Mattress with removable top

CROSS-REFERENCE TO OTHER PATENT APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/077,632, filed Mar. 19, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/184,506, filed Jul. 18, 2005, which claims the benefit to U.S. provisional Patent Application No. 60/588,521, filed Jul. 16, 2004, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

0002A mattress is an important purchase and is intended to provide the user with a sleeping surface that can last for years. However, like any piece of furniture, a mattress during normal use, may be exposed to a substantial amount of wear, as well as to accidental spillage that can stain and/or degrade the mattress upholstery and the mattress core. During normal use, the mattress is typically protected only by a sheet and an optional mattress pad, and as such, the mattress is subject to damage due to perspiration from a sleeping occupant, coffee spills and the like. Although an impervious top sheet, made for example of plastic, can be placed over the top mattress upholstery, as is customary in hospital settings and with children, such sheet is uncomfortable to sleep on because perspiration cannot be absorbed. Normal bed sheets offer little protection for the mattress, because fluids easily pass through the sheets into and possibly through the top portion of the mattress. Once soiled, a mattress can be flipped over, but will eventually have to be cleaned which is difficult, uneconomical and rarely satisfactory. At this time, disposal of the soiled mattress and replacement with a new mattress is the most effective procedure to obtain a clean mattress, which is particularly important in hotels, motels, dormitories, barracks, some hospitals, some nursing homes, institutions of various natures, furnished apartments, and any similar environment having a relatively high turn-over of persons using the mattresses.

0003Mattress covers, including removable mattress covers that attach to the body of the mattress, have been made and sold over the years. Typically, these mattress covers provide some moisture protection for the mattress core by providing a removable cover that extends across the sleeping surface. One example of such a mattress is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,322, and includes a waterproof outer panel that includes a foam pad and that has a zipper for attaching to the body of the mattress. This waterproof outer panel may be removed when necessary and cleaned. Another example of a mattress having a removable cover is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,809,375 and discloses a mattress pad that is waterproof, removable and has fill material that may be selected by the user to achieve a desired level of firmness at the sleeping surface.

0004Although, these mattresses provide a useful removable waterproof cover, they themselves are bulky and difficult to clean, and very difficult to clean effectively.

0005It would therefore be desirable to provide a removable cover for a mattress that efficiently protect the mattress, is easy to clean, offers comfort for the sleeping occupant, and allows the mattress to breathe.

SUMMARY

0006The systems and methods described herein are directed, inter alia, to bedding articles, such as mattresses, with a mattress body having an upper and a lower deck and at least one perimeter section encircling at least the upper deck, wherein the upper and lower deck are impervious to moisture and air. The mattress further includes a removable panel disposed on at least the upper deck of the mattress body, and a fastener for removably attaching a perimeter of the removable panel to at least the perimeter section of the upper deck. The removable panel is composed of at least a top layer of breathable fabric, a bottom layer of a fabric that forms a moisture barrier, and a batting layer, wherein at least said top layer and batting layer being are quilted together to form a comfortable sleeping surface.

0007Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The top layer of fabric may include fibers with channels dimensionally adapted to enhance air and moisture permeability. The batting layer may include a polyester fiber material, a flame retardant fabric and/or a flame retardant fiber batting. The bottom layer may include filaments, attached to fibers, that repel liquids and oils at a molecular level. The fastener may include one or more a zippers, loop and hook fasteners and/or Velcro®.

0008A removable padding layer may be disposed between the bottom layer of the removable panel and the upper deck. Advantageously, the removable padding layer can be placed in a recess or pocket formed between the bottom layer of the removable panel and the mattress deck, with the pocket having a depth corresponding to the thickness of the removable padding layer.

