Hi Anita,

Many thanks for your question on horsehair and horsetail mattresses and the differences between types of horsehair in bed making.

The quick answer to your question is that usually, white horsetail commands a higher price point. Not because it has any noticeable difference to black or brown horsetail but because it is rarer. People perceive it as a cleaner neater mattress upholstery fibre. Fibre producers know this and the limited supply then commands a far higher price point.

It is the same principle for Alpaca fibre mattresses. Pure white Alpaca fibre is vastly more expensive than the greyer fibres. The feel is identical it is just an aesthetic difference.

Why is horsetail used in mattress making?

Horsetail and horsehair are incredibly resilient natural fibres for mattresses. When they have been cleaned and braided into ropes they are then heat-treated before being untied. This crimps the hair making it react like a natural spring. Horsehair and horsetail are then used in mattress making to act as a firmer springy support layer in mattress comfort layers.

Horsehair and horsetail are breathable and high wicking meaning that natural fibre mattresses featuring horsetail are far cooler than synthetic or memory foam mattress alternatives. True horsehair and horsetail are only found in the highest quality mattresses. The main concern you should have is when horsetail features in a fibre blend. Usually with either polyester or cattle fibre to help reduce costs.

Always make sure you ask the exact horsetail GSM (grams per square eter) and if it is blended with what and the percentage.

Upholstery Layer	Fibre Type	How it will feel?	Price Point
Polyester	Synthetic	Soft	Cheap
White Fibre	Synthetic	Soft/Medium	Cheap
Recycled Fibre / Eco Fibre	Synthetic	Medium	Cheap
Memory Foam	Synthetic	Medium/Firm	Mid Price
Igel / Hybrid Foam	Synthetic	Medium/Firm	Mid Price
Polycotton	Synthetic/Natural Blend	Soft/Medium	Mid Price
Linen	Synthetic/Natural Blend	Medium	Mid Price
Wool (Pure)	Natural	Soft/Medium	High-End
Cotton (Pure)	Natural	Soft	High-End
Silk	Natural	Soft	Expensive
Horsehair	Natural	Medium	High-End
Mohair	Natural	Medium/Firm	High-End
Hemp	Natural	Medium	High-End
Latex (100% Natural)	Natural	Medium/Firm	High-End
Coir	Natural	Firm	High-End
Flax	Natural	Firm	High-End
Coarse Cashmere	Natural	Firm	High-End
Bamboo	Natural	Super Soft	Expensive / Exclusive
Horsetail	Natural	Firm	Expensive / Exclusive
Alpaca	Natural	Soft	Expensive / Exclusive
Cashmere (Pure)	Natural	Soft	Expensive / Exclusive
Vicuna	Natural	Super Soft	Expensive / Exclusive

Horsetail Mattress Choices:

If you're looking for a horsehair or horsetail mattress please take a look at the following mattresses we hand-make.

• Artisan Bespoke 004 - Medium feel
• Artisan Luxury - Soft feel
• Artisan Bespoke - Firm feel

We hope that helps Anita and if you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on info@localhost or 0161 437 4419.

Sleep well
John & Ryan