Sleep plays a crucial role in overall health, with research linking restful nights to improved mental clarity, physical recovery, and emotional well-being.
Yet, for many, the mattress they sleep on—a critical factor in sleep quality—often goes overlooked.
A good night’s sleep depends on various factors, including environment, routine, and the mattress itself. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the right mattress should align the spine, relieve pressure points, and regulate temperature.
However, many conventional mattresses fall short in these areas, often due to their synthetic materials and limited durability.
Here we take a look at how a high-quality mattress, made from natural materials, can change your life.
The Health Benefits of Natural Materials
In a world where convenience often takes precedence over quality, Lloyd Kraus, the founder of WholeMattress.com, stands out as a passionate advocate for natural, handmade mattresses.
A good quality mattress will offer spinal alignment and support, improved sleep quality, pain relief, allergy prevention, better body temperature regulation and good mental health.
Kraus’s journey into the industry reveals a dedication not just to craftsmanship but also to health and sustainability. His mattresses are handmade in the USA, one mattress at a time, at their locations in Burbank, CA, and Phoenix, Arizona.
“Most mattresses today are made entirely of synthetic materials,” Kraus explains. “They have zero natural ingredients, which raises concerns for people who are environmentally conscious.”
Natural mattresses today still only make up around 8% of the industry but the sector is waking up to the wonders of a more organic approach. For example, we use three core, all-natural materials: cotton, wool, and latex.
Kraus says: “From top to bottom, our mattresses are completely natural. There’s no polyurethane foam or synthetic fillers. It’s a healthier and safer option.”
He emphasises the importance of sleeping on a natural mattress, especially given how much time people spend in bed.
“You’re lying there for about 120 days of the year,” he points out. “It just makes sense to choose a mattress that doesn’t emit synthetic chemicals into the air you’re breathing every night.”
While he avoids overstating health risks, he notes, “Nine out of ten cancers stem from environmental factors. It’s better to err on the side of caution and choose natural materials.”
Latex: A Natural Marvel
Sourced sustainably from rubber trees, latex is a natural and renewable material that offers a unique combination of support and comfort. It conforms to the body’s contours, relieving pressure points while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Additionally, latex is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.
Unlike synthetic foams, latex does not trap heat, ensuring a cooler sleep experience. This makes it particularly appealing in warmer climates, or for those individuals who tend to overheat at night.
Latex is a key ingredient in Kraus’s manufacturing, and his company, which is also known as Latexpedic Mattresses, has been designed to showcase the origins and benefits of using that material.
“Latex comes from the milk of the rubber tree, tapped just like maple syrup,” he explains. “It’s processed into foam rubber, which is naturally supportive and incredibly durable.”
According to Kraus, sleeping on a latex mattress feels like “bliss.” He adds, “Sometimes you lay down and just say, ‘Wow.’ It’s a feeling of comfort you can’t replicate with synthetic materials.”
A Commitment to Comfort and Customization
Whole Mattress understands that comfort is subjective, which is why they offer a range of firmness levels, from soft to extra firm.
“The most important consideration when buying a mattress is support,” Kraus states. “We want our customers to wake up feeling their best. That’s why we give them 10 days to adjust the firmness if needed. You have to love your mattress.”
He also highlights their mattresses’ reversible design. Unlike many modern options, which are only partially quilted and designed to be used from eight to 10 years, his products are double-sided for added durability.
“Our mattresses are built to last 20 years or more,” Kraus says. “We’ve had customers call us after 22, 24, or even 28 years, saying their old mattress still feels brand new.”
Balancing Tradition and Modern Needs
Combing traditional mattress-making techniques with modern sensibilities, makes sense in today’s more eco-friendly world.
“In the old days, mattresses were handmade, reversible, and quilted on both sides,” Kraus recalls. “We’ve brought that craftsmanship back, but with materials that align with today’s environmental and health standards.”
As people spend more time in bed, often with phones, tablets, TVs, or even pets, the role of a good mattress becomes increasingly important. “Your mattress is the most important piece of furniture in your home,” Kraus insists. “You might as well make it the most comfortable one.”
So the big question is, how does Kraus choose his own mattress?
“The most important consideration is support. We want people to wake up feeling good so we have four different kinds of firm mattress,” he says. “More mature people don’t want to sleep on anything and I personally could sleep on anything. However, I prefer soft mattress because it helps me fall asleep, but I feel when you get a firmer mattress you wake up feeling a little bit better. My wife prefers a firm mattress because she has issues with her back.”
A Legacy of Quality
Kraus is proud of the fact that his company is leading the way in homegrown manufacturing.
“Every mattress is handmade in the USA, one at a time,” he says proudly. This meticulous process, combined with their dedication to natural materials and customer satisfaction, has earned his business a loyal following.
In a market dominated by mass production and synthetic materials, Lloyd Kraus and Whole Mattress offer a refreshing alternative. With their focus on natural ingredients, durability, and personalized comfort, they are redefining what it means to get a good night’s sleep.
As Kraus puts it, “We want you to wake up every day and love your mattress—and we want it to love you back.”
For more information about natural mattresses visit WholeMattress.com
