Help Center

CONTACT US

To reach out to our customer support team, please email us at support@spindlemattress.com.

POLICIES

25 YEAR COMFORT LIFE PROGRAM

At any time during the ownership of your Spindle mattress, you can exercise the option to modify your mattress by buying another layer of latex at a 30% discount from our then-current prices.

Over time, things change. Let’s say after eight years you’re feeling like your mattress is too firm for your liking. With our 25-Year Comfort Life program, you would be able to renew your mattress by modifying a layer of latex. Likewise, if after 17 years you feel that your mattress has really softened up beyond your needs, same thing: buy a replacement layer at the then current price, minus 30%.

Your Comfort Life Program is only valid for the original owner. To take advantage of this program, please contact Spindle directly!

RETURNS + REFUNDS

Table of Contents

MATTRESS: 365 NIGHT RISK FREE TRIAL

Spindle’s Comfort Guarantee is simple. You have 365 days to determine if Spindle is right for you. If we can’t get you comfortable within a year we’ll refund all your money. Every single penny.

Exceptions.

Spindle's 365 Night Trial is limited to one (1) mattress refund per household and it must be exercised directly with Spindle no later than the 365 days following delivery of the mattress.

Our Comfort Guarantee, Refund, and Comfort Life/Parts policies do not apply to Factory Outlet Mattress or purchases through 3rd party marketplaces such as Wayfair, Amazon, Etsy and others. We encourage you to carefully read the fine print on those websites to understand your buyer’s protections. We’re very happy to provide product and technical information, but you must go through the retailer for any kind of adjustments.

We’re not a “free-trial” mattress.

Please don’t confuse Spindle with the teeming online mass market mattresses. They sell lifestyle. Spindle is a 10” organic latex mattress you buy at a kick-ass price. Compare us with all-latex mattresses you’ve seen in specialty stores and you’ll understand our vision.

We want you to buy our mattress because you’re committed to latex, not just because you want to try it out. If you like latex — and you’re a good candidate for our 10” mattress — there’s an excellent chance we can get you comfortable. If we can’t, we’ll refund your purchase price.

Don’t replace: Modify.

One of Spindle’s big benefits comes from its zipper top design. It’s inherently easy to modify the feel. About 85% of our customers love their Spindle right out of the box. Another 13% to 14% really like their mattress but realize they should have gone for more support or more cushion. With Spindle you don’t have to get a new mattress. We can help you fix it.

Getting you comfortable.

Lying on a mattress in a store for 15 minutes may tell you if you like the class of mattress. It’s not a sure way of knowing if you’re getting the right firmness. Same thing with your Spindle.

Give yourself 60 to 90 days to get used to your new mattress. You’re using different muscles to support yourself and you may notice things you’ve not noticed before. The mattress, too, will loosen up over that time. Some people notice it. Some don’t.

If after the adjustment period you’d like to change the feel of your Spindle call us, let us know what’s missing and the zone you’d like to hit. We’ll work together to determine next steps. We have a good track record of being able to recommend a fix.

Proper Support.

We’ll also check on your bed’s other components. What’s under your mattress will affect how it feels. Without adequate support your Spindle will try to support itself and will not perform as designed. If your bed is not compatible it’s often easy to make modifications to bring it up to speed. Voila! Mattress is fixed!

Other important notes.

Changing the feel of your Spindle can be an iterative process. Sometimes it’s as simple as rearranging the materials in your mattress. Other times a different mix of latex is needed and we’ll send that to you at our cost. The result is that your Spindle will feel different and you’ll have done the fix in your home.

Please be patient. We may ask you to do things that might seem counter intuitive such as:

Putting your mattress on the floor.
Letting us make it firmer even though you want it softer.
Placing a straight-edge across the latex to check level.

If -- in spite of all our efforts -- the mattress fails to meet your expectations, we will issue you a full refund.

The not so fine print.

You can take up to 365 days to decide if Spindle is the mattress for you.
It takes time to get used to anything new. Many people find this especially true when transitioning to a new mattress. We encourage you to sleep on the mattress for 60 days before deciding to modify your mattress.
If you find that you want a refund after 60 days, you'll need to speak with someone from our team. A Spindle mattress is inherently easy to modify so there is a good chance that we can get you comfortable. If we are unable to find a solution to get you comfortable, we will begin the refund process.
We cannot take the mattress back and we cannot remove it from your home. In the event of a refund you will need to cut all identifying labels from the Spindle and send them to us with a letter showing you’ve donated the mattress to a charity.
We cannot issue a refund for your purchase until we receive proof that the mattress has been donated and is no longer in your possession.We understand that sometimes circumstances change and you may no longer need or want the mattress. In these cases, we ask that you please donate the mattress to a local charity or shelter. Next, email us documentation showing the mattress has been donated and removed from your home. We will then issue a refund for the purchase price of the mattress.
**For items shipped to Canada, additional shipping charges, brokerage fees, duties and taxes (GST, QST, + HST) are nonrefundable.
**Additional shipping charges to Alaska and Hawaii are nonrefundable.
Your Spindle mattress must have compatible support.
Our mattress is not designed for people whose BMI is 31 or over.
This 100% refund only applies to the Spindle's Organic Latex Mattress or Organic Hybrid Mattress. It does not cover our foundation, which should be compatible with nearly every other mattress you buy.
Our Comfort Satisfaction Guarantee only applies to the original purchaser of the mattress.
Foundations. Our 365 Night Risk Free Trial only applies to the mattress so our foundation is not eligible for refundable. The foundation is universal and can be used with any other mattress.
Factory Outlet Mattresses are sold as-is, which means there are no refunds or returns. This also means that the mattress is not eligible for the 365 night trial.

CANCELING YOUR ORDER

We understand that plans sometimes change and that you may need to cancel your order. You can do this at anytime prior to shipping at no charge. Contact us and we'll promptly process your refund.

REFUNDS: 3" NATURAL LATEX + FOUNDATIONS

You may return any three-inch latex layer or foundation that is unopened and in its original packing within 30 days of receiving it. For sanitary reasons, we do not accept returns once the product has been removed from its original packaging. Please note that you will be responsible for return shipping costs. Once we receive the returned product in its original packaging and have inspected it, we will refund the full amount.

We accept returns or exchanges for any three-inch latex layer or foundation damaged in transit or if the incorrect item was shipped to you. To be eligible for a refund or exchange for damaged or incorrect product, you must first email within 30 days of receiving it. Upon receipt of your email we will respond promptly and make sure your replacement is sent out. If a replacement item is not available, we will refund the full purchase price.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE THE REFUND?

Once Spindle approves the refund, you'll receive an email that the money have been refunded to your credit card account. Due to the complexities of the banking system the moneys may not resolve to your account for 5–10 business days. Be assured we are not holding onto your funds. The funds are immediately removed from our account by the credit-card processor and submitted to your bank once you receive the email notification of the refund.

Refunds may appear in the form of a reversal, in which case the original payment will drop off of your bank statement and a separate credit is not issued. Please contact us immediately If your refund has not resolved within 10 days. We will do whatever we can to help resolve the issue.

10 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Because you only buy two or three mattresses in a lifetime, you may not know what to expect after sleeping on a new mattress for a few nights or even over the first year. The things that are happening to your mattress may be new to you, but it is not unusual. So, please read through the warranty to learn what to expect from your new mattress. If you are like us and don’t read these things until after you have a concern, the warranty comes as a surprise. And, you feel like you got duped. Trust us this is not our intention. Everything that we have in our warranty is industry standard. If you want to take a nap, peruse the other mattress companies’ warranties.

What is the warranty period?

Spindle mattresses are warranted for 10 years from the date of purchase. Basically, if you have a warranty claim during the first ten years — e.g.: a sag exceeding 3/4″ in the latex only [not the cover] — we will replace the deficient materials at no cost to you when shipped within the 48 states.

Things to know about our 10-year limited warranty.

Body impressions, imprints, or indentations in the mattress do not indicate a structural weakness or breakdown of the latex foam. Imprints are a normal and natural occurrence and are an indication that the foam layers are conforming to each person’s individual weight and body contours and characteristics. Body impressions will be more noticeable in King and Queen sizes. This body impression is unavoidable and is not an indication of any structural failure of your new mattress.

Product Condition: The use of a protective mattress pad is recommended. Damage, abuse, misuse, stains, burns, and unsanitary conditions may void your warranty. If the bedding is soiled or stained (body fluids, food stains, etc.) in any manner (any size or type), it is considered to be in an unsanitary condition.

Keep your original proof of purchase in a safe place as it is required for any warranty claim and do not remove the law tag. Without proof of purchase and the law tag, the bedding will not be covered by the warranty. Original proof of purchase is provided by the dealer/retailer from whom the product was purchased.

Some more fine print.

Spindle warrants your mattress will be free from structural defects (exclusive of the ticking cover) which are caused by the manufacturer with the following limitations:

This limited warranty is provided only to the original purchaser.
This limited warranty begins on the day that you purchase your sleep set. In the unlikely event that you ever require service under this warranty, the limited warranty will not be renewed or extended after repair or replacement.
Proof of purchase with date, place of purchase, and the purchase price is required to obtain service under this warranty.
Merchandise sold and/or marked as is, floor model, clearance, sample, irregular, or B-Stock are not covered by this limited warranty.
Normal wear and tear, body impressions, comfort preference, sheet fit, and mattress height are not covered by this limited warranty.
Removal of the Law Tag from your sleep set will void this warranty.
This warranty will only apply if the mattress is in good condition, except for the structural defect to be remedied. Damage, abuse, misuse, unsanitary condition, stains, or burns to the sleep setting will void this warranty.
This warranty covers mattresses only, which are designed for full performance when used on a proper frame as a total sleep system. Use of a foundation and a proper frame with center support, or a platform bed with proper support, or a wooden slat bed with proper is required. For Full-, Queen- or King-sized beds proper support includes the use of rigid center support with at least two center support legs. Use of your mattress in a manner for which it is unintended will render the warranty to be null and void.
In the unlikely event that you ever have a problem with your Spindle mattress, please contact Spindle if you purchase directly from us or the dealer who sold you the merchandise. If service cannot be affected through the dealer, then the purchaser should notify Spindle directly. Contact information can be found on our website at spindlemattress.com.
Spindle agrees to repair or replace any defective part of our mattress. This does not cover the foundation, which is warranted for 10 years as well but only when purchased at the same time as the mattress. It is not a promise to replace the whole mattress.
If the Spindle product is no longer being manufactured or identical materials are not available at the time of product service, Spindle reserves the right to substitute material of equal or higher value. Used mattresses are not restored to new condition.
Spindle shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages which result from the use of this product.

Your rights under state law.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. The duration of any applicable implied warranties shall not exceed in duration the term of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty is extended only to the original consumer who purchased the mattress from an authorized Spindle dealer.

The bottom line.

We’re not lawyers. We’re mattress makers and we want your experience to be solid. We don’t anticipate that you’ll have any problems with your Spindle. But if you ever do, please contact us immediately. We’ll review your situation and do our best to come up with a solution that works for you.

Mattress Warranty Claim

In the event a warranty, it may require some effort.

What do I do if I have a warranty claim?

First, check the limited warranty information to make sure your mattress is eligible for a claim.

If you believe you are eligible, reach out to us right away by email or phone and let us know what is going on. We are here to help, but we need to figure out what is going on. This will take a little work because we need to determine which component(s) are causing the problem. Keep in mind that sometimes it isn’t always the mattress.

To help us figure out the proper solution, we need a few things.
1. First, unzip the top of your cover and leave the layers of latex in the bucket (what we call the bottom part of the cover). Then place a straight edge over the dip/compression in the layer of latex and take a photograph so we can see exactly what you mean. Repeat for the remaining layers (one by one), as well as the support system like a platform bed or foundation. The more photos that we have the better.
2. Next we’ll need photos and a description of what is holding up the mattress. This will include the bed frame, foundation (aka box spring), metal frame, platform bed, adjustable bed, etc. Basically the furniture that holds up your mattress. We’ll specifically want close ups of the slats and supports.
3. If possible, we may ask you to place the mattress flat on the floor to see if the sag/compression remains. Keep in mind, we are real people and not some huge mega corporation. We will collaborate with you to find a workable solution to the problem.

*Last note: if you remove the tags from your Spindle, please hang onto them. If you do have a need for the warranty, it will help us identify the specifics of your mattress.

Once your claim has been received, we will contact you within 48 hours. In two (2) to three (3) business days, we will let you know if your claim is approved or denied. If you are eligible for a warranty claim, we will contact you about replacement or repair.

Fine Print:

As Spindle evolves, things may change. Change is good! In this case it means for warranty claims we may have to provide you with substitute materials or models of equal or greater value. We cannot guarantee that the replacement will match your existing piece exactly.

For those with a prorated warranty, payment may be required for replacement.

The consumer may incur costs to pay transportation, freight, and shipping charges when replacing a defective Spindle product. [As long as you are in the contiguous 48 states, we cover shipping costs for all materials that leave our workshop to go to you.]

SHIPPING + DELIVERY

Remember when you had to pay for shipping? Those days are long gone.

Spindle offers free shipping via FedEx Ground for any latex mattress or mattress accessory anywhere in the contiguous 48 United States, excluding U.S. Military APO/FPO addresses and PO Boxes.

How is the mattress shipped?

We ship our mattresses unassembled. Simply open the boxes, place the three layers of latex foam inside the zippered casing, and you’ve made your own latex mattress. This approach allows us to ship them via carriers like FedEx, and it makes the mattresses much easier to move around.

Number of boxes based on mattress size:

Twin: 2 boxes
Full: 2 boxes
Queen: 2 boxes
King: 2 boxes

How long until I receive my mattress?

COVID-19-related issues have impacted industrial supply chains, affecting our production schedule. You can generally expect to receive your mattress within two to three weeks of placing your order, depending on your location within the United States.

