The waddings and fillings are the most under-rated components of your mattress and yet they are the most important. My biggest gripe and the obvious reason for your mattress buying frustration is that these absolutely fundamental details are seldom described in the detail they ought to be.
When you have chosen your support – The spring unit, either Bonnell (cage) springs or pocket springs, then the next aspect you should be deciding on is the materials that will give you the comfort you require.
On the cheapest possible budget mattress, the spring unit will be a very basic cage sprung unit. Surrounding this will be an insulator blanket and the wadding either side will be a low grade polyester (usually about 600gsm (grams per square metre) This polyester wadding will then be light quilted to the exterior stitchbond (cheap) fabric.
These kind of mattresses are churned out by various factories in their thousands each day. Amazing for the fact that it shows that they are actually being sold, and even more so that people are actually buying them. The lifespan of these are extremely limited and the comfort level they give, in my opinion, is at best minimal.
Understanding how each component wadding works with each other is paramount. Even though the descriptions below seem detailed – they are only scratching the surface, and of course it is in this area where you are unfortunately most likely to be misled.
What is an insulator Pad?
This is a sheet of material predominantly made from shredded recycled cloth, bonded together to make a durable surface that is clipped to and encases the spring unit. This kind of pad usually forms the basis of most mattresses and is necessary to prevent the springs poking through the subsequent waddings into your back and also to provide a flat surface ready to support the initial wadding layer. However, depending on the quality of mattress being produced the grade of these pads are either extremely basic or quite substantial.
The differences of the pad depends on the type of mattress it is being used on. For example on an orthopaedic cage sprung mattress the pad will be relatively firm (Saturn Pad) in order to dissipate your body weight across the springs. On a pocket sprung mattress the insulator pad will be pliable yet durable (poly pad) in order to gain maximum benefit from the independant springs beneath.
There is no need for you to be unduly concerned about this component. If a mattress manufacturer scrimps or cuts corners on this most basic component it just shows that pride in workmanship is not high on their list of priorities!
About Polyester Fibres.
Polyester wadding is the most widely used component in the manufacture of mattresses. It is cheap to produce and cheap to buy. It is available in many weights from 300gsm for use on economy mattresses to a more realistic 1000gsm on many midrange mattresses . Weights of polyester wadding can go as high as 1800gsm but rarely used as it is better to layer differing lower weights.
it can be used in duplicate layers such as 600gsm and 800gsm or in conjunction with another type of wadding such as Reflex foam or Cotton, Wool etc. Read more about Polyester wadding ..
What about latex as a comfort layer?
There is one important thing about ‘Latex’ to bear in mind when reading descriptions in that there are several types of latex when used in the manufacture of mattresses.
Firstly, there is 100% Natural Latex. This is the creamy white material that is the absolute best available and of course the most expensive.
More common is Graphite Latex (grey) a viable and acceptable alternative. (As shown in the video) This is not absolutely 100% natural but a high content blend that is ideally suited for use as a final comfort layer on mattresses.
Then there are latex substitutes having similar properties to natural latex but of course are chemically produced in much the same way as memory foam. There is absolutely nothing wrong with using latex substitutes, the quality of these products are extremely high but being synthetic may not be suitable for people prone to allergic skin reactions.
The main thing to bear in mind is that if the description does not say “100% Natural Latex” then it is unlikely it will be. Also, you really must know the depth of natural latex used in order to make an informed price comparison. Read more about latex..
Innergetic Latex?This is just a brand name of Latexco, one of Europe’s [many] manufacturers of latex foam mattress cores.
About Memory Foam.
Memory Foam on a Reflex Foam base:
I am not a fan of this combination. It really is a heat retentive mix and the current prices for what is essentially a foam mattress somewhat beggars belief. In my mind, if you can get memory foam on a pocket spring system for the same price (or less) than Memory Foam on a High Density Reflex foam base, then it would be a big mistake not to at least give it due consideration.
Memory Foam on a cage sprung system
This will be the cheapest of all options and mainly offered as a one sided (non turn) mattress. There are models with dual sided memory foam. Are they better? Absolutely. But only if the price asked is not close to twice the amount of a single sided version. There are occasions where it is better to replace quicker than paying double for it to last longer. Sometimes, a well constructed one sided memory foam can be more economical than a two sided mattress using polyester as primary comfort layers.
Memory Foam on Pocket Springs:
This is a perfect combination. Again, It will, more often than not be a one sided (non turn) mattress, but the combination of an excellent support system and durable comfort layer will ensure a superbly comfortable mattress.
What about claims about being good for your back?
If you totally disregard any and all beneficial claims and see Memory Foam as being exactly what it is – a really comfortable sleep surface – you will not be disappointed. Any additional benefits you may get will be a bonus.
Far too much nonsense has been concocted by advertisers of what is essentially ‘foam’ and because of this consumers are expecting something what it cannot posibly deliver. Read more about Memory Foam..
How good is Reflex Foam or Foam as a mattress component?
In the UK there are plenty of foam converters, for example – British Vita®, Recticel®, Carpenters, Foam Techniques Ltd , each providing foam sheeting in various grades and depths to nearly all mattress manufacturers. The grade of foam used will be determined by its final usage. For example, economy foam sheeting of about 1″ depth is sometimes used as a buffer on top of the insulator pad to provide a good foundation for a polyester wadding comfort layer. Reflex® is a trade name of one of British Vita’s foam products, and used [wrongly] in many cases to describe a high density foam in much the same way as Hoover® is used for a ‘vacuum cleaner’. There are many other foam products with a similar make up as Reflex but with other trade names.
A premium soft foam is often used as a viable alternative to memory foam as an affordable and comfortable sleep surface.
In fact the combinations and grades that can be used are so varied it is quite impossible to list them all. Suffice to say, foam in general is not a bad component to have in a mattress. It can enhance the comfort and durability of other waddings used and provide additional structural support without necessarily costing too much more.
Cotton, Cashmere, Lambswool, Silk.
These are termed ‘Natural Fibres’ and used mainly as the final comfort layers more often than not in conjunction with premium grade polyester wadding. Natural fibres are exceptionally expensive. In many cases they are used sparingly and the fact that they can be listed as part of a manufacturer’s specification or retailer’s description counts for more than the actual benefit you will gain from them.
Although they sound luxurious and glamorous, the depths and weights have to be realisticly beneficial . The reason being is that these components are only added to an already well constructed mattress and can be considered as the icing on the cake. A mattress at a high price but without this neccessary information should instantly set your inner alarm bells ringing.
When choosing your mattress always make a little note of how much extra you are being asked to pay for the inclusion of a natural fibre pad – against one without – this will help in making your final decision.
