Mattress FAQ

What is the difference between a natural mattress and a conventional mattress?

Many conventional mattresses are filled with synthetic materials such as polyurethane foam. Polyurethane foam constantly breaks down and releases chemicals, which is called off-gassing. Polyurethane foam is made from chemicals that are known carcinogens.

Other toxic chemicals that can be found in conventional mattresses are PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) or boric acid. These are used in mattresses as a flame retardant.  PBDEs have been shown to have health effects in animals and are so toxic that Europe is phasing out the use of them completely!  Boric acid is extremely toxic and is used to eradicate cockroaches.  The EPA and CDC warn of reproductive, developmental, and neurological damage and there are many known health risks from inhalation of Boric acid.  These include inflammation of the upper respiratory tract (including dry throat and cough), eye irritation, and reproductive damage in men (including low sperm count).

Why is a natural mattress healthier than a conventional mattress?

Many modern mattress factories put toxic chemicals, plastics, adhesives, solvents, flame-retardants, or formaldehyde into their products in order to create an ‘affordable’ mattress. Whilst these may appear comfortable, they are produced with production efficiencies in mind, rather than healthy customers!  Inner sprung and synthetic mattresseses are commonly associated with higher levels of electromagnetic stress.  Long term exposure to harmful electromagnetic fields may exacerbate existing health problems and has been associated with fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, hyperactivity and emotional disorders.

Our natural mattresses are handmade and free from toxic chemicals and materials.  We offer a firmer and less resilient bed than a conventional mattress and box spring system. By varying the thickness and density of latex and coconut fibre at the middle of the core, we offer a choice of firm through medium soft options, all providing the excellent postural support. Natural latex dynamically conforms to the body’s movement throughout the night, adjusting to the contours of your body while providing gentle postural support in any sleep position, free of the disturbance of “roll-together”.

Latex, Coconut fibre and wool are hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial and dust-mite resistant. These fibres are breathable and allow perspiration disperse, keeping you warmer in winter, and cooler in summer.  Some people do experience a reaction to natural latex. We suggest you test for latex allergies prior to considering purchasing a latex mattress.

What are overall benefits of choosing a natural mattresses?

Since we spent one third of our lives asleep we should ensure it’s the healthiest and best sleep we can get!  Latex, wool, coconut fibre, cotton, hemp and bamboo are renewable resources. Their use presents little or no risk to the environment when compared with synthetic or chemically processed materials which are used to make conventional mattresses. At the end of a natural mattress’s life, they are 100 percent biodegradable. Choosing to purchase natural sleeping products is better sustainable practice and leaves gentle footprints for next generations.

Natural mattresses are made only from nature’s best, most ingenious materials which provide the safest, healthiest and most comfortable sleeping environment. These natural elements as they occur in nature have phenomenal benefits for healthy, safe and optimum sleep – 100% naturally.  They insulate, allow fantastic air circulation (breathable), are hygroscopic, (absorb and attract moisture from the air), fire retardant, low allergenic, anti-bacterial, mildrew resistant, durable, supportive and ultimately practical and renewable!

Natural mattresses are no more expensive than conventional mattresses and provide the same (if not more) level of comfort and durability than conventional mattresses.

Are natural mattresses less comfortable than conventional mattresses?

Most people will say the most important criteria when shopping for a mattress is comfort.  Comfort is not at all compromised by choosing a mattress which is made of healthy, safer natural materials.  As a bonus, natural mattresses have a far better long term benefit on your health and happiness since you will sleep safer and healthier when you choose only nature’s best.  Ensure you select the right firmness for your age, sleeping position and surface-softness preference.

How long do natural mattresses last?

Our natural mattresses are guaranteed for 7 years but should last around 12-15 years. Factors which influence a mattress’ life include weight of the sleeper(s) and correct rotating & care.  Natural Latex mattresses can last longer up to 20 years with care and attention.

Why is latex a wonderful fibre for a mattress?

Natural rubber latex foam is produced from the rubber tree (Hevea Brazilensis). The trees are sustainably harvested and grown in plantations throughout Malaysia.  This natural latex is biodegradable and contains no fillers or additives, compared to about 30% inert fillers contained in other foams.  Latex is known for it’s therapeutic properties and its ability to provide orthopedic support.  It naturally adjusts to the contours of your body, providing gentle support that maintains proper spinal alignment without restricting capillary blood flow. This reduces tossing and turning and allows a deeper, more restful sleep.  It is durable, hypoallergenic, and has thermal qualities. It is porous and therefore breathable, keeping the body cool in summer and warm in winter. Bacteria, mildew, mold and bed bugs hate latex!  Latex in a mattress can last for up to 20 years.

A small percentage of people have an allergic reaction to natural latex which is caused by the natural proteins found in the Hevea Brazilensis tree.  We advise you to test for possible allergy before considering natural latex mattresses.  However, please note that we have never experienced any reaction to our mattresses as the latex in our products never actually comes into direct contact with skin.

Why is Coco fibre a wonderful material for a mattress?

Coconut fibre is obtained from the fibrous husk of the coconut from the coconut palm. It has a high lignin content and thus a low cellulose content, which makes it resilient, strong and highly durable, and a great material to provide the support the body needs whilst asleep.
Coco fibre has many healing properties, is non allergenic and has excellent moisture and air permeability properties which keeps the mattress internally dry.  Despite it’s durability it’s also extremely elastic, making it a great addition to a mattress to provide firm support for the spinal column.   The combination of latex and coconut husk fibre in our mattresses offers optimal posture and lumbar support whilst keeping free of pressure points.   The fibres are compressed together with natural latex glue giving it a rubbery texture .  This combination reduces tossing and turning and allows a deeper, more restful sleep. 