You’ll receive a tracking number when your mattress ships. We aim to ship within 7 to 14 days of your order. If shipping exceeds 14 days, we’ll notify you, and you are free to cancel your order without any penalty. Please note this timeline does not guarantee delivery within 7 to 14 days—it may take an additional 1 to 7 days to reach you, depending on your location.

Where does the mattress ship from?

Illinois.

Do I get a tracking number?

Yes. Once your Spindle mattress ships, you will receive a tracking number via email. Please allow a few hours from pickup for the tracking information to be updated in the shipper’s system.

My tracking number isn’t working.

If your tracking number isn’t functioning, please call or email us, and we’ll resolve the issue.

The tracking number doesn’t say anything.

It may take a few hours for the shipment to be fully processed into the FedEx system after pickup. Please wait a few hours and check back. If you are still concerned, let us know, and we’ll investigate for you.

Do you ship to U.S. Military APO/FPO addresses and PO Boxes?

Unfortunately, we do not ship to these addresses, but we do offer military discounts. Please email us for details.

What happens if the box is damaged when I receive it?

Our packaging is designed to protect your mattress during transit. Even if the cardboard looks rough, the latex inside usually arrives without issue. We wrap the latex in 6 mil plastic sheeting, roll-pack it, and encase it in another 6 mil plastic sheath to ensure the rubber foam is protected, even if the boxes are damaged.

If you notice any damage before or after opening the boxes, please contact us via email. Including photos will help us assess the damage and determine the best course of action.

Lost packages?

If we forgot to ship something, let us know, and we’ll send replacement parts immediately. For shipping issues, contact the carrier first, then let us know, and we’ll work on resolving it from our end.

What about the removal of my old mattress?

We do not offer mattress removal services. On the plus side, this means you won’t have to wait around for a delivery person. You might find mattress recycling programs in your area, or consider options like Freecycle, local charities, Craigslist, or a service like 1-800-GOT-JUNK (check for Groupons to save on fees).

CAN YOU TARGET A DELIVERY DATE?

Yes. If there is a target delivery date -- excluding Saturday, Sundays, and most holidays--, we can usually accommodate and get pretty close to the date that you are looking to receive it. In the notes section online, please include the date that you are targeting, but please give us at least an 14 day lead time so that we can accommodate the request.

We will determine ship date based on your location and the UPS estimated time in transit to achieve your targeted arrival date. Once the mattress leaves our facility, we cannot guarantee when it will arrive. Even though UPS are usually pretty good at what they do, delays due to weather; lost packages; system disruptions; holidays; etc do occur so please give yourself good lead time or plan for these delays.

MISSING PACKAGES

Your order consists of multiple packages, so they may not all arrive at the same time.

Please note that in the shipping confirmation email, we provide one tracking number, which serves as your "master" tracking number for the entire shipment. If you click the link in the email, you'll be directed to the FedEx website, where you can track the mattress.

Toward the bottom of the tracking page, you'll see a carrot dropdown labeled "PACKAGES IN THIS SHIPMENT (TOTAL PACKAGES: _ )." Expanding this section will display tracking numbers for each of the individual boxes.

In most cases, packages are not lost but separated during shipment. The boxes usually arrive the following business day. If packages arrive before a weekend or holiday, they may not be delivered until the next business day, which can be two to three days later.

Keep in mind that the master tracking number is only for one of the boxes, so FedEx may state that the shipment is delivered when only one package has arrived, not the entire shipment.

If all tracking numbers show as delivered, please do some further investigating:

For deliveries to condos, apartments, etc., please check around the complex or with the property manager to see if the package was delivered to the wrong unit or left at the main office.
Sometimes, FedEx drivers place packages in unusual spots to prevent theft, so please check around the entire house.
We also recommend checking with a neighbor in case they brought it inside to protect it from being stolen.

If a package is lost, we suggest contacting FedEx first and then reaching out to us. FedEx may ask specific questions about your residence and neighbors and confirm your address—details we cannot answer without contacting you first. We appreciate your help with this.

Once we hear from you, we'll also reach out to FedEx and work to find an answer for you as quickly as possible. Please bear with us while we locate the packages.

Unfortunately, FedEx requires an 8-day waiting period (or more) to locate missing packages. However, we won't make you wait that long. Usually, we can find a resolution within one business day, but it may take up to five to seven days to ship a replacement depending on your location.

Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve this issue.

IN-HOME DELIVERY

DO YOU OFFER IN-HOME DELIVERY AND ASSEMBLY?

Unfortunately, we do not offer white glove service or mattress removal. Our mattress ships in separate components, making it relatively easy to move from room to room. In fact, even a king mattress and foundation can fit up a tight spiral staircase without much trouble.

The mattress is delivered by FedEx Ground, usually in three boxes. Most people find the mattress easy to assemble. We recommend having two people for the task, but we also have a video on our website showing one of our staff members, Sam, assembling her queen mattress on her own. Printed instructions are included with your mattress, and we are always available to assist with any questions you may have.

If you need help assembling your mattress, you might find assistance through neighborhood networks, TaskRabbit, or Craigslist.

Regarding the removal of your old mattress: Many customers turn to charitable organizations like Goodwill, Salvation Army, Wounded Warriors, or Habitat for Humanity. Craigslist (posting it for free), local DPW, or 1-800-GOT-JUNK are also good options.

The decision not to offer white glove delivery and removal services helps us keep our mattresses in the "affordable luxury" category. These services require significant oversight, especially since we would need to manage a distributed nationwide outsourced network. Even under the best circumstances, these services come with a high risk of issues: trucks arriving late (or early), carpet stains, damage to walls or ceilings, or incorrect products being delivered.

There are retailers—mostly in the brick-and-mortar space—that do provide these services. While they are valuable, they also add significantly to the overall cost of goods.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY MATTRESS?

Two to four weeks depending on where you are located in the US. Those closer to our facility will receive it quicker.

We make everything to order in our facility in Illinois and don't pull anything off the shelf. We do have work in progress so that the final production time doesn't take too long, but it usually takes five to seven business days to ship

We ship via Fedex Ground so the time in transit is one to six business days based on your location in the US.

Since we make everything to order in Illinois, you'll receive a tracking number within five to seven business days of placing the order. Your tracking number may not be recognized until later in the evening -- sometimes as late as 10 pm -- and you may get a prompt similar to, "Your shipment does not exist." This is normal. Be patient. If you continue to get the prompt please contact us.
The scheduled delivery date is not a guarantee of when your shipment will arrive. Delivery "exceptions", while rare, do happen. These may be caused by weather, disruptions within the shipper's system, excessive package volume at certain times of the year, etc.
Since your order is comprised of multiple packages they may not all arrive at the same time. We've seen 2 boxes arrive early and the remainder arrive on time or 2 boxes arrive on time and the 3rd box a day behind.

When you order we can provide a more accurate window for delivery based on our production schedule and your destination zip code. After ordering please contact us, our system will not provide lead time until a tracking number has been created.

SHIPPING WEIGHTS + DIMENSIONS

Please note that every shipment will vary depending on the natural variation in the materials, the weights may be slightly heavier or lighter than listed and the box dimensions (length, wide, and height) may vary by 1" or 2". But, we use these as a good guide.

10" ORGANIC LATEX MATTRESS

Twin

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Cover + 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	47
#2	(2) 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	61

Twin XL

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Cover + 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	50
#2	(2) 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	65

Full

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Cover + 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	65
#2	(2) 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	83

Queen

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Cover + 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	72
#2	(2) 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	93

King

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Cover + 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	85
#2	(2) 3" Organic Latex	44" x 16" x 16"	113

ORGANIC HYBRID MATTRESS

Twin

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Hybrid Organic Mattress	44" x 16" x 16"	65

Twin XL

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Hybrid Organic Mattress	44" x 16" x 16"	70

Full

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Hybrid Organic Mattress	44" x 16" x 16"	85

Queen

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Hybrid Organic Mattress	44" x 16" x 16"	100

King

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Hybrid Organic Mattress	44" x 16" x 16"	130

FOUNDATION

Twin

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Wood Frame + Cover	77" x 13" x 12"	45

Twin XL

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Wood Frame + Cover	77" x 13" x 12"	48

Full

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Wood Frame + Cover	77" x 13" x 12"	55

Queen

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Wood Frame + Cover	77" x 13" x 12"	65

King

Box	Description	Dimensions	Weight (lbs.)
#1	Wood Frame + Cover (TXL)	77" x 13" x 12"	48
#2	Wood Frame + Cover (TXL)	77" x 13" x 12"	48

DIDN'T RECEIVE ALL PACKAGES ON THE SAME DAY

Since your order consists of multiple packages, not all boxes may arrive at the same time. We’ve seen cases where two boxes arrive early, and the remaining packages arrive on time, or one box arrives on time while the second and third boxes arrive a day later. If the first delivery happens on a Friday, the remaining packages may not arrive until Monday or Tuesday.

Because we ship via FedEx, we are subject to their delivery schedule and cannot guarantee the exact arrival time or that all packages will arrive simultaneously.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

We do not currently offer international shipping. We are working to change this in the near future - stay tuned!

MATERIALS

OUR ORGANIC COTTON

ABOUT

Top Fabric: Circular Knit - Organic Cotton [Sleep Surface]
Side and Bottom Fabric: Canvas - Organic Cotton
GOTS Certified Organic Fabrics

The organic cotton fabric used in the mattress is woven in Canada, but the organic cotton comes from either New Mexico, Texas, or India depending on the buying season and availability. Domestic is the primary source, but not guaranteed. The fabric that we use is a circular knit for the sleep surface and a canvas for the border of the mattress.

IS THERE POLYESTER IN THE FABRIC?

No, we do not use polyester in our fabric. It is all GOTS certified organic cotton fabric.

Although, when we stitch the organic cotton fabric to the wool batting, we use a polyester thread to transform the organic fabric and eco-wool batting into the quilt that you'll sleep on.

We try to disclose as best we can what goes into making our mattress, like the use of nylon zippers and polyester thread to stitch the organic cotton fabric and eco-wool batting together, even though the federal law labeling requirements do not require us to disclose materials weighing less than 1% of the total weight of the mattress. Keep in mind that the organic cotton fabric that we use does not contain polyester even though the GOTS certification states "A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade 'organic' must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibers whereas a product with the label grade 'made with organic' must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres [sic]".

WHY A KNIT ORGANIC COTTON FABRIC?

For the sleep surface, we use a circular knit fabric which is a method for converting the organic cotton yard into a fabric. It is made on a machine that knits the organic cotton in a cylinder – a t-shirt is the best example of circular knit fabric.

The circular knit process links the yarn in a continuous chain that not only gives strength, but also allows the fabric to be lightweight, more flexible, and pliable than a woven.

Some mattress companies will use a twill or canvas on the sleep surface which will provide a stiffer and firmer feel. In most cases, people feel the Spindle may have a slighter softer initial impression to the mattress. The choice of fabric isn’t a matter of right and wrong, but a personal preference. Since firmness is subjective, some people may not be able to tell any noticeable difference between the two where as others may feel a significant difference.

OUR ORGANIC LATEX

Natural rubber provides a unique sleeping experience that provides great support and cushion. It has a mellow feel that many find more comfortable than other mattress designs.

What type of natural latex does Spindle use?
Process: Dunlop
Type: GOLS Certified 100% Natural Latex
Manufacturer: Latex Green
Place of Manufacture: Sri Lanka

Certifications:
GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
OEKO-TEX (Harmful Substance testing)

ILD + Density

Latex Firmness	ILD	Density [kg/m3]	Density [lbs/ft3]
Soft	20 - 23	65	4.06
Medium	26 - 29	75	4.68
Firm	34 - 37	85	5.31

Many people try to use Indentation Load Deflection, commonly known as ILD, as a metric when trying to decide which mattress to buy. We are happy to share our ILD data with you, but we also caution you not to base your decision on that number alone. ILD is only accurate when comparing the same type of latex from the same latex manufacturer. We know it would be easier if there was one unified number, but feel is ultimately subjective and based on more than a single input test like ILD. So, please use caution when basing a decision on these numbers.

Now, let's take a deep dive into the world of latex.

"100%" Natural Organic Latex

Our latex adheres to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and is classified as "100%" natural. Latex foam is a manufactured product that does not appear in nature. 95% of the material in Spindle’s latex comes out of a tree. The other 5% are ingredients — zinc oxide, fatty acid soaps, sulfur, and sodium — needed to “cure” the raw sap, i.e. so the rubber can be aerated and vulcanized (baked) and made into foam rubber. We think it’s one of the most natural products you can sleep on. No fillers. No synthetic rubber.

Where does latex come from?
Latex foam is made from the sap of the rubber tree, hevea brasiliensis, originally native to the Amazon rainforest. Because of rubber’s versatility and wide use, the crop has been industrialized and now grows on sustainable plantations in Equatorial regions around the world.

At 7 years, a rubber tree is considered mature and ready for harvesting. They have a life span of about 32 years, and most trees will produce sap for about 25 years. The harvesting lifespan is longer than the time needed to reach maturity, making the rubber tree crop ecologically sustainable. USDA and/or Forest Stewardship Council guidelines ensure a healthy forest with the ability to satisfy production. Once a rubber tree is retired, it is used for furniture production or burned as fuel.

Harvesting Latex
The latex sap is found close to the surface of the tree, an is harvested by cutting shallow slices into the bark. This discharges the sap, which then flows into a container for collection. The slicing of the tree is carefully managed. Varying where the cuts are made allows the shallow openings to heal quickly without doing permanent damage to the tree, nurturing it through its 25 year cycle.

An interesting fact: the latex contained in one Queen sized mattress is made from one day’s production of 2500 trees spread over 12 acres of land.

