Mattress Construction
July 2025A-Z of All Natural Fibres for Mattresses and Beds: The Complete Guide
When it comes to achieving the perfect night’s sleep, the materials inside your mattress matter more than you might think. At John Ryan By Design, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of natural fibre mattress construction, and we’re passionate about sharing our knowledge with you. This comprehensive guide explores every natural fibre used in quality mattress making, from the most common wool and cotton to the most luxurious cashmere and vicuña.
Natural fibres represent the very best of upholstery materials, offering breathability, temperature regulation, and longevity that synthetic materials simply cannot match. Unlike their man-made counterparts, natural fibres work in harmony with your body’s natural temperature regulation, wicking away moisture whilst providing exceptional comfort and support.
A – Alpaca
Benefits: Alpaca fibre is often considered the finest upholstery fibre available, offering extraordinary softness combined with remarkable breathability. Its hollow core structure provides excellent insulation whilst remaining lightweight, making it ideal for temperature regulation. Alpaca is naturally hypoallergenic and has superior moisture-wicking properties.
Drawbacks: Due to its supreme softness, alpaca has a relatively low rebound level, making it less suitable for support layers. It’s best utilised in top comfort layers where its luxurious feel can be fully appreciated.
Cost: High – Alpaca commands premium pricing due to the specialised shearing process and limited availability.
Rarity: Rare – Most UK alpacas are sheared only once yearly by specialist teams from the USA, reflecting the skill required to harvest this precious fibre.
History: Originating from the South American Andes, alpaca has been prized for over 6,000 years. The Incas considered it so valuable that only royalty could wear alpaca garments. These remarkable animals graze at altitudes between 3,500-4,800 metres, developing their incredibly fine, soft fleece as protection against extreme temperature variations.
B – Bamboo
Benefits: Bamboo provides exceptional breathability and natural antibacterial properties. It’s incredibly soft to the touch and offers excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, helping to maintain a cool sleep environment. Bamboo is also naturally resistant to dust mites and odours.
Drawbacks: Can be less durable than animal fibres and may compress more readily over time without proper support from firmer layers.
Cost: Medium – More affordable than luxury animal fibres but pricier than basic plant fibres.
Rarity: Common – Bamboo grows rapidly and is readily available, making it a sustainable choice.
History: Bamboo has been used in Asia for thousands of years, but its application in bedding is relatively recent. The plant’s remarkable growth rate (up to 90cm per day) and natural properties have made it increasingly popular in eco-conscious mattress manufacturing.
C – Cashmere
Benefits: Cashmere offers unparalleled softness and luxury whilst providing excellent insulation without weight. Its fine diameter (often just 14-19 microns) and natural crimp create air pockets that provide warmth without bulk. Cashmere is naturally lustrous and incredibly soft to the touch.
Drawbacks: Extremely delicate and can be prone to compression. Requires careful handling and may not provide sufficient support on its own.
Cost: Very High – Among the most expensive natural fibres due to the laborious collection process.
Rarity: Very Rare – It takes the wool from six Kashmir goats to make just one sports jacket, reflecting the precious nature of this fibre.
History: Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of Kashmir goats, primarily found in Mongolia and Kashmir. The fibre has been treasured since the 3rd century BC, when it was traded along the Silk Road. The finest cashmere is still hand-combed during the goats’ natural moulting season.
C – Coconut Coir
Benefits: Coir provides excellent breathability and natural elasticity, making it an ideal alternative to horsehair. It offers good support and rebound properties whilst being naturally resistant to moisture and mould. Coir is also completely biodegradable.
Drawbacks: Can be quite firm and may feel coarse compared to animal fibres. May require treatment with natural latex to increase durability for heavier sleepers.
Cost: Low – One of the most affordable natural fibres.
Rarity: Common – Coconut husks are readily available as a by-product of coconut processing.
History: Coir has been used for over 2,000 years, originally for ship ropes due to its resistance to saltwater. Its application in mattresses began as manufacturers sought natural alternatives to horsehair, particularly for lighter sleepers and children’s mattresses.
C – Cotton
Benefits: Cotton is naturally breathable, hypoallergenic, and soft to the touch. It absorbs moisture readily, making it comfortable in various temperatures. Cotton is also highly versatile and can be blended with other fibres to enhance their properties.
