cotton batting can be tied too- AND IT BREATHS---POLY DOES NOT
you just have to check the packaging- batts like warm & natural (which can be quilted up to 10" apart) can also be tied...the only batts that do not work for tieing are the ones that need to be quilted every 2-4"- they will pull apart.
there are poly batts that require dense quilting too- so it;s important to read the packaging,
the suggestions to just use a layer of flannel or muslin are good suggestions too- i use muslin when i make quilts for my kids in Florida....they love them