What are the methods for making natural latex for a mattress?
There are two widely used production methods for manufacturing latex foam cores: Dunlop, and Talalay. Both methods deliver long-lasting support and the ability to conform to the body. Dunlop is denser, or more staid. Talalay has a bouncier feel. We’ll get into mattress feel in a bit, but first let’s take a look at the geeky stuff.

Dunlop and Talalay both follow similar manufacturing steps: sap collection, mixing, spreading, cooking, curing, washing, drying, and cutting. The Talalay process adds two steps to the manufacturing (vacuum sealing and flash-freezing).

Neither of the methods is of a superior quality to the other. Both foams are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. We would expect both to be as durable and as comfortable. “Which one” comes down to personal preference, availability, power of suggestion, and price.

Dunlop - History + How it's made?
In 1929, Dunlop Rubber chemical researcher Eric Owen developed a process to turn the company’s tire rubber into foam. The Dunlop process describes the first manufacturing method of turning liquid rubber tree sap into latex foam rubber.

When the sap is collected, it is still a liquid. In order to transform it into foam,
it is mixed with a small amount (5% of total mixture) of curing agents, mostly fatty acid soaps, zinc oxide, sulfur, sodium and some other compounds. This “curing packet” enables the latex sap to properly foam, vulcanize (cook) and cure. Without curing, the polymers in the latex rubber are able to move independently of each other. In this state, the latex acts more like gum. It gets sticky and loses shape with heat; becomes brittle with cold. It doesn’t have elastic properties like foam rubber. Vulcanization and curing aligns the polymers in the rubber so they act as a unit, and stabilizes the final product. In this state, vulcanized and cured rubber is elastic, conforms to pressure, but then returns to its original shape. Because there are so few latex manufacturers in the world, and because latex is a commodity product, manufacturers need to do something to differentiate themselves. Hence, curing mixture are proprietary (secret) from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the essential components are the same. They may vary slightly in proportion but overall the mixtures are very close to one another.
This mixture of latex and curing compounds is thoroughly whipped to properly aerate the foam, and then is poured into large molds to create the Molded Dunlop latex foam cores. The molds are like huge waffle irons, but instead of squares, there are metal pins attached to the top and bottom parts of the mold, to create air holes in the final latex core. The pins are not only used to make holes, but they help with temperature transfer, heating and cooling the foam as it is manufactured.
After mixing in big tanks, the foamed latex is spread across the entire bottom of the mold. The top of the mold comes down to join the bottom, and the molded latex is cooked or “vulcanized” by steam heated to 220 ̊F. The vulcanization process takes about half an hour. Then the top mold is released and lifted, the latex foam cores are removed from the bottom mold and placed on a conveyor belt. They travel to a washing system that washes the latex thoroughly with fresh water to remove any residual soaps or curing agents. Without proper washing the cores will soften and sag a great deal more than is desirable; that’s why so much emphasis is placed on washing. Once clean, the cores are then run through a press to remove excess water and thoroughly dried by hot air (think car wash). When dry, the latex foam is cut to size and put through a series of tests to make sure product standards are met. This is standard procedure for the industry.
An inconvenient truth: All mattresses will soften, which can sometimes be interpreted as sag. You should anticipate a latex mattress will soften about 15% over a 10 year period. Compare that to the 30-60% sagging with an innerspring or memory foam mattress.

How does Molded Dunlop “feel”?
Denser than Talalay, Dunlop has been around the longest. It is the least expensive to produce, and is known for its durability, performance, and ability to reduce motion transfer (a very desirable characteristic when you sleep with a restless partner). Dunlop is produced overseas, mostly in Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and Vietnam, and is the only latex foam that can be GOLS certified. A variant, continuous pour Dunlop is made by two companies in the US.
During the Dunlop vulcanization (steam oven) process, heavier particles of the mixture gravitate to form a layer along the bottom of the mold, producing a latex core that is slightly denser on the bottom and lighter on the top. For most people, this difference between feel of top and bottom is negligible, if able to be discerned at all.
In terms of quality and durability, Molded Dunlop stands the test of time. It performs consistently well and has an excellent track record when it comes to not softening or sagging compared to other mattresses. But remember, over time all mattresses will soften up and sag a bit. One tip is to avoid latex made with any fillers. Properly supporting your latex mattress also has a huge effect on longevity. I discuss this in greater detail below.

Talalay - History + How it's made?
Developed in the mid-1940s, the Talalay process is similar to Dunlop…up until the part where the foam gets put into the mold. Talalay only pours its latex in two sizes: Queen and Twin XL. Often their latex is seamed (two pieces glued together) but this is not a negative – it actually has no bearing on performance and durability. The only US Talalay manufacturer is based in Shelton, CT, although Talalay latex is also made in the Netherlands and China.
With Talalay, computers set the amount of latex to be distributed and it is manually piped in and spread into pin-core aluminum molds. The foam does not cover the entire mold, there is room at the edges for the foam to spread when the mold is vacuum-sealed. The vacuum spreads the foam to the edges of the mold, creating a unique aerated cell structure (think air bubbles) within the latex. After vacuum sealing, the entire mold is flash frozen to -20 ̊F, which sets the air pockets in place and prevents any particles from settling to the bottom. This freezing method gives Talalay foam a bounciness that distinguishes it from molded Dunlop. The aeration of the foam is more uniform from top to bottom within Talalay latex, although there may be variations in density across an entire sheet of Talalay latex.
After flash freezing, carbon dioxide is introduced to cause the foam to “gel”. The molds are then vulcanized by steam heated to a temperature of 220 ̊F to cure the latex foam. After it has been cured, the mold opens and the sheets of latex are placed onto a conveyor belt, where they are taken to the washing station. Talalay washes the cores five times with fresh water, and then dries them thoroughly before cutting and storing them.

How does Talalay “feel”?
Talalay latex foam is a lighter, bouncier foam than Molded Dunlop. It is springy, and known for its airy feel. It is often used as a top layer on a mattress to offer a more bouncy feel. In actuality, Talalay can be quite firm, like Dunlop, but as a cost savings many companies will layer Talalay over Dunlop. With all things mattress related, personal density or bounciness preference is neither good nor bad, it just is. Whatever you like is what you like!

Certifications

We have great respect for our customers who value third-party validation. As consumers, we all look for cues to help inform our buying decisions, and the internet can leave us overwhelmed. As a business, our counsel is: don't take trust marks for granted -- even the ones that Spindle displays. Marketing claims or editorial truths can be skewed, inaccurate, or not address the issues you care about. We encourage you to find the source materials -- we've listed some below -- read them and be sure the standards meet your expectations and needs. We want you to choose a mattress that's not only comfortable but one that you can feel comfortable sleeping on.

For all intents and purposes, the mattress is straight-forward and simple: organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. A Spindle does not contain or use polyurethane foam, synthetic latex, fiberglass, modacrylic, silica, rayon, boric acid, or any other chemical flame retardants. Our mattresses' law tag illustrates this.

Are all the mattresses GOTS and GOLS certified?
The materials we use carry certifications, but our finished product does not. Certification is held by the manufacturers of the core materials.

Certified Organic Latex – (Latex Green CU 813274)
Certified Oeko-Tex 100 Latex – (Latex Green 20.HLK.05093)
Organic Cotton – (Latex Green CU 1085130)
Organic Cotton – (Fine Cotton Factory CU 848243)
Organic Wool – (Woolgather Carding Mill OTCO-OT-011118)
Certified Oeko-Tex 100 Wool – (Latex Green 16.HUS.92223)

Validating paperwork for certifications.

These are all provided by the manufacturers from whom we source materials.

pdf download GOLS Certified Latex

pdf download GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Fabric

pdf download GOTS Certified Organic Wool

Additional Information about materials and certifications.

This type of discussion tends to be non-linear, not as clear-cut -- especially with certifications -- and there may be some crossover from one topic to another. Moreover, it's Spindle culture to provide as much information upfront as possible. We've found it can mitigate the risk of awkward post-sale "didn't know that" moments. Your questions are not capricious. Let's get down to it and get you the answers you need to make a wise purchasing decision.

Finished product certification, though implied, does not necessarily impart higher quality than other mattresses. It depends, of course, on one's criteria for choosing a mattress. As you've prolly already found, many companies say they sell an "Organic Mattress" only to have the fine print reveal the cotton is certified and nothing else is organic or even natural.

We only use organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. A Spindle does not contain or use polyurethane foam, synthetic latex, fiberglass, modacrylic, silica, rayon, boric acid, or any other chemical flame retardants. The federally mandated law tag, detailing the mattress' composition, is not required or intended to list materials weighing less than 1% of the total finished mattress' weight. The following materials are not listed on our law tag and found in certified organic mattresses:

The zipper has nylon teeth, and a metal trolley and pull tab.
Polyester thread is used to stitch the organic cotton fabric and organic wool batting into a quilt even “certified” organic mattresses use polyester thread. Our guess is that thread is less than .01% the total weight of your mattress.
The mattress' seams along the tape line are sealed with a heat resistant para-aramid thread, aka Kevlar, chemically poly-para-phenylene terephthalamide. This helps prevent flames from breaching vulnerable areas and, in turn, igniting the materials inside the mattress. Even "organic" mattresses are permitted to use this thread and qualify for certification. Our guess is that thread is less than .001% the total weight of your mattress. Our mattress complies with federal fire safety laws by using natural wool as a flame barrier. This alleviates the need to add chemical fire retardants [FR] like boric acid, or formaldehyde, none of which are required to be declared.

Keep in mind that everything in any organic mattress is manmade and/or processed. The wool is the closest component to being in its natural state but that too gets washed and carded. Some of the lanolin is washed away and the fleece is not as dirty and full of detritus as when the animal was shorn. The cotton undergoes multiple processing steps on its way from field to fabric.

We're the first to admit that labeling can be confusing. There are certified Organic foams that contain fillers, e.g.: coir, graphite. There are “100%” natural latex that carry certifications from agencies other than GOLS and, while just as clean or pure [sic], are not called "organic". Latex foam is a manufactured product and the GOL Standard states that only 95% of the materials need to be "certified" organic.

Our latex carries GOLS certification. The latex we use is called “100%” natural latex, which is an industry classification. It does not contain synthetic latex, fillers, polyurethane or other petroleum-based products. The foam is manufactured in Sri Lanka.

In its raw natural state, i.e.: when it's tapped from the tree, latex is a colloid, a liquid that's not conducive to being used in a mattress. “Natural” or "Organic" refers to the source of the latex. The latex [foam] in your mattress does not exist in nature. It is a manufactured product that contains a variety of ingredients. 95% of the stuff inside your mattress comes out of a tree. The remaining 5% is comprised of materials needed to aerate [foam] and vulcanize [bake] the latex [liquid]. These processing solutions include a mixture of zinc oxide, fatty acid soaps, sulfur, and sodium that are a proprietary blend to the foam manufacturer. The vulcanized foam is washed a minimum of three times to remove residual proteins that may be left over after curing.

All "100% Natural" latex — including certified organic — is manufactured this way: 95% latex mixture + 5% binding ingredients. We believe that the latex foam we use is among the most pure natural latex available. We could lie and tell you it's "all natural" if you want us to.

You'll find more info about our materials on our website:

Our Latex-- An in-depth primer on the different types of latex
Our Organic Cotton
Our Organic Wool

In general, terms like organic or natural should not be equated with "safe". Using cradle to cradle or carbon footprint metrics it's not unreasonable to argue that synthetic latex -- not eligible for GOLS -- is greener. In fact, using cradle to cradle or carbon footprint metrics it's not unreasonable to argue that synthetic latex -- not eligible for GOLS -- is greener and more sustainable when seen through a global warming lens. The environmental impact of tearing down old-growth forests to establish monoculture plantations? Just another example of the complexity of the conversation how it can lead to an analysis paralysis stalemate. There are many lenses we all employ...and we haven't even started talking about sustainability. In the end, we're confident that most players are trying to do their best.

We're not experts in the benefits and/or politics of standards and when we need information we go to the source. In addition to those mentioned above we also like the USDA list of allowed & prohibited substances and the FTC's views on shopping green [& their article on Bamboo]. The GOTS manual for implementation has clear definitions for achieving finished product certification -- a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres and requiring social criteria -- and allowed exceptions to the standard, including those for small operations and/or in developing countries. We found many of these documents fascinating to read, especially the standards with annotations.

We will never say our mattress is non-toxic, hypo-allergenic or safe. Those terms have no baseline. Nothing is chemical-free or 100% anything. The materials we use are commodities and very similar if not identical to those being used by others in our industry. Some manufacturers claim you'll sleep through the night or wake up pain-free. Others claim their mattresses are prescribed for specific medical conditions or are perfect for anyone from 40 to 400 lbs. Others claim their mattresses are prescribed for specific medical conditions, or are 100% safe or, even, healthy!

We have great respect for our customers who value third party validation. Our counsel is: don't take trust marks for granted -- even the ones that Spindle displays. Marketing claims or editorial truths can be skewed, inaccurate or not address the issues you care about. We encourage you to find the source materials -- we've listed some above -- read them and be sure the standards meet your expectations and needs. We want you to choose a mattress that's not only comfortable, but that you can feel comfortable sleeping on.

Third-party validation from testing agencies is complex. You may find some of the following interesting, if you're a standards geek, like us. ;-))

The FSC standards for pesticides are very similar to -- if not more transparent -- than the USDA standards. All of the agricultural regulations have exceptions allowing for pesticide use when more conservative IPM approaches are not practical. This article illustrates the challenges of a global standard and why some growers, regardless of their moral compass, may opt out of attendant certifications.
Interpretation of the Global Organic Latex Standardand Global Organic Textile Standard.
The FSC standards for pesticides are very similar to -- if not more transparent -- than the USDA standards. All of the agricultural regulations have exceptions allowing for pesticide use when more conservative IPM approaches are not practical. This article illustrates the challenges of a global standard and why some growers, regardless of their moral compass, may opt out of attendant certifications.
The GMO corn conundrum with pollen illustrates the challenges of unwanted seeds on organic farms. They find their way on the air, transported by insects and deposited in scat from one area to another.
Certification does not guarantee a better product. e.g.: I'd rather eat a carrot from the farmer down the road [who can't afford certs.] than the official USDA produce at Whole Foods.
Again, no right or wrong. It's complicated.
We have an article on our website, shared by a customer, that showcases the downstream effect of rubber plantations on the environment.