0009The removable panel can be cleaned in an inverted configuration which exposes the top layer of the removable panel to a cleaning fluid for cleaning and/or to drying air. For example, the fastener can be implemented as a zipper having two zipper section. The top zipper section is attached along the perimeter of the removable panel can have two starting pins and the bottom zipper section is attached to the upper mattress deck. After the panel has been removed from the mattress deck and folded with the top layer facing outwardly and the bottom layer facing inwardly, one end of the top zipper section can engage with the opposite end of the top zipper section so that the panel, when removed from the mattress deck, is zipped together in an inverted configuration, with the top layer facing outwardly and the bottom layer facing inwardly. In an alternative embodiment, the fastener can be implemented as two zippers, with each zipper extending approximately halfway around the perimeter of the removable panel. After the panel has been folded as before, the top zipper section of the first zipper attached to the removable panel can engage with the top zipper section of the second zipper attached to the removable panel, so that the panel can be zipped together in an inverted configuration for cleaning.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0010The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will be appreciated more fully from the following further description thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein;

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates a mattress with a quilted deck layer and a partially removed removable top layer;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a partial top plan view, partially broken away, of the mattress depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing details of the construction of the removable top;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref> illustrate cross sectional views of a removable top;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows in more detail the upper deck of the mattress of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the removable top in a partially closed inverted arrangement for washing;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows the removable top fully closed with a zipper arranged to prevent damage to the tick;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts an alternate embodiment of the invention; and

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts that mattress of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> with the removable top layer fully attached to the mattress.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

0019To provide an overall understanding of the invention, certain illustrative embodiments of a mattress construction with a removable, quilted and machine-washable top layer will now be described. However, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that other embodiments of the invention may be realized and that the embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration.

0020In one particular embodiment, the mattress includes a top layer that may be attached to the upper deck of the mattress by a releasable fastener, such as a zipper, and can be washed multiple times, including in hot water wash and hot air dry cycle. To this end, the top layer may include a fastener that, in one mode of use, secures the top layer to the mattress, and in a second mode of use, secures the fastener to the top layer, so that the fastener does not harm the top layer while being machine washed. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the mattress construction and top layer described herein may be adapted and modified and applied in other applications, such as cushions, car seats, sofa coverings, and other articles of furniture, and that such other additions, modifications and uses will not depart from the scope of the invention.

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> shows a perspective view of a bedding construction <b>10</b> that includes a mattress <b>12</b> and an optional support <b>16</b>, such as a box spring or foundation, which can be supported on a frame (not shown). The foundation <b>16</b> may be conventional, adjustable and optionally may be absent for the bed. The mattress <b>12</b> may have, for example, an inner spring core or a foam core of the type known in the art. At least one major surface <b>18</b> of mattress <b>12</b> includes the removable panel <b>14</b>. However, the mattress <b>12</b> may be a two-sided mattress, in which case both major surfaces may be sleeping surfaces and can optionally include a removable panel <b>14</b>. The depicted mattress <b>12</b> may be a one-sided or two sided mattress. It may have a foam core, a spring core, a pocketed coil core, a visco-elastic core or a core that combines foam and coils to provide a support structure for the sleeping user.

0022The depicted removable panel <b>14</b> substantially overlies the top surface <b>18</b> of the mattress <b>12</b>, protecting the inner spring and/or foam core from damage or soiling. The depicted removable panel <b>14</b> is removably fastened to the top surface <b>18</b> of the mattress <b>12</b>, for example, by a zipper <b>20</b> that preferably extends around the entire periphery of the mattress body, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Optionally other attachment mechanisms, such as hook and loop fasteners, Velcro®, buttons, snaps, drawstrings and/or combinations of such fasteners may be employed. As depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the major surface <b>18</b> of mattress <b>12</b>, also referred to as upper deck, can be quilted. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the removable panel <b>14</b> comprises a top layer <b>23</b> and a separate pad of batting <b>24</b> that is disposed between the top layer <b>23</b> and the upper deck <b>18</b> of the mattress body of mattress <b>12</b>. As further depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the pad of batting <b>24</b> may be secured against the upper deck <b>18</b> by using the zipper fastener <b>20</b> to secure the perimeter top layer <b>23</b> to the peripheral edge <b>26</b> of the mattress body. In the depicted embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the peripheral edge <b>26</b> of the mattress <b>12</b> comprises one or more strips of fabric, such as the fabric or fabrics employed as the upholstery material for the side panels of the mattress <b>12</b>. In one embodiment, the peripheral edge <b>26</b> is secured, typically by stitching one edge of the fabric strip peripheral to the edge of the mattress <b>12</b>. The opposite side of the fabric strip that forms the peripheral edge <b>26</b> may include a zipper strip <b>27</b> of the type that includes teeth that may be joined to an opposing zipper strip by the zipper <b>20</b>. In the depicted embodiment, the zipper strip <b>27</b> may be joined to an opposing zipper strip <b>28</b> that is attached, typically by stitching, to the perimeter of the top layer <b>23</b> of the removable panel <b>14</b>. A portion of that zipper strip <b>28</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, with the remainder of the zipper strip <b>28</b> being obscured by the top layer <b>23</b>, which has been folded back to expose the batting layer <b>24</b> and upper deck <b>18</b>.