If the description actually gives you a depth and/or weight -say, “contains a 2″ layer of the finest Indian Cashmere as the sleeping surface” then that is entirely different to say, “Contains luxurious Cashmere” this could mean a few milimeters or a couple of inches, and I, and you can only hazzard a guess at which one it will be.
Natural fibres are usually blended. So a mattress described as containing silk, cotton and Cashmere is not neccessarily three different layers of the components but, one layer containing all three. There is absolutely nothing wrong in these formulations but it is wrong if you are given the impression your mattress contains more than it actually does.
Finally.
No matter what comfort layers you choose or however much you pay, you really should be aware of the benefits of looking after your mattress.
You do lose quite a considerable amount of moisture each night and this has an additional detrimental effect on your mattress. I always preach that the more barriers you have between yourself and your mattress will ensure you get the most out of it. Body sweat permeating the mattress night after night rots the fabric and quickly compromises the waddings and fillings contained.
Hi,
I’m having a nightmare trying to sort out a new mattress for myself.
My old one was a Hypnos Highdere, it was a VERY old, but was great when it was young. It finally became very dipped in the middle so I have had to replace it.
Firstly I bought a Memory Foam one…advertised as medium it was like sleeping on a brick! so I returned it, and had to pay a £68.00 courier fee (though a ‘man with a van’ is nearer the reality.
Then recently I bought another mattress that is in the process of being returned, with the promise of a full refund as it’s ‘memory foam’ 3” layer developed amnesia after two days and at the end of two weeks was like lying on corrugated cardboard. It also smelt like a chemical factory. Due to this farcical saga I have been sleeping at a friends house for nearly a month and am desperate to get my replacement mattress ordered as soon as possible.
On the receipt of that refund I need to find a mattress suitable for my body and budget and I was hoping you could help me as I am now losing the will.
I am 5′ 5”, approx 12 stone (but planning on being smaller post diet), have Fibromyalgia – a chronic pain problem that includes issues with pressure and sleep quality, am always cold, have some spinal damage and am a back sleeper.
My budget is £500 mattress and topper. I thought a medium, pocket sprung mattress with a topper (not sure what I’m looking for here, although I am presently sleeping on a memory foam 2” at my friends and it is comfortable if not dreamy).
I have discovered a Hypnos Zircon for £369 but couldn’t find the materials specifications other than it has a combination of natural fillings and 850 pocket springs (that seems low?) It was on the *** web site. Any advice/direction gratefully received. Thank you
By the way this is a fantastic site…I’m glad I found you before I launched into another potential mattress drama!
Hi Aly. The first thing to realise is that £500 or so is not considered a significant budget. The choice however is overwhelming and it is this that I think is causing you extreme frustration. I have answered several comments similar to yours and without repeating myself I will direct you to them via the following links.
[Comment about Fibromyagia]
[Another about Fibromyalgia]
[Another about Fibromyalgia]
[Yet another about Fibromyalgia]
The responses on all these comments are quite extensive and should give you plenty of food for thought on your purchase. The upshot is that for such a limited budget you will have to be prepared to enhance a basic unit by way of a topper or suchlike. Read this comment here from lisa who also had a budget of around £500. The response indicates what you can do to spend your £500 or so more wisely.
Finally Aly. As with all comments that relate to Fibromyalgia I ask that you leave a comment on what you find to be a valid help for your condition. Not only will this feedback help me in my future recommendations but also other readers who suffer from the same condition. Please feel free to comment further if you have any more questions or concerns. John and Ryan.
2013/04/04 at 13:02
Hi John & Ryan,
Thank you so much for the information in your reply to my earlier posting…all very helpful
I’ve been ‘surfing’ and hunting again in light of your info and have found a Hypnos Baronet in the region of £500, but it only has a 1yr warranty as it is from an outlet dealing in Hypnos ex-display etc.
As my last mattress was a Hypnos, and was great, my logic leads me to think another one would be ok too.
My question relates to the firmness of Hypnos brands generally. My previous one was ‘Medium’ 1000 springs the Baronet is ‘Medium’ but with 1200 ReActive springs…could you please tell me what these are?
I am stretching my budget and buying a mattress topper too, as per advice , I’m ok with Memory foam but I prefer natural fiber options so maybe a feather and down may be more appropriate.
As with the mattress choice this is proving to be difficult!
I am told that f&d are very soft but need plumping daily? …and what depth would you think is good for pressure point relief?
I am also considering your Origins Pocket 1500 or Sequence Pocket Suspension too. Which would be the most appropriate for my size etc do you think?
Thank you again. Aly
Hi again Aly. Hypnos uses two types of spring – ReActive and Ultrasens. ReActive are used in the low to mid range of their models and Ultrasens in their mid to top end models. ReActive springs are identified by their turns – either 6,8.10 or 12. Ultrasens are identified also by their turns 12,14,15,16 or 17. Incidentally, The Baronet is not on the Hypnos core range and neither does it mention ReActive springs being used (just 1200 pockets).
Unfortunately I am not privy as to how they allocate firmness tension on these springs (if you can find out I would be interested). I have a feeling that your previous Hypnos mattress did not utilise these springs (again, I would be interested in what you find out). I would also direct your original question to the retailer with regards to your Fibromyalgia – I cannot say whether this would be suitable for you.
Re the topper. This will of course be a personal choice. I do favour F+D and yes you are right, they do require plumping (I do mine weekly when changing sheets). You may find a wool fleece one will be more suitable – eg. Ultimate Wool Fleece from D&PW.
Like I said above, I would not be happy in supplying any other than The Origins Comfort. The Sequence Suspension will be far too firm for you (taking the Fibromyalgia into account) as will The Origins 1500.
let me know how you get on with The Hypnos and let me know if helps your condition. John and Ryan.
Hi again!
You have helped a lot [read previous comment here] – especially in combination with spending a couple of afternoons laying on a lot of mattresses in showrooms.
Much to our dismay, we found we loved the comfort offered by latex topped mattresses and having tried it it just doesn’t compare to non-foam topped ones (at least not any we could find).
My partner really doesn’t like the idea of pure synthetic latex and is pushing for natural latex. And we really don’t like the sensation on memory foam topped mattresses – we even went to the extent of doing ‘blind’ tests in the showroom and could tell the difference between latex and memory foam, which I’m sure amused the sales staff…
So now we are faced with having to ‘construct our own’ pocket sprung and natural latex mattress – and hoping that we can adapt to any heat retention! Looking at the construction of the mattresses we like most, we are thinking of a 1500 pocket sprung mattress ‘base’, topped with 5cm of latex foam and then perhaps an additional comfort/protection layer of either microfibre or (even better) wool. I believe this last wool layer may help with heat regulation – though I’m not sure?