At the end of the day, I trust all of us are just trying to do the best we can. This is a LOT to chew on when all you really want to do is go to sleep, and we apologize if we've given you more info than you expected. We find that erring on the side of too much is less risky than omitting answers you really wanted. A thorough pre-sale discussion can also mitigate some of those awkward, "nobody told me" post-sale moments.

OUR ORGANIC WOOL

ABOUT

Above the natural latex is a quilted top made Organic Wool batting stitched inside of an organic cotton fabric.

1.8 pounds per yard wool batting made with organic wool.
Made with organic wool. Nothing else. No polyester, no chemical flame retardants or other synthetic materials.
Sheep raised in New Zealand..
Manufactured and Carded in Northern California.
Oeko Tex 100 certified

Natural Flame Retardant

Regarding flameproofing, we use wool and do not add other materials to the wool. In 2006, the CSPC enacted CFR 1633, which requires mattresses to pass an open flame test. A burner is placed on top of the mattress and the side for 60 and 90 seconds. After 30 minutes, the heat release must not exceed 200 kilowatts. The law does not require mattress manufacturers to use any flame retardants, but only pass the test. There are many companies, like Savvy Rest, Naturepedic, Lifekind, etc., use wool as the flame retardant and don't add other materials as well, but it is less common because wool can be 10 times or more expensive than a polyester and rayon flame retardant solution.

For wool, the typical chemical composition by weight is 50.5% carbon, 22% oxygen, 16.5% nitrogen, 6.8% hydrogen, 3.7% sulfur, and .5% ash which is potassium, sodium, calcium, aluminum, iron, silica, sulfate, carbonate, phosphorus pentoxide, and chloride. Please note that arsenic is naturally occurring compound in nature. It is found in water, appleseeds, soil, etc. When testing for VOCs and arsenic in wool in ppm, the quantity may not be detectable, but if measured in ppb, you may detect trace amounts in any wool even certified organic wool. Also, during its natural decomposition, the wool can release other chemicals into air. Unfortunately, I'm not well versed in this area.

Our wool is produced by the Woolgatherer and is certified to Okeo-Tex 100 - II. The certification number is 16.HUS.92223. Again, you may check to ensure the certification is valid on the Oeko-Tex website.

WHAT IS THE GLOBAL ORGANIC LATEX STANDARD?

DOES SPINDLE USE GOLS CERTIFIED ORGANIC LATEX?

Yes. We only use GOLS certified organic latex in our mattresses. GOLS is the Global Organic Latex Standard, and it ensures that our latex is sourced sustainably and without harmful chemicals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT GOLS.

As the world becomes more and more conscious of the importance of sustainability, there is an increasing demand for products that are environmentally friendly. One such product is latex, which is derived from rubber trees. Latex is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of applications, from tires to balloons and our case mattresses. The problem with latex is that it can be produced in an unsustainable way, without regard for the environment. This is where the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) comes in.

Control Union, a leading international certification company, has played a pivotal role in the development of this new standard. Working closely with manufacturers and trade associations, Control Union has been able to slowly but surely build up the GOLS standard.

The standard is designed to ensure that latex products are made with organic materials and produced in a way that is safe for both workers, the environment, and the end user. The GOLS standard requires that latex products be made with at least 95% organic materials. The remaining 5% of materials can be either natural or synthetic but must be approved by the GOLS standard. All materials used in the production of latex products must be free of pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals. The production of latex products must also meet certain environmental standards. For example, factories must use energy-efficient production methods, and waste must be properly disposed of. The GOLS standard is voluntary, but many manufacturers of latex products have chosen to certify their products to the standard. The GOLS logo is a guarantee that a product has been certified to meet the highest standards for organic latex production.

TO BE CERTIFIED, LATEX PRODUCERS MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

Harvesting. Latex must be sourced from certified organic plantations. The plantations must be certified by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) in order to ensure that they have decreased the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. This is important for both the environment and the health of the people who will be using the latex products.
Chemical Content. All products must have a minimum of 95% certified organic latex, which is the highest possible. The use of polymer and fillers is restricted in latex foam production, ensuring that products are made with only high quality, natural ingredients.
Effect on the environment. GOLS certified products is also closely monitored. Latex foam must be processed and manufactured in GOLS-certified facilities. The certifying body inspects each step of the manufacturing process, from the sourcing of the latex foam to the disposal of waste. These measures decrease the risk of pollution and chemical residues in the environment, to ensure that the products are safe for both people and the planet.
Fair Labor conditions. The GOLS certification requires that working conditions are safe and that workers are paid a fair wage, in accordance with the guidelines of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Child labor is not tolerated. Furthermore, the GOLS certification does not condone any discrimination in the workplace on the basis of race, caste, or any other criteria.

BENEFITS OF GOLS

The benefits of the GOLS standard are twofold. First, it ensures that latex products are made with safe and sustainable materials. Second, it provides consumers with a way to identify products that have been certified to meet the highest standards for organic latex production.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

SELECTING THE RIGHT FIRMNESS

We know you found us because you’re interested in what Spindle has to offer! Organic Latex, no chemical flame retardants, no potentially harmful VOCS, great prices, customizable design. That said, we also know our mattress doesn’t work for everyone.

We get it. Latex provides a unique comfort and feel that isn’t right for everybody. In fact, there is no one perfect mattress for everyone. Everyone is different and all mattresses provide a unique feel.

If you’re curious about Spindle, or if you have questions or concerns, give us a call or send us an email.

We are happy to recommend other options, or work with you to better understand your latex mattress needs. We’ll be straight with you. At the end of the day, we want you happy and comfortable with the mattress you buy. Even if it isn’t Spindle.

WHY A SPINDLE MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Because we essentially make one mattress, our design isn't right for everyone. Unfortunately, there really isn't a one size fits all mattress. We’d rather give a good solution or recommendation that works rather than just sell someone a mattress and have them not like it and want to return the mattress. It leaves everyone frustrated and upset. We've made and sold a lot mattresses over the years and these experiences inform our recommendations.

Keep in mind that we are not prohibiting anyone from purchasing our mattress. It merely is a recommendation based on our experience with our materials and our industry experience. Let us give some background on our logic for helping people select the right mattress. Knowing this may help inform your decision. In the end, a Spindle may be a good fit.

When it comes to what works for someone, everybody has their own threshold as to what qualifies as comfortable. Some companies are quick to make big claims, e.g: "you'll sleep through the night"; "wake up pain free". We're pretty careful about not making claims that have no baseline, can't be substantiated or are really subjective in nature. We'd rather provide as much information as we can and let the consumer make up their own mind.

HEIGHT + WEIGHT

To start, nine-inches of latex may not provide enough support or comfort for people not only those with a BMI over 31, but also those with broad shoulder and/or hips or a BMI less than 19 and wanting a soft mattress that may give more pressure relief. Although, there is a chance it could work for them because everyone is different and trying out a similar "all" latex mattress is a good test. We’ve found 12 or 15-inches of latex would usually be more ideal especially since it can't tested before purchasing. Unfortunately, we are not making a mattress using 12" of latex or more at this time. In our experience, nine-inches of latex may not provide the correct level of comfort for certain people. When they sleep on their side where most peoples' weight is put on the shoulders and hips, they may "bottom out" in a nine-inch latex mattress. Meaning, it may not provide enough comfort and the underlying support (slats) may provide some of the feel therefore making the mattress feel hard and causing pressure on the body like the hips and shoulder.

In our experience, nine-inches of latex may not provide the correct level of comfort for certain people, but it isn't unequivocal. Therefore, we'd encourage people with a BMI less than 19 or over 31 to try locally a nine-inch latex mattress out before deciding if we are a good fit for you because latex provides a different level of support and comfort and nine-inches of latex may provide enough comfort because everyone is different. You may find something locally to learn more about it. Also, don't rule out buying from a local independent retailer. Take a look at the Mattress Underground to find local independent mattress companies in your area. Sometimes, when customers have specific needs, we encourage them to buy locally. You may have a better chance of finding something that's right: for you. Plus, you're likely to find better value and better quality than at the big box stores carrying Sealy, Serta, or Simmons. They may offer services you'll find valuable, such as white glove delivery and mattress removal.

If you find that you need a 12" mattress, there a lot of good companies out there. They usually use quality materials and from what we hear, they stand behind their product and have good service, but we aren't comfortable recommending a specific one since everyone's experiences are different.

TOO SOFT, TOO HARD OR NOT FIRM ENOUGH

We've found for those folks that want something really soft, latex isn't always the best fit. Latex is a very resilient, buoyant, and highly flexible material. What some may say is an uplifting experience. Others may equate to feeling too firm. We've found people want that soft pillowtop feel may not find our mattress soft enough. On the other side, latex may not be firm/supportive enough as innerspring because of the natural flexibility of latex.

OTHER VARIABLES

We have other variables that make our mattress not a good option for people. Based on our experience, we've found that those who struggle to find any mattress comfortable find our mattress uncomfortable, too.

Also, we've found that those who have a chronic pain problem or back issues like a herniated disc, fused discs, fibromyalgia, sciatica, joint problems, etc., may have a difficult time buying online. What happens is it may take trying out five to ten or more mattresses before finding a solution to help alleviate the pain. And, there is no proven method to select the “right” mattress. This is why we recommend visiting a local manufacturer where you can test out the materials before purchasing and sometimes get it customized to your specific needs. By visiting a local store, you may learn which materials you like and dislike. Some people learn that they don't like the feel, support, and/or comfort of a memory foam mattress and/or an "all" latex mattress. The more difficult part is getting the right comfort because the true test is sleeping on the mattress for a few weeks. This is where a small manufacturer can be helpful in fixing some issues after the sale. Since they are close by, they may be able to help diagnose the problem easier than trying to find a solution over the phone or email. Being able to visit them is a huge advantage. Plus, they have a full arsenal of materials to choose from. In some cases, the right combination of latex and springs can be ideal for some people. Everyone is different. What may be the perfect mattress for me may give another person a backache.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FINDING THE "RIGHT" MATTRESS?

We don’t feel comfortable recommending a specific brand or style mattress. If you let us know your zip code, we may be able to find a quality local retailer or manufacturer. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee it because in some parts of the country it doesn’t exist, but we’ll try my best to help. Also, themattressunderground.com is a great resource for finding a local manufacturer that may be able to assist you.

Feel free to ask more questions or give us a call to clarify anything. We are always happy to help. And, please feel to give us a call Monday - Friday 9AM-4:00PM EST.

ILD + DENSITY

As you may know, we use two densities of latex in our mattresses: Medium and Firm. Please note that there isn't an ILD for the mattress, but an ILD for each individual layer of latex.

Latex Firmness	ILD	Density [kg/m3]	Density [lbs/ft3]
Soft	20 - 23	65	4.06
Medium	26 - 29	75	4.68
Firm	34 - 37	85	5.31

Many people try to use Indentation Load Deflection, commonly known as ILD, as a metric when trying to decide which mattress to buy. We are happy to share our ILD data with you, but we also caution you not to base your decision on that number alone. This is one of the reasons why we prefer to not publicly display the ILD as a marketing tool — because you need a decoder ring and a flashlight, and without it you may select the wrong firmness.

We'd caution against using ILD alone to make a direct comparison especially with something as subjective as comfort. Like going to buy a pair of sneakers, a size 12 in a Nike isn't the same in New Balance or any other company. In fact, we made a video about the differences of ILD.

There a lot of other factors beyond ILD that affect the feel like thickness of the latex, density, pinhole diameter, etc. and there are other factors beyond the latex alone that affect the feel of the mattress like the type of fabric, quilt pattern, tightness/looseness of the cover, etc. We could two design a mattress using identical latex and make one feel a lot firmer just by changing the cover.

Keep in mind that firmness is totally subjective. One person's firm and can be another one's soft. For example, we did a focus group and put ten people in a room to test out the medium, five may said it is medium, two said it is soft, two said firm, and one thought it is extra firm. It depends on the person's past experiences, height, weight, and sleep position. This is where in store testing may be helpful because it helps us come to closer idea of what is soft, medium, and firm, but it isn't foolproof.

We know it would be easier if there was one unified number, but feel is ultimately subjective and based on more than a single input test like ILD.

WILL A NATURAL LATEX MATTRESS SAG?

To start, if the materials are never moved, the fatigue on the latex is non-linear -- meaning the layers will fatigue, but not at the same rate with the top layer wearing the most. Therefore, proper maintenance will give your mattress a chance to wear evenly. We recommend doing something to the mattress every three to nine months. First, spin your mattress 180° head to foot. In the next three to nine months, we recommend you take your mattress apart and rebuild it. This allows your mattress to wear more evenly and can potentially extend the life of your mattress. It is best to swap like layers with like layers. For example, our Medium mattress would have two layers of medium density. Switch the middle layer to the top and the top layer to the middle. You may want to flip over your top medium layer, too. Insider tip. King mattresses usually will develop a ridge in the middle of the mattress because no one sleeps there. Unfortunately, a king isn’t a perfect square. If you rotate it 90°, there will be an overhang of 2” on either side, even if you do this for a few weeks during the rotation and rearranging layers maintenance, it will help lessen the ridge long term.

