Wool is a versatile natural fibre and most likely one of the most well-known natural fibres to be used in mattresses. Despite many misconceptions, there are said to be a range of benefits to using wool, such as being hypoallergenic, a good moisture and temperature regulator, mildew and fungus resistant, a fire retardant, as well as eco-friendly. Wool is also elastic and resilient that makes for a very durable mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress in the medium-firm range but also want something that offers pressure relief and comfort, then a wool mattress could be a good option for you. It is important to note that wool mattresses differ to a large extent in terms of quality and blends, among other things, and there are essential details to look out for and considerations to make when searching for your perfect wool mattress.
(Important Facts, Studies, Advice, Considerations & FAQs in Conclusion)
| MATTRESS | TYPE | FIRMNESS | TRIAL & WARRANTY | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silentnight Natural Pocket Wool Mattress | Pocket sprung | Firm | 60 Nights swap 5 Years | £559.00 |
| Simba Hybrid Pro Mattress | Hybrid | Medium | 200 Nights 10 Years | £649.35 |
| Millbrook Wool Luxury 1000 Mattress | Pocket sprung | Medium-firm | 60 Nights swap 10 Years | £238.39 |
| Happy Beds Signature Silver Natural Fillings Mattress | Pocket sprung | Medium-firm | 5 Years | £179.99 |
| Sleepeezee Wool Supreme Pocket Mattress | Pocket sprung | Medium-firm | 5 Years | £365.70 |
| John Lewis Natural Collection Fleece Wool Mattress | Pocket sprung | Medium | 60 Nights swap 7 Years | £899 |
1. Silentnight 1400 Natural Pocket Wool Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Mirapocket technology springs • 60-night trial • Depth of 33cm | • Those who enjoy a firm feel • People who suffer from allergies • Sleepers seeking pressure relief |
The Silentnight 1400 Pocket Natural wool mattress may be a good option if you’re looking for something with the benefits of wool and on the firmer side. The sleep side of the hand-tufted cover is composed of 67% polyester and 33% cotton.
These mattresses utilise a Mirapocket spring support system consisting of 1400 individually nested springs that enable your weight to be distributed evenly and reduce pressure across the body, as well as provide edge-to-edge support. In addition, different zones offer specific support providing optimal spinal alignment. This mattress is double-sided and has a depth of 33cm.
This mattress features silk, wool, and cashmere fillings, ensuring comfort and support. The addition of wool can assist in temperature and moisture regulation, reducing habitability for allergens, bacteria, mildew, and mould. To further aid in combating dust mites and other allergens, Silentnight has treated this mattress with Purotex.
Silentnight offers a 60-night trial, so you can exchange it for another if you are not satisfied with your mattress and a 5-year guarantee.
2. Simba Hybrid Pro Wool Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Open-cell Simbatex foam layer with graphite • 5000 Aerocoil springs (mattress size dependent) • 200-night trial and 10-year warranty | • Sleepers in need of pressure relief • People prone to allergies • Those who prefer a hybrid mattress |
The Simba Hybrid Pro wool mattress is a fusion of mini pocket springs and foam, combining the advantages of each system. The knitted polyester top cover is thick and soft, which creates a comfortable and breathable environment in which you can rest.
The top internal layer consists of 100% British wool that can regulate heat and moisture. The next layer is the patented open-cell Simbatex foam layer with graphite particles allowing for better airflow and better filtering of heat through the foam. Next is the unique patented dual micro-spring layer that consists of up to 5000 (depending on mattress size) individually wrapped titanium Aerocoil springs in polyester pockets. This spring layer ensures that your body is supported, weight distribution is even, and that air can flow through the mattress.
The reflex support foam layer is next and acts as an intermediary between the upper-spring layer and the lower support base. This design ensures there is no “roll-off” feeling on the edges. The lower support base is a high-density polyurethane foam that is both supportive and breathable.
This wool mattress comes with a 200-night trial for you to test the mattress in your own home and make sure you are satisfied with your purchase. In addition, Simba offers a 10-year warranty. With over 50 000 reviews, it seems that this Simba Hybrid Pro wool mattress is a popular choice with consumers.