Drawbacks: Prone to settling and compression over time, which can reduce ventilation and support. May become less resilient without blending with other fibres.
Cost: Low to Medium – Generally affordable, with organic varieties commanding higher prices.
Rarity: Very Common – Cotton is the world’s most widely used natural fibre.
History: Cotton cultivation dates back over 7,000 years, with evidence found in Mexico and the Indus Valley. The fibre is nearly pure cellulose, derived from the protective casing around cotton seeds. Its widespread adoption revolutionised textile production worldwide.
F – Flax (Linen)
Benefits: Flax is stronger than cotton and highly breathable, making it excellent for temperature regulation. It has natural antimicrobial properties and becomes softer with use whilst maintaining its structural integrity.
Drawbacks: Can feel slightly stiff initially and may wrinkle easily. Not as commonly used in mattresses as other plant fibres.
Cost: Medium – Higher than cotton but more affordable than luxury fibres.
Rarity: Moderately Rare – Requires specific growing conditions and processing expertise.
History: Flax is one of humanity’s oldest cultivated plants, with evidence of use dating back 30,000 years. The Egyptians wrapped mummies in linen, and it was so valued that it was sometimes used as currency. The plant’s strong bast fibres are extracted through a complex process called retting.
H – Hemp
Benefits: Hemp is incredibly durable and naturally antibacterial. It resists mould, mildew, and UV light whilst providing excellent breathability. Hemp becomes softer with use and can be blended effectively with other fibres to increase their resilience.
Drawbacks: Can feel coarse initially and has a distinctive earthy smell that some may find unpleasant.
Cost: Medium – Relatively affordable due to the plant’s hardy nature.
Rarity: Moderately Common – Increasingly available as regulations have relaxed.
History: Hemp cultivation spans over 10,000 years, with evidence of use in ancient China, Mesopotamia, and Egypt. It was so important that in 1533, King Henry VIII required farmers to grow hemp. The strong fibres have been used for everything from ship sails to early paper money.
H – Horsehair
Benefits: Horsehair acts like millions of tiny springs, providing exceptional resilience and support. It offers excellent breathability and temperature regulation whilst maintaining its recovery properties for decades. Horsehair is naturally antibacterial and provides firm support without compromising comfort.
Drawbacks: Can feel too firm for some sleepers when used in top layers. More expensive than plant fibres and requires careful sourcing for quality.
Cost: High – Premium material reflecting its superior properties and limited availability.
Rarity: Rare – Quality horsehair requires careful selection and processing.
History: Horsehair has been used in upholstery for centuries, prized by furniture makers for its durability and resilience. The best horsehair comes from horses’ tails and manes, carefully cleaned and curled to create the characteristic spring-like properties that make it so valuable in mattress construction.
H – Horsetail
Benefits: Similar to horsehair but typically longer and less processed, horsetail provides excellent support and acts as a secondary spring system. It offers remarkable breathability and helps prevent compression of softer layers above.
Drawbacks: Can be quite firm and may feel uncomfortable without adequate soft layering above.
Cost: High – Premium material with excellent properties.
Rarity: Rare – Requires careful selection and preparation.
History: Horsetail has been used alongside horsehair for centuries in high-end upholstery. The longer fibres from horses’ tails provide different characteristics from mane hair, offering enhanced support properties that complement other natural fibres.
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L – Latex (Natural)
Benefits: Natural latex provides excellent support whilst conforming to body contours. It’s naturally antibacterial, dust mite resistant, and highly durable. Latex offers consistent support and bounce-back properties whilst maintaining breathability.
Drawbacks: Can feel too firm or too bouncy for some sleepers. May have a distinctive smell initially and can be quite heavy.
Cost: High – Quality natural latex commands premium pricing.
Rarity: Moderately Rare – Requires specific climate conditions for rubber tree cultivation.
History: Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis), originally found in the Amazon rainforest. The Mayans and Aztecs used rubber for balls and waterproofing. Commercial latex production began in the early 20th century, with Sri Lanka and Malaysia becoming major producers.
M – Mohair
Benefits: Mohair provides excellent insulation with remarkable durability. It has natural lustre and is resistant to stretching and wrinkling. Mohair’s smooth surface scales make it particularly comfortable against the skin whilst offering superior breathability.