Keep in mind that latex, like all foams, will soften or compress -- feel free to check out our video about this was well. With the exception of love and diamonds, nothing last forever. No material can maintain its shape even concrete will fatigue over time. Over a ten year period latex is estimated to soften 15-20%; memory foam about 30%; and mass market polyurethane about 60%. The softening is front-loaded, meaning it often occurs more rapidly during the first 5 years. Foam will react to heat, moisture [sweat], and pressure. The human body is the perfect trifecta and we are all built differently. Someone with a higher body mass -- like myself -- will have a greater impact than someone smaller. Often, what feels like a ridge or valley is the latex being softer in that particular area. Some people notice it more than others and there are too many variables to accurately predict how the materials will perform. One benefit of the design we use makes it very easy to make any corrections when they're needed. Also, here are things to do to help reduce this like flipping and rotating the layers inside of the mattress and using a mattress protector. Plus, you may be able to replace one layer and extend the life of the mattress rather than purchasing a new mattress.

Keep in mind that when it comes to our cover, the wool will compress quickly – probably about ½” – where you sleep. This is considered normal usage or wear. Rest assured this will not affect the performance or comfort of the mattress, but you’ll likely be able to see where you slept. Even with a new cover, there is a very high likelihood that we would not resolve the issue with any discomfort.

There is a perception that latex gets harder over time and it is related to softening in the material. While softening isn't visible -- like compression -- it will affect the "feel". This may lead to "bottoming out" in the mattress. Meaning, it may not provide enough comfort and the underlying support (slats/frame) may provide some of the feel therefore making the mattress feel hard and causing pressure on the body like the hips and shoulder. Some people may view this as the mattress getting harder over time.

Spindle mattresses are warranted for 10 years from the date of receipt. Typically, this warranty covers compression in the latex greater than 3/4″ in the latex only [not the cover]. Keep in mind that no matter how durable the materials, all mattresses will soften. After all, we spend almost a third of our lives in bed. Normal softening is not covered under the warranty. Where you sleep, it is expected you’ll notice a 15-20% softening within 10 years.

No matter what type of mattress you buy, over time you will be able to see where you sleep. A proper bed frame, foundation, mattress protector, and regular maintenance and care can help extend the life, but nothing will completely stop the mattress from softening or sagging.

How long will my mattress last? The real answer is…it depends. All mattresses of all types soften and sag over time. For some, these changes don’t affect the feel of the mattress, while for others it makes the mattress uncomfortable. We’ve seen some people happily keep their mattress for 20 years, whereas others can have the same mattress last only five. On average, you should expect 8-10 years out of your Spindle; anything after that is a bonus.

When people mention sag or compression in a latex mattress, we've found that a lot of the time that it is related to the underlying support. The weight and flexibility of latex requires a more sturdy and non-flexible base to support an "all" latex mattress like ours. If the mattress isn't supported properly, the mattress then needs to make up for the missing strength; and that translates into a softer, less supportive, or sinking feeling.

With the supporting system, it is not totally about the amount of weight that it can support, but more about the flex and give. If you and I were to try and lift a traditional mattress, it would maintain its shape and stay relatively flat. With a latex mattress, it would droop in middle. This is why a strong, non-flexing support is so important because a latex mattress isn't self supporting. Therefore, latex needs a different type of support than a conventional mattress. Unlike springs and other materials, when you exert force onto the latex, it transfers most of it to the supporting slats. Overtime, softer, thinner, more flexible supports, will deform causing the mattress to sag.

For example, this frameavailable on Amazon can support around 1,000 pounds, but isn't compatible with our mattress. In our experience, they don't hold up. The wire and steel braces aren't supportive enough. The problem is these are designed for innerspring mattresses which have a lot of support and rigidity. Plus, they have a built in shock absorber where as latex does not. So, when you exert force onto the latex, it is transferred to the support below and in the case of the metal foundations, the wire grid bends and deforms causing the mattress to sag.

We have some minimum requirements that should be met to get the most out of your latex mattress. For a foundation, the slats should be made of real wood, be 3/4” thick and spaced no more than three inches (3”) apart. Additionally, there should be a support under the slats in the middle of the foundation running from head to foot with at least three legs touching the floor. Please do not use particle board or plywood without adding a moisture barrier between the mattress and plywood/particle board. Without proper ventilation, you run the risk of accumulating moisture, which in turn can lead to mold or mildew. If you went this route, the particle board or plywood should be at least 3/4" thick for proper support along with the moisture barrier.

If the mattress aren’t supported properly, the frame and/or foundation then tries to compensate for the missing strength and that produces a softer, less supportive or sinking mattress. A common test to prove or disprove if the support is affecting the feel is placing the mattress temporarily on the floor. We realize that it isn't probably practical since most of us don't have the space to pull this off.

Please note that this isn't a gimmick to get someone to buy our foundation and increase sales. We even encourage people to purchase from other places and happy to give some recommendations if you are interested. We just want to make sure that the mattress will perform as expected.

In fact, if the mattress and foundation aren't supported properly, the mattress can appear like it is sagging. We've seen full and queen size bed frames missing the proper center support causing the mattress to sag.

WHY DOES SPINDLE USE DUNLOP AND NOT TALALAY?

As you may know, we use Dunlop exclusively. I'll do my best to give you our perspective on why. Simply put it is a business decision and not related to COGS (cost of goods sold). We really like our manufacturer of latex.

We want to keep things simple. We feel offering more options in latex opens up Pandora's box. Why don't we offer six inch blocks versus three inch layers? What about blended Talalay because it is softer than what is referred to as 100% natural? Why not glue the layers together? What about a twelve inch thick mattress? Why not pocket springs for a firmer support? Pretty soon it is like "If you give a mouse a cookie." We could go crazy on variations and iterations of design and material offerings.

The difference between Talalay and Dunlop isn't a matter between right and wrong. It is a matter of personal preference. There are just as many people who want Dunlop as want Talalay. It depends of your worldview and things that they've read about as well as testing out the materials. So, there is no right answer. With any latex, it comes down to comfort. Everyone is different.

As for the differences between Talalay and Dunlop, both start off with the same base materials, about 95% latex + 5% processing materials. The manufacturing methods are different. Dunlop is baked. Talalay is vacuum sealed, frozen and then baked. This changes the feel of the finished foam product. Effects on durability and performance are negligible.

Dunlop is more staid; Talalay more wobbly/bouncy.
Dunlop is denser; Talalay is springier, though not necessarily softer.

In blind tests, most people have a hard time feeling a difference, and they find it difficult to describe the difference until they're given more information about the materials. A good analogy is Coke vs. Pepsi. They are both brown colas and if you don't drink it a lot, you may say both taste the same. Where a Coke enthusiast would be able to taste the difference.

Another analogy is a glass of Pinot Noir vs. Sangiovese. They are both good and enjoyed by most folks who will notice a difference but will have a hard time describing the difference. An expert connoisseur may be able to tell you what hectare of dirt the grape came from. All bets are off once the Pinot is mixed with Syrah for an elegant Meritage or the Sangiovese mixed with Cabernet for a world class Chianti. Most of us get glassy-eyed at detailed talk of youthful aromas, chalky tannins and fruit carried through on the palate. A glass of red wine can be really enjoyable whether or not we know what’s inside. Trying to get up to speed on something – like mattresses or wine – can be overwhelming and confusing.

At Spindle, we ran focus groups with Talalay and Dunlop that we use. The people who participated in those tests preferred the Dunlop. But those were just the people we got who participated that day. The "difference" is subjective and there are plenty of people who swear by Talalay and won't sleep on anything else.

We're agnostic about the two methods and think they are both fine products. Our mattresses are made with what's referred to as "100%" organic latex foam. It does not contain synthetic latex, fillers, polyurethane or other petroleum based products. Our foam is produced using a Dunlop process in Sri Lanka. On a springiness scale of 1 to 10, where molded Dunlop feels solid and Talalay is springier, our latex is an in-betweener around a 4. Not as reserved as Dunlop and far from being as lively/jello-like as Talalay. In the end, it is a matter of personal preference rather than a choice between right and wrong.

FLAME RETARDANTS & COMPLIANCE

While it isn't something that we offer, if you are concerned with chemicals and flame retardants and don't want wool or other materials, there are some options. With a doctor's prescription, you can purchase a mattress without wool or other flame retardants. If you haven't heard of it, www.themattressunderground.com is a decent resource for finding manufacturers who would be able to build a mattress to spec with a doctor's note.

WILL THE LATEX LAYERS SHIFT?

Some latex mattress sellers that offer glued latex layers with VOC free glue claim that manufacturers that don't glue their layers -- like Spindle -- have issues wtih the layers shifting inside of the cover.

We can't take responsibility for naysayers. Every story has at least 2 sides. There are plenty of customers who approach Spindle because they prefer to avoid glue. We don't know if there's any danger in the glue most latex mattress manufacturers in this class would use. It is water based made of latex and comes with certification that it's "safe". But that's not why we don't use glue.

Spindle was founded to build great natural latex mattresses and sell them at affordable prices. The design we use -- 3 individual layers -- helps us meet that goal. The logistics of shipping a fully constructed 10" latex mattress would impact our shipping costs and through our pricing model out of wack. Moreover, our King mattress weighs approximately 180lbs. The vast majority of our customers would find that very hard to handle.

With the friction between the layers of latex and the cover binding them together, we see little shifting. You'll find a video demonstration on our website that discusses this very matter. Please note that the shifting and bunching can happen to any mattress glued or non-glued to memory foam or innerspring to sewn shut. It depends on how the materials are constructed and attached together. In the end, ours tends not to shift significantly and not cause issues for most people. Sometimes, people may unzip the cover and reposition the materials inside of the mattress. For some this can be an advantage compared to a sewn shut mattress where you can't do anything if the materials shift and bunch.

We will never say never. Everyone is different and sensitivity is subjective. The mattress cover fits appropriately but not taught. What you use for sheets and a mattress protector may mitigate or increase the risk of bunching or shifting. As with all things, it depends and the answer isn't black and white. The shifting usually isn't an issue, but everyone has varying experiences on any mattress. We don't have any records of a complaint, but it doesn't mean that it could happen in the future.

SPLIT FIRMNESS

Looking for a mattress with two firmnesses in one mattress? You might be wondering if Spindle offers a split firmness mattress. The answer is yes – but only in king size.

Spindle now offers a split firmness mattress, so you can each have your own level of firmness on your side of the bed. Our 10" Organic Latex Mattress is made with three layers of latex, but we can split the firmness so that you have two different levels of firmness on each side of the mattress. This is perfect for couples who have different preferences, or for anyone who wants the flexibility to change the firmness level down the road.

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Keep in mind that a split firmness mattress is not right for everyone. If you’re not sure whether this type of mattress is right for you, be sure to consult with Spindle before making your purchase.

ANY ISSUES WITH SPLITTING THE LAYERS?

When you purchase a mattress with different firmness levels on each side, you may notice a slight change in feel in the middle of the mattress. Some people report feeling a ridge or dip, while others say they feel as if they are sinking down or rolling into the middle of the mattress. This has not been an issue for the vast majority of customers who sleep on a king-sized mattress with a split firmness, but it is something to be aware of. Additionally, there is potential for minor height variance between each side of the mattress because of the natural tolerance, or acceptable plus or minus, in latex. So, one side of the mattress could be a 1/4" short and the other side a 1/4" tall, leading to a 1/2" difference between each side. Again, this has not been a problem for most people, but it is something to be aware of.

The cover of your mattress is important for keeping all the layers in place, but you may need to unzip it and reposition the layers of latex from time to time if you feel a dip in the middle. This isn't a common occurrence, but something to be aware of.

While these are not typical issues that people experience, we want to give you the option, and the ability to make a well-informed decision without the hype.

WHAT ABOUT ADJUSTABLE BEDS?

We know what you're thinking, why not just get a king size mattress? Well, the answer is not that simple. If you get a king, the mattress will move in unison. If you have two people who want different settings on the adjustable bed, then a king simply won't work. You'll be constantly adjusting to accommodate the other person, and it'll just be a pain. With two twin extra longs, each person can have their own preferences. One person can sit up and read while the other can fall asleep in a zero-gravity position so each person can adjust the bed to their own liking. No more fighting over who gets to control the remote! So, if you and your partner are looking for an adjustable bed, we recommend getting two twin XLs instead of a split king. It'll save you a lot of headaches in the long run. This way, each person can adjust the bed to their liking without affecting the other person.

Please note that two twin extra-long mattresses equal a king size mattress.

WHAT ABOUT QUEEN SIZE?

We personally don't recommend splitting a queen-size mattress, as most people who sleep on a queen-size or smaller mattress share the middle. This can be uncomfortable for most people, as each sleeper is confined to a smaller sleep area. With a split queen, you only have 30" of space to yourself. This is 8" narrower than a twin. Most people wouldn't be comfortable sleeping on something so narrow.

LATEX IMPERFECTIONS

We ask that with a Spindle you become the mattress maker and experience first hand how the mattress is made. Latex foam is nearly always enclosed inside of a cover and is not produced to be seen or to look pretty. Our years of experience have taught us that these are not manufacturing defects and we are certain you may use the materials you have with no ill effects. These imperfections are internal and cosmetic and do not affect the performance or durability.

Throughout our marketing materials, like the assembly video starting at 2m 16s, we do try to highlight these inherent imperfections. But, we realize that this may be overlooked during the buying process. And, it can be quite a shock to learn about these after.

If you own a Spindle and are concerned, please email us photos. We'll review them and determine if it will affect the durability or performance of your mattress. The materials usually fall within our quality control parameters. It is usually a blemish from the manufacturing process. It may be caused by:

a hot spot on the molding plate, when the latex is being removed from the mold, an air pocket that got caught during pouring process, etc.
heat of the pins causing discoloration or burn marks

You will see this on nearly every piece of latex we ship. Latex without any marks is the rare exception.

Keep in mind that you're working with materials that are really not designed to be "pretty". Cosmetics are of little concern with these out of sight out of mind materials. It's totally understandable that you're asking questions about the latex. It's a new experience and of course you want to be sure there are no defects with the goods.