0023As mentioned above, a mattress <b>12</b> may eventually have to be cleaned. Moreover, the mattress core, i.e., the foam or coil spring core, benefits from being protected from moisture and/or spills which can degrade the core material. Several approaches may be implemented, with protection of the mattress core being provided either by a water-impermeable sheet placed between the panel <b>14</b> and the mattress deck <b>18</b>, or by incorporating into the mattress deck <b>18</b> a layer acting as a water/moisture barrier. Use of a separate sheet that may be laid on top of the deck <b>18</b>, may also be used, but it is understood that this technique has certain disadvantages: for example, if the water-impermeable sheet is a separate item, it must be carefully placed on the mattress deck <b>18</b> before the panel <b>14</b> is applied so as to prevent bunching, folding or creasing, which can be uncomfortable to the occupant. There is also the risk that a water-impermeable sheet may accidentally be misplaced. Further, placing water/moisture barrier directly over a nylon layer on the mattress deck <b>18</b> may obstruct air circulation and may cause, for example, formation of mildew, if it is not removed and cleaned periodically.

0024It would therefore be preferred, but not required, to form a bottom layer of panel <b>14</b> as a water/moisture barrier, as shown in the embodiments depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 3</figref>. This allows the water/moisture barrier to be removed with the top layer <b>14</b> and cleaned as desired.

0025As indicated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, and shown in more detail in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> in a partially broken away top plan view, the removable panel <b>14</b> may be implemented as a padded upholstery layer with a quilted top that represents the actual sleeping surface. Specifically, the panel <b>14</b> may be made of several component layers <b>23</b>, <b>24</b>, <b>25</b>, such as a top layer <b>23</b> that is a quilted upholstery layer intended to serve as the sleeping surface, a batting layer <b>24</b> providing cushioning and softness to the sleeping surface, and a bottom layer <b>25</b> facing the mattress deck <b>18</b>. The top layer <b>23</b> can be quilted and made, for example, of a water shedding fabric, such as the CoolMax® material available from the Invista Company. CoolMax® is a tetra-channel polyester, which pulls, or “wicks”, moisture away from the user's skin and to the outer layer of the fabric. The larger surface area of the tetra-channel fiber is understood to cause moisture to evaporate quickly and roll or shed from the fiber more quickly than other fibers. This material is commercially available and is used in a variety of apparel, sports accessories and medical wraps, braces and pads. Cotton absorbs and retains 14 times more moisture than CoolMax®, and polypropylene does not wick moisture away from the skin, as CoolMax® does. CoolMax® fabrics are understood to be washable, dryable, and to stay soft. They also are understood to resist shrinking, odors and mildew. Although the depicted embodiment includes a CoolMax® fabric layer, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that this is just one example of a material having the water shedding characteristics of interest and that any suitable material may be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the removable panel <b>14</b> may employ other commercially available wicking fabrics such as PowerDry® Mesh, which is a soft knit, or a thin layer of Polartec® <b>100</b> thermal piqué, as well as any material that comprises fibers or threads made up of a bundle of hydrophobic fibers having a large surface area and longitudinally extending channels to provide improved moisture shedding and quicker drying, as well as fabric blends including such threads, and polyester and polyester blends having improved moisture shedding characteristics.