Hi again Lisa. I’m breaking the responses down in order for it to read a bit better. Firstly There is a synthetic latex (take a look at Laytec from Icon Designs). Although the name itself might allude to a comparable product to Latex it really is just a premium foam product with similarities in feel to latex. i actually trialled this a couple of years ago as a topper and it is still going strong on a friends bed – quite warm to begin with but by adjusting the bed linen / duvet it offers a very good level of comfort.
It has taken me simply ages to get my head around all the complexities of latex products. When the new site goes live (couple of months now hopefully) all the posts on this site will be updated with complete and full descriptions. The [latex post] in particular was a difficult one to write with an element of authority as the marketing and spin associated with this particular product was / is deceptive to say the least.
The bottom line with latex is that they are all blends to some degree – meaning latex rubber is blended with other constituents to produce a rubberised foam. The more latex rubber used does not necessarily equate to a better end product. As an example, the latex we use is a 60/40 blend – I’m more than happy with this product for overall comfort and longevity. The cheapest type of latex is Graphite Latex (the grey stuff) better than regular foam but has to be considered against the asking price as well as the depth used.
This is too great a subject to write here – I will update the post as soon as I can.
We have found a two-sided 1500 pocket sprung mattress with hand side stitching for £350. Although I know this will be rather firm, my reckoning is that it will give good support and the latex layer can give us the cushioning. I know the addition of natural latex means our £500 budget is now more like £600 – £350 on the mattress, £200 on the latex and £50 on the final topper layer (wool/microfibre).
Do you think this is a good solution, or am I bound to fail by having gone too ‘DIY’? Do you think 5cm of latex will be deep enough? Also – where on earth can a person buy a natural latex topper? I have found only one online and am struggling to believe they are so rare!
Thanks very much again! Lisa
I personally don’t think you will need the final wool layer and the mattress you mention will most certainly provide the support you both require. 5cm is a perfect depth for your requirements. Don’t dismiss Ikea as a consideration for your latex topper – not overly expensive (although I’ve not looked at them in a long time) and it may bring your overall spend down a little more.
I will start to investigate latex toppers and what is currently out there when time allows. If you find out any pertinent information in the meantime please let me know. John and Ryan.
2013/03/20 at 15:14
Hello, its me again!
I’ve trawled through what feels like the whole of the internet looking for a latex topper and below are the best prices I have been able to find (although not all from the same supplier). They are all 5cm deep, king size, and include a cover of some description. I’d be curious to know your opinion on which represents best value for money:
Synthetic ‘Laytec’ – £140
Pure latex (20/80) – £190
Natural latex (80/20) – £220
100% natural latex – £350
Obviously, the 100% natural option is way out of my league. I’m also concerned about the heat-retention properties of the purely synthetic option having had a bad memory foam experience.
I also found it interesting how the density of the latex appeared to decrease as the natural latex content increased, so that the more natural the content, the ‘softer’ the topper was described as. I’m attracted to the £190 option, but also thinking, for an extra £30, would it be worth it to go one step up?
Hi again Lisa. From the info above it does seem that the Natural Latex option is your best bet particularly for the £30 difference. Please send me the link so I can have a closer look. John and Ryan.
Hi – love your website – a life saver! I feel as though I’m finally getting close to knowing the type of mattress to buy, but wondered if you might be able to clear up a niggling question.
I currently have a Rest Assured ‘Adagio’ 1400 pocket sprung mattress, that is almost 7 years old. I got it for under £200 and treated it rather poorly, no mattress protector or topper, and have had it on sprung slats on an ikea bed. Needless to say, both myself and my partner are now finding it unsupportive.
We’re looking at buying a new bed and have decided to go for a (flat) slatted bed base. Having read your site extensively, we will also be protecting the new mattress from said slats with a cheap duvet or similar underneath, as you have recommended. I also appreciate the logic of investing in a good quality mattress topper, and this is where my question lies.
Given that we are on a limited budget (not much more than £500), is it worth investing in a better topper or a better mattress? I realise this is complex. I would like to think that the mattress would last 7-10 years and a topper at least 3. There are so many factors with regards to both mattresses and toppers, that I’m finding it hard to decide where to focus the majority of that budget.
Hi Lisa. This really would be the way to go. Fortunately your bodyweights do not require anything special in the way of support and so a general two sided 1000 or 1500 pocket sprung mattress would serve your needs and requirements.
We are 5’8″/10 stone and 6′/11.5 stone. I prefer a mattress with a bit of ‘give’, as I’m rather broad shouldered and prefer to sleep on my side. This is no longer possible with my current mattress. My partner is less fussy. We recently slept on an ‘expensive’ memory foam mattress, in winter with a 4.5 tog duvet and found it unbearably (and strangely) hot. I feel foam, even latex, is probably not for us, given that some people do experience heat issues with latex.
Funnily enough, people do get used to the heat element of Memory Foam but again, even with the expensive models they rarely add an additional layer of comfort which would improve the feeling immensely. The marketing that surrounds this type of product is such that you would reasonably expect it to do all the things it says it will but in reality, it wont. Hence the amount of dissatisfaction evident on many forums.
As with all types of foam products – including latex to a degree, the dense properties of this component means there is little in the way of heat dispersion from your body. However, they are fundamentally better components in terms of longevity than say polyester. Low budgets mean that you will be expected to make some sort of compromise with your purchase. Knowing what these compromises will entail will help you come to a final decision, otherwise you will be forever looking for the perfect mattress at a price that does not exist.
Last year we invested in a wonderful all seasons 100% goose down duvet (from duvet and pillow warehouse) and love, love, love it. Afterwards, we certainly fancied a similar topper, but, as usual, money went to other things. Would it be worth investing in one of these or would a cotton/wool version do as good a job at cushioning and protecting, without the ‘luxury’ feel of feather/down? How much do I need to be concerned about the wadding in the mattress, given that I’ll be investing in a good quality topper?
Good point. The mattress should ideally have a degree of adequate wadding – and most definitely it should be double sided (the underlying upholstery will somewhat aid in the suspension qualities). There will be no doubt about it that the upholstery on a cheap mattress will just be polyester. Don’t discount a pocket memory mattress (I know this is one sided) which pound for pound may be by comparison a better option. You can double up your toppers – say the wool cotton as the underlying one and the goose down as the primary. This will give you a superbly comfortable combo for a lot less than trying to find a mattress for £500 with all the elements contained.
In short, I’m concerned to scrimp on either element if it will be of significant detriment to the other, if you catch my drift! I wondered if you might apply your expertise to advise me how ‘basic’ it is wise to go i.e. what my bare minimum mattress standards should be given that we are ever so tempted (and likely) to invest in a luxury feather/down topper? Or would it be a mistake to spend so much on a topper at the expense of the mattress?
