Do the Materials in Your Mattress Really Matter? Here’s What the Experts Say...

 

Do you know your stuff(ing)? AKA, actually what’s inside your mattress? And does it even matter? Here’s the answers to some of the most important mattress questions, including key materials used in the making of high-quality mattresses. Plus, how to check if these stack up before you get your wallet out...

 

It's that time of year when people with good taste focus on stuffing. 

You know, the really good kind, made from the best all-natural ingredients that have been perfectly combined, inviting you to dive in and... Take a big nap.

We're talking mattress stuffing, of course!

Now, we know that you probably don't have “becoming a mattress expert” high on your to-do list. But we also know that you want to find the perfect mattress for you and your sleep style, one that’s packed full of luxurious materials that will feel great and deliver healthy sleep for years to come. 

The problem is that many online-only mattress companies do all sorts of things to make their mattresses as appealing as possible, potentially blinding you with the science of pressure points and zoned support. But all the marketing gimmicks in the world can't hide the fact that a quality mattress starts with quality materials.   

The list of ingredients used to make mattresses is pretty small, but there is an enormous gulf between the top and bottom shelves, in terms of overall quality, comfort, sleep support, and durability.

 

All the marketing gimmicks in the world can't hide the fact that a quality mattress starts with quality materials.

 

So, how can you tell whether you are looking at a luxury mattress or a standard one in disguise? You guessed it: the stuff(ing) on the inside.

 

What's Actually Inside Your Mattress?

Here’s a quick and easy rundown of some of the key materials used in mattress making. We’re also going to bring in some health and sleep experts to tell it like it is. Finally, we’ll cover how to check if these stack up before you sign on the dotted line.

 

1. Focus on the foam.

Foam is a major part of many mattresses, providing layers of support or comfort or both. You're going to want this to last but there can be a huge difference in the quality of foam being used, depending on how it is made - either from natural materials, such as organic latex, or various types of synthetic polyurethane, such as the ever popular memory foam. 

Many companies source toxic or unsustainable foams and treat them with fire retardant chemicals. But at SLEEP365, we use pristine and pure organic latex, a renewable resource made from the sap of rubber trees. Certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), this is a premium ingredient and much more durable than the synthetic stuff.  

Think of it like a resilient rubber ball that keeps its bounce and shape over time, as opposed to one of those cheap foam balls, which end up with chunks missing as they start to disintegrate after a few uses. 

As well as being naturally longer lasting, organic latex is also beautifully breathable, gently cocooning your body without getting you all hot and sweaty, unlike its synthetic cousins.

 

2. Pay attention to the padding.

There are many ways mattress companies can add extra plushness, ranging from cheap polyester fibers to cotton and wool. 

For us, wool wins, hands down. (Sorry, cotton!)

But it’s not just us! A recent research team of experts discovered independently that “woollen fabric” was “evaluated as optimal cushion materials”.

Because wool really is a wonder in the bedroom – not only is it resilient, but it is a natural at insulation, wicking away moisture and stabilizing your body temperature so you won’t get all hot and sweaty at night (unless you want to, of course). 

At SLEEP365, we use sustainable organic wool, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which makes for some seriously soft padding. 

 

3. Choose the coils carefully.

Coils can be used to create a supportive layer in the core of the mattress. They come in many forms and sizes, from s-shaped coils that link together to hourglass-shaped coils to super-fancy, individually-wrapped coils that use high-grade steel. 

Not to boast, but we use the super-fancy ones. They cost a bit more to make and take a bit more engineering to get right. But they are oh-so-worth-it, because they truly work wonders to improve your sleep experience. 

When it comes to finding the right comfort level, the health experts over at the Cleveland Clinic say, “If your hips are wider than your waist, a softer mattress can accommodate the width of your pelvis and allow your spine to remain neutral. [...] If your hips and waist are in a relatively straight line, a more rigid surface offers better support.”

Translation: no matter what type of sleeper you are, the type of mattress you use really matters, and the materials inside it do the heavy lifting. That’s why the coils are so important.

Our coils are wrapped and assembled separately, so that they can work in harmony with each other. These offer ergonomic support and reduce motion transfer, giving you an undisturbed night's sleep even when your partner is doing somersaults next to you. (OK, not quite – but you will be in blissful ignorance of any tossing and turning.)

 

No matter what type of sleeper you are, the type of mattress you use really matters, and the materials inside it do the heavy lifting.

 

 

4. Consider the cover fabric.

Your mattress cover is more than just a finishing touch. The question you have to ask yourself is this: Do you want this to be whatever industrial-strength twill that the manufacturer can get a good price on? Or, do you want something that not only feels incredible, but is naturally conditioned to last for years down the road?

We know what we prefer. Since the inside of our mattresses are made to stand the test of time, we need to make sure that their covers can cope with all those years of sweet dreams too.

With that in mind, we use a rich organic cotton and Lycra blend, which really is a perfect pairing for both comfort and longevity. The Lycra adds just the right amount of elasticity (which is why it’s used so extensively in active wear, and why experts even use it in products used to help children with cerebral palsy). Plus, the now-famous Lycra material easily conforms gently around your body’s natural contours to relieve pressure points, resulting in a mattress that is ready for anything, anytime.

So, when you're ready to buy a mattress, don't be charmed by mediocre materials hiding behind misleading sales speak. Make sure you know your stuff(ing). If the company is doing it right, you'll see how much those materials really do matter.

 

When you're ready to buy a mattress, don't be charmed by mediocre materials hiding behind misleading sales speak. Make sure you know your stuff(ing). If the company is doing it right, you'll see how much those materials really do matter.

 

 

At SLEEP365, we take pride in doing the right thing and using the right materials, every time. Get in touch with us today to find the perfect mattress for you and your sleep needs, for every good night.