DOES SPINDLE MAKE CUSTOM SIZE MATTRESSES?

With regrets, we are not making custom mattresses (3/4, antique bed, European sizes, RV, boat, etc.) at this time. We're micro-focused on our 10" all-latex Twin, TXL, Full, Queen, and King. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience.

If you haven't already done so, we recommend checking out themattressunderground.com. It's a great resource for all things mattress and chances are you'll find helpful pointers there.

PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES OR ASTHMA

It is tough to say if our mattress will be a good solution for people suffering from Allergies or Asthma.

Everybody has their own threshold as to what qualifies as hypoallergenic. Some companies are quick to put "100%" in front of any of those and many other statements, e.g: "you'll sleep through the night"; "allergy free". We're pretty careful about not making claims that have no baseline, can't be substantiated. Allergies are complex in their own right and as a laymen we are not qualified to even begin to address them.

How a mattress or material affects people varies widely. One person can walk into our warehouse full of natural latex and not notice anything out of the ordinary. Another person look at a latex or wool pillow and go into anaphylactic shock [okay, maybe a bit exaggerated, but you get the point].

Natural latex foam made by all production methods is breathable, described as hypoallergenic [even though there's no baseline for that term], and it is only potentially dust mite resistant. Since latex is only resistant, dust mites can still be a problem. Plus, we still have to deal with the cover for the mattress plus the sheets. Therefore, getting a latex mattress probably won't eliminate/solve the problem.

The NIH has some good strategies that go beyond the mattress. In fact, these may be more effective than getting a "hypo allergic" mattress.

Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain relative humidity at about 50% or below.
Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers (available from specialty supply mail order companies, bedding and some department stores).
Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water (at least 130 - 140°F) to kill dust mites. Non-washable bedding can be frozen overnight to kill dust mites.
Replace wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials and traditional stuffed animals with washable ones.
If possible, replace wall-to-wall carpets in bedrooms with bare floors (linoleum, tile or wood) and remove fabric curtains and upholstered furniture.
Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Never use a dry cloth since this just stirs up mite allergens .
Use a vacuum cleaner with either a double-layered microfilter bag or a HEPA filter to trap allergens that pass through a vacuum's exhaust.
Wear a mask while vacuuming to avoid inhaling allergens, and stay out of the vacuumed area for 20 minutes to allow any dust and allergens to settle after vacuuming.

SAMPLE KITS

We do not provide sample kits. The main reason is a small hand sample is not representative of a large piece or the variation between batches. A small hand sample isn't helpful in determining how our mattress will feel. And, for testing smell and appearance, a test kit is not the best solution as there is variation from batch to batch. We could send you a very fresh piece and it may not have a scent that bothers you, but the next batch could vary slightly and be found offensive. For people concerned about latex allergies, we usually recommend this as a good, affordable latex pillow. It comes only in one height and firmness, but is a great value at $50. But, if you are highly sensitive to smell, I'm unsure if a pillow would provide an adequate test. There can be a lot of variation in smell from one batch to the next. Plus, the wool and cotton have an aroma as well. So, you'll only be testing one variable.

PROPER SUPPORT FOR OUR MATTRESS

We can't overemphasize the importance of giving your Spindle proper support. Spoiler alert: we're obsessed with the topic. An all-latex mattress like Spindle needs more support than many beds can provide. What's under your mattress will affect how you sleep. Without proper support the bed will sink and soften and not perform as designed. A box spring can do damage to your mattress.

There are a few approaches we recommend: Platform beds, foundations and motorized adjustable beds can all be good options, but they must meet our minimum requirements. Do not assume that what you have is compatible with your new mattress. As strong as it seems it may not be.

An all-latex mattress like ours is significantly heavier and more active than most other mattresses. Pairing this frame with your Spindle will void the warranty and comfort adjustment terms.

Foundation
If you have a bed designed for a box-spring you'll need to use a foundation. It looks like a box spring from the outside but is solid, framed with structural wood and uses slats to support the bed.

Ours is 8" tall. Ironwood Frame in Phoenix, AZ makes a low profile version. The specs for a foundation are basically the same as for a slatted platform bed:

Slats of solid wood, no less than 3/4” thick 1x3 lumber works great -- Oak, Fir, Birch, Tulip, Poplar, etc...doesn't matter -- just NOT ply- or fabricated wood
Slats spaced no more than 3” apart. Skimping can damage your Spindle
Center support[s] under slats with legs to the floor
Plywood is not recommended. It may flex; also can lead to mold/mildew

Many slat kits are made with a 3/8" fabricated ply-type wood and will not give you enough support resulting in an unsupportive mattress. Spacing of the slats is also important as is center support to the floor.

Traditional bed frame

A foundation can be used instead of a box spring with a regular/traditional bed frame. There are times when the bed frame you already have may need some additional support. Please see our tips and tricks for reinforcing your existing bed frame.

Adjustable Frames
Our mattress and foundation (what can be referred to as a platform or box spring without springs) are compatible with most adjustable metal bed frames (aka Harvard or Hollywood) with some caveats. If the foundation and mattress aren’t supported properly, the foundation and frame then tries to compensate for the missing strength and that produces a softer, less supportive or sinking mattress.

For the metal frame, it should have two cross braces running side to side and a center support with two legs touching the floor.

Metal Bed Frame with Center Support

The other compatible option in metal frames is three cross braces and each needs to have a center leg touching the floor. Keep in mind you sometimes get what you pay for so in this case for proper support, always opt for the heavy duty options.

Platform Beds and Slats
Many customers pair their new mattress with a slatted platform bed. That's a great solution as long as the following guidelines are followed:

Slats of solid wood, no less than 3/4” thick 1x3 lumber works great -- Oak, Fir, Birch, Tulip, Poplar, etc...doesn't matter -- just NOT ply- or fabricated wood
Slats spaced no more than 3” apart. Skimping can damage your Spindle
Center support[s] under slats with legs to the floor
Plywood is not recommended. It may flex; also can lead to mold/mildew

Adjustable Beds
Motorized adjustable beds are another popular option and, again, they come in different grades. In this category you typically get what you pay for. Avoid value options that are not much more than a motorized folding cot. They will not provide the kind of stability you need. You can expect to pay upward of $1,500 to $2,000 for a Queen; $2,500 and up for a King.

Adjustable platforms from Leggett & Platt can be a good option. Look for :

Solid platform — [i.e.:NOT wire or mesh]
Motor with lift capacity +/- 850 lbs. [exceeding mattress weight + sleepers]

Recommended Platform Beds if you are looking...

We very much appreciate fine workmanship in beds. Customers have shared their resources and we've identified a few of our own. We've listed them below with a couple of common sense caveats.

We are not affiliated with any of the manufacturers below. While we cannot endorse them, the products do seem to be well built and compatible with an all latex mattress like ours.
We encourage you to work closely with the bed maker. You may need to order custom modifications from their typical stock units. e.g.: One New England company's beds have slats running head to toe, supported by a steel beam spanning side to side and sometimes no support to floor. They've been known to modify their standard designs for customers who are "very clear" as to how they want their bed constructed.

Here are some ideas to get you going:

Nomad Furniture very basic; Albuquerque, NM
Pompanoosuc Mills showrooms in New England
Scott Jordan in NYC
Thomas Mosermostly East Coast distribution

Always check with bed manufacturers to be sure bed has sufficient slats AND legs supporting the center [head to toe] of the bed. Many will do this for a reasonable additional charge.

Another option in the platform bed category is to use a foundation with legs. Ironwood Bed Frames, has a design where the legs are an integral part of the foundation. When they are removed the foundation can be used in a bed designed for a "box", and that may come in handy later down the road. It is not positioned as an heirloom piece of furniture but it is well constructed and reports from customers are favorable. It may serve a stop-gap purpose if you're overwhelmed by so many other choices.

Please avoid
We've seen an influx of frames like this under different brand names including Zinus, Classic Brands and others. The price point is attractive. Amazon is selling one under their own Basics brand. We've tested this platform and its wire frame does not have enough support for your Spindle. The wire grid will sag; the struts and connecting hardware stabilizing the platform may fail prematurely; the legs can splay. [they did on our test platform with the mattress and sleeper]. Product descriptions like Extra Strong, Sturdy, Heavy Duty, Rigid, Hercules, Up to 2000 lbs, and more suggest these frames are compatible with anything you can throw at it. We know your Spindle will not perform as expected on this style frame.

DOES LATEX SLEEP WARM?

The topic is pretty complex because there are a lot of factors that can affect one's sleep.

Does natural latex sleep hot?We get this question a lot. We like to tell people, "it's not the mattress that's hot. It's us". Our bodies radiate heat and it's trapped by the materials in our bed. A latex mattress is theoretically cooler than memory foam, but you're still sleeping on 9" of foam. When people report that they are hot sleepers -- as opposed to just being too warm in bed -- we suggest an innerspring mattress may be better. In those instances no mattress will help. The person will be hot regardless of the mattress. The conundrum is you're not sure if it's you or the mattress. It can be both and.

Keep in mind that latex will sleep cooler than memory foam, but it won't be as cool as an innerspring with minimal padding. There is more empty space in an innerspring thus more ventilation and a somewhat cooler sleep. Although an innerspring with a lot of foam over the spring unit can sleep just as hot as a latex or memory foam mattress.

As for sleeping warm, the more one sinks into the mattress, the higher chance they have of being warmer. This is what can make memory foam sleep "hot". It's experienced less often with a very firm latex mattress that's buoyant, keeping the sleeper on top of the mattress. Basically, the softer the mattress, the warmer it will sleep because you are more enveloped in the materials.

Keep in mind that the top of bed is an often overlooked part of the equation as to why people sleep hot in bed. There are a few factors contributing to warmth beyond the mattress. For example, the duvet or comforter can be contributing to sleeping hot. You have layers of fabric and fibers in the duvet cover that can help retain body heat. Another way to think of it is in colder weather, we put layers on to keep warm. An ultra lightweight comforter works best. In my experience, a duvet is a major contributor to making a mattress sleep warm. Anecdotally, in my guest bedroom I have a Spindle with a duvet comforter, and it sleeps significantly warmer than the Spindle mattress in my room which is a thin quilted cotton comforter. The duvet traps the heat and I wake up sweating, but in my room I don't experience this at all.

There are a lot of factors that go into why a mattress sleeps warm. On an identical mattress with the same sheets, blanket, etc, two people can have two totally different experiences where one says it sleeps hot and another says it sleeps cold. Some people just sleep hot all the time, whereas others are always cold and need a heating blanket. Everyone is different and unfortunately there isn't a simple yes or no answer.

It's estimated one's mattress accounts for about 40% of our sleep experience. Temperature in bed can also be affected by

sheets -- textiles such as tencel, microfiber, linen, outlast, cool max and others are being used to help wick moisture away from the body and to dissipate heat...some brand names include: Sheex, Sleep Philosophy, and others. This article from the Spruce and this one from NY Magazine may also help.
blankets + duvets -- using a duvet will trap body heat more effectively than only a blanket. changing up what's on top of your mattress can help
pajamas -- hi-tech materials from athletics and hiking such as cool-core, dri-fit, nylon/lycra micro-mesh, are all great at wicking moisture [we all sweat at night]. They can be also be very effective in helping to dissipate heat.
insufficient hydration; alcohol intake; sleep hygiene; dreams; humidity in the room; ambient temperature and more.

It's not just about the mattress. Sometimes a few simple adjustments, or a combination of a variety of changes, can make a big difference.

There are a lot of factors beyond the mattress, however, that contribute to bedtime temperatures. These may include: ambient room temperature, humidity within the room; bedding; pajamas; diet, alcohol, hydration; bed partners; sleep hygiene; and much much more.

Addressing some of these will make some improvements, but won't totally eliminate the issue. Mattress related factors we recommend:

Mattress protector. Today's modern waterproof protectors are a great choice for most people but they are less breathable than say a washable wool mattress protector. For those who experience excessive sweating, other options may need to be explored. We have some wool pads listed on our website, which we try to keep current.

The best solution we've seen is the ChiliPad. Just as you might use a heating pad to pre-warm your bed, a ChiliPad uses flowing water to keep your sleeping surface cool. These are not cheap in any meaning of the word, and it could be a good investment.

Sheets and bedding made with a phase-change material like Outlast can also keep you cooler. Unfortunately, we're not sufficiently experienced with these products to give you a worthwhile recommendation.

Duvets or lofty down comforters will also trap in body heat. An ultra lightweight comforter works best. Transitioning from cotton pajamas to heat/moisture wicking clothing can also make a big difference.

There is no science to this and the list above is far from exhaustive. Most people use a combination of approaches that make most sense to them. We're all very different and the solutions we develop are likewise just as unique.

CAN I WASH MY SPINDLE COVER?

No.

We know it seems counter intuitive, but the top of your mattress [or the rest of it for that matter] cannot be washed or dry cleaned. We strongly advise all of our customers to use a mattress cover or pad to protect their Spindle just as they would any other mattress.

Our design, does however, provide the opportunity to refresh the cover. Unzip the top of the mattress and hang it outside in the sun and let the UV rays and fresh air do their thing. If the mattress does get soiled you may be able to gently spot clean the stain. In a small container or an empty salt-shaker, combine half a cup of baking soda with 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and sprinkle the mixture over the mattress cover. Wait a few hours and then shake the top outside or vacuum up the baking soda with a hand vacuum or upholstery attachment, being careful not to tear the cover.

You can try to spot clean it with a little bit of water and vinegar. Just dab the spot. Be careful to not saturate the cover; this risks damaging the wool. If the cover does get wet, gently blot the area dry with a clean towel. Then cover the wet area with salt (yes, salt, who knew?) and leave for 4-6 hours. Then shake outside or vacuum as above.

