Glencraft Mattress Review 2024

Who are Glencraft mattress UK?

Glencraft, a distinguished name in the bedding industry, boasts a legacy of over 150 years in mattress manufacturing. Based in Aberdeen, Scotland.

At the heart of Glencraft’s philosophy is the dedication to producing luxury mattresses that offer both comfort and support. Using premium materials, each mattress is crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Glencraft also holds a unique social mission. They provide employment opportunities to individuals who might face challenges in finding work, including those with disabilities. This approach adds a layer of social responsibility to their business model, making each purchase from Glencraft not just an investment in quality sleep but also a contribution to a commendable cause.

How are Glencraft luxury mattresses made?

Glencraft mattresses are known for their quality and comfort. The process of making these mattresses begins with individual pocket springs, each encased in polyester fabric. These springs move independently, conforming to your body’s shape, ensuring a unique and personal sleep experience.

Glencraft Luxury Mattresses incorporate natural materials like alpaca wool, cotton, horsehair and silk. These elements are chosen for their breathability, hypoallergenic properties and temperature regulation capabilities, balancing softness and support perfectly.

The mattress’s support layers consist mainly of these pocket springs. Luxury materials are then layered on top and tufted across the mattress’s breadth. This process compresses the material into a mattress with minimal chemical use.

It’s worth noting that it’s unclear if Glencraft hand-stitches their mattresses, a hallmark of luxury mattresses, especially those priced over £1000. Based on Glencraft’s website images, their technique may resemble machine stitching, like our Alderley mattress. However, it’s advisable to confirm directly with Glencraft, as hand-stitched and machine-stitched finishes often differ visibly.

Glencraft offers three firmness levels for most mattresses, allowing customisation for each side of the mattress. The firmness variation is achieved by adjusting the spring gauge on each side.

In performance, their mattresses excel with high-quality natural fibres, effectively regulating temperature and providing comfort and support in most sleeping positions.

Glencraft mattress reviews

Many people looking for a comfortable mattress have explored Glencraft’s options. Customer reviews on Google highlight a mix of experiences. Some users report issues with the mattress, like sagging. Others mention a strong smell and aches and pains, leading to an overall dissatisfaction with comfort.

The Glencraft mattress review score on Google stands at 4.2 stars, broken down as follows:

• 3 one-star
• 1 two-star
• 1 three-star
• 5 four-star
• 21 five-star

Out of 31 reviewers, 5 expressed some dissatisfaction, indicating that around 16% of customers faced issues with their purchase.

However, it’s worth noting that most Google reviews for Glencraft are over 5 years old, with few recent inputs. There were no reviews found on Trustpilot, Reviews.co.uk or Feefo, though Glencraft’s own website shows all 5-star feedback. This disparity suggests that the 4.2-star Google rating might not fully represent the current quality of Glencraft mattresses.

In contrast, Winstons, known for its luxury mattresses and bedding, views Glencraft positively. Both Glencraft and Winston’s are celebrated for their commitment to traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices. They strive to provide a restful sleep experience with high-quality, natural materials.

At Winstons, we encourage customers to compare various brands. While we believe in our product’s quality and value, we understand that personal needs and preferences vary. We recommend researching and comparing different brands to find the ideal mattress for your unique requirements.

(Review information sourced from Google on 21/1/24)

Four key points when choosing a mattress

Spring Type: There are two main types

• Calico Pocket Spring: These are luxurious, hand-sewn with twine and encased in breathable calico fabric. They’re more responsive and supportive but cost more. For example, a king size calico spring with a 1600 count might cost around £300. Used in high-end luxury mattresses by brands like Winstons, Vispring Beds and Savoir Beds.
• Spunbond Pocket Spring: These are mass-produced, glued together and made completely by machine. They’re covered in synthetic fabric and are less expensive. A king size spunbond spring with a 1500 count could be around £95. Typically found in entry-level luxury or mid-range mattresses.

GSM of Fibres

• GSM (grams per square meter) is crucial. It’s the most significant factor affecting a mattress’s cost. The higher the GSM of premium fibres, the more expensive the mattress.

Hand Stitched Rows

• More hand-stitched rows indicate a better mattress. This is true for completely hand-stitched mattresses. The more rows, the more time and effort spent, raising the cost.

Hand-Teased Fibres

• Hand teasing fibres into a mattress is a labour-intensive process. It ensures better distribution and integration of fibres, enhancing comfort and durability. This method is costlier than using pre-manufactured pad fillings.

If you compare two models – Model A with calico springs, high GSM of premium fibres, more hand-stitched rows and hand-teased fillings, costing £2000 and Model B with spunbond pocket springs, undisclosed or lower GSM, less hand-stitching and no hand teasing, priced at £2500 – it’s clear that Model A offers superior value. If Model B is more expensive, it may not be a fair deal considering what you get. Choose wisely to ensure quality and value.