Thanks you so much in advance!!
The crux of all this is a budget of £500. The secondary consideration is your light bodyweights which as I said above will not require an all singing and all dancing spring system. Look to divide this up with £350 going to the mattress and £150 to the topper(s). It would have been better if you had £500 available to spend on the mattress and £100 or so on the toppers. Mattresses that retail within the £300 – £400 price range are invariably quite basic. Look at mattressman site under pocket springs and see what £350 can get you. Hope this helps Lisa. Please let me know what you find and we can take it from there. John and Ryan.
Hi John and Ryan,
Thanks for the brilliant website ! Fantastically informative, and, like so many other posters, I wish I’d known about you before.
Hi Keith. This is supplementary to your other comment [Read Here]. I have answered your questions directly below each for ease of reading.
My wife and I needed to replace our king size mattress on a budget, and thought that we should go for pocket springs. Also, that at around 16 st each, we wanted the firm support.We bought a , in a “Firm” tension. (about £350). It is now sitting on a Dunlopillo sprung divan, which as far as I can tell, is perfectly serviceable. Unfortunately, this mattress now feels a lot harder than it did in the shop !
As you now know £350 for a KS mattress is not much indeed and looking at the specification shows me that it is a one sided mattress with unspecified upholstery – it does say “..Natural fibre fillings including wool” but I do think that is so far from the truth. Polyester is not a natural filling and even though it does not say this component is included it is highly likely that it is. Obviously a check with the manufacturer will confirm this but at the end of the day you are unlikely to get significantly better for the price you paid.
As for it feeling firmer than the shop model. this is quite a common perception. Shop models have been bounced upon by numerous people and obviously the upholstery and springs are no longer ‘new’. All mattresses will ‘break in’ over time – like new shoes.
It feels like there are pressure points, and we are getting aches in lower back; shoulder; and neck areas. When lying on my back it is difficult to decide whether my back is being arched upwards or downwards, but it definitely feels like I am not being supported in a natural position.
Do you think that we could improve the comfort sufficiently, with a topper? If so, what sort of topper would you advise? (We want to steer clear of anything that would be too “warm” feeling, like memory foam).
Absolutely. But with respect, there will be over thirty stone of shared weight using this mattress each and every night. If you use the mattress purely for the support element (quite satisfactory) and even though you dislike the thought of a memory foam topper – I would use this as the initial layer of comfort (about 2 – 3cm) and top this also with a softer cushioning layer such as a feather and down. With the memory foam layer being ‘inside’ it shouldn’t be overly warm. This combo should not be overly expensive (about £150) but you will feel a considerable benefit in overall comfort.
Despite the cheap price, it seems from reading a lot of your website, that the springs could be very similar to any other 1000 – spring unit, but that the economy possibly comes from a lack of quality and substance in the wadding. Is this likely to be the case, or are the springs of an inferior quality too?
Again, quite possibly. Personally, I think the Backcare 1500 would have been a better option for you. Can’t find detail of the price difference between the 1000 and 1500 but can only assume it is marginal. Springs are rarely ‘inferior’ quality. They all follow the same / similar methods of construction ie: a certain gauge wire coiled into springs. The springs you have in this particular mattress would be of a thicker wire (perhaps 1.5mm) therefore giving the orthopaedic (firm) feel / description.
We would be really grateful for your advice!
This mattress is really a stop-gap for a few months, until we move house and choose a completely new bed. (So maybe, we found you in good time, anyway. But that is for another post!)
Thanks and kind regards, Keith
Thanks Keith. You have not overpaid for this mattress but you cannot expect it to tick all your boxes for your needs and requirements. You may think that it sounds excessive by topping off with Memory foam and a F&D topper but it really isn’t. If you don’t, particularly when your mattress is fairly new, you will be breaking it in and within a short space of time you will notice body indents appearing as the upholstery is compacted which is considerably harder to rectify. Please let me know how you get on. As a thumbs up, we like Duvet and Pillow Warehouse as a good source for toppers. John and Ryan.
Dear John and Ryan,
Thank you very much for your helpful and exceptionally speedy reply.
After another night in the new bed, it doesn’t seem quite as bad, today, but of course, we will still be getting a topper(s) this week.
Our bed is already rather high, and we would like to add to the comfort with the least bulk that we can. Using a combo of MF plus F/D toppers seems like we would add well over 10cm. but it’s not out of the question.
I have already also been scouring the net today, and found some other toppers which we would be most grateful for your comments on please. And how they compare to your first choice of the combo.
1. fleece/cotton reversible. (One side: wool fleece quilting
Other side: hollowfibre quilting in 230-thread-count cotton percale casing)… £165
2. wool topper, by Devon Duvets (about 40 mm of teased wool, by the look of the photo, in a cotton cover) … £170
3. 50 mm Luxury latex topper by Yanis (natural latex, made by the Dunlop process, 65kg/m3, soft – medium) …. £219
4. 80 mm Luxury latex topper by Yanis (natural latex, made by the Dunlop process, 60kg/m3, soft – medium) .. £299
5. 50 mm Ultimate latex topper by Yanis (natural latex made by the talalay process 60kg/m3 – medium) … £379
6. Duck down topper, (Top compartment approximately one inch of 100% Certified Pure High Loft European Duck Down + Base compartment two inches of highest quality European Duck Feather & Down mixture (85% feather and 15% down). ) … £160
7. Silentnight Reflex Breathable Latex Mattress Topper ( CONTAINS 100% natural latex … but as you have often said “contains” how much ?) ….. £129
If we buy an expensive topper, we would preferably like it to be suitable for use on a much better upholstered mattress (with thicker, tufted upholstery) at a later date.
All advice very much appreciated Guys, and gratefully received.
Kind regards and many thanks
Keith
Hi again Keith. Toppers are a personal choice and therefore the selection is ultimately down to you. Marie has just purchased the P&DW Australian wool topper and is raving about it (about £75 KS) and I purchased the Double Fill Duck Down topper – equally I love it (well filled and weighty about £60 Dbl).
Devon Duvets are quite a prestigious brand – stocked by John Lewis and there is no doubt about the quality although I personally would not be prepared to pay these prices for it.
Regarding the Talalay and Dunlop process (Yanis) I would not be able to tell the difference between these two. So looking at the Yanis 60kg v 65kg toppers I do not personally think £160 difference for an additional 5kg density is worth it. John and Ryan.
2013/03/18 at 00:26
Hi again, John and Ryan.