Why is pure wool a wonderful fibre for a mattress?

Wool is a ‘super fibre’ in our minds!  The properties of real wool make it a perfect material to provide a dry and safe sleep.  Wool fibres:

• Are hygroscopic. This means wool has the power to readily absorb and give off moisture. It can absorb moisture up to one-third of its own weight (synthetic fibers can only absorb 2-3 per cent of moisture before they begin to feel wet).  Since a human body can relieve up to 1 litre of perspiration while asleep, wool’s ability to release moisture makes it a unique material in providing healthy, comfortable sleep
• Naturally regulate temperature and insulate.  Since it supports rapid evaporation of moisture– a woolen bed is considered the warmest and driest one.
• naturally fire retardant – harder to ignite than most synthetic and cotton fibres used in equivalent products making it excellent for safe sleep
• Uncoloured, unprocessed wool has also been known to provide wonderful relief for muscles, joints, and backbone and to stimulate circulation. 

Innature mattresses are made from 100% pure New Zealand wool from the South Island, bonded to 500g density. It is washed and processed in very eco friendly – you may still smell the sheep, but only a little!

Why is bamboo a wonderful fibre for a mattress?

Bamboo is the ‘newest, old thing’ around!  Bamboo’s tight cellulose molecular structure, helps keep bacteria at bay.  This amazing fibre also has strong anti-bacterial properties which make it very durable and protect it from being eaten by pests or infected by pathogens.  Free from chemical additives, it’s completely biodegradable but also breathable and cool because the cross-section of a bamboo fibre is filled with various micro gaps.  This ensures excellent ventilation when compared to other fibres.

Why are unbleached cotton and hemp fabric used in Innature mattresses and not pure organic cotton?

Innature uses 45% unbleached organic cotton and 55% hemp fabric to make natural mattress covers.  This combination of organic cotton and hemp is specially chosen for its robustness, anti-bactierial and mold resistance qualities which make it perfect for sleep products.

Are natural mattresses more expensive than conventional mattresses?
A healthy mattress does not cost any more than the big name brand ‘therapeutic’, ‘lumbar support’, ‘sprung’ and ‘no roll together’ mattresses on the market.  Natural mattresses are filled only with the best nature has to offer and there are no synthetic substitutes bulking out your mattress, which may make you feel like you are getting more for your money, but in reality, you are not at all.  The peace of mind you gain from knowing you and your family sleep on the healthiest bedding alternatives is priceless.
If you aren’t getting a good and thorough nights’ sleep every night, if you are sick regularly, physically and mentally drained, taking time off work, and having long term health issues – then consider what impact poor sleep is having on your life and calculate the cost of a new mattress in light of what these other problems may be costing you.
The life expectancy of an Innature mattress is 15-20 years which means that over this time your initial investment would work out to as little as 30 cents a day.  We believe that when you sleep better, you love life more so this is certainly a great investment to make.

How do I know if I need a new mattress?
You know better than anyone when you need a new mattress.  Here are some questions to help you ascertain whether it’s time to invest in a new natural mattress for wonderful sleep! 

If you answered YES to three or more questions, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Can I get a mattress custom made to my specifications?

Absolutely!  If you are not on your feet, you are on your back and just as a shoe needs to fit well, so does your mattress.  We custom make according to your requirements.  Please complete this short questionnaire and we will contact you to discuss your personal requirements, or contact us.

What is the 14 day customer comfort exchange policy?

If you purchase a mattress from us without having tried it first, we offer a 14 day comfort exchange.  If you are not happy with the firmness you selected and can explain your reasons  we are happy to exchange the mattress core to a different design,  which you and we think will be more suitable for you.
If you select a more expensive firmness you will need to cover the difference. If it is cheaper, we will offer you additional items to compensate the difference (e.g natural pillows or mattress protector).

How long will I wait for my mattress if it is made to order?

If we have a mattress of your choice in stock we can freight it or deliver it to you as soon as we receive your payment.  Otherwise it takes 3-4 working days to manufacture.  When we freight our goods Nationwide we use a furniture removal company (not a courier) to avoid any damages.  Please, allow additional 1 week for North Island delivery and 2 weeks for South Island delivery.

Which sizes of mattresses do you make?

Innature will make any size you require but the standard sizes are available in the sizes and pricing chart.  Contact us to discuss your requirements.

What is the disadvantage of a sprung mattress?

Some people prefer a sprung mattress for comfort and support. However, there is an argument that the air between the springs inside a sprung mattress is a perfect habitat for dust, microorganisms and insects since they are beyond the reach of cleaning. For anyone who suffers allergies a latex mattress is preferable since dust mites and other organisms will not survive the inner mattress.  Additionally, the springs of a sprung mattress will wear out, allowing your backbone to sag, creating tension in your muscles and disturbing your sleep.
Since buying a mattress is such a personal choice, all our mattresses are made to order and you cannot purchase them off this site.  Please contact us if you require more explanation on this or read below.

How healthy is memory foam in a mattress or pillow?

You may have noticed a strong smell being emitted from memory foam? This is the off-gassing of toxic chemicals and can be noticed for months in some cases.  These emissions have been associated with headaches and other severe health reactions in people who sleep on them.  You can learn more about the health effects of memory foam and conventional mattresses from http://www.chem-tox.com/guest/guestbook.html

How do I order a natural mattress?

Contact us at any stage if you require assistance. Or complete this short questionnaire and we will contact you to discuss your personal requirements.