Egg Crate Mattress Pad Safety

Egg Crate Mattess Pad

• An egg crate mattress pad is made from foam and has a texture that is reminiscent of an egg carton, hence the name. The hills and valleys of the egg crate mattress pad softens a bed, making it more comfortable to many of its users. Note, however, that the foam used in these types of mattress pads do not typically provide pressure relief like some other mattress toppers, according to Weill Cornell Medical College.

General Safety

• In general, egg crate toppers are safe to use. They are widely available to the public, such as in retail stores where bedding products are sold and in medical supply stores. Some hospitals also use egg crate mattress pads. But do not use this or any other soft topper or bedding if you allow an infant to sleep with you in bed -- it increases her risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

How to Use

• Put the egg crate mattress pad directly on top of your mattress. The side with the hills should face upward. Cover the bed with a mattress cover to help keep the topper clean. If bed wetting is an issue, cover it with a waterproof mattress cover. Then put on the sheets. You'll likely need one with deep pockets for a secure fit.

How to Clean

• There are several ways to keep an egg crate mattress pad clean. For example, mix approximately 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a spray bottle. Spray both sides of the mattress pad with the solution to moisten the surface. Hang it up to dry for one to two hours, preferably in the sun where the sunlight can kill any germs. You can also use a bleach solution made from nine parts water and one part chlorine bleach, but this may alter the color of the foam. After the topper dries, vacuum it and put it back on the bed.