Just to say thank you for your previous advice. We invested in a really good duck feather and down topper, which has made a world of difference !! (The top layer is 100% down, and the lower layer is an 85/15 mix). I do believe that an additional foam or maybe latex topper would increase the luxury even more, but the difference is already fantastic and as the bed is already very high, we’ll see how we get on with it for now.
Cheers for your advice, guys. …. much appreciated, Keith
Hi John and Ryan,
Thanks so much for your reply. Your website is very informative and I am very disappointed that our room can’t accommodate one of your great mattresses. The mattress we currently have is only 10cm deep. It is from the Futon Co and is 10 years old.
Our bed is also from there but is not a Futon, just a simple design with Tatami mats base. We don’t have a lot of room under the eaves and the bigger the mattress the less head room we have so would probably not want to exceed 20cm depth if possible.
I was considering the Ikea latex mattress which I know is only 25% natural latex and 75% synthetic but it is only 18cm high. My preference is pocket over memory foam but Latex maybe an option I haven’t considered as I believe it doesn’t make you overheat like memory foam can. (our house is quite warm anyway!)
I am concerned that if we get a cheaper pocket mattress we will need to get extra layers that will make the height too high. I forgot to say that I also had a look at some of the NEXT mattresses which might fit, do you know who makes their mattresses?
If you are aware of any others that may suit us that would be a great help.
Thank you
Sarah
Hi again Sarah. A fairly decent inexpensive mattress will be 20cm high – anything less than this will equate to a cheap mattress (all springs, minimal upholstery). There is no doubt about it that you will have to utilise a mattress plus topper combo.
Due to your limited budget I would consider a 16cm Memory Foam mattress (the Breasley Valuepac comes in at around £180. (Kingsize) 5cm Memory Foam + 11cm Reflex). Use this as the foundation and spend a good £150 or so on a substantial topper (Feather and Down for example) for the comfort. This combo should give you the 20cm depth you require. Our favourite bedding store is the Pillow and Duvet Warehouse – use them as a benchmark for pricing comparable products.
The alternative will of course be the Ikea latex (bear in mind that your bedframe may not accommodate this Euro size). As this part is only going to be used as the support element, it makes no significant difference about the quality of the product (obviously in relation to the price). A foam construction is significantly better than a cheap spring unit.
No idea who manufactures the Next mattresses. I tried to do a comparison for you on their memory foam products but no essential detail was given.
Hope this makes sense. Please let me know what you decide upon. John and Ryan.
Hi John and Ryan,
I am looking for a new mattress to replace one we have had for 10yrs. We have a very limited budget and were wondering if you could advise us on the best value for money that will give us the support needed and we can then get a topper for comfort.
We were looking at your lower priced mattresses but are concerned they may be too high for our room as we sleep under the eaves. I weigh 10.5 stone and my husband is approx 13 stone.
I was looking at the Ikea sring mattresses as they seem slimmer but not sure how they rate for quality! Also Feather and Black Shelley / Shelley Deluxe.
Any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Sarah
Hi Sarah. The Shelley Mattress from Feather and Black is [£425. KS: Feb 2013] and will of course be quite suitable as the foundation (support). Adding your own comfort layers (don’t scrimp) will give you a comfortable mattress.
Mattresses within this price range are all pretty similar. Pocket spring support with polyester comfort layers. Our Reflex is absolutely stuffed with upholstery – hence the height, and it is unlikely The Shelley will be the same (you can enquire at F&B what this is and also if it is one sided or two sided) . However, your requirements (available space) requires you to go for low level (even though it will cost you more).
If you let me know the available height you are working with I may be able to suggest further options. John and Ryan.
Hi,
What a brilliant website – only downfall, I have spent all my Saturday night reading it !!
As an asthma and allergy sufferer what advice/information can you offer with regard to the best beds for keeping dust mites at bay.
We currently have a Slumberland pocket sprung which we are looking to replace as it’s 8 years old now.
There is a place near us in Saddleworth, which sells Harrison Spinks…your thoughts..?
We are looking to spend around £500-£900 and prefer a firmer mattress.
Many thanks and we look forward to hearing from you – hope you’re feeling better too !
Nicola x
Hi Nicola. As you have probably read, our obsession for toppers, turning, airing and rotating the mattress, and everything else that keeps it as new will be all that you can do to prevent or reduce any allergy triggers. You will also know that this is not the end of the story – the bedroom itself has to be an easily maintained environment to prevent dust build up – so the less clutter, ornaments, soft toys etc will be beneficial in controlling your asthma.
My initial recommendation for you will be ideally our Artisan Naturals but if that exceeds your budget then our Artisan Tailored Pocket would be a next best option. We like Harrison Spinks as a manufacturer – however, they do not divulge any upholstery weights which make it quite difficult to establish a value and worth in relation to any particular model. John and Ryan.
Hi John and Ryan,
As you may know, I have gone in the end for your Artisan Natural in the end and I have to admit, I do enjoy my sleep!!! I will leave a positive feedback on this too soon… Just out of curiosity though what is you opinion on the Warren Evans natural mattress? They use Calico too (a bit more spring count) and claim a natural filling and same depth as the L’artisan.
Thanks again for your good service!!
,font color=”maroon”>Hi Xanthi. i had a quick look at the Warren Evans Natural and am a bit sceptical about the description you found to be comparable to our model.
[Official Description: Nov 2012]
3064 independent springs encased in white calico (king size)
• 23cm deep with 2 rows of genuine hand side stitching
• Layers of 100% natural fibres
• Naturally fire retardant & dust mite resistant – perfect for allergy sufferers
For the ultimate in luxury, comfort and ethical craftsmanship!
The Natural mattress is handmade with 20cm deep pocketed springs, encased in white calico and settled into a unit. The individual springs respond and adapt to your body weight and shape, enhancing comfort and boosting the quality of your sleep. This combination of medium / firm luxurious pocketed springs and sumptuous organic fillers creates a supremely comfortable mattress. The result is a blissful night’s sleep for you and your loved one
The first thing I would ask to be clarified is the spring count. 3064 in a Kingsize is not a number that can be used as a single layer. This is either a double layer unit (nothing wrong with that) or a 1000 pocket unit topped with mini springs (nothing wrong with that) or a suspension unit usually associated with counts around the 3000 mark. If this is so then the calico encasement is called into question. Reading the description it categorically states ” 3064 independent springs encased in white calico “. A reasonable person could draw the conclusion that these springs are ‘individually encased’ in calico OR does it mean that a layer of calico sheeting is used to cover the springs which are ‘individually encased’ in a spunbond (synthetic) material. I would be inclined to question this particular retailer about this as it is not possible to have 3000 springs individually encased in Calico – is there a deception here?