Drawbacks: Can be expensive and may feel too warm for hot sleepers in thick layers.
Cost: High – Premium fibre commanding luxury pricing.
Rarity: Rare – Limited to specific goat breeds and regions.
History: Mohair comes from Angora goats, originally from the Angora region of Turkey (now Ankara). The name derives from the Arabic ‘mukhayyar’, meaning ‘choice’ or ‘select’. Mohair has been prized since biblical times, with references found in ancient texts describing its exceptional qualities.
P – Palm Fibre
Benefits: Often called ‘vegetable horsehair’, palm fibre offers similar elasticity and support properties to animal hair. It’s completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans whilst providing excellent breathability and resilience.
Drawbacks: Less commonly available and can be difficult to source consistently.
Cost: Medium – More expensive than basic plant fibres due to rarity.
Rarity: Rare – Limited processing facilities and availability.
History: Palm fibre is extracted from the leaves of dwarf palm trees, primarily in Mediterranean regions. It has been used for centuries in traditional upholstery, particularly in Spain and North Africa, where craftsmen developed techniques to process the tough leaf fibres into usable material.
S – Silk
Benefits: Silk provides natural temperature regulation, keeping sleepers cool in summer and warm in winter. It’s incredibly smooth and lustrous, naturally hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites. Silk also has excellent moisture-wicking properties.
Drawbacks: Delicate and can be prone to damage from moisture or rough handling. May be too slippery for some applications.
Cost: Very High – One of the most expensive natural fibres.
Rarity: Rare – Requires complex cultivation and processing.
History: Silk production began in China around 2700 BC, where it remained a closely guarded secret for over 2,000 years. Legend credits Empress Leizu with discovering silk when a cocoon fell into her tea, revealing the long, lustrous fibres. A single cocoon can yield 600-900 metres of silk thread.
V – Vicuña
Benefits: Considered the finest animal fibre in the world, vicuña offers unmatched softness and warmth. It’s incredibly lightweight yet provides excellent insulation. The fibre is naturally water-repellent and has a unique texture that’s both soft and resilient.
Drawbacks: Extraordinarily expensive and extremely limited in availability. So precious that it’s rarely used in mattresses except for the most exclusive applications.
Cost: Extremely High – The most expensive natural fibre available.
Rarity: Extremely Rare – Vicuñas can only be sheared every three years and yield very small amounts of fibre.
History: Native to the Peruvian Andes, vicuñas were considered sacred by the Incas, who called them the “daughters of the wind”. Only royalty could wear vicuña cloth. These animals live at altitudes above 3,500 metres and were nearly extinct until conservation efforts began in the 1960s.
W – Wool
Benefits: Wool is incredibly versatile, providing both comfort and support properties. It’s naturally fire-resistant, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking. Wool is also naturally antimicrobial and dust mite resistant, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.
Drawbacks: Quality can vary significantly depending on source and processing. Lower grades may feel scratchy or lose loft over time.
Cost: Low to High – Varies dramatically based on source and quality.
Rarity: Very Common – Readily available in various grades.
History: Wool has been used for over 10,000 years, with early evidence found in Turkey and Iran. Different sheep breeds produce wool with varying characteristics, from the fine merino wool of Spain to the hardy wool of British hill sheep. Wool’s natural crimp traps air, providing excellent insulation properties.
Understanding Natural Fibre Quality
When evaluating natural fibre mattresses, it’s crucial to understand that the GSM (grams per square metre) weight and positioning of fibres within the mattress significantly impacts performance. Many retailers use vague descriptions like “contains silk, cashmere and wool” when these luxury fibres may represent only 1-3% of the total filling.
At John Ryan By Design, we believe in complete transparency. Our mattresses specify exact GSM weights for each layer, ensuring you know precisely what you’re purchasing. For instance, our Artisan Naturals contains 1500GSM of pure mohair as an insulating layer, whilst our Artisan Luxury features 1200GSM of pure horsehair for optimal support.
The art of natural fibre mattress construction lies in understanding how different fibres complement each other. Soft fibres like alpaca and cashmere excel in comfort layers, whilst firmer materials like horsehair and coir provide essential support. This layered approach, known as “gradual suspension”, ensures optimal comfort and longevity.
