Top Five Natural Materials to Use in a Mattress

Mar 28

“The thought of sleeping on anything other than wool is wrong for me. My personal favourite is pairing needle-punched wool with natural latex”

Key Takeaways:

Natural latex adds support and durability.
Cotton enhances softness and breathability.
Hemp provides strength and moisture resistance.
Coir (coconut fibre) increases firmness and ventilation.
Horsehair offers superior springiness and temperature control.

Where should different materials be used in a mattress?

Wool is a fantastic mattress material due to its temperature regulation, breathability, and durability. However, combining it with other natural materials can enhance support, firmness, or softness depending on your preference. Each of these materials plays a distinct role in the mattress structure:

Top Layer (closest to your body): Wool, cotton, or silk for comfort and softness.
Comfort Layer: Latex, horsehair, or wool for cushioning and pressure relief.
Support Layer: Latex, coir, or hemp for structure and durability.
Base Layer: Coir or hemp for firmness and stability.

Below are the top five materials that pair exceptionally well with wool in a mattress.

Is Natural Latex a Good Pairing with Wool?

Natural latex, derived from rubber trees, provides firm support and pressure relief and is semi-breathable. The inherent qualities of wool make it an ideal material to pair with latex for mattresses, as wool adds temperature regulation for the sleeper.

    
        PROS ✅ 
        CONS ❌
    
        Supportive and resilient
        Can be heavy
    
        Naturally hypoallergenic
        Higher cost
    
        Long-lasting (can last over 20 years)
        
        Latex and Wool are both Sustainable options

How Does Cotton ComplEment Wool in Mattresses?

Although not common, cotton can be used in the top layer, closest to the sleeper. Cotton is lightweight, soft, and breathable, making it an excellent pairing with wool for a plush yet cooling feel. Pure, Organic cotton, not blended with a synthetic, is best, as it avoids synthetic chemicals often used in cotton processing while maintaining the natural hypoallergenic properties of cotton.

    
        PROS ✅ 
        CONS ❌
    
        Adds softness and breathability
        Less durable than wool or latex
    
        Moisture-absorbing, keeping sleepers cool
        Can develop smells over time
    
        Naturally hypoallergenic
        Flammable
    
        Heavey and bulky

Is Hemp a Good Mattress Material?

Hemp is strong, breathable, and moisture-resistant, making it an ideal structural or base layer in a mattress. It is an ideal natural, sustainable option for supporting higher wool layers. It adds firmness and durability while keeping the mattress free of mould and bacteria.

    
        PROS ✅ 
        CONS ❌
    
        Naturally antibacterial and moisture-resistant
        Can feel firmer than latex
    
        Extremely durable
        
        Eco-friendly and biodegradable

Can Coir (Coconut Fibre) Be Used with Wool in a Mattress?

Coir is made from coconut husk fibres and is often used as a firm support and base layer in natural mattresses. It allows excellent airflow, preventing heat retention.

    
        PROS ✅ 
        CONS ❌
    
        Provides natural firmness and structure
        Not as soft as other materials like latex
    
        Highly breathable, preventing overheating
        
        Long-lasting and eco-friendly

What Are the Benefits of Using Horsehair with Wool?

Horsehair is a traditional, high-end mattress material that adds springiness, breathability, and moisture control in the support and base layers. It provides a natural, luxurious, temperature-regulated sleep surface when combined with wool.

    
        PROS ✅ 
        CONS ❌
    
        Naturally elastic for added comfort
        Can be expensive
    
        Great moisture-wicking properties
        Not vegan-friendly
    
        Long lifespan