3. Millbrook Wool Luxury 1000 Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Hampshire fleece wool • Edge-to-edge support • 10-year warranty | • People on a tighter budget • Couples • Those prone to allergies |
If you are in the market for a slightly more affordable wool mattress, the Millbrook Wool Luxury mattress may be a good option for you. This hand-tufted mattress has a natural cotton-viscose cover and may also be a good choice if you are looking for something with support but is not too firm.
Inner layers of a wool and cotton blend ensure optimal natural comfort. Hampshire fleece wool provides good spring and bounce, as well as the benefits of temperature and moisture control. This Millbrook mattress features 1000 individually nested springs that can correctly support a body at rest, as well as minimize movement from your partner. Reinforced mattress edges ensure edge-to-edge support. Regular flipping of this double-sided mattress is recommended to keep it in optimal condition.
Customers rate this Millbrook Wool Luxury mattress highly in terms of appearance and quality of materials. It comes with a 10-year warranty and a 60-night sleep trial so that you can rest assured that you’ve made the right choice. In addition, they offer free next-day delivery.
4. Signature Silver Natural Fillings Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • Orthopaedic mattress • Those who prefer a medium to firm feel • 5-year warranty | • Sleepers in need of pressure relief • People with allergies • Shoppers on a tight budget |
This Signature Silver mattress with 25cm depth offers a medium to firm level of support could be a good option if you’re looking for an affordable orthopaedic mattress with the benefits of natural wool. With a cotton cover and fillings of natural wool and silk, this mattress provides both comfort and temperature regulation in a hypoallergenic environment in which to sleep.
This UK-crafted mattress makes use of 1400 individually nested pocket springs enabling equal support for different parts of the body and relieving pressure along the spine or in joints. There are air vents for breathability and hand-stitched side borders providing support and durability. It is recommended that this double-sided mattress is regularly flipped and rotated (stitched handles provided) to ensure it stays in optimal condition.
This Signature Silver mattress is highly rated by consumers and comes with a 5-year guarantee.
5. Sleepeezee Wool Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 2000 pocket springs (king size) • Option of medium to firm tension • Fee-free instalments payment plan | • Those prone to allergies • Couples • Hot sleepers |
The Sleepeezee wool mattress is a 28 cm deep medium-firm mattress that could be a good choice for those looking for a middle of the range wool mattress offering support, cushioning, as well as adequate airflow and temperature regulation.
The cover is made from a breathable hypoallergenic woven damask fabric, hand-tufted, with a silk top comfort layer. The wool filling gives a soft cushioned feel and is advantageous for its additional thermoregulatory and moisture control qualities.
Pocket springs (2000 in a king size) in their own fabric pocket provide pressure-relieving support. Optimal air flow is facilitated by brass air vents on each side together with a honeycomb design between the pockets. Pocket spring construction can reduce 'roll-together. It is recommended that this double-sided mattress is turned regularly (side handles attached) to ensure the mattress stays in optimal condition.
This site allows you the option of paying all at once or fee-free instalments – useful for those on tighter budgets. Free next-day delivery is offered with the purchase of this mattress and seems to be well-liked by customers - most people commenting about the comfort. This mattress is well-liked by customers and comes with a 5-year guarantee.
6. John Lewis Natural Collection Fleece Wool Mattress
| HIGHLIGHTS | SUITABILITY |
|---|---|
| • 8400 Cortec pocket springs (king size) • Crafted in the UK • 7-year warranty | • Those with a higher budget • People who value sustainability • Sleepers with allergies |
If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality British wool mattress and your budget allows it, this Harrison Spinks fleece wool mattress by John Lewis may be a good option for you. This model falls in the ‘Comfort Support’ range providing medium firmness and an optimal balance of comfort and support.
This Natural Collection Fleece Wool mattress consists of layers of wool, hemp, and cotton that together provide a temperature-regulated, moisture-controlled, breathable, hypoallergenic environment in which you can sleep. More than 50% of the fillings in each mattress are sourced and grown from a local farm in Yorkshire.
