ariel view of a natural latex mattress with an undyed organic cotton quilted cover on a polished wooden floor

Choosing a new mattress can be a daunting task with so many options available, and we’re here to help.  But if you've made the decision to choose a natural mattress, you're in the right place.  This guide will walk you through the key things to consider to help you choose the best option to help you get the sleep you deserve.  

Why choose a natural mattress? 

Opting for a natural mattress offers loads of benefits, including improved air circulation for heat and moisture management, as well as avoiding synthetic chemicals and toxins, all helping to contribute to a great night's sleep.  One of the most popular reasons our customers go natural for their mattresses is because they're free from the petroleum-based foams and flame retardants found in many conventional mattresses. These synthetic materials can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to indoor air pollution and potentially cause health issues.   

Getting too hot at night keeps many of us awake, and many of the synthetic materials found in mattresses aren’t breathable or moisture wicking making them uncomfortable during warm weather or if you’re a hot sleeper.  Natural alternatives are breathable, toxin and plastic free, as well as being hypoallergenic offering a more sustainable and healthier sleep environment.  A better night’s sleep for you, and better for our planet. 

sleeping well on a natural mattress

Understanding natural mattress fillings 

1. Natural Latex

Natural latex, which comes from the sap of the rubber tree,  is a popular choice for its unique combination of comfort and support as you snooze.  Our natural latex is certified by QUL (Quality Association for Environementally Friendly Latex Mattresses),  who extensively test the latex to ensure it’s 100% natural (with no synthetic latex) and free from pollutants. 

Why does natural latex make a good mattress filling? 

Support: Latex offers excellent pressure relief and body contouring, adapting to your curves while maintaining a buoyant feel. It's known for its "springy" support that pushes back against your weight, providing an alternative to memory foam, but with the breathability and purity of a natural material. 

Durability: High-quality natural latex is incredibly durable and resistant to sagging, easily springing back into shape thanks to it’s natural elasticity.  A well-maintained latex mattress can easily last longer than 10 years.   

Breathability: Natural latex has an open-cell structure like a sponge, that allows for good air circulation, helping to dissipate your body heat and keep you cool throughout the night.

Hypoallergenic: It is naturally resistant to dust mites, mould and mildew, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. 

2. Coir (coconut fibre)

Coir is a sustainable filling made from the husk of coconuts. We use it in combination with our natural latex. 

Why does coir, aka coconut fibres make a good mattress filling? 

Adds firmness:  adding coir to our natural latex adds more firmness. 

Air circulation: Its fibrous structure creates natural air pockets, providing excellent ventilation and helping to regulate your temperature, keeping you comfortable all night long. 

Moisture wicking: Coir is naturally resistant to moisture and dries quickly, which helps prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

Durability: Coconut fibre is a robust material that maintains its shape well over time.

Who it’s best for:  Our natural latex & coir mattress is ideal for people who want a firmer level of support than pure latex, and enhanced breathability, and those looking for a plant-based alternative to horsehair. 

3. Horsehair

Horsehair is a traditional mattress filling known for its unique springiness and exceptional moisture wicking properties.

Why does horsehair make a good mattress filling? 

Resilience: Each individual horsehair strand is like a tiny spring, providing outstanding support and responsiveness. This creates a mattress that is both firm and comfortable.

Moisture Management: Horsehair is excellent at wicking away moisture. Its hollow structure allows it to absorb and release moisture quickly, keeping you dry and comfortable. This is particularly beneficial for those who tend to sleep hot or sweat during the night.

Airflow: The loose, interwoven structure of the horsehair creates a natural ventilation system within the mattress, ensuring superior airflow.

Durability: Horsehair is incredibly long-lasting and resilient, resisting compression and maintaining its loft for many years.  If you maintain it well, such as turning regularly, it can last a lifetime.  

How to Choose Your Natural Mattress

  1. Consider Your Preferred Firmness:

    • Soft to Medium:  Look for pure natural latex as your mattress filling - The surface of the latex of our 7-zone mattress is cut to create flexible zones to relieve pressure points.

    • Medium:  Our natural latex mattress has medium support whilst still responding to your body’s movements through the night, thanks to the natural elasticity of latex. 

    • Medium to Firm: Adding a layer of either coir or horsehair to natural latex adds extra support and rigidity, whilst still being flexible.  

    • Firm: A pure horsehair mattress gives a firm feel, and is ideal for stomach and back sleepers who need maximum support.

 natural latex, coir and horsehair mattress

  1. natural latex mattressesWnatural latex mattress and horsehair mattress

  2. What's your sleeping position?

    • Side sleepers:  require a softer surface to cradle shoulders and hips, so a thick latex layer is ideal. 

    • Back sleepers:  need a balance of support and contouring. A medium-firm mattress with a strengthening core or top layer are both great options.  

    • Front sleepers: Need a firm surface to prevent their hips from sinking too far, which can lead to back pain. A coir or firm Dunlop latex mattress is a good fit. 

 

  1. Check for certifications:

To ensure you're getting a truly natural and safe product, look for certifications such as:  

  • Quality Association for Environmentally-Agreeable Latex Mattresses (QUL) certifies that the latex is natural, and free from toxins and harmful chemicals. 

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Certifies that the cotton and wool used in the mattress covers is organic.

 

  1. Measure up: 

    We stock both European and UK sized mattresses, and to ensure you're choosing the right mattress for your bed frame, view our size guide here.

    resting on a natural mattress

Talk to us! 

If you’d like to talk to a human about choosing a natural mattress, then give us a call.  With over 25 years experience of natural mattresses, we’re always happy to talk through the different types of mattresses and help you choose the best option for you.  Call us on 01803 868001.  We’re available Monday - Friday, from 9am - 5pm, Except Wednesdays when we close at 1pm.