Why Are Natural Mattresses Good?

As the Head of Sleep Science, I’ve explored the key benefits of natural mattresses in this guide, highlighting how different natural fillings can support your sleep, comfort, and overall well-being.

Natural mattresses offer many benefits, and most of these are tied to the specific types of natural fillings used. Below, I’ll break down the key benefits of the various natural fibres commonly used in natural mattresses.

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Breathable and temperature regulating

Natural mattresses are excellent at maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the night. If you tend to sleep hot, these mattresses can help you stay cool by preventing heat buildup due to their breathable nature. Consistent temperature regulation is essential for a good night's sleep, as even a slight temperature change can disrupt your rest.

• Breathability refers to how well air can circulate through your mattress. Good airflow helps prevent heat buildup and keeps you feeling fresh throughout the night.
• Temperature regulating means the mattress helps maintain an ideal sleeping temperature, not too hot or too cold. Think of it like sheep’s wool, which naturally keeps them warm in winter and cool in summer.

Because our core body temperature needs to drop by a couple of degrees to enter deep, restorative sleep, having a mattress that supports this natural cooling process can significantly improve the quality of your rest.

The best natural fibres for breathability and temperature regulation include:

• Cotton
• Bamboo
• Linen
• Flax
• Hemp
• Coir Fibre
• Wool
• Alpaca
• Mohair
• Cashgora

These fibres help you keep you at the perfect temperature all year-round.

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Moisture-wicking

We lose about half a pint of sweat each night while we sleep, and moisture-wicking natural fibres help manage this. These fibres move the moisture away from your body, keeping the mattress cover dry and helping you wake up feeling fresher.

The top fibres for moisture-wicking include:

• Bamboo
• Linen
• Flax
• Hemp
• Kapok

These fibres absorb excess moisture and carry away heat, making them a great choice for warmer sleepers.

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Antimicrobial & antibacterial 

Many natural fibres are naturally antimicrobial or antibacterial, meaning they help prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Given all the factors a mattress faces every night - sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, and more - it’s important to maintain a hygienic sleeping environment.

Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties in natural fillings help break down harmful enzymes and create a healthier space for you to rest.

The best fibres for antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits:

• Cotton
• Bamboo
• Latex
• Linen
• Flax
• Hemp

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Durability

Durability is an important consideration when choosing a natural mattress, as more durable fibres are less likely to sag or lose their shape over time. Stronger fibres tend to settle less and require less maintenance, so your mattress will stay supportive for longer.

Highly durable natural fibres include:

• Bamboo
• Linen
• Flax
• Hemp
• Latex
• Mohair

These materials ensure your mattress will maintain its structure and comfort for years to come.

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Soft and luxurious feel

Many natural fibres, especially animal-based ones, add a plush, luxurious feel to your mattress. If you’re after that indulgent, high-end comfort, look for fillings made from softer materials.

Luxurious fibres for added comfort include:

• Cotton
• Wool
• Alpaca
• Cashmere
• Mohair
• Pashmina
• Cashgora
• Silk

These fillings provide that premium softness that makes your mattress feel extra cosy and indulgent.

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Product specific benefits

Every natural mattress has a unique blend of materials, each with its own set of benefits. Make sure to check the product description to learn more about what makes each mattress special. For example, Alpaca and Cashmere fibres offer a luxurious softness, while latex contours to your body for excellent pressure relief.

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What are the best natural mattresses?

Natural mattresses offer many unique benefits, most of which stem from the specific types of natural fillings used. Here are some of the key advantages.

Plant-based natural mattress fillings

Here’s a breakdown of the unique benefits and considerations to keep in mind when shopping for plant-based natural mattresses:

Plant fibre	Benefits	Things to consider
Cotton	Soft and luxurious feel. Highly absorbent to wick moisture away from your body at night, helping to keep you cool.	Takes longer to dry - not ideal for heavy night sweaters.
Bamboo	Durable and resistant to sagging. Smooth, silky texture.	Typically more expensive.
Latex	Contours to your body - great for pressure relief and comfort.	Dense, foam-like feel - not for everyone.
Linen	Durable and resistant to sagging. Strong moisture-wicking properties to help keep you cool.	Takes longer to dry - not ideal for heavy night sweaters.
Flax	Durable and resistant to sagging.Naturally antibacterial for a healthier sleep environment.	Less durable than synthetic mattress fillings (like polyester).
Hemp	Highly durable and resistant to sagging.Highly breathable for a cooler and more comfortable sleep.Naturally anti-microbial for a healthier sleep environment.	No elasticity, which can make the mattress feel firmer.
Coir Fibre	Very supportive and is used as a spring replacement in some natural mattresses.	No elasticity, which can make the mattress feel firmer.
Kapok	Exceptionally soft and luxurious.Dries quickly, making it ideal for heavy night sweaters.	Slippery feel. Lacks durability and must be blended with other fibres.

Animal-based natural mattress fillings

Check out the benefits and considerations for animal-based fillings:

Animal coat/fur	Benefits	Things to consider
Wool	Breathable and insulating for excellent year-round temperature regulation.Bouncy and springy feel.	Has a slight natural scent.
Alpaca	Breathable and insulating for excellent year-round temperature regulation.Plush and springy feel.	Has a slight natural scent.
Cashmere	Ultra-soft, fine and premium feel.Breathable and insulating for excellent year-round temperature regulation.	Has a slight natural scent.Lacks durability and is blended with other fibres.Typically more expensive.
Mohair	Breathable and insulating for excellent year-round temperature regulation.Highly durable and resistant to sagging.	Has a slight natural scent.Coarser feel provides firmer support.
Pashmina	Silky and ultra-fine for luxury comfort.Breathable and insulating for excellent year-round temperature regulation.	Has a slight natural scent.Lacks durability and is blended with other fibres.Typically more expensive.
Cashgora	Silky and fine for premium comfort.Breathable and insulating for excellent year-round temperature regulation.Durable and resistant to sagging.	Has a slight natural scent.Typically more expensive.
Silk	Exceptionally soft and luxurious.Dries quickly, making it ideal for heavy night sweaters.	Slippery feel. Lacks durability and must be blended with other fibres.

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Now that you’re familiar with the key facts about natural mattresses and their fillings, you're better equipped to make an informed decision based on your particular sleep needs. Whether you’re looking for breathability, luxurious comfort, or a healthier sleep environment, there’s a natural mattress out there that’s perfect for you.

Why not explore our collection of natural filling mattresses and find one that will give you the luxurious sleep experience you’ve been dreaming of?

Shop all natural filling mattresses

Curious about latex mattresses? Find out more about how they can enhance your sleep here:

What Is a Latex Mattress?