Choosing a natural mattresses
Buying a natural mattress can be a minefield, with many retailers deceiving the buyer, so let’s get to the truth.
To understand natural mattresses, it is essential to separate the mattress into three parts:
The Outer Cover
The material that covers the outside of the mattress.
The outer cover is the most essential layer, as it is closest to your skin and the barrier between your skin and the fillings.
So, your first question should be: Does the cover have chemical fire retardants applied? Unfortunately, many environmental certification schemes ban only the most toxic fire-retardant chemicals and can mislead buyers by indicating fire retardants are somehow natural.
At Winston’sWinstons Beds, we call this ‘greenwash’, making something appear eco-friendly when in reality it is not. Nonetheless – some natural products can pass the UK Fire Regulations without the use of chemicals.
For example, natural mattress covers can be made chemical-free from wool and cotton. Wool and cotton covers can be pricey, but when dense enough will naturally pass the BS7177 fire test. Top-quality wool and cotton covers are always best as they are robust and thick.
The Fillings
The comfort layer in between the cover and the spring core.
A natural mattress should have natural fillings. It is always best to have either a layer of wool, cotton, alpaca, bamboo, horsehair, latex or mohair under your cover fabric for ventilation and fire safety.
The fillings under the mattress cover should never be constructed using adhesives unless the adhesive is a natural product. It’s best if the fillings are stitched or hand teased.
Foam
- Synthetic foams should not be utilised in a natural mattress. This is because apart from the chemicals used in its manufacture, it is also treated with chemical fire retardants to meet UK Fire Regulations.
Wool
- Wool is used for its springy texture as well as being naturally fire retardant. It is also resistant to bed bugs and highly breathable.
Cotton
- Cotton has been known for settling over time, leading to decreased ventilation and increased moisture. The mattress manufacturer can get around this by blending the cotton with polyester, which prevents the fibres from sagging and improves ventilation. It is essential to make sure you have a high GSM of cotton filling. This layer is usually placed above the bottom layer, which is spread over the pocket springs to stop the cotton from sinking.
Coir Fibre
- Coir fibre is soaked creates a firmer feel to your mattress. It is a natural alternative to foam.
The core
The Spring Core
- The mattress structure, whether it be memory foam, Latex or pocket sprung.
Covers
- The outer cover is the most essential layer, as it is closest to your skin and the barrier between your skin and the fillings. So your first question should be: Does the cover have chemical fire retardants applied? Unfortunately, many environmental certification schemes ban only the most toxic fire retardant chemicals and can mislead buyers by indicating fire retardants are somehow natural. At Winstons Beds, we call this Greenwash’, making something appear eco-friendly when in reality it is not. Nonetheless – some natural products can pass the UK Fire Regulations without the use of chemicals. For example, natural mattresses covers can be made chemical-free from the following materials:
Wool & Cotton
- Wool and cotton covers can be pricey, but when dense enough will naturally pass the BS7177 fire test. Top-quality wool and cotton covers are always best as they are robust and thick.
Natural Fillings
- A natural mattress should have natural fillings. It is always best to have either a layer of wool, cotton, alpaca, bamboo, horsehair, latex or mohair under your cover fabric for ventilation and fire safety. The fillings under the mattress cover should never be constructed using adhesives unless the adhesive is a natural product. It’s best if the fillings are stitched or hand teased.
Foam
- Synthetic foams should not be utilized in a natural mattress. This is because apart from the chemicals used in its manufacture, it is also treated with chemical fire retardants to meet UK Fire Regulations.
Wool
- Wool is used for its springy texture as well as being naturally fire retardant. It is also resistant to bed bugs and highly breathable.
Cotton
- Cotton has been known for settling over time, leading to decreased ventilation and increased moisture. The mattress manufacturer can get around this by blending the cotton with polyester, which prevents the fibres from sagging and improves ventilation. It is essential to make sure you have a high GSM of cotton filling. This layer is usually placed above the bottom layer, which is spread over the pocket springs to stop the cotton from sinking.
Coir Fibre
- Coir fibre is soaked creates a firmer feel to your mattress. It is a natural alternative to foam.
The Mattress Core
- The mattress core is the support system, and if high-quality fillings are used, this area should be deep inside the mattress.
Pocket Springs
- Some retailers argue metal springs are not natural; that’s disputable. We all want a great night’s sleep, so the support and comfort of a pocket spring unit surpass the concerns for many buyers. We recommend that you make sure you have plenty of natural fillings on top of the springs (Anything below 3000gsm of fillings above or below the spring is not a luxury mattress).