0026The batting layer <b>24</b> may be polyester fiber, polyurethane foam or any suitable material, and may further include a halogenated fiber component or other fire retardant or flame resistant material that resists an open flame to reduce the likelihood of combustion. Alternatively, the batting layer <b>24</b> may be encased in a flame resistant bag or pouch. These embodiments are depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref>, specifically, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3A and 3B</figref> depict embodiments of the removable panel <b>14</b> that provide a flame resistant removable layer <b>14</b> that can reduce the likelihood of combustion upon exposure to an open flame and/or can emit a reduced level of fumes and gases upon combustion. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> depicts a side view cross-section of one such removable panel <b>14</b>. The removable panel <b>14</b> has a top layer <b>23</b> that includes an outer fabric layer <b>30</b> that typically comprises a fabric ticking, a fire barrier layer <b>32</b>, that may comprise a flame resistant material such as Kevlar®, or a halogenated fabric material, and a layer <b>34</b> of foam padding. The components of the top layer <b>23</b> may be joined by a seam of stitching <b>38</b> and may optionally be attached to the batting layer <b>24</b>. This is shown in a cutaway plan view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3B</figref>. Also shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3A</figref> is that the batting layer <b>24</b> may optionally be encased in a flame resistant layer, such as a layer of Kevlar®, that surrounds all of the batting, or the sides of the batting pad that are not adjacent to the top layer <b>23</b>.

0027Although foam may be used in the batting layer <b>24</b>, a batting material such as polyester fiber, is preferred as it provides greater durability over multiple washings. The batting layer <b>24</b> may comprise Coolmax®, alone or in combination with some other batting material, or any other suitable batting material. In addition, the cellular nature of foam tends to retain water when washing or when soiled, making it difficult to dry thoroughly, resulting in liquid retention and subsequent mold and/or mildew growth. These other materials shed water quickly and can shed a substantial volume of water during the washing machine spin-cycle, making the panel <b>14</b> more easy to lift from the washing machine. The bottom layer <b>25</b> may be made of a water or moisture resistant material, such as Nanopel™ material from Burlington House, serving as a moisture barrier, and may be sealed to the top layer <b>23</b> at the peripheral edges to preserve the imperviousness to moisture of the removable panel <b>14</b>. This peripheral seal eliminates needle holes caused by stitching through the moisture barrier, and reduces the likelihood that water will pass through to the mattress core.

0028In one embodiment, the removable panel <b>14</b> includes at least three layers of fabric, each serving a function. One layer includes a channeled fiber material, such as Coolmax®, and may serve to wick away moisture as the user sleeps and to allow the removable panel <b>14</b> to dry quickly in the laundry. A layer of fabric that may trap or impede fluids, such as Nanotex® or a similar material, may trap fluids and particles before they pass into the mattress body, allowing them to be washed away. Optionally, a layer of terry cloth treated with Teflon® fabric protector may be used to provide an extra layer of protection.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows the mattress of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> from a different perspective view and without the removable panel <b>14</b>. The depicted mattress <b>32</b> sits upon the optional support, such as a box spring or foundation <b>16</b>. The mattress <b>32</b> has an upper mattress deck <b>38</b> with a flat (unquilted) surface. In this embodiment, the upper mattress deck <b>38</b> is typically not a sleeping surface and the removable panel <b>14</b> is to be secured to the mattress <b>32</b> to provide a sleeping surface. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows in more detail that the upper surface of the mattress <b>32</b> may comprise the upper deck <b>38</b> that can receive the removable panel <b>14</b> and may comprise a strip of fabric <b>42</b>, such as the fabric employed as the upholstery material for the side panels of the mattress <b>12</b>. The strip of fabric <b>42</b> forms a sidewall around the perimeter of the upper deck, such that the upper deck <b>38</b> forms a recessed surface that can receive the removable panel <b>14</b>. In one embodiment, the fabric strip <b>42</b> is secured, typically by stitching one edge of the fabric strip <b>42</b> to the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>32</b>. The opposite side of the fabric strip <b>42</b> may include a zipper strip <b>27</b> of the type that includes teeth that may be joined to an opposing zipper strip by the zipper <b>20</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>). <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows that the height of sidewall <b>42</b> formed between the zipper strip <b>27</b> and the mattress deck <b>38</b> may be selected to substantially correspond to the thickness of the padding layer <b>24</b> so as to facilitate insertion of the padding layer <b>24</b> and closure of zipper <b>20</b>.