In case the mattress or latex becomes unusable, we sell replacement parts to Spindle owners for 30% off street price. If you ever want to replace the cover, you may, but the entire cover must be replaced. The zipper for the border/side panel is mated to the zipper for the top quilting. The covers are sewn by hand on a sewing machine so the top zipper will not usually mate to the lower part. Plus, the stretch and elasticity of these soft goods make it difficult to make universal parts. We are incredibly sorry for the hassle.

WILL THE MATTRESS SMELL?

The question -- will our mattress work for someone with sensitivities to smell/aromas -- is one without a simple answer. It is more nuanced. There are people suffering from multiple chemical sensitivies who do well on a latex mattress and don't have any problems where as there are others can't get anywhere near it. Everyone is different. We can't in good faith recommend a product where potentially 30% of the people may have a problem with it.

Peoples' sensitivities to smell are complex in their own right and as a layman I'm not qualified to even begin to address them. While many people consider latex to have a "neutral" aroma, others are affected differently by what they smell. The challenge is smell can be very subjective depending on your sensitivities.

We have no set point for the “scent” of latex, wool, or cotton, as everyone’s sense of smell is different. Some people open their mattress and don’t notice a smell, or if there is one, it doesn’t bother them. Others are more sensitive to smells and find it takes more time for the smell of latex to dissipate.

Sometimes, odor and off-gassing get mixed together. To clarify, odor is something that we can't get away from it. Nearly everything smells like something, unless of course it's odorless like certain gasses. How it affects people is totally subjective. One person can walk into our warehouse full of natural latex and not notice anything out of the ordinary. Another person will lay their head on a latex pillow and reach for the oxygen tank [okay, maybe a bit exaggerated, but you get the point].

Everyone's olfactory glands are different, so it depends on how sensitive you are to odors that will affect your experience. Here's an article from Good Magazine that [profiles the talents of one super smeller]. We've sometimes heard that an odor is noticed when the mattress is new to one's home, but that it's not noticeable after a couple of days. Others claim they've smelled it for weeks...or that they still smell it for months. One out of a thousand will say the smell on a latex mattress never goes away. This is regardless of the manufacturer or process and relates more to one’s sensitivity to smells.

The most common complaint for us is related to the smell of the wool. This time of year with high humidity and heat can exacerbate the aromas associated with the wool. In this case, the best thing to do is unzip the cover, remove the top quilting to expose the latex, and place the top cover in a well ventilated area. If possible, aim a fan right at the mattress and another at the top cover. The more air circulation you can get going, the better. This would help ameliorate the smell.

Our wool is minimally processed. It is sheared and sent to a scouring train, which is five bowls of hot water with a mild detergent in the first bowl. We do minimal processing to make sure that the wool maintains it flame resistant properties. Also, the lanolin contained inside of the wool which can contribute to the aromas is an important part of the flame proofing. So, we can't strip out the lanolin to reduce the aroma. Wool can also smell stronger initially in more humid environments and it's a fairly common experience with wool that has had less processing. Either way it's certainly not harmful and should hopefully diminish over time to levels that most people won't notice.

A lot of wool producers add a masking agent like febreeze to chemically treat it to eliminate the odor. Unfortunately, one of the challenges of using a natural product is the aromas associated with it can't be easily minimized. There are a few options to reduce it.
- Direct sunlight for 8 - 16 hours is a great option, but I realize that this isn't always practical.
- There is a good natural deodorizer called Mrs Meyers Room Freshener. The cover can be very lightly sprayed with it in the morning and don’t put the sheets back on until the late evening so that it has time to dry. Do not saturate the cover.
- Remove sheets and mattress protector. During the day for a few days or a week. Put a few fans blowing air onto the cover.

Unfortunately, we do not provide sample kits. The main reason is a small hand sample is not representative of a large piece or the variation between batches. A small hand sample isn't helpful in determining how our mattress will feel. And, for testing smell and appearance, a test kit is not the best solution as there is variation from batch to batch. We could send you a very fresh piece and it may not have a scent that bothers you, but the next batch could vary slightly and be found offensive. For people concerned about latex allergies, we usually recommend this as a good, affordable latex pillow. It comes only in one height and firmness, but is a great value at $50. But, if you are highly sensitive to smell, I'm unsure if a pillow would provide an adequate test. There can be a lot of variation in smell from one batch to the next. Plus, the wool and cotton have an aroma as well. So, you'll only be testing one variable.

For someone who is chemically sensitive, we would highly discourage buying a mattress online. For those suffering from this, there is a broad spectrum. Some have such a highly accentuated sense of smell that even the aromas of natural materials can have a negative impact on them. So, it all depends on where someone is on the spectrum. For those with heightened sensitivities, we'd recommend visiting a local manufacturer where you test out the exact materials going into your bed. The challenge with any latex regardless of process is scent can vary from batch to batch. The same is true for the wool and cotton. There is a natural variation in materials. In fact, someone contacted us yesterday saying the bought two pieces of 100% natural latex at different times from the a different company than us and one smelled and the other didn't. And, the latex was identical and from the same source. Going to show, there is natural variation beyond our control that can lead to problems for people.

MATTRESS SIZES

DIMENSIONS

Twin: 38" x 74.5"

Twin XL: 38" x 79.5"

Full: 53" x 74.5"

Queen: 60" x 79.5"

King: 76" x 79.5"

WHY IS SPINDLE'S FULL SIZE MATTRESS 53" WIDE?

I've seen 54" elsewhere. Our sizes follow the guidelines produced by ISPA, International Sleep Products Association, which Sealy, Serta, Simmons, and Tempurpedic follow. So, at least 80% of all mattresses are produced to this size. Typically, the problems arise from the bed manufacturers not following these guidelines, but it is not a common occurrence. More likely, the size is reported incorrectly by the retailer or reseller.

WHY ARE SPINDLE'S MATTRESSES A 1/2" SHORT IN THE LENGTH?

Unfortunately, there is a lot of incorrect information out there giving wrong dimensions and conflicting information. For example, Mattress Firm, the largest mattress retailer in the US, lists a Serta mattress at 60" x 80", but Serta itself lists it as 60" x79.5".

HELPFUL TIP

Keep in mind that usually the bed frame is an inch larger allowing for the mattress to fit inside. Also, this provides some space for the sheets to be tucked in.

ADJUSTABLE BED

The simple answer is our mattress works on some adjustable beds.

We find our mattress pairs extremely well with adjustable beds, but there are some that aren't compatible with our mattress. With regrets, we don't know every adjustable bed out there. Here are a few tips some of our customers have found to be helpful in searching for the right match.

Motorized adjustable beds are a very popular option. They come in different grades and in this category you typically get what you pay for. Avoid value options which use a metal grid or wire to support the mattress. They will not provide the kind of stability you need. For an adjustable bed support, we recommend that the support system be a plywood or particle board with a metal frame below it for support. It should have a layer of polyester fiber over the plywood which acts as a moisture barrier to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Keep in mind that with the supporting system, it is not totally about the amount of weight that it can support, but more about the flex and give in the supports. If you and I were to try and lift a traditional mattress, it would maintain its shape and stay relatively flat. With a latex mattress, it would droop in middle. This is why a strong, non-flexing support is so important because a latex mattress isn't self supporting. Therefore, latex needs a different type of support than a conventional mattress. Unlike springs and other materials, when you exert force onto the latex, it transfers most of it to the supporting structure. Overtime, softer, thinner, more flexible supports, will deform causing the mattress to sag. In the end, if the mattress isn't supported properly, the mattress then needs to make up for the missing strength; and that translates into a softer, less supportive, or sinking feeling.

For example, this frame available on Amazon for $588 in a queen can support around 1,000 pounds, but isn't compatible with our mattress. In our experience, they don't hold up. The wire and steel braces aren't supportive enough. The problem is these are designed for innerspring mattresses which have a lot of support and rigidity. Plus, they have a built in shock absorber where as latex does not. So, when you exert force onto the latex, it is transferred to the support below and in the case of the metal foundations, the wire grid bends and deforms causing the mattress to sag.

Adjustable platforms from Leggett & Platt and a few other brands can be good options. You should expect to pay upward of $1,500. Look for :

Solid platform — [i.e.: plywood or particle board with metal under support + upholstered with a polyester fiber pad. NOT wire or mesh grid]
Motor with lift capacity +/- 750 lbs. [exceeding mattress weight + sleepers]

If you are interested in seeing a Spindle's performance on an adjustable base, Real Mattress Reviews, a mattress review site, gives some insight.

FIRMNESS FOR A CHILD

The correct firmness for a child is something that we discuss a lot among ourselves at Spindle. We feel either our Medium or Firm is a great place to start. It will feel firm enough for a child while retaining a tad of cushioning.

There is no scientific or medical data regarding proper support and comfort in a child's mattress. Most of what we have seen is anecdotal or pseudoscience. The only rule that we are aware of is having an extra firm mattress only matters with a crib mattress when you have concerns of SIDS and suffocation from too soft of a mattress and inability to move for very young children/babies.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when buying a bed for [most] children.
1] Most kids are going to love the bed no matter what firmness it is. They're just excited to have their own bed.
2] You'll likely be spending plenty of nights cuddling with your little one. We recommend you choose a mattress that you'll also be comfortable in, too.
3] We strongly recommend a waterproof mattress pad or cover for your child's mattress. While the top of the mattress zips off, it is not washable nor can it be dry-cleaned. In the event of an accident it's better to wash the mattress pad than having to buy a new cover for the bed.
4] Check out our website to make sure you have a proper support system for the mattress. Since latex is very heavy and flexible, it requires a sturdier base than conventional mattresses. An improperly supported "all" latex mattress will try to compensate for the missing support and the result is a softer, less supportive feel and possibly provide a saggy feel.

DOES SPINDLE USE GLUE?

No, Spindle does not use glue in its mattresses.

Our latex is poured as a solid block, each piece is cut to size with no need for seams or glue anywhere - it is a solid piece even for a king size.

CAL KING

We've chosen to not make Cal Kings. In order for us to make it, a Cal King latex block requires gluing an additional piece to the head or foot of a king size layer to get the additional 4" to get the proper length -- this is case for most latex since the longest molds are only 80". With regrets, we don't a glue system at our facility and don't have plans to install one at this time.

There a lot of good companies out there. They use quality materials and from what we hear, they stand behind their product and have good service, but I can't guarantee your experience since everyone is different.

Also, if you haven't already done so, we recommend checking out themattressunderground.com. It's a great resource for all things mattress and chances are you'll find helpful pointers there.

LATEX ALLERGIES

When it comes to latex allergies, there have been no reports of allergic reactions related to a mattress, but that doesn't mean that there isn't a potential issue in the future.

Latex products are made either by dipping (gloves, balloons, condoms) or hardening (latex foam for our mattresses, soles of sneakers, tires). Most commonly the latex allergy is a contact allergy associated with dipped products like latex gloves. The protein in the latex is the most common cause for the allergic reaction. Washing the latex after it is produced, which we do, eliminates a very high percentage of the proteins that people are sensitive to.

It is also believed that we haven't seen latex allergies from a mattress because of the amount of material between you and the latex. First there is the wool batting and organic cotton fabric of the cover. Then you add a mattress protector and your sheets. In the end, there is quite a bit of fabric between the latex and the sleeper.

For people concerned about latex allergies, we usually recommend trying a latex pillow like this for a month or two. This gives you the chance to see if you and latex are compatible without having to commit to a major purchase. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to be a "true test" for how well you would do with a latex mattress. We also recommend reaching out to your doctor to see if they have any specific knowledge of potential issues with a latex mattress.

Often people who have latex allergies are also concerned about any associated odors or smells with our latex. While many people consider latex to have a "neutral" aroma, others are affected differently by what they smell. The challenge is smell can be very subjective depending on one's sensitivities.

For someone who is chemically sensitive, we would highly discourage buying a mattress online. For those suffering from this, there is a broad spectrum of experience. Some have such a highly accentuated sense of smell that even the aromas of natural materials can have a negative impact on them. So, it all depends on where one is on the spectrum.

For those with heightened sensitivities, we'd recommend visiting a local manufacturer where you test out the exact materials going into your bed. The challenge with any latex regardless of process is scent can vary from batch to batch. The same is true for the wool and cotton. There is a natural variation in materials.

If you are looking for natural mattress options without latex, we recommend looking into other companies so you may want to take a look at the mattress underground, which is a great source for all things mattresses. You may be able to find more information there, including local latex manufacturers in your area that would give you an option to try out a latex mattress and see if it could work for you.

IS A SPINDLE COMPATIBLE WITH A MURPHY BED?

This simple answer is No. We do not recommend our mattresses for a murphy bed. The weight and flexibility of a Spindle mattress make it difficult to secure the mattress in place vertically for extended periods of time.

Things to consider when selecting a mattress for a murphy bed:

When lifting a heavy mattress to store vertically, it can slump or sag making it difficult to get the bed to close. A heavy mattress is also likely to sag or slump under its own weight when it is stored vertically so the mattress may get stuck and jam inside the mechanism.
You should check on the mechanisms that lift and hold the mattress in place are able to accommodate the weight of the mattress. If the mattress is too heavy, the door will not remain shut, and you will be unable to store the mattress vertically.
Check to make sure that the murphy bed can accommodate the thickness of the mattress when the door is shut. Most can do a 10”, but we’ve seen ones that only accept a 6” whereas others can hold up to 16”. It all depends so double check before buying a new mattress

Type of mattresses to avoid:

Bed in a box. Since these beds can ship compressed, the materials used are highly flexible. When the mattress is stood on end, it slumps and sags where it can get jammed in the mechanisms. Plus, these mattresses are sometimes only held together by small spots of glue so when the mattress is stored vertically, the materials will sag and bunch potentially damaging the mattress.
Pocketed Coils. While these create a wonderful sleeping experience and are extremely popular today, they do not have the structure to be stored up right for prolonged periods of time. Like the other mattresses, the materials may fold and bend inside the bed causing irreversible damage.
It is an amazing material and extremely comfortable. The challenge is latex is very flexible and heavy, so it does not hold its shape when trying to stand the mattress on end. The mattress will slump and sag when trying to store it and can jam the mechanisms inside of the murphy bed.

