Natural mattresses – healthy sleep on pure natural materials

A natural mattress is the foundation for truly restful, healthy sleep. It combines natural comfort with sustainability – made from materials such as natural latex, coconut fibres, sheep’s wool or organic cotton.

What are natural mattresses?

Natural mattresses – also known as mattresses made from natural materials or organic mattresses – consist predominantly of renewable raw materials. In contrast to conventional models with synthetic foam or man-made fibres, natural latex, coconut fibres, horsehair or sheep’s wool are used here. These materials are breathable, durable and free from harmful substances. As a result, they promote a balanced sleep climate and are ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

The most important types of natural mattresses at a glance

What are the advantages of natural mattresses?

• Breathability: Natural fibres regulate moisture and temperature.
• Sustainability: The materials largely come from renewable sources.
• Durability: High-quality natural materials keep their shape for many years.
• Healthy sleep climate: Free from solvents, plasticisers and microplastics.

Is cold foam or natural latex better?

That depends entirely on your needs. Cold foam is a genuine all-rounder – point-elastic, durable and suitable for allergy sufferers. It yields exactly where pressure occurs and thus offers even support for the body. If you tend to feel chilly at night, you’ll also benefit from the slightly warmer feel.

Natural latex, on the other hand, is made from the renewable raw material rubber and is particularly elastic and long-lasting. It adapts very precisely to the body and provides excellent pressure relief and durability. However, latex retains more warmth and is noticeably heavier – which makes turning it a bit more involved.

Both materials therefore offer high comfort – cold foam is low-maintenance and versatile, while natural latex impresses with natural composition and exceptional conformity.

Which type of mattress do physiotherapists recommend?

Physiotherapists often recommend 7-zone mattresses made of natural latex, as they support the body zones – shoulders, lumbar area, pelvis – individually. This ergonomic zoning promotes correct sleeping posture and relieves the spine. Models with different firmness levels (e.g. H2 or H3) help you find the ideal balance between stability and comfort.

What to look out for when buying a natural mattress

For partners: one large mattress or two?

If you sleep with a partner, the question often arises: one continuous mattress or two separate ones? With a single large mattress, one of you will usually have to compromise on firmness. Two individual mattresses, by contrast, allow each person to choose the right firmness – although this creates a small gap in the middle.

A partner mattress with two separate cores in one cover offers the ideal middle ground: each person sleeps on their own side without an annoying visitor’s crack. Even more flexible is a reversible partner mattress – it combines two cores with differently firm sides in one shared cover. This way, each partner can simply flip their side if their preferred feel changes over time.

Pros and cons of reversible mattresses

A reversible mattress offers two sleeping surfaces with different firmness – for example H2/H3. You can try at home which side you prefer and then settle on one long term. The advantage: you can calmly test which firmness suits you best. The drawback: once you’ve chosen a side, you’ll no longer rotate it regularly. For that reason it should be aired more often or turned lightly to allow moisture to dissipate evenly and to relieve pressure areas.

Which mattress is suitable for allergy sufferers?

For allergy sufferers, washable mattress covers made from organic cotton are particularly suitable. They can be washed regularly at 40 °C to effectively remove house-dust mites, pollen and other allergens. This keeps the sleep climate hygienic and free from irritants. Covers with a zip and removable shell are also advantageous, as they are easy to clean or replace.

Latex mattresses are generally well suited for many allergy sufferers, as natural latex is resistant to mites and mould. People with a true latex allergy should, however, opt for cold-foam mattresses with cotton or Lyocell covers.

Washable organic-cotton cover vs sheep’s wool cover

Which mattress firmness?

The right firmness depends not only on body weight, but also on height, body shape and personal preference. A taller or more muscular person usually needs a little more support than a smaller, lighter one. The following table provides a rough guide – slight variations by material are normal: natural latex feels a little softer and more elastic, cold foam provides a more stable, slightly firmer feel, and coconut is distinctly firmer and better suited to those who prefer a stable, harder surface.

Firmness is not a standardised value and may vary slightly by manufacturer. If you are between two levels or unsure, a reversible mattress with two firmnesses can be a good choice.