Exploring the springs inside Glencraft mattresses

Glencraft mattresses primarily use Spunbond pocket springs. This choice seems unexpected considering Glencraft’s pricing. Typically, higher-priced mattresses often feature Calico pocket springs, known for their premium quality. However, Glencraft opts for Spunbond springs, which differ in several key aspects.

Spunbond Pocket Springs vs. Calico Pocket Springs

Manufacturing Process

• Spunbond Springs: These are made using a synthetic, polyester material. Manufacturers join these springs with glue, creating a mass-produced spring system.
• Calico Springs: Hand-sewn and encased in natural, breathable fabric, Calico springs are crafted with more attention to detail.

Cost

• Spunbond Springs are generally less expensive due to their synthetic materials and mass production methods.
• Calico Springs tend to be costlier, reflecting their higher quality materials and labor-intensive manufacturing.

Support and Comfort

• Spunbond Springs: While offering adequate support, they may not match the tailored comfort that Calico springs provide.
• Calico Springs: Known for better body contouring and support, these springs adapt more precisely to body shape.

Durability

• Spunbond Springs: They are durable, but the glued joints can weaken over time.
• Calico Springs: Typically more resilient, they maintain their shape and support for longer.

In summary, Glencraft’s choice of Spunbond pocket springs over Calico springs is notable, especially considering the price point of their mattresses. While Spunbond springs are competent, Calico springs offer enhanced features in terms of comfort, support and durability. Each type has its advantages and the choice often depends on balancing cost, comfort and longevity.

Glencraft mattresses: Hand or machine stitched?

Based on a video from Glencraft’s YouTube page, their mattresses appear to use a combination of machine and hand stitching. This approach is not uncommon and serves to reduce production time. The process involves using a pre-made, machine-stitched mattress border that mimics the appearance of hand stitching. Typically, a hand-stitched border features square rows running vertically and horizontally. Glencraft’s method seems to include a machine-stitched border with this design pre-applied, where only the top and bottom rows are sewn through.

At Winston’s Beds, the approach differs. We ensure that every row is hand stitched, not just for a superior finish but also to provide better edge-to-edge support. True hand stitching enhances the overall quality and durability of the mattress. We believe in the authenticity of our craftsmanship, ensuring that a mattress labeled as hand-stitched is genuinely and thoroughly hand-stitched, maintaining the highest standards of quality and comfort.

It’s important to state that this is a professional observation based on available visuals. For a definitive answer, we advise contacting Glencraft directly.

Why Stitching Matters in Mattress Quality and Pricing:

Hand Stitching

• Hand stitching in mattresses showcases meticulous craftsmanship. It allows for detailed, reinforced stitching, especially around edges and corners. This method often results in greater durability, as the careful stitching ensures a secure bond between layers.
• Hand-stitched mattresses are usually considered luxury items due to the labour-intensive process and attention to detail.

Machine Stitching

• Machine stitching is more time-efficient and consistent in pattern.
• Generally, machine-stitched mattresses are less costly to produce.

If Glencraft mattresses are indeed a mix of hand and machine-stitching, the pricing might seem high compared to hand-stitched alternatives. The premium price is often associated with the labour and craftsmanship of hand stitching, which is a hallmark of luxury mattresses. This method not only adds to the aesthetic but also enhances the overall durability and comfort of the mattress.

Glencraft vs. Winston’s Beds: A detailed mattress comparison

Glencraft vs. Winstons Beds

When searching for a luxury mattress, you might be weighing up Glencraft against other options. It’s worth considering Winston’s Beds, known for delivering both comfort and value in their luxury mattress range. Our mattresses are designed to offer an excellent balance of quality and affordability, often surpassing the value offered by many Glencraft models.

At Winston’s Beds, our focus is on combining competitive pricing with high-grade materials and craftsmanship. We believe in offering our customers top-quality products without the hefty price tag. Quality shouldn’t come at an unaffordable cost and we’re committed to providing the best value.

The key to a good mattress lies in its construction quality and the materials used. A critical aspect to check is the GSM (grams per square meter) rating, as it indicates the quantity of high-quality natural fillings. These materials are essential for the mattress’s comfort and longevity. Investing in a mattress with a high GSM is investing in superior comfort and durability.

While brand and design are significant, the construction materials are equally crucial. A quality mattress offers more than just a brand name; it ensures a restful sleep with the right support and comfort.

At Winston’s Beds, we pride ourselves on offering luxurious mattresses that don’t compromise on value. Our expert team is always ready to assist with any enquiries or guidance you might need about our range. Choose Winston’s Beds for a luxury mattress that promises comfort, quality and value.

Need more help? Our team is just a call away at 0161 250 9200.