When it comes to mattresses, there is no shortage of options to choose from. From traditional spring mattresses and memory foam to hybrid and latex mattresses, the choices are endless, making it difficult to know which type is the best.
What about hand-tufted mattresses? What are they, and why are they better than mass-manufactured beds? In this article, we’ll explore the world of hand-tufted mattresses to demonstrate how they’re the only choice for the discerning consumer.
Introduction to Hand-Tufted Mattresses
A hand-tufted mattress is a type of mattress that is made with a special tufting technique. The mattress is constructed by inserting individual tufting straps that are attached to long needles by hand through the mattress’s layers. This method is particularly important for certified organic mattresses since they don’t use harmful and ineffective materials like glue or zipper covers to keep the mattress together.
Hand-tufting secures the layers of the mattress and gives it a luxurious finished look and feel. Hand-tufting is a time-consuming process, so hand-tufted mattresses are often more expensive. My Green Mattress is the exception to that rule, with the most affordable organic hybrid mattresses on the market.
The hand-tufting technique is not new, either. In fact, it has been used for centuries to make mattresses, cushions, and rugs. Hand-tufted mattresses gained popularity in the early 20th century and have remained commonplace with superior quality mattresses ever since.
Advantages of Hand-Tufted Mattresses
Hand-tufted mattresses offer a number of benefits that make them the best choice for those looking for a luxurious sleeping experience without an over-the-top price tag. Some of the advantages of hand-tufted mattresses include:
- Durability: Hand-tufted mattresses are second-to-none when it comes to durability. In fact, hand-tufted mattresses last years longer than others, and we offer a 20-year limited warranty on all of ours. The meticulous process of hand tufting secures the layers of the mattress without fail or reliance on cheap glues, making them much less likely to separate or sag over time. Hand-tufted mattresses also lead to less landfill waste because they can last up to one and a half times longer than other builds.
- Comfort: Hand-tufted mattresses are known for their comfort. The manual insertion and tying of each pom-pom evenly distributes the mattress layers, which provides a more comfortable sleeping experience.
- Support: Hand-tufted mattresses are also known for their incredible support. The majority of hand-tufted mattresses are innerspring-based, just like our own. Individually pocketed coils that the tufts run parallel to offer the support that your neck, shoulders, back, and hips need without any part of your mattress feeling too stiff or too soft.
- Luxury: Hand-tufted mattresses are perhaps most known for their superior look and feel. The hand-tying process gives the mattress a unique aesthetic appeal that turns every night into a resort-like experience.
Types of Hand-Tufted Mattresses
There are several different types of hand-tufted mattresses available on the market. Two of the most popular types of hand-tufted mattresses include:
- Innerspring Hand-Tufted Mattresses: Innerspring hand-tufted mattresses are constructed with individually pocketed coils that later become part of the layers of a mattress. This manufacturing approach also pre-compresses the layers of the mattress which offers a more consistent feel throughout the life of the product. Other layers like wool and cotton are added to innerspring mattresses so that the end user isn’t sleeping on just a coil frame. These mattresses are known primarily for their durability.
- Hybrid Hand-Tufted Mattresses: Hybrid hand-tufted mattresses are constructed with innersprings, wool, cotton, and latex foam. These mattresses combine the much-desired luxurious appearance and top-level comfort without sacrificing any of the material longevity that traditional mattress builds are known for.
Tips for Shopping for a Hand-Tufted Mattress
When shopping for a hand-tufted mattress, there are a few tips to keep in mind to help you find the right one for you. Let’s take a closer look at each characteristic:
- Comfort: When shopping for a hand-tufted mattress, it’s important to consider the level of comfort you need. Be sure to review the hand-tufted mattress brand’s product details and any information they share about their manufacturing process, including certifications. If they have a showroom, it’s worth visiting so you can try out their products in person.
- Support: It’s also important to consider the level of support you need from your mattress. Consider hybrid mattresses like our Kiwi or Natural Escape, which provide the right amount of support for your body in all of the areas you need it.
- Quality: Finally, when shopping for a hand-tufted mattress, it’s important to consider the material quality of the mattress. Be sure to look for a mattress that is made with high-quality materials to ensure it will last for years to come. All of our mattresses are made in a certified organic factory with Made Safe materials, including GOTS- and GOLS-approved materials.
Care and Maintenance of Hand-Tufted Mattresses
Hand-tufted mattresses require proper care and maintenance to ensure they offer the full longevity they promise. To keep your hand-tufted mattress in the best possible condition, be sure to follow these simple tips:
- Rotate: Rotate your hand-tufted mattress every two to three months to help prevent sagging and uneven wear.
- Clean: Clean your hand-tufted mattress regularly to help prevent dust and dirt build-up. If lots of liquid or another big mess occurs on your mattress, you can use baking soda to soak up as much of the liquid as possible.
- Protect: Use a mattress protector to help protect your hand-tufted mattress from spills, stains, and daily wear. We offer an organic cotton mattress protector so you don’t even need to think twice about it.
- Vacuum: Vacuum your hand-tufted mattress at least once per month to help remove dust and dirt that accumulates over time. If you’ve never done this before it may seem strange, but you can actually prevent your mattress from becoming heavier and dirtier just by vacuuming the surface on a regular basis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hand-Tufted Mattresses
Buying a new mattress is a more complex undertaking than meets the eye. Even committing to a hand-tufted mattress, you likely still have questions about how it all works.
We looked up some of the most commonly asked questions about hand-tufted mattresses to further support your mattress needs. Here are those questions and our answers:
Is a Hand Tufted Mattress Good?
Yes, a hand-tufted mattress is the best type of mattress out there. In decades past, all mattresses were made by hand and manufacturers looked for a way to keep their mattresses together. They discovered they could use sturdy cotton straps to keep their mattress layers together for years at a time without relying on weak adhesives.
Over time and as more companies got into the mattress industry, companies looked for ways to finish their products without expensive or time-consuming processes. Since hand-tufting mattresses takes some time, many companies forgo it. This leads to mattresses deteriorating faster and providing a less comfortable experience for the buyer.
What Is Tufting on a Mattress?
Tufting is the process of hand-inserting a long, durable strap–usually made of cotton–through the layers of a mattress to keep it together. The ends of the strap include cotton or fabric pom-poms which are then secured to either side of the mattress.
Why Do They Put Buttons on Mattresses?
Buttons, or tufts, on a mattress are the fabric pom-poms attached to the straps of hand-tufted mattresses. These buttons serve two purposes: one, to improve the aesthetic quality of the mattress, and two, as a material that prevents the straps from slipping or detaching from inside the mattress.
What Is Better, Hand-Knotted or Hand-Tufted?
When it comes to furniture and mattresses, hand knotting is a process used mainly on rugs whereas hand tufting is used for mattresses. Neither method is “right” or “wrong;” there are simply specific methods for specific products.
Hand-tufting is an effective mattress manufacturing method that sets those who use it apart from lower quality products. My Green Mattress exclusively uses hand-tufting across our entire product line, including our bunk bed and crib mattresses. Shop all of our mattresses now and reach out if you have any questions.