The Environmental Advantage
Natural fibres offer significant environmental benefits compared to synthetic alternatives. They’re biodegradable, renewable, and often by-products of other industries (such as coir from coconut processing). Many natural fibres also improve with age, becoming more comfortable whilst maintaining their structural integrity.
Furthermore, natural fibre mattresses can often be refurbished at the end of their lifespan, with some traditional mattress makers able to replace fillings and covers, extending the product’s life indefinitely. This contrasts sharply with synthetic mattresses that typically end up in landfill.
Choosing the Right Natural Fibre Mattress
When selecting a natural fibre mattress, consider your sleeping preferences, body weight, and any specific requirements such as temperature regulation or allergy considerations. Heavier sleepers may benefit from mattresses with more horsehair or coir for enhanced support, whilst those who sleep hot might prefer bamboo or silk for superior breathability.
The key is finding the right combination of fibres that work together to provide your ideal sleep experience. This is where expert guidance becomes invaluable, as the interaction between different natural fibres can significantly impact the mattress’s performance and longevity.
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View our extensive range of handmade mattresses
Experience Natural Luxury with John Ryan By Design
At John Ryan By Design, we’ve perfected the art of natural fibre mattress construction through years of expertise and craftsmanship. Our three flagship natural fibre mattresses represent the pinnacle of sleep comfort and quality. Take a look below at our three most popular natural fibre handmade mattresses:
1) Artisan Naturals
Our most popular model features 85% natural fibres with a substantial 3,950GSM of premium fillings:
- 1200GSM Blended British Fleece Wool & Cotton top comfort layer
- 1250GSM Rebound Polycotton for support and resilience
- 1500GSM Pure Mohair insulating layer
- 1600 Calico encased pocket springs for tailored support
The Artisan Naturals offers a medium feel with excellent breathability and temperature regulation, making it ideal for most sleepers seeking natural comfort at an accessible price point.
2) Artisan Luxury
Our softest model provides an ultra-deep sink sensation with 4,600GSM of 100% natural fibres:
- 1200GSM British Fleece Wool & Cotton blend
- 1200GSM Pure Horsehair acting like millions of tiny springs
- 500GSM Pure Wool cushioning layer
- 1200GSM Pure Horsetail for enhanced support
- 500GSM Additional Pure Wool layer
- 1476 Calico encased pocket springs
https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product/artisan-luxury/
This sophisticated arrangement creates our softest upholstery feel whilst maintaining excellent support through the horsehair and horsetail layers.
3) Artisan Bespoke
Our firmest model offers the ultimate in natural luxury with 5,100GSM of 100% natural fibres:
- 500GSM British Wool top layer
- 1200GSM Blended British Fleece Wool & Cotton
- 1200GSM Pure Horsetail for firm support
- 1200GSM Pure Horsehair secondary spring system
- 1000GSM White Cashmere insulator layer
- 1600 Hand-nested Calico encased pocket springs
The Artisan Bespoke represents the pinnacle of mattress craftsmanship, offering firm support with the added luxury of cashmere insulation.
We are the mattress geeks
Who are John Ryan By Design?:We are unashamed ‘Mattress Nerds’ and have been for the last 25 years.
Mattress manufacturing and all the quirky detail, to us, is fascinating, and we liken ourselves to ‘train-spotters’ If new products come on the market, we endeavour to find out if they are a credible improvement on what we have already or if they are just marketing tricks.
We have applied decades of industry expertise to create our own range of high-end affordable luxury mattresses. We challenge you to find the same quality and price point anywhere else!
Each mattress features chemical-free covers using natural plant-based fire retardancy protection, genuine hand side stitching, and is handcrafted by our skilled artisans in Yorkshire. With our 60-day love it or return it guarantee and 10-year warranty, you can experience the transformative power of natural fibres with complete confidence.
When you choose a John Ryan By Design natural fibre mattress, you’re not just investing in superior sleep comfort you’re supporting traditional British craftsmanship, sustainable practices, and materials that have provided exceptional rest for generations. Experience the difference that genuine natural fibres can make to your sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Why not call us at 0161 437 4419 to discuss your sleep requirements and discover how the right mattress can transform your rest?
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