0030The upper deck <b>38</b> may optionally comprise a moisture resistant fabric layer, that is spread across the upper deck <b>18</b> and sealed at the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>32</b>. The moisture resistant layer may be nylon, Weblon available from the Weblon, Inc. company or any other suitable material. Additionally and optionally, the upper deck <b>38</b> may comprise a sheet of flame resistant material that extends across the upper surface of the mattress <b>32</b>. The flame resistant material on the upper deck <b>38</b> may join with, either integrally as a single layer or otherwise, a layer of flame resistant material that surrounds the sidewalks of the mattress <b>32</b> and the bottom of the mattress <b>32</b>. The flame resistant material used in the mattress may be Kevlar®, a halogenated fabric, Basofil fiber, a flame-resistant melamine fiber commercially available from BASF, a flame-retardant Ultem polyetherimide resin or any other suitable material that can resist or reduce combustion of the mattress when exposed to a flame or heat source. These materials may be used as liners, layers and fabric enclosings that can be disposed within the mattress <b>32</b> to reduce likelihood or ability to combust or ignite.

0031<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows the removable panel <b>14</b> in a partially closed and inverted arrangement for machine-washing and/or machine-drying by exposing substantially only the top layer <b>23</b> to the suds during the wash cycle and to the warm air during the drying cycle. The removable panel <b>14</b> has a zipper strip <b>28</b> that extends about the out perimeter of the panel <b>14</b> and allows the panel <b>14</b> to be fastened to the mattress <b>12</b>, which has an opposing zipper strip <b>27</b> that may be engaged with the panel's zipper strip <b>28</b> by operation of the zipper handle <b>20</b>. In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the zipper handle <b>20</b> is carried on the removable panel <b>14</b>, however in other alternative embodiments, the zipper handle <b>20</b> may be included on the zipper strip <b>27</b> attached to the peripheral edge of the mattress body.

0032In the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the panel <b>14</b> includes a zipper strip <b>28</b> that has a first and second section, with each section having a separate starting pin, similar to a sleeping bag. A first section of the zipper strip <b>28</b> may extend along one half of the peripheral edge of the removable panel <b>14</b>, and have a starting pin located at one end of the section and a zipper stop block located at the opposite end. The second section of the zipper strip <b>28</b> can form a mirror image to the first section, and can extend along the opposing half peripheral edge of the removable panel <b>14</b>, with a starting pin located at one end of this section, and proximate to the other starting pin so as the pins may be inserted into the zipper handle <b>20</b>. In operation, the zipper handle <b>20</b> may be attached to one section of the strip <b>28</b>, and may be slid down to and over one of the starting pins. The other starting pin may be inserted into the zipper handle <b>20</b> thereby allowing the panel <b>14</b> to be zipped closed by zipper handle <b>20</b> joining the two sections of the zipper strip <b>28</b>, and forming the panel <b>14</b> into an inverted configuration, with the top layer <b>23</b> that forms the sleeping surface facing outward and the bottom layer <b>25</b> that forms the water/moisture barrier being facing inward.

0033<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows in more detail the fully closed top layer <b>23</b>, ready to be washed. The removable panel <b>14</b>, in one embodiment, would be folded in half, so that the two sections of the zipper strip <b>28</b> are aligned, and may be joined by sliding the zipper handle <b>20</b> over the two aligned starting pins (not shown) and over the two sections of zipper strips, to join the zipper strips together, as is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>. In particular <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows the removable panel <b>14</b> folded in half so that the two sections of zipper strip <b>28</b> are folded, one on top of the other. As the zipper handle <b>20</b> is pulled across the aligned strips <b>28</b>, the strips are joined to each other, and the exterior layer <b>23</b> is exposed. It is this layer <b>23</b> that the user sleeps on, and it is this side of the panel <b>14</b> that is exposed during the washing process. During the washing process the zipper strips <b>28</b> are fastened together. This helps prevent the zipper teeth from tearing or pulling at the fabric during the wash cycle. This can increase the longevity of the removable panel <b>14</b>. As can be seen, a small pocket can be formed where the two zipper sections of zipper strip <b>28</b> meet; the zipper handle <b>20</b> can be inserted in a zipper pocket to prevent damage to the ticking and/or to prevent the handle <b>20</b> from becoming detached and/or damaging the fabric during the wash/dry cycle. Although only one zipper handle <b>20</b> is shown, it will be understood that more than one zipper handle <b>20</b> can be employed, with the slider of one of the zippers associated with the zipper strip <b>28</b> attached to the removable top <b>14</b> and the slider of another zipper associated with the zipper strip attached to the mattress deck <b>38</b>.

