Have you ever paused to consider what’s in your bed? It's important to care about this, since we spend a significant amount of our lives lying directly on it. Ensuring that we get the best sleep possible is crucial, and this can be greatly influenced by the materials in our beds.

Until about 30 years ago, cotton was the primary material used in mattresses. Then, companies began to switch to foam. Foam is inexpensive, deteriorates quickly, and is not natural. In contrast, cotton is durable, breathable, and natural. Let’s explore the differences and understand why cotton should be in your bed.


Durability


All-natural, unbleached long staple cotton is the most durable material for constructing a mattress. If you look at most high-end mattresses, you will find that almost all of them contain cotton. In our beds, cotton is compressed and tufted, enhancing its durability and longevity. This means you won't need to buy a new mattress every 5 to 8 years; a high-quality cotton bed can last over 15 years.

On the other hand, foam was introduced to boost profit margins and sales. Manufacturers replaced cotton with foam, which is cheaper, yet they continued to charge the same prices, increasing their profits. This seems unfair! Foam also degrades much faster, compelling customers to replace their beds much sooner than they would with a cotton bed.



Breathability


Sleeping in a hot environment is uncomfortable and can affect your health if your bed contributes to the heat. Foam and memory foam, in particular, retain body heat to conform to your shape. This raises your baseline body temperature throughout the night, causing you to toss and turn, and potentially wake up multiple times.

The industry has tried various solutions, like gel foams and phase change technology, but the simplest solution is cotton. Cotton is highly breathable, which is why it’s used in clothing, sheets, and mattresses. Cotton Incorporated, the organization behind “The Fabric of Our Lives,” even promotes the hashtag #CoolerinCotton.

“Natural fibers, such as horsehair, flax, wool, cotton, and down, are best if you get hot at night. Synthetic memory foam can become hot and may not absorb moisture efficiently, so look for products that address this issue.” — UK Sleep Council

Natural



Choosing natural materials means safer sleep: no chemicals, no off-gassing, and no petroleum-based products making you sick. These issues are prominent when you sleep on polyurethane foams. However, it's worth mentioning that latex is the only natural foam available, and like cotton, it offers excellent sleeping comfort. We might discuss latex in more detail next time.

In summary, cotton is long-lasting, adding value to your purchase and extending the mattress's lifespan. It is breathable, maintaining your body’s natural temperature for a more restful sleep, and it keeps allergens at bay. It’s natural, eliminating the chemicals, off-gassing, and unpleasantness associated with synthetic foams. Additionally, its value surpasses the competition.