Natural mattresses at ekomia

Our ekomia natural mattresses at a glance

• Natural latex mattress Twisp Basic — entry line with 100% natural latex, 5-zone core height approx. 12 cm. Covers as above. Firmnesses H2 / H3. Sizes from 80–200 cm wide, length 200/220 cm.
• Natural latex mattress Twisp — 100% natural latex, 7-zone core height approx. 15 cm. Covers available: organic cotton (washable) or sheep’s wool. Firmnesses H2 / H3. Also available as a partner mattress.
• Natural latex mattress Twisp Comfort — premium version with 100% natural latex, 7-zone core height approx. 18 cm. Covers as above. Firmnesses “Medium” / “Firm”. Optional as reversible or partner mattress from 160 cm width.
• Natural mattress Coco — combination of natural latex and latex-coated coconut fibre, 5 zones with shoulder zone. Covers selectable. Firmnesses H2 / H3 (also available as reversible/partner version). Sizes 80–200 cm wide, length 200/220 cm.
• Mattress Koje — cold-foam core with density 50 kg/m³, 7-zone core height approx. 16 cm (total height approx. 18 cm). Cover in organic cotton or sheep’s wool. Reversible mattress with two sides H2 & H3. Sizes 80–200 cm wide, length 200/220 cm.

Our toppers at a glance

• Topper Twisp — 4 cm core made from 100% natural latex, available in Medium or Firm. Cover in organic cotton (kbA), washable at 60 °C. Ideal for softening or firming an existing mattress.
• Topper Twisp Comfort — 6 cm core made from 100% natural latex for especially high comfort and noticeably more elasticity. Cover in organic cotton or certified sheep’s wool (kbT), naturally breathable and temperature-balancing.
• Topper Koje Memory — 4 cm of memory foam with ergonomic pressure relief, made in Germany. Cover in organic cotton (kbA), washable at 60 °C. Very good for back discomfort.

How sustainable are ekomia natural mattresses?

Sustainability is at the heart of all ekomia natural mattresses – from the materials and production through to longevity. Each mattress is made in Germany from carefully selected, certified raw materials that are both environmentally and health-wise safe.

The core of our natural latex mattresses consists of 100% natural latex, obtained from the sap of the rubber tree and certified by FSC for responsible forestry. Natural latex is durable, elastic and fully biodegradable.

For the cover we use either 100% organic cotton (kbA) or 100% sheep’s wool (kbT). Our organic cotton and sheep’s wool are certified to GOTS and OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Depending on the model, we also use latex-coated coconut fibre (coated with 100% natural latex) and cold foam made in Germany. The cold foam complies with OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Cold foam with cotton cover

As a more affordable alternative to our natural latex mattresses we developed the Koje cold-foam mattress. Thanks to its high-quality cold-foam core with a density of 50 kg/m³, it is almost as durable as a natural latex mattress, yet significantly cheaper. With a cover made from organic cotton or sheep’s wool, you enjoy a natural, breathable sleep climate – without direct contact with synthetic materials.

What should you bear in mind in use?

Should I turn the mattress?

For one-sided mattresses, it’s advisable to rotate or turn them regularly to distribute load evenly and extend their lifespan. Reversible mattresses with two different firmnesses – for example H2/H3 – are primarily intended so you can test at home which side you prefer. Once you have decided, that side remains on top. In that case, the mattress should be aired regularly or lightly rotated to balance moisture and protect the material. Many ekomia mattresses feature practical turning handles for this purpose.

How long do natural mattresses last?

A high-quality natural latex mattress will typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Natural latex is particularly durable, as it retains its elasticity for years and barely develops body impressions. Regular airing and a removable, washable cover further help extend its life and keep the sleep environment hygienic.

With cold-foam mattresses, longevity depends greatly on the density (RG) – this indicates how much raw material per cubic metre of foam is used. As a rule of thumb: the higher the density, the more durable and shape-stable the mattress.

Conclusion

Whether natural latex, cold foam or coconut fibre – a mattress made from natural materials offers sustainable comfort and a healthy sleep experience. Discover the right natural mattress at ekomia in your size, preferred firmness and with the cover that suits you.