
3. Close the zipper completely — there should be no gap.
4. Smooth the fabric flat against the mattress so there is no loose, bunched, or excess fabric anywhere on the surface where your child sleeps.
5. Place the cot mattress back in the cot.
6. Fit a tight-fitting cot sheet over the top — the sheet should be snug with no loose fabric or wrinkles on the sleep surface.
7. Follow Red Nose Australia safe sleeping guidance: keep the cot bare otherwise, with no pillows, blankets, soft toys, or padded items for infants under 12 months.

Care

• Before first use: Wash the encasement before fitting. This removes any production residues.
• Wash: Machine wash in warm or hot water. 60°C is the temperature most commonly cited for dust mite reduction in bedding, where the care label allows.
• Dry: Tumble dry on medium heat or air dry. Avoid high heat — repeated hot drying can shrink cotton.
• Frequency: Every 3–6 months is generally sufficient when a fitted cot sheet sits over the top. The sheet gets washed weekly with your other cot bedding.
• Avoid: Bleach, fabric softeners, dry cleaning, and ironing.

Certification and testing

• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — an independent global certification confirming every component (fabric, thread, zipper) has been tested for over 100 substances of concern.
• Independent fabric testing — pore size of 2.8 microns at maximum distribution, measured by capillary flow porometry using Galwick fluid by a third-party lab.

We don't make claims that this product cures, treats, or prevents allergies, asthma, eczema, or any other condition. What we describe is the fabric's measurable physical properties as a barrier against fine particles. This product is not a medical device. Always follow Red Nose Australia safe sleeping guidance, and discuss bedding choices with your child's GP, paediatrician, or allergist if your child has a diagnosed condition.

Pairs well with

• Cotton kids pillow protector — once your child is using a pillow (typically 12+ months, under family or paediatrician guidance)
• Cotton quilt protector — once your child is using a quilt (typically toddler age, per safe sleep guidance)

Frequently asked questions

Is this safe for infants?

The fabric is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, meaning every component has been tested for over 100 substances of concern. The protector itself fits over the cot mattress, under your child's fitted sheet — it is not loose bedding inside the cot. Always follow Red Nose Australia safe sleeping guidance: place baby on their back to sleep, keep the cot bare, and ensure all bedding (sheets and protectors) is fitted snugly with no loose fabric.

Will it fit my cot mattress?

Measure your cot mattress before ordering. Standard Australian cot mattresses are 132 × 72cm; Boori-brand cots take 132 × 78cm mattresses. Cotton has minimal stretch, so a close size match matters. Contact us if your mattress is significantly different.

Will it shrink if washed?

If washed at very high temperatures or hot-dried, some shrinkage may occur. The encasement is sized slightly larger to allow for reasonable shrinkage, but for best longevity we recommend warm wash and tumble dry on medium heat.

Should I discuss this with my GP or paediatrician first?

If your child has a diagnosed allergy, eczema, asthma, or any other medical condition, yes — your GP, paediatrician, or allergist is the right person to advise on whether barrier bedding suits your child's situation.

Is this an alternative to following Red Nose Australia safe sleep guidelines?

No — it's a complementary product that fits within those guidelines, not a substitute for them. Red Nose Australia's bare-cot recommendation (no loose blankets, pillows, soft toys, or padded items for infants under 12 months) still applies. The protector is fitted under your child's tight-fitting cot sheet — not loose inside the cot.

Is this hypoallergenic?

The word "hypoallergenic" doesn't have a defined Australian standard, so we're cautious about applying it as a product claim. What we can tell you is what the fabric measurably does: it's tightly-woven 100% cotton with a pore size of 2.8 microns, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, with enclosed binding seams.

My child has eczema or sensitive skin — what can you tell me about the fabric?

We can describe what the fabric does — 100% cotton, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, no plastic membrane or chemical treatment. We don't make claims about how this affects eczema or any other condition. If your child has eczema, please discuss bedding choices with your GP, paediatrician, or dermatologist.

How is this different from a regular cot mattress protector?

Most regular cot mattress protectors are loosely-woven cotton or microfibre with elastic edges, used for general spill protection. They don't form a barrier fine enough to stop dust mite allergen particles, and they typically only cover the top. This is a fully-zippered encasement with a 2.8-micron weave, functioning as a dust mite allergen barrier and covering all six sides of the mattress.

How often should I wash it?

Every 3–6 months is generally sufficient when a fitted cot sheet sits over the top. The sheet gets washed weekly with your other cot bedding.

What is OEKO-TEX Standard 100?

OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a global independent certification that tests every component of a textile product (fabric, thread, zipper) for over 100 substances of concern.