As more people clamour for natural products, it stands to reason that one of the first places they can effect a change is the bed they sleep on. As a result, mattresses made from natural materials are gaining in popularity.

The conventional wisdom is that since we spend an average of one third of our lives in bed, we should spend the best that our money can buy for a good mattress. Depending on your choice, a mattress can be a sleep-maker or a sleep-wrecker. Hence, it pays to do your research well before parting with a few thousand ringgit for one. Yes, that’s right. A few thousand ringgit is what you need to pay nowadays for an imported branded mattress such as Sealy, Simmons and Serta, the top three American brands.  

Since ‘natural’ is the rage now, it makes sense that a mattress that is made up of natural materials should be high on your list when choosing a mattress. We list here 3 types of natural mattresses that are worth considering:

Cotton Mattress

Back in the 70s, we still had pure 100% cotton mattresses which as the name suggest is mattress filled up entirely with cotton inside. Those were very comfortable but somehow became obsolete these days except in some mom-and-pop furniture shops outside of urban areas.  About 10 years ago, you could still find those in some small furniture shops within Kuala Lumpur itself but recently after some enquiries, no one actually stocks them anymore.

Nowadays, there are variants of these, mostly in organic shops offering organic pillows and bolsters which are filled with organic cotton. The mattress is just for promotional purposes and usually is not up for sale.

If you happen to go to the US, Japan or India however, you would find lots of very good quality cotton mattresses. According to an American website, more people are turning to mattresses made of cotton (or other natural fibres) due to concern about the Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) caused by inner-spring mattresses.  Apparently, these springs can heighten the Earth’s EMF while you sleep, causing disturbance particularly in light and sensitive sleepers, as well as those sensitive to the metal or chemicals commonly used in inner spring mattresses.
Realizing this, some mattress manufacturers have developed chemical-free or organic cotton mattresses that sometimes contain springs or latex to lighten the weight of full cotton mattress. Common varieties are as follows:

• 100% cotton: Firm & heavy. Often organic or pesticide and chemical-free.
• Cotton/Latex combo: Firm but softer than full cotton. Latex is another word for rubber and, as with most natural substances, organic latex is the healthiest option available.
• Cotton/Wool combo: Medium to firm. Wool is added to soften the mattress.
• Cotton/Inner Spring combo: The lightest and softest option but not the best option for those sensitive to metal.

Coconut Fibre Mattress

Containing raw coconut husks and coming in rubberized and needle-punched variety, this mattress came into the scene almost 20 years ago. Boasting coconut fibre that are non-toxic, bacteria-free and anti-dust mites, the mattress offers good ventilation and provides good support to the spine. They are affordable and are still being sold in furniture shops across the country. Complaints are rare but they are probably more suitable for older people and those with spinal or back problems that require very firm support.  

Latex Mattress  

Increasingly popular all over the world, latex (made from rubber) mattresses are appreciated for its natural composition (hypoallergenic) and its superior support which provides a more even distribution of pressure. It is one of the most ergonomically sound mattresses and is able to dynamically conform to your body, prompting orthopaedic surgeons and chiropractors to highly recommend it.

It is even believed that due to its resilience, it can last well over 20 years without sagging or taking on body impressions whereas a good branded mattress is expected to last about 10 years only. There is thus no need to turn it over throughout its lifetime. It gives maximum ventilation and is breathable, thus keeping you cool in hot weather and warm in cold conditions.

Latex mattresses are naturally more expensive but well worth the money if you are considering a good natural mattress.  

A "paedic", "chiro", or "ortho" in the name may just be a marketing ploy, and the same goes for endorsements from clinics or hospitals. What you need to look out for before you even stretch yourself fully on the bed to test it out are the following:

• A good quality mattress that seems solid, at least 15cm thick and well made.
• Corners with weight and substance, and edges that are solid and resilient.

A guarantee of quality is when you purchase it from reputable stores or even the brand name stores themselves. Harvey Norman and Robinsons department store at the Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, are worth exploring if you really must have imported high-end mattresses. Some top-end mattresses cost more than RM35,000 plus you have to pay extra for the box set.

Do lots of research to narrow down your preferences. When you finally do your actual window-shopping, at least you would have a better idea of the availability and the price. When testing out the mattress, wear comfortable clothing and take your  time lying down on the mattress. Lie on the mattress the way that you sleep. You can’t judge the support and comfort just by sitting at the edge or lying down for a few seconds.

At the end of the day, what really matters is comfort at a price you can afford. It doesn’t follow that the more expensive a mattress is, the more comfortable it is. Comfort depends on individuals. Older people may require firmer support while younger ones can opt for softer support. Some still prefer the bouncy feel of spring mattresses while some go for natural mattresses. Jason, box up 2nd box Chasing Sleep  Men never cease inventing new sleeping materials for that elusive deep sleep. A chronology of events below shows how mattresses have evolved over the years.  

Late 19th century: The box-spring is invented, making mattresses less lumpy.

1930s: Innerspring mattresses and upholstered foundations become widely used, and artificial fillers become common. Encased coil spring mattresses, which consist of individual springs sewn into linked fabric bags, are introduced.

1940s: Air mattresses constructed of vulcanized rubber-coated fabric are introduced.

1950s: Foam rubber mattresses and pillows are available for purchase.

1960s: The modern waterbed is introduced and gains its first widespread use. Adjustable beds gain popularity.

1970s: NASA invents material that later becomes known as memory foam

1992: Tempur-Pedic introduces a mattress made from memory foam.

1992: Fibrelux introduces a mattress made from rubberized coir (fibre from coconut husks) More recently, there are mattresses that supposedly regulate your body temperature and others that absorb moisture thus keeping you drier and cooler. But the one that trumps them all is the vibrating mattress. Remember those times when you were a kid falling asleep in a car in motion? It’s the same principle, much like mom rocking you to sleep. Already in use, the vibrating bed is controlled by electronics for varying time and amplitude settings. It vibrates with the use of an off-centre motor and is used therapeutically to ease back pains.