0034In an optional embodiment, the fastener employed to join the removable top <b>14</b> to the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>12</b> may include a zipper mechanism of the type described above, and a length of hook and loop fastener that extends along a portion of the peripheral edge of the removable panel <b>14</b> and the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>12</b>. In particular, in some embodiments, the zipper may extend along substantially the entire length of the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>12</b> and the removable panel <b>14</b>. A gap may be left that provides a section, typically a half inch to six inches in length, on the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>12</b> and removable panel <b>14</b>, where a hook and loop fastener may be placed. When securing the removable panel <b>14</b> to the mattress <b>12</b>, both the zipper and the hook and loop fasteners will be employed to secure the removable top <b>14</b> to the full length of the peripheral edge of the mattress <b>12</b>. The hook and loop fastener provides some adjustability to the length of the fastener. From time to time the user may get a replacement top for the mattress and the number of teeth in the zipper strip <b>28</b> may not match exactly with the number of teeth in the zipper strip <b>27</b>. Consequently, the zipper <b>20</b> may not be able to join completely the two zipper strips <b>27</b> and <b>28</b>. In those cases the hook and loop fastener may be disposed so as to overlap a portion of the zipper strips <b>27</b> and <b>28</b>, and provide for an auxiliary fastener at this section. Moreover, in those cases when the removable panel <b>14</b> has been recently laundered, it may be that when it is first placed onto the mattress, it fits tightly enough that it is difficult for the user to zipper the removable completely to the mattress <b>12</b>. In those cases, the user may employ the hook and loop fastener to fasten a final section of the peripheral edge of the panel <b>14</b> to the mattress <b>12</b>.

0035<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> depict an alternate embodiment of the invention. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> depict a mattress <b>52</b> that has a removable panel <b>54</b> that is disposed over an upper deck <b>58</b> that includes a quilted, upholstered and padded layer. More particularly, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts a removable panel <b>54</b> that is partially fastened to the upper deck <b>58</b> of a mattress <b>52</b>. The removable panel <b>54</b> is shown as folded back onto itself, leaving half of the upper deck exposed, and half of the upper deck covered. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> depicts the panel <b>54</b> fully attached to the mattress <b>52</b>. In contrast to the embodiment depicted in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the mattress <b>52</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7 and 8</figref> has an upper deck <b>58</b> that is formed as a sleeping surface. In particular, <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows that the upper deck <b>58</b> has a padded quilted surface. This upper deck <b>58</b> may include a layer of upholstery, covering one or more layers of padding, that sit above the mattress core. The zipper strips <b>27</b> extend about the outer edge of the mattress and can join to the zipper strips <b>28</b> on the peripheral edge of the removable panel <b>54</b>. The removable panel <b>54</b> is provided as an upper upholstered layer that may be fastened to the upper deck <b>58</b> at the peripheral edge of that deck <b>58</b> to protect that sleeping surface. The construction of the panel <b>54</b> is as shown with reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2-3</figref>, however, the batting layer has a typically reduced thickness, as the removable panel <b>54</b> is not required to provide a layer of padding for the sleeping surface. The removable panel <b>54</b> can have a quilted upper layer <b>56</b> and a moisture resistant bottom layer <b>53</b>. A layer of batting material (not shown) may be disposed between these two layers. Optionally, a flame resistant material may be added to the removable panel <b>54</b>.

0036The removable panel <b>14</b> optionally may have a controllable and predictable amounts of shrinkage over the multiple wash and dry cycles. This may be achieved by pre-washing the top layer <b>23</b> made of CoolMax® fabric before assembling the panel <b>14</b>. Shrinkage data obtained for the CoolMax® fabric over multiple wash cycles show that the shrinkage depends on the orientation of the fabric (weft/warp), with an average shrinkage of approximately 1.5% after 12 washings. The removable layer <b>23</b> can therefore advantageously be preshrunk before being attached, for example by quilting, to the batting <b>23</b> and bottom layer <b>25</b> with an appropriate level of tightness, to provide a tightly fitting panel <b>14</b> for the mattress <b>12</b>.

0037While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.