Matress pad question.

[tazbabie4]

I have noticed from the forums that most people use matress pads under the fleece. What is the difference between that and towels? Where would you find it, and how much does it usually cost? Thanks in advance for any help!

[Harrys Dad]

Don't know about the difference never used towels but you can find it in most bedding sections of department stores like wal-mart and they had them for under $20.00 but I could be putting the price high. Here is a link http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=7811148 also get the cotten NOT the waterproof ones you want the liquid to seep into the pad not puddle.

[tazbabie4]

So its just a normal matress pad? Not a smaller one? How do you cut it to fit in the cage? and how do you clean it?

[khptown]

I put the mattress pad in the washing machine, when I wash the fleece (right when I clean the cage). I either pull out the tape measure to and cut after accurately measuring my materials, or I put the material on top of the cage and then cut it. The second way is just as accurate as the tape measure.

[tazbabie4]

But isn't it a little big?

[sammy_kaye]

You usually cut the mattress pad/protector to fit. Or you can fold it up to fit in. I use a combination of towels, batting and a mattress protector all sewin together. I cut mine to fit the C&C. I got 2 2x3 pieces with some bits left over from a single mattress protector.

[Harrys Dad]

I cut my mattress pad to fit the cage then sewed my fleece onto the pad to make like a blanket for the bedding then just take out once a week and wash with 1 cup vinager and no dye laundry soap. I have a second set made for each level so I wash one use one.

[tazbabie4]

What I mean is, isn't the matress pad a little thick? I'm talking about the link to the Target matress pad.

[sammy_kaye]

All up my fleece is about 2cm thick with the towel, batting and mattress pad (it only just fitted through the sewing machine. I would imagine the thicker the pad the more it will absorb which is what you want. I cut the elastic that goes over the mattress off as it is not needed and is often polyester which isn't absorbant.

[crazywiggy]

One of my reasons for switching from towells to mattress pads was time and effort required!

I do not have my bedding layers sewn together, so I was using one layer of fleece and three towels. I can tell you it is a right pain to get them where you want them. Every week it took two people to hold the towels together and straigthen them out, then fold them. I then had to get them into the cage and unfold again - without them getting all screwed up etc.
Because the mattress pad is so much thicker, I only use one layer, and it also holds it shape better. Now I just stick it in the cage, saving me at least 5 minutes every clean out.

I've also found the mattress pad to be more absorbant and less likely to smell.

Just for interest I had trouble finding a suitable mattress pad in the UK. Mine does have a waterproof outside but only on one side. I lay it with the cotton side up (so it can absorb pee) and plastic side down. Helps to protect the coroplast I guess.

[KinderCavy]

I just used an old matress pad I had laying around my house!

[Pugwinkle]

Originally Posted by tazbabie4

But isn't it a little big?

Maybe a crib sized mattress pad would work.

[tazbabie4]

So you take a normal matress pad like what would be on a bed? I am sorry, but I'm still not quite getting the concept! Could some one explian it to me? thanks!

[Harrys Dad]

Originally Posted by tazbabie4

So you take a normal matress pad like what would be on a bed? I am sorry, but I'm still not quite getting the concept! Could some one explian it to me? thanks!

yes and then you cut it to fit the size cage you have you can either sew the fleece to it or just lay the fleece on it. It is thicker which the piggies like they love to lay on the fleece and with it being thicker than towels it feels better for them and also doesn't seem to smell as bad

[sammy_kaye]

Yes, You buy (or use an old one) a mattress pad that is to go on a bed. Then you trim it down to size and use it under your fleece.

Optionally you can sew the pad to the fleece for even easier cage changes.

[sammy_kaye]

That was good syncronised posting!

[tazbabie4]

ok! Thanks for the help!

[PiggieMamaKelly]

I just cut off the elastic part and fold it. I figure folding works well because then there is a double layer around the edges of the cage where they are more likely to back their little bums up to go potty.

You can get mattress pads at thrift stores.

[Karsluma]

I bought my mattress pad for $6.99 at Target - twin sized. I cut it a little bigger than the size of my cage. I still put towels under it (and fleece on top) and throw it in the wash with everything else.

My first pad lasted about 5 months (I still use it but it's worn and thinner).

[tazbabie4]

Thanks for all the help!