you could try calling a store that sells matresses
and ask them what to do.

i bought a large mattress protector at a
medical supply store.

when i bought my tempurpedic bed they sold me
something that covered the whole mattress and
would absorb a lot of fluid if needed. and, it can
be laundered. worth the $$ since the bed cost so
much.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

Once I can get rid of the odor, I'll buy a mattress protector. They're quite expensive and I don't have the $$$ right now, but I will get one ..... when I can afford it. I have them on the pillows, just not the mattress yet.

This would be my first idea, and I'd dissolve baking soda into boiling water then add the vinegar and massage it into the fibers.

Koala, you are still in the summer months, so maybe you can find a place to dry and air it outside too? If so, you could increase the strength of the vinegar to water solution. (Baking soda does draw out smell too...)

I wouldn't leave the mattress in the direct sunlight though. If it is damp from using a solution, you could cover it with a blanket and then put it in the sunlight to dry it quicker.

The vinegar smell might stay for a few days, but it will let up eventually. I've had to use it on my carpets when my babies and animals had accidents, and it's always worked. Try to soak up as much liquid as possible though.

You can buy just a small mattress pad, which shouldn't be too expensive. Try a 2nd hand store with baby fixtures, and bleach it well.

Cherie

Sounds like you got a lot of good suggestions.
I am so sorry you are dealing with this problem...I feel that incontinence is one of the more demorallizing issues with any of these neuro problems.

Just adding to this; You don't want to 'pour' liquid in without sucking it out. Otherwise when it dries it will begin to mold!! I saw something like this on Judge Judy once....the cleaning people did not suck all the water/chemicals out of the ladies sofa and it molded and ruined her furniture (she won). I have one of those do it yourself carpet cleaners with a hand tool...works great for 'sucking up'!!!

Good luck!!

Meanwhile you can buy one of those baby protector things....can't remember what they are called - look in the baby section of your department store and sleep with this under you....

You can also buy disposable pads for underneath you until you can buy a mattress one. We always carry disposable pads while out of town.

Koala I have the same problem. Hubby says he doesn't smell it, but I do no matter what! i bought one of those vinyl plastic matress cover that encases the whole mattress and zips. Then i put the mattress pad on, then the sheets so you don't notice the plastic at all. Anyway, after I gave my mattress a good scrubbing and let it dry I put it in that and it has saved my mattress.

Once again thank you every one for your wonderful suggestions., and yes JessieSue, incontinence is one of the degrading things about this disease.

I'll try the vinegar and baking soda remedy first as I have those in the pantry. Thank you to those who suggested it.

Hugs everyone, Anne