While these mattresses are extremely comfortable when stored horizontally or used on an adjustable bed, they will not work with a murphy bed.

What mattresses work?

Open coil innersprings that do not ship compressed. These mattresses have a lot of rigidity and are usually not compatible on an adjustable bed because they do not bend. These have a helical and border rod to tie everything together which make the bed very rigid and a great option for a murphy bed.
High Density Foam. This is the second-best option. You will need something thick enough usually over 8” that can maintain its shape, but not so heavy or flexible that it can fold over itself. Tip: If it is comprised of layers, make sure that the layers are laminated together and not glued together in spots.

Where to buy these mattresses?

Shopping locally can be a suitable alternative when an online mattress does not work which is most online mattresses. The Mattress Underground has a listing of indies and specialty stores in your area. It may be a little dated, but you may find it helpful.

PRODUCT SUPPORT

HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR NATURAL LATEX MATTRESS

Before you start:

Have a look at your mattress and notice the normal variations in latex foam. It is not everyday that you assemble a mattress, and you may see things that don’t look quite right to you. Latex has many unique characteristics. While we have strict quality controls in place, not every piece of latex will look or feel exactly the same.

Things that you may notice are surface discoloration, the natural scent of latex, slight variations in appearance, minor variation in feel, minor tears in the latex (less than one inch) and other minor irregularities. Some layers may show a thin ridge, off centered at the head and foot. This is not glue, but an impression left by a seam in the mold.

How many people?

Two person job! Always lift the latex with two people to prevent ripping and tearing. Be gentle. Do not pull on the latex.

WARNING: Be careful handling the latex!

Do not pull or yank on the latex, it could rip or tear.
Do not put your fingers inside the holes to move it around.
Do not s-t-r-e-t-c-h the latex foam.
You can use a flicking motion to move the latex into place or shake it like a rug to spread it out.
If the latex tears slightly, don’t worry. It happens. Tears less than 2 inches won’t affect the performance of your Spindle mattress — but please be careful.

Building your new latex mattress.

Bring the boxes into the room where you will be assembling your mattress.
Check to make sure that you have all the boxes you need.
Open the boxes. Do NOT use a sharp bladed instrument because it will damage the mattress.
Locate the zipper cover.
Place the zipper cover on the bed frame with the law tag at the foot of the bed and unzip the whole cover. The cover may seem too small for the amount of latex going into it, but don’t worry. We’ve designed it so that the latex fits snugly into the cover, zips cleanly, and provides a crisp look when done.
Identify the base layer.
Place the base layer inside of the cover. Gently shake the latex into place. (Grip the latex, and in a smooth wave-like motion, lift the latex up and down until it settles into a flat layer.)
The first layer is the most important to line up. Take your time. You may need to reposition this layer as many as 7 to 10 times to get it right. (Yes, really!) Line up the latex as explained above and make sure it is even with the seams inside the cover.
Tug on the border of the mattress cover to make sure that the bottom fabric underneath the latex is smooth and flat.
Gently lay in the next two layers. Firmness and order of the layers will depend on which model you selected.
Slowly start zipping the cover. It’s not a race. Make sure to pull down the flap. This is the flame protection. Gently push on the latex to make sure that it doesn’t get caught in the zipper.
Take your time. Do not pull on the zipper too hard – you don’t want to break it!

Warning: As the tag on the cover states, you can NOT wash or dry clean the cover. You can vacuum the cover with a hand held vacuum that does not have a rotating bottom. You may also spot clean it with a damp cloth. The sun is the best disinfectant so feel free to put your cover on the line outside.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR SPINDLE

Latex, like all foams, will soften or compress. Check out our video on this topic as well.

Over a ten year period latex is estimated to soften 15%; memory foam about 30%; and mass market polyurethane about 60%. The softening is front-loaded, meaning it often occurs more rapidly during the first 5 years. Foam will react to heat, moisture [sweat], and pressure. The human body is the perfect trifecta and we are all built differently. Someone with a higher body mass will have a greater impact than someone smaller. Often, what feels like a ridge or valley is the latex being softer in that particular area. Some people notice it more than others and there are too many variables to accurately predict how the materials will perform.

Spindle’s unique design makes it easy to buy replacement layers to modify the feel and/or extend the life of your mattress. A good maintenance routine also helps.

The mattress cover.

Rule #1 — DO NOT wash your mattress cover.
Rule #2 — If you want to wash your mattress cover see Rule #1

Protecting your Spindle.

A mattress protector is key to protecting your mattress. As we sleep dead skin cells, hair, drool, oils and other bodily fluids, dirt, dust and more gather on our sheets. You wash your sheets, but you can’t wash your mattress. That’s where a washable mattress protector comes into play. If you have babies, small children and/or animals who are regularly on your bed we can’t over emphasize the value of a waterproof mattress protector! These come in many styles and you can use any type you like, e.g.: fully enclosed dust mite cover; fancy washable wool pad; cotton/poly fitted sheet. They all do a fine job. You’ll find more detail on mattress protectors in this article.

But what if my mattress gets soiled?

Accidents will happen, especially at certain stages of our lives. If there’s a small spill of some type unzip the cover so you can treat it from both sides. Kind of like an area rug. Then, there a couple of treatments we suggest:

In a small container or an empty salt-shaker, combine half a cup of baking soda with 10 drops of your favorite essential oil and shake to mix. Sprinkle the mixture over the mattress cover. Wait a few hours and then shake the top outside or vacuum up the baking soda with a hand vacuum or upholstery attachment, being careful not to tear the cover.
If the cover does get wet, gently blot the area dry with a clean towel. Then cover the wet area with salt (yes, salt, who knew?) and leave for 4-6 hours. Then shake outside or vacuum as above.

You may know of similar variations on this theme but the constants are Gentle & Dry.

Move the foam around.

The key to prolonging the life of any mattress is to change its orientation frequently. This will help the unit wear evenly, and can give its materials time to rebound. With “old fashioned” mattresses we could flip them and rotate them. If done religiously the mattress would last a long time.

Spindle’s one-sided design means you can only rotate the mattress. But you can go into the mattress and rearrange the layers. This will keep the mattress fresh and hypothetically extend its years of use.

For your Medium Spindle.

Rotate the mattress at least every three months.
2. Every six months unzip the top and “rebuild” your mattress.

Swap your top and middle layers. they’re the same firmness
• You can also flip the bottom layer, or any other layer
• We don’t recommend you mix it up too radically too often, but incremental changes are usually not noticed…if you’ve got a good thing, stick with it.
• The mattress will feel different than it did the night before, but it will still feel good.

If it’s nice outside you can hang the mattress cover in the sun and let the UV rays do their thing.

For your Firm Spindle.

Follow the directions for the Medium Spindle but for rebuilding:

Swap your middle and bottom layers. They’re the same firmness.
2. You can also flip the middle layer.
3. On your next rebuild flip the top layer; restore middle layer to its previous position.

For your Soft or Extra Firm Spindle.

Follow the directions for the Medium Spindle but for rebuilding:

Move your middle to top, bottom to middle, top to bottom. They’re all the same firmness.
2. You can also flip a layer — we recommend middle or bottom — as desired.
3. On your next rebuild just repeat steps #1 and #2.

Insider tips.

King mattresses usually will develop a ridge in the middle of the mattress because no one sleeps there. Unfortunately, a king isn’t a perfect square. If you rotate it 90°, there will be an overhang of 2” on either side, even if you do this for a few weeks during the rotation and rearranging layers maintenance, it will help lessen the ridge long term.

You don’t have to follow this scheme religiously. Feel free to follow your own drummer. But in any event we encourage you to keep your Spindle moving as much as possible to help prolong the life of your mattress. [Some customers rotate their Spindle every 3 weeks; and rebuild every month and a half!]

MATTRESS WARRANTY CLAIM

In the event a warranty, it may require some effort.

What do I do if I have a warranty claim?

First, check the limited warranty information to make sure your mattress is eligible for a claim.

Fine Print:

For those with a prorated warranty, payment may be required for replacement.

ADJUSTING TO A NATURAL LATEX MATTRESS.

Give it enough time.
While most people love their Spindle mattress after the first night, for some it may take longer. Especially if you have been sleeping on a different type of mattress for many years. If you are in the process of trying to find the right mattress and have slept on two or more different mattresses in the past six months, your body will need more time to adjust to the better support and comfort that it receives from a Spindle latex mattress. We know most people love our mattress. With more time, we are confident you’ll love yours. For some it can take up to eight weeks.

New mattress smell.
When you receive your new latex mattress, you may notice a faint smell. Our mattresses are immediately sealed after making, which locks in some of the scent of natural latex until you open the packages in your house. While some people may find this new mattress smell unpleasant, it usually dissipates within a few weeks as your mattress has time to breathe. Rest assured that we do not use add chemical flame retardants or other potentially harmful chemicals -- we use organic cotton, organic wool, and organic latex. Our latex and wool are Oeko-Tex Class certified. Oeko-Tex tests the finished latex and wool for any potentially harmful substances ranging from heavy metals to pesticides to known carcinogens.

Let it breathe.
Give it some time to air out before you put sheets on your new Spindle mattress. Opening the windows and/or putting a fan on it can help dissipate the scent more quickly.

Seeing where you slept.
Body impressions or indentations and a softening in the mattress where you sleep do not indicate a structural weakness or breakdown of the latex foam. Rather, imprints and softening are a normal and natural occurrence, and are an indication that the upholstery layers are conforming to each person’s individual weight and body characteristics.

Our warranty covers indentation greater than 3/4″ in the latex only [not the cover].

HOW TO MOVE THE MATTRESS

We think our mattress' design makes it pretty easy to move. We recommend that you take it apart and then reassemble at your new home. We recommend this for two reasons. First: The mattress is very floppy and hard to carry. And: It’s very heavy. You run the risk of damaging the mattress if you don’t take it apart.

It's really pretty simple. Basically, you open up the mattress, fold + wrap the latex, and take it away.

Feel free to adapt these to your particular situation. For instance, if you're moving the mattress in you minivan you may be able to skip the boxing step and just be sure to handle the foam packets gently. Using professional movers? You'll definitely want to box it up.

To start, lay a piece of heavy-duty 6 mil plastic sheeting on the floor. Fold the latex in half, wrap the plastic around it, and then tape it up. For one queen size bed you’ll need about one roll of plastic this size - 50' x 8' [4 mil].

Once you have the latex inside the plastic, fold it into an s-shape and insert it into a box. You’ll need three boxes [one for each piece of latex].

We recommend getting something around 30" x 24" x 24", but these aren't always readily available.

While it may require some cutting down;

U-Haul has a 24" x 24" x 48" wardrobe box which many of their franchisees carry. On their site, enter your zip code to see what's in stock nearby.
Home Depot also has a 24" x 24" x 34" wardrobe box -- check your local stores for inventory.

Here are a couple of links to the quick videos for folding and boxing.
https://app.box.com/s/li8ag1tnt87dcf4coof9hlhr3ljdt384
https://app.box.com/s/5r2nqfabpm0egr6o5fi95x39uauneu3w

Because it’s made of cloth the case and cover will be easier to handle. You can treat these as you would any soft goods.

Some things to note if you are storing the mattress folded and boxed longer than 3 to 4 weeks.

Do not keep the latex folded or rolled for an extended period of time, i.e.: no more than three to four weeks.
It's best to keep the mattress or the layers of latex flat. Hard folds may quickly distress the latex affecting its durability and comfort but that doesn't necessarily mean all is lost.
Storing the mattress assembled is probably easiest, but we recommend taking it apart before moving it.
We recommend wrapping it in 6 mil plastic and taping it closed. Place about 4 to 5 large packs of silica gel desiccants with the mattress to help prevent moisture build up inside the plastic bag which may lead to mold or mildew. Store it flat, hopefully raised off the floor.

PILLOW

With regrets, we are not making pillows at this time. We are truly sorry for the inconvenience.

A pillow is a major contributor to the overall comfort of the mattress. It is usually part of the problem when people mention neck and shoulder pain. A pillow for a side sleeper should create enough space between the neck and the shoulder so that it doesn't allow the head/neck to tilt down or up. It should try to create a neutral position. A pillow that is too thin can cause more pressure on you shoulder. We like the ones made by Talalay Global. There are a lot of options in terms of height and firmness. Unfortunately, I do not have a good recommendation on where to buy these. Also, this is a good quality pillow. It is available in different firmnesses and a good value.

Keep in mind everyone is different. Two people can have two totally different experiences on the same pillow. Unfortunately, what may be the perfect pillow for me may give someone else neck pain. Generally, the pillows mentioned above are liked by a lot of people so it may be worth trying.

MOISTURE BARRIER

If you are placing your latex mattress on a solid surface like the floor, particle board, or plywood, you run a great risk of gathering condensation underneath the mattress and that can lead to the formation of mold and mildew. Typically, the best way to prevent condensation under your mattress is by using some type of ventilation system between the plywood and mattress like a coir bed rug or moisture barrier. This is usually the simplest and best solution compared to other options. With regrets, we do not sell the moisture barrier.

MATTRESS PROTECTOR

A mattress protector is a must, given that your Spindle’s cover is not washable.

A mattress protector goes over the quilted mattress cover before you put on your sheets and other bedding. Waterproof and washable is the way to go! The goal is to keep all moisture from reaching the mattress. A mattress protector preserves your Spindle, shielding it from the little accidents of life. We sweat a lot at night, so you want to make sure that you get a washable cover that will protect your mattress, reduce allergens and keep your bed fresh and clean.

Nearly all protectors we've seen are washable and that can help reduce allergens and keep the bed fresh. Whatever you put on top of the mattress will affect the feel, not necessarