STRONG
TYPES:
MATTRESS 101
You can sleep on all of them. But it's the small details that make the subtle difference to the sleeping experience: cold foam, latex, bonell and pocket spring mattresses cater for different sleep types. That's why choosing the right mattress type is always the first and most important step in advising end customers.
SURFACE ELASTICITY,
VERY GOOD VENTILATION
Surface specialist: the Bonell spring core.
In the Bonell spring matress, the springs are connected to each other at the ends of the surface via a spiral connection. It therefore reacts elastically to pressure rather than point elasticity. This is ideal wherever point-elastic springing is not required, for example as a base mattress in a box spring bed.
A Bonell spring core is largely hollow inside so that the mattress is very well ventilated. A higher number of springs in a Bonell spring core mattress does not lead to a significantly better spring effect at the pressure point, but to a higher level of firmness overall - ideal for people with a higher body weight. Quality criteria for Bonell spring cores are the quality of workmanship and the number of coils in each individual spring, the so-called number of turns.
POINT-ELASTICITY,
VERY GOOD MOISTURE REGULATION
Gets to the heart of the matter: the pocket spring core.
Unlike Bonell, pocket springs are point-elastic and provide support exactly where the weight rests, e.g. on the hips and shoulders. The air-permeable springs wick away moisture well, making them ideal for people who perspire easily in bed or box spring beds.
In higher quality pocket spring cores, the individual pockets are connected by an adhesive or staple connection, approximately halfway between the springs. In this way, the point elasticity of the mattress is maintained. Further quality criteria are the number and arrangement of the springs used: As the number of springs per unit area increases, the accuracy of the springing increases and the individual springs can react more precisely to the lying pressure.
Very high-quality mattresses often have two layers of springs on top of each other, which are sometimes covered by a third layer of smaller micro-springs. This leads to a high adaptability of the mattress core and is the reason for the high construction height of many box spring mattresses. Particularly important: pocket spring mattresses require high-quality foam covers. Otherwise, the point elasticity can lead to the formation of hollows.
HIGH POINT ELASTICITY WITHOUT
MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
Suspension without "mechanics": Latex.
Latex is a foamed material made from rubber. Both synthetic rubber based on crude oil and natural rubber can be used as the raw material.
In so-called "natural latex mattresses", a certain proportion of natural latex is added to the otherwise synthetic latex. Mattress cores with a high proportion of natural latex have a higher point elasticity. The latex core should have a certain minimum height in order to exert sufficient influence on the lying properties: The lying comfort of the latex mattress increases with increasing thickness of the mattress core.
Interesting to know: The holes in the latex are created by heating rods, which are necessary for the vulcanisation process. For this reason, the term pin latex is often used.
QUICK RECOVERY AND
EXCEPTIONAL
COMFORT
Cold & cool: Cold foam (better known as HR foam).
A quick look at the chemistry book: cold foam is a polyurethane and consists of the basic materials polyol and isocyanate. Their combination produces a foam that hardens at low temperatures, hence the name cold foam.
The open porosity required for breathability is achieved by compressing the block foam. The quality of the foam and the integrated air channels are decisive: High-quality cold foam mattresses guarantee a high level of lying and sleeping comfort, offer point-elastic adaptability to the body and slatted frames and exhibit very good recovery behaviour when the position changes.
The point elasticity of the foam element is significantly improved in cold foam mattresses with a higher density: very high-quality foam mattresses have a density of 50 kg / m³ or more. Keyword logistics: The cold foam mattress can be folded during transport, while the properties remain unchanged.
FROM COMFORT ZONE TO FIRMNESS LEVEL:
IMPORTANT
MATTRESS
FEATURES
Once the right type of mattress has been found, it's time to fine-tune it. What firmness level does the mattress have, how many reclining zones does it have, what cover does it come with: These questions are crucial for a really good night's sleep.
Comfort zones ensure that certain areas of the body lie in an orthopaedically correct position. Heavier areas such as the shoulders and hips sink in a little deeper, allowing the spine to maintain its natural double-S shape.
This ensures healthy and restful sleep. The 7-zone mattress is the most widely used: it suits almost 90% of all adults with different needs.
BODY SHAPE AND
WEIGHT MATTER –
THERE IS NO SUCH THING
AS A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL MATTRESS!
Good sleep requires the right level of firmness
The feel of the mattress and overall sleep quality are significantly influenced by its firmness level, as it plays a key role in providing optimal support for the spine.
The ideal firmness level depends on individual factors such as body weight, height, body shape, preferred sleeping position, and personal comfort preferences. Firmness is determined by the structure of the mattress and the density of the materials used.
Important: Firmness should not be confused with compression hardness.
Compression hardness only refers to the material's density and resistance to pressure.
A mattress labeled as “Soft” offers a very plush and yielding feel, while “Medium” and “Firm” indicate a more supportive to very firm sleeping surface.
BREATHING IS
ESSENTIAL –
AND THAT GOES FOR
MATTRASSES, TOO!
Cool Comfort – with the right mattress cover.
Even the most breathable mattress core won’t help if the cover traps moisture. If the fabric doesn't allow air and humidity to pass through, you’ll still end up sweating.
That’s why the cover needs to be as breathable as possible.
Choosing the right material is key: microfiber covers can actually reduce air circulation, and polyester doesn’t regulate moisture effectively. Tencel and Lyocell, on the other hand, are much better choices – they wick away moisture efficiently and help keep the mattress dry, even during heavy sweating.
Bonus tip: Natural materials like virgin wool, camel hair, or horsehair also offer excellent moisture regulation.
THE BETTER
WHAT'S UNDERNEATH,
THE BETTER
WHAT'S ON TOP.
The mattress is only "half the battle": whether and how it enables good sleep depends largely on its interaction with the slat base. Even the best mattress cannot develop its positive effect if it lies on an unsuitable, worn or inferior slat base.
THE MATTRESS ON
TOP IS ONLY
AS GOOD AS THE
SLATTED BASE
BENEATH IT.
The Slatted Frame: the “invisible” key to quality.
A high-quality slatted frame can enhance the performance of a mattress by providing precise support and added adaptability – for optimal pressure relief and deep relaxation.
Top-tier slatted frames are made from upward-curved, flexible wooden slats that are mounted in elastic caps within the frame, increasing flexibility and responsiveness.Several factors define the quality of a slatted frame:
- How many slats are used, and what is their quality?
- How many zones does the frame have – and are they adjustable?
- Can the firmness level be individually adjusted?
- Is the head and foot section adjustable – and if so, manually or motorized?
Each of these factors plays a role in how much the slatted frame actively contributes to truly restorative sleep.
if it's box spring
make it
first class.
A Comfortable Exception: The Box Spring Base
Box spring beds form a distinct type of support system. At the heart of this system is the so-called box – a base frame that contains integrated spring elements. The frame is upholstered along the visible outer surfaces and covered with fabric.
In addition to housing the internal springs, the box also includes mounting points for attaching the bed legs as well as the headboard.
And once again, the rule applies: What’s inside the box must be of high quality –
only then can the mattress above provide truly restful sleep night after night.
ABOUT TOPPERS,
DUVETS, PILLOWS -
AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.
Let's take another look at the conclusion of the first chapter: sleep is particularly good when it is undisturbed. At first glance, this is a question of "feeling good", but at second glance it is also a question of the bed climate.
Night sweats are an important disruptive factor, as they often go hand in hand with restless sleep and can even lead to startling and serious sleep disorders. Pillows, blankets, toppers etc. are therefore not just feel-good goodies, but important factors that can ensure optimum sleep ergonomics as well as an optimum sleeping climate.
TOPPERS NEED TO BREATHE TOO
BREATHABILITY
IS KEY!
If you choose a topper – make it a top topper.
Mattress toppers enhance comfort and overall sleep quality. They are typically made from cold foam, memory foam (visco), gel foam, or latex. Each material creates a different feel, allowing you to tailor your sleeping surface to your personal preferences.
Cold foam: Firm, yet pleasantly comfortable. Offers precise, point-by-point support and excellent shape recovery. Thanks to its high resilience, cold foam is especially well-suited for people with higher body weight.
Memory foam (Visco): Provides outstanding pressure relief and a high level of comfort. However, it's less suitable for people who move a lot during sleep, as it adapts slowly to position changes.
Latex: Soft, yet still supportive and point-elastic, resulting in a very comfortable lying experience. The core is evenly perforated – enhancing both breathability and elasticity. This makes latex a great choice for those who value excellent moisture regulation and an overall breathable topper.
Gel foam: Combines gentle pressure relief with fast responsiveness. This is thanks to the integrated gel elements, which adapt to your body but return quickly to shape. An ideal choice for side sleepers who tend to change positions frequently.
CHECK YOUR SLEEPING
POSITION FIRST,
THEN COOSE
YOUR PILLOW.
Good sleep starts at the top – with the right pillow.
Choosing the right pillow is just as important as finding the right mattress – and it strongly depends on your sleeping position.
An ideal pillow supports the neck and helps maintain the natural curve of the spine. Side sleepers typically need a higher pillow to fill the space between head and shoulder, while back sleepers usually prefer a flatter one.
Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, should opt for a very flat pillow – or in some cases, no pillow at all.
The key is proper support for the head and neck.
If a pillow is too firm or too soft, it can lead to neck tension or even back pain.
THE WRONG
DUVET
CAN LEAD TO
SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
Climate Factor No.1: The Duvet
The duvet plays a key role in how much we sweat at night. It must absorb moisture efficiently and release it quickly to maintain a dry sleep climate. Without proper air circulation and evaporation, trapped humidity can trigger more sweating.
Just like with a mattress, both the filling and the cover matter. Whether synthetic fibers, natural hair, or down – natural materials like down offer superior temperature regulation and help prevent overheating.
The bed linen also impacts breathability. If moisture can't pass through the fabric to the duvet, temperature balance is lost. So, breathable materials are essential – both inside and out.
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
ABOUT BED, MATTRESS & CO.
FAQ
That depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preferences. Side sleepers usually need a softer, more pressure-relieving mattress, while back sleepers often sleep better on medium-firm models.
The firmness level should correspond to your body weight. General recommendations:
• H2 (soft): up to approx. 80 kg (176 lbs)
• H3 (medium): 80–100 kg (176–220 lbs)
• H4 (hart): over 100 kg (220 lbs)
However, personal comfort also plays an important role!
• Cold foam: good adaptability, durable, often suitable for adjustable slatted frames.
• Pocket spring: good ventilation, ideal for people who sweat at night.
• Latex: very elastic, excellent pressure relief, made from natural materials.
The slatted frame supports the mattress and ensures ergonomic lying. A good slatted frame can enhance pressure relief and improve overall sleeping comfort.
A topper can optimize the lying sensation—making it softer or firmer—and also protects the mattress. Especially with box spring beds, a topper is often a valuable addition.
A high-quality mattress lasts about 7–10 years. After that, material fatigue may reduce its support, and it should be replaced.
