Accumulation of dirt, bacteria and fungi in and on mattresses

Bacterial infections and the presence of bacterial toxins have been reported for many Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases. An increased risk of SIDS was found to be associated with sleeping on older mattresses not completely covered with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and the routine use of a mattress previously used by another child. Synthetic mattress covers, when compared with common cotton covers, are known to reduce colonization of bacteria and fungi.

In a study, common bacteria were introduced into a mattress and onto three types of mattress covers. The study conclusion was that Staph aureus, one of the common bacteria had good survival capability on exposed mattress foam even at low relative humidity. These findings could explain the lowered risk of SIDS associated with use of a waterproof cover and the increased risk of SIDS associated with sleeping on older mattresses not completely covered with PVC or use of infant mattresses previously use by another child.