Another element of confusion is the level of upholstery used. Their description states “20cm deep pocketed springs, encased in white calico and settled into a unit” They give the mattress depth as 23cm which obviously leaves just 3cm for the upholstery. The lack of any associated upholstery weights raises further suspicion as to the overall content and once again I would be inclined to question further. Another element worth questioning is whether this is a one sided or two sided mattress. the 3cm available space left for the upholstery would give me an inclination that this is a ane sided mattress – it would be ludicrous to think that this mattress has just 1.5cm of upholstery each side – again, more information is required to clarify these shortcomings. The description does state that “sumptuous organic fillers” are used – personally, I cannot see how 3cm of upholstery can be deemed as “Sumptuous”.
Finally Xanthi. it is a real bugbear to Ryan and myself when descriptions are so questionable to say the least. If it turns out that these springs are not calico encased and only a calico sheet is used as a covering then this particular description could be seen to be completely deceitful. It has to be said that we are not privy to the detailed specifications of this particular mattress and we will correct any comment if found to be incorrect. However, our conclusions are drawn by reading this description from the viewpoint as a consumer. There should be no reason whatsoever for ambiguous statements and if they occur then an explanation should be offered to avoid confusion. John and Ryan.
Hi Ryan and John,
I feel lucky I found out your website. Especially the discussions above raise some of the issues I am wondering too. I am moving soon to our first owned flat and a good mattress is something I do want to invest on. Unfortunately, though, I cannot spend more than £1000-£1200.
I started reading and visiting several shops but the first mattress I have tried was from Feather&Black the Fitzgerald which was absolutely lovely but too expensive. Bronte was very good too, though and more affordable. , when I started reading your blogs I realised these must all be Harrison’s beds as mentioned above so I am wondering if actually the platinum express would be the exact same mattress at a lower price.
I cannot find any retailers for the rest of the line. Nothing I have tried so far is comparable and I thought that this was due to the spring count.This afternoon, though, I have also tried Warren Evans natural but despite its high spring count (higher than Bronte) it didn’t feel the same. I am assuming the difference must the posturfil technology?
I was wondering about your ideas on the above and whether your line offers something similar to the mattresses above. Thank you for all your great info and for your help in advance.
Hi Xanthi. You are right in the fact that the mattresses you tried at F&B were indeed by Harrisons. Secondly, it is unlikely that the Express range from Harrisons are a true measure of the quality and standard of their core range but it would be wise to contact them direct in order that they can explain the differences themselves.
The “Posturfil technology” you refer to means a layer of mini springs. Again, Harrisons themselves would be the best people to explain to you precisely how this affects the comfort of the mattress.
Your budget is not an insignificant amount and the trick is to spend it wisely! For our part, I think our Artisan Naturals would be a good starting point. The entire mattress description is broken down in extreme detail which will give you a precise measure of comparison to others.
Look at the mattress in two parts – SUPPORT (Springs) and COMFORT (Upholstery). Our philosophy is taken from Vi Springs construction methods. Calico springs have been around since the beginning of the century and they have been well and truly tried and tested – even on their very top of range (The Magnificence) the spring count (which really is not the bee all and end all) totals around 2800. However, the level and quality of the upholstery is phenomenal.
I am assuming you did not try Vi Spring because of the price. In order for you to be able to get what you want – but for a lesser price – you really do need to know precisely what to look for and understand fully what compromises (if any) you will be expected to make to fit your budget. Hope this helps and please feel free to add further comment on what you find. John and Ryan.
Dear John & Ryan,
My wife & I are looking to purchase a new mattress & are interested in your bespoke model. We have tried out the John Lewis Natural collection Elite Cashmere mattress ( i believe this is a VI sprung made mattress) in a medium tension which we both fell in love with. It was superbly comfortable for the both of us,we tried out a soft tension VI sprung mattress which we both found too soft for our taste. My wife weighs approx 8 stone & I way about 11 stone. How would your bespoke model compare with the John Lewis mattress & I know that reading on your site that for our body weight, you would recommend a soft tension but we would ideally go for a medium.
Hi John. The Elite Cashmere is made by Harrisons Beds not Vi Spring for John Lewis. As Harrisons use their own spring system it is not possible for anyone to replicate these particular mattresses.
You do raise an interesting point in your comment relating to the Soft medium or Firm anomaly … You do say that on The Elite Cashmere you fell in love with the medium tension BUT .. found the medium tension on a Vi Spring (model unknown) to be too soft. There is no standard definition between manufacturers of SMoF so it is quite impossible to compare tensions – in this case medium – from two different manufacturers.
We know that a medium gauge spring in the Vi Spring Chatsworth is <> 1.28mm which is a rather soft gauge. We gauge our medium in the <>1.4mm – 1.5mm range. We can’t be absolutely certain if VS class this [medium] gauge on all of their models. Their website gives the spring gauge for their different models but make no indication as to what firmness this relates to.
Finally John. Ryan and I always say that if you find the mattress you fall in love with then your hunt becomes over and it seems you have done that. Incidentally, it may be worth seeing how other models in the Harrisons range stack up against each other. After all, The Elite Cashmere retails at £3000 for a Kingsize mattress and it would be a good exercise to see how their top of range core model (The Solitaire) compares. It is also worth noting that Feather and Black have their own range of Harrison Beds under their own label and they may have a model comparable to The Elite Cashmere for you to consider. John and Ryan.
Hi John & Ryan
Thanks for your prompt reply. I think you misread my initial email, we tried the medium tension Elite Cashmere which felt just right for us & we also tried a soft tension VI Spring mattress (can’t remember the model) which felt too soft.
Obviously, the Elite Cashmere is far more expensive that your own Artisan Bespoke mattress so how would your mattress compare to the Elite cashmere because if it is comparible, then we would obviously rather go with your mattress & save the £1,280 extra that the John Lewis mattress will cost.
Many thanks
John
Hi again John. No I didn’t misread your mail, I know what you are asking but I have to be relatively careful in my reply. The basis of my answer was to point out that it is quite impossible to say that one mattress is ‘same or similar’ to another if the spring support unit is completely different. Not only that but the comfort layers described on The Elite Cashmere are by and large just names of upholstery components. Without any kind of attributed weight we are / you are left to assume how much upholstery is actually used.
We pointed you towards Feather and Black because they will be in a better position than us to steer you towards a similar model to The EC as they would obviously be working with Harrisons to produce their own range of Own Label mattresses. Their Byron for example seems to be a close match construction wise but the retail price is also similar at £2895 [Kingsize Mattress 13/08/12]. As I pointed out in my previous response, The Harrisons Solitaire also has a similar spring combination and so it would be a good exercise to see if the price is comparable and also if the overall upholstery levels were of a similar or better quantity.
We unashamedly look to Vi Spring as a manufacturer of worth, and of all manufacturers Vi Spring is the one we aim to be comparable to. The spring unit we use in our Artisan models are similar to the springs used in Vi Spring models. Calico sewn pockets are the long standing traditional method of housing springs in various tensions and it is this ethos that we will continue to follow.
I do take note that the [model unknown] Vi Spring mattress you tried seemed ‘soft’ to you and also by comparison, but I would personally look to this range again. Try the Regal Superb model in a medium tension or indeed The Tiara Superb. Both these models are within the mid to higher end of Vi Spring offerings and if you still do not find these comfortable then you have narrowed your available options down considerably. Please keep in touch and let us know how you fare. John and Ryan.
2012/08/13 at 15:52
Hi Ryan & John
Thank you for finding the time to come back to me again. My wife & i popped into Furniture Village at lunchtime to try out their range of Vi Spring mattresses (by the way, it was the Vi Coronet that we tried in the soft tension that felt too soft) .
The Regal Superb as recommeded by you in a King Size with medium support felt very comfortable to both us but at over £3,300, it’s a bit out of our reach. Would any of your range compare favourably to this model?
Many thanks
John
Hi again John. Please call me direct and we can discuss your options. John and Ryan.
I hope you can shed some light on a question I have asked John Lewis which they can’t seem to answer. I purchased a natural collection wool filled superking mattress along with a new sprung base, dual tension on the mattress in April of this year, despite some very cold spells and some hot spells my husband and I are getting overheated from underneath, it feels like there is an electric blanket on. Not every night but often, we have given it about 4 months to get used to it and it is still really hot.
Hi Julia. I know this may sound obvious, but if this is a warm side / cool side mattress (presumably from Harrisons) is the cool side the current sleeping surface? [this is the side without the label showing].
The other model that I think you may be referring to is The John Lewis Natural Collection Premier Wool Mattress which has a wool primary layer and so it is this layer that may be the source of your discomfort. It has to be said that wool / wool cotton is used as primary layers in all top end mattresses. The lesser alternatives would be polyester or foams which have a greater tendency to retain heat than any natural fibres.
If the heat aspect becomes somewhat unbearable I would consider utilising a lower tog duvet (4.5) to enable the build up of heat to disperse more quickly. John and Ryan.
Hi Guys. I have been dipping into your site for a while now as wife & I take some while to decide on purchases which are bought to last. Thanks for producing a site with good info. We like the look of your artisan luxury kingsize and are also considering a John Lewis Natural Mohair both being about the same price.
As you have mentioned previously J.L./Spink use more springs (on this one top & bottom layers of HD springs extra to the pocket springs which their blurb states will assist in weight distribution) so I imagine JL one to contain less padding as both mattresses are about the same depth. Can you please give an apprx. total weight of your one? We both weigh about 12 st. and prefer a mattress on the firm side. Regards. T.A.
Hi Trevor, Good question, A good indicator of the quality of a mattress is overall weight – BUT .., is that weight attributed to springs or fillings? Quite difficult, if not impossible to work out. Obviously the easiest part to determine quality is the GSM of the fillings – consider as fact that 4000 gsm is a good weight for upholstery. If that upholstery is predominantly natural, all the better.
Currently we do not have precise overall weights for all our models. This only becomes necessary for us when we export. As a guideline, the Superking Bespoke has a phenomenal weight of 85kg and the accompanying (4 draw) pocket sprung base is 80kg (40kg per part). From this it is easy to get an approx weight by dividing the mattress into linear feet, and so a Kingsize will have a weight of [approx] 70kg and a Double will have an approx weight of 60kg.
The “John Lewis Premier Mohair” is as you say of a similar price to our Artisan Luxury – so how do you decide which is the best for you, or indeed which is the better mattress?
The John Lewis Natural Mohair has a spring count of 7000, logic dictates that there has to be at least two layers of HD springs and/or Posturfil each side of the main spring unit – and as the mattress depth is 27cm (same as ours) there can’t really be that much room left for decent levels or quantity of upholstery. Obviously, the shameful lack of detail afforded by Harrisons or John Lewis to this model means that between us we are having to assume all this intrinsic and important detail – all of this should be on the specification! John and Ryan.
Hi,
After an exhaustive search I have found two mattresses. Both contain pocket sprung units and a tufted finish. The difficulty comes with the difference in layers and fillings.
The first contains 1.4mm springs topped with two insulator pads and a 3-4” thick foam (£370). The second consists of 1.5mm springs topped with compressed polyester and what is described as natural fibres (£400).
I have read most of the articles on your website, finding unexpectedly, that this has equipped me with more knowledge than a number of mattress retailers I have spoken to.
Any guidance you can give would be appreciated.
Hi Zam. You really will have to provide some more detail on the mattresses you have found. A model name at the very least would be appreciated. John and Ryan.
Hi,
Both mattresses are made by local companies, so are not well known brands.
Each is a double size with 1000+ pocket springs.
The £400 model is a Sleeptimes Natural Sleep Ortho (available with pocket springs). There is no side stitching or butterfly clips. I have been told it consists of compressed polyester with a wool top layer (I have thus far been unable to ascertain weights and thicknesses). The £370 option doesn’t seem to have a model name. It does have side wall support in the form of butterfly clips.
Hi again Zam. I appreciate you giving more detail. In any event, no matter who the manufacturer is or where it comes from, a budget of £400 for a double mattress is unfortunately not that great. This is however, in stark contrast to the choices that are open to you. There are more mattresses out there for this budget as it is the greatest price point for the majority of people.
Ryan and I start our range at The Origins Comfort (£345 – Double) This is the lowest standard that we would be prepared to put our name to. It is not suitable for everyone, but the next model up: The Origins Reflex: (£375 – Double) will be amongst the best you quite likely to get.
When you have a budget at this level, the fact that it contains at least 1000 pocket springs should be enough for you to start comparing the fillings used – as it will be this part where the bulk of your money will be going. The pocket springs used will invariably be so similar it would not be in your interest to go to this level of forensic investigation.
Our ‘sandwich’ mix of Reflex foam and polyester is a good combination for comfort and longevity. The finish is as good as it gets for this budget (far exceeding many in a higher price bracket) double sided and so on.
Hope this helps you Zam. It is always best to do comparisons based on price. Use £350 as your starting point and try to find about ten mattresses that come in at this price. All you have to do then is to see which one has the most fillings on a 1000 pocket sprung unit. Then start to dismiss each one if the fillings are less than an laternative model. then look at the finish to end up with about three models for your final choice. I know it sounds easier to say than do, but I’m afraid that’s what you have to do to be sure of what you are buying. John and Ryan.