This mattress utilises the award-winning Cortec pocket spring system with 8400 springs packed into a king-size mattress. These high-density springs are small, thin, and more tightly coiled, which allows for more individual contact points with the body keeping your weight distributed evenly and dissipating pressure in required areas. They are also lighter than conventional springs, thereby further facilitating airflow through the mattress.
There is an emphasis placed on the sustainability of this mattress - it is fully recyclable due to the glue-free design. The cover is also naturally fire retardant and is therefore free from any chemical treatment.
John Lewis recommends that you leave your mattress in a well-ventilated room for a few hours after unwrapping, use a cotton mattress protector, and air the mattress regularly. Also worth a mention that if you’re placing this mattress on a slatted base, the gaps should not be more than 7.5 cm apart. They also advise to turn and rotate regularly for the first 3-months and then with the seasons.
Free delivery and delivery within 8-weeks of purchase is offered with this mattress. It comes with a 60-night trial and a 7-year guarantee to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your purchase.
Wool Mattresses Explained
Wool is made of sheep fur and is often found inside the cover or as a comfort layer in mattresses. As a cover, it is spun into thread and then sewn into the fabric. As a comfort layer, it is packed tightly as loose fur, thereby adding softness to the top layers of the mattress. It’s used rarely in memory foam mattresses and tends to be found in pocket sprung mattresses.
When we think of wool, we may be inclined to think of it being too warm a material on which to sleep. However, this is far from the truth as wool is naturally breathable and has been shown✓ to have excellent heat regulation properties. It is how sheep can tolerate a wide range in temperature!
Wool’s structure makes it robust and resilient to damage, and natural elasticity allows it to stretch comfortably around the body without sagging, providing comfort and support. Research✓ has shown that sleeping on a woollen underlay surface can significantly reduce postural activity and lead to a more restful sleep.
Wool has, however, become a bit of a buzzword in mattress manufacture, and it’s worth noting that not all wool mattresses are created equal. Pure wool on its own tends to compress, so it is often blended to keep its spring and height. These mattresses can use blends of different materials such as cotton or synthetics like polyester or white fibre. Be sure to pay attention to the ‘GSM’ (grams per square metre) and what other materials it’s blended with as a label reading ‘natural wool fillings’ could mean a very minimal amount of pure wool. The combination of materials and the quantities used could significantly affect the quality and durability of the mattress.
Fun Fact! Britain is one of the largest wool producers✓ in the world yielding nearly 22 000 tonnes per year!
Benefits Of A Wool Mattress
Wool as a natural fibre has many qualities and characteristics that make it a potential good material in a mattress.
- Thermoregulation: If you are someone who battles to sleep due to temperature changes, organic wool mattresses may be a good option for you. Organic wool is naturally breathable (absorbing moisture when the atmosphere is damp and releasing it when the atmosphere is dry) and acts as a thermoregulator (insulating you when it’s cold, and cooling you when it’s hot).
- Hypoallergenic: For those who have sensitive skin or certain allergies sleeping on mattresses composed of synthetic materials can cause problems. These materials trap moisture and don’t breathe well. Dust mites thrive in dark and damp places and are primary instigators of allergies. It has been well documented✓ that many people suffer sensitivity and allergic reactions to dust mites (more specifically, the droppings of dust mites!). Organic wool is inherently hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, shielding you against dust, dirt, and other irritants or allergens.
- Mold and mildew resistant: Mold and mildew need a damp environment to survive. Wool has a natural resistance to mildew because the fibres allow moisture to pass through without staying in the wool itself.
- Fire-resistant: Organic wool is a natural flame retardant as it contains high keratin protein and moisture in every fibre. It is naturally difficult to ignite and doesn’t melt, drip, or release toxic fumes like some synthetic materials. (Note, some companies use mixed-grade wool which requires synthetic chemicals to meet certain mattress standards, which may then result in more flammable material).
- Eco-friendly: Wool mattresses can be energy-saving, recyclable, biodegradable, and pesticide-free (always read the fine print!).
Are You Really Allergic To Wool?
A global consumer survey published in a literature review✓ showed that 43% of consumers would not purchase a woollen item of clothing as they believed it was itchy or uncomfortable. Similarly, there was at one time widespread belief even within the medical community that wool intolerance was one of the diagnostic criteria✓ for skin allergies. It is now largely recognised that this is not the case.
Research is, however, varied on what exactly causes this irritation in so many people. Studies✓ have shown that lanolin, a natural oil found in wool, may be responsible for many peoples’ discomfort. Other research✓ suggests that ‘cutaneous irritation’ from wool relates to the coarseness (fibres with large diameters) and not the contact from the lanolin or other chemicals.
Wool Mattresses: Myths Vs Truths
There are several common misconceptions about wool mattresses, so be sure to do your research before you make up your mind about whether this could be the best mattress for you.
| MYTHS | TRUTHS |
| ☐ Wool feels itchy | ✓ Cheaper and coarser variants that are chemically treated can irritate your skin or feel itchy. Chemically processed woollen fibres do not bend easily and therefore feel scratchy on your skin. Choosing an organic wool mattress may avoid this. |
| ☐ Wool attracts bugs and allergens | ✓ Wool does not hold moisture making it too dry for these allergens to survive. Wool bedding may therefore be the ideal choice for people with allergies/sensitivities. |
| ☐ Shearing hurts the sheep | ✓ Shearing when done by professionals with special shears, should cause no injury to the animals. Shearing too close to the skin and museling is primarily responsible for animals getting hurt. It is recommended that you do some research in order to make the best-informed decision about which brands use wool sourced from farms practising cruelty-free shearing methods. |
| ☐ Wool smells bad | ✓ The naturally occurring oil called lanolin gives the wool this smell, however, this chemical is removed as much as possible by thoroughly washing the wool before it is used to manufacture. By the end of the manufacturing process, the odour is removed almost entirely. |
| ☐ Allergies are aggravated by wool mattresses | ✓ Allergy to woollen products is extremely rare and what many people experience is an allergic reaction to the chemicals used for treating wool fibre strands, the lanolin present in them, or often the itchiness caused by coarse wool. |
Good to know: Museling is now banned in the UK but still practised in other parts of the world.
Is A Wool Mattress Best For You?
A wool mattress may be a good option for you if you are:
- Thermosensitive: Organic wool is naturally breathable and acts as a thermoregulator (keeps you warm if you get too cold and cools you if you get too hot).
- Someone who suffers from household allergies or sensitivities: Wool mattresses are hypoallergenic.
- A side sleeper or back sleeper: Medium tension wool mattresses are a good, well-rounded choice and provide a good combination of comfort and support.
- In need of cushioning and pressure relief: Wool mattresses can support the body and distribute weight evenly.
- A heavier person: Firm wool mattresses may offer the optimal amount of support to prevent sinking and keep the spine aligned.
- Looking for a long-lasting mattress: Wool fibres are elastic and resilient, and if cared for properly, a wool mattress can last 20 years or more.
- Wanting an eco-friendly choice: Wool mattresses can be energy-saving, recyclable, biodegradable, and pesticide-free.
- Concerned about easily flammable materials: Organic wool is a natural flame retardant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a wool mattress good for you?
Wool mattresses offer many benefits due to the qualities of this natural fibre. These mattresses are naturally breathable and limit moisture retention needed for dust mites, bacteria, mould, and mildew to thrive. They can provide both firmness and comfort, as well as regulate body temperature.
Is a wool mattress hot?
A wool mattress is an excellent heat regulator and will keep you warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot. These mattresses don’t trap air or moisture so they are able to keep your body at the optimal temperature while you sleep.
Is a wool mattress expensive?
When you compare the prices between wool and synthetic counterparts, you will notice that they are more on the expensive side. However, when looking at the durability of a wool mattress (20 years or more if cared for correctly) it has the potential to be more cost-effective in the long run.