Hello John and Ryan how are you
My response to your advise is not going to be interesting because I am still very confused and there is no easy way to find out if bedmakers are deceiving toward their customers and cheating. I was hoping you can tell me, on your website you have put the hypnos Sandringham one of the best beds in the world would hypnos cut corners with the filling for their top beds?
Every bed maker nowadays that build these mattresses won’t supply this information whether it’s hypnos savoir or dreams or vi spring I live in London I tried and asked all the big department stores and internet retailers yet all of these people just say we can’t tell you because either they don’t know or it’s a trade secret your right it’s scandalous.
It’s like going to an off licence and buying a bottle of whiskey and when you ask how much whiskey in the bottle ooh we can’t tell you because you might be a competitor trying to steal our ingredients. Like you said if someone was going to steal the secrets of making beds surely it would be better to buy the bed and open it up and see exactly how it’s made and put together.
So this bed I have put a deposit on the only ever way I could find out if hypnos has been stingy and cheating on amounts of fabric is by opening the mattress up which would be a waste of money and I will feel hurt and depressed. You mentioned a bed which you opened up and there was hardly any natural fibres inside something like 50gsm please tell us which brand this was please. There should be a regulating body which should be telling bed makers to tell the customer exactly how much natural fibres inside and what percentage is mixed up something like a garment care label…
Thanks for your ultra speedy response look forward to hearing from you it’s getting messy with this mattress minefield out here, one last question would the royal warrant holder hypnos be cutting corners on their Top mattress range yes or no because I really don’t wasn’t to be opening a mattress I buy to see what’s really inside.
Hi Kenny, First of all I want to make it clear that the models mentioned on the post you refer to are NOT models that I recommend. It was done with the intention to show you that the retail prices commanded for such models are in the realms of fantasy, but it does give you an indication of the quality of build you can expect for such silly prices.
Like you say, short of cutting up the mattress, or for a manufacturer to actually state the quantities of fillings used in any particular mattress, it is impossible to say with any degree of certainty the weight of fillings used. It is so wrong that a response of ‘We can’t [we wont] tell you the quantities used’. Legally, a specification listing can be as vague as ‘Contains wool’ and as absurd as it seems this can quite rightly and legitimately refer to to a single woollen tuft.
Kenny, we thoroughly understand your frustration. Currently there is nothing we can do to allay the fears you have. This site was put together to encourage you to question the detail from all manufacturers. We know through experience that manufacturers will not disclose the weights because pure and simply it will be all too apparent that for years upon years consumers have been misled, mis informed and totally and utterly deceived.
The only way this situation can be resolved is by consumers phoning the manufacturers direct and specifically asking these particular pertinent questions – How Much ..? I must admit that Vi-Spring have always been quite open about their component weights and that makes them stand out from the rest. Hypnos, as the crux of your concern, details at length the qualities of their spring supports but fails at great length about the qualities of the component upholstery. My initial question would be ‘What are they trying to hide ?’.
Sorry we can’t be more forthright at this time, but we really do appreciate your comments. John and Ryan.
hello John how are you
I have found your site immensely helpful and informative and I do follow your advice vigorously well I try to my problem is…
The advice you give about natural fibres such as cashmere and any other hair and other luxury fibre is to always ask the depth and weight of the fibres which I do but I get the reply you might be a competitor trying to steal our details of how to build bed like ours which I find very very strange to say to a customer.
Hypnos bed makers are worst when it comes to this they are more secretive than MI6 they won’t tell me how much cashmere would be in Sandringham or whether it would be mixed with other fibres such as silk and cotton or the spring count on their new ultrasens pocket spring system. What do you think should I trust them because they have a royal warrant and they won’t cut corners, this bed would be of high quality and specification with generous amounts of natural fibres.
On you’re website you have also tipped the Sandringham as one of the best beds in the world. If the hypnos brand was more transparent it would be better it would also mean I can go for any bed in their collection because I think the st James is more reasonable for me and I have found one for 2090 pounds including the base with 4 draws so not bad price for a double but I dint know if hypnos would make my bed with enough of the natural fibres to make a difference or if it’s just a easy of getting more and giving less to customer help me mate please..
Many thanks
Ken
Hi Ken. That’s absolutely scandelous. What other product are you willing to hand over two thousand quid for without knowing what you are getting?
I recently answered a comment similar to yours [read here] where the customer was told that the contents are a trade secret !! Unbelievable. If a manufacturer wanted to copy a mattress all they would have to was to buy one, so their argument of a competitor trying to steal the details is baloney.
Ryan and I have recently come across ‘evidence’ of a blended pad being used by a major manufacturer with a specification that lists Cashmere, wool, mohair and fine horsehair. When listed in a specification [without GSM weights] you would think that that this was the finest mattress ever made. In reality, you would think twice about using it as shoe sole inserts. The percentage of horsehair used (as an example) was in the region of 5 and ten percent [equivalent to about 50grams] we will be expanding on this with photos when our new website is launched in a few weeks.
The point of this, and the reason why you really should ensure you know what you are buying, is that there is currently no legal requirement for manufacturers to tell you the quantities used. They can list all sorts of stuff on the specification, but the actual quantity in your mattress can be as little as one useless gram.
Knowing what I now know after five years or so delving into this completely secretive world, I personally would not take the word of any manufacturer to assure me that just because a component is listed, it would be in a quantity that makes a viable contribution to the actual build. Vi-Spring, as a direct competitor to Hypnos is only one of a handful of manufacturers who list their components by GSM. Although, of late this plattitude seems to be falling by the wayside.
Your comments on our reply would be very interesting. John and Ryan.
Dear John,
I have found your site immensely helpful and informative but have a couple of questions:
I have had a superking pocket sprung mattress for 20 years ( I know, scandalous for not having changed it earlier!!) but have loved it as it has given great support and does not ever get hot like some mattresses I have slept on. However it now needs replacing and due to space requirements in new house I have decided to go for a zip and link option. I found the comments advice regarding the JL mattress helpful but wonder if you could give advice on the ‘heat’ properties of the Origins 2000 as I note that the contents are primarily synthetic and foam is used.
Hi Sarah. All mattresses in this price range and a large percentage above this price range will contain a fair element of polyester as the primary wadding component. To enhance this layer further, additional wadding components are often added such as wool, cotton, memory foam, latex and so on and therefore the price increases. It really is not posible to find a mattress below £800 which uses 100% natural fibres.
The foam in the mattresses are used as a bridging layer above the insulator pad to prevent the polyester above compressing prematurely. Read more ..
There will be no undue heat element in this mattress as the foam layer is beneath the polyester and the wool layer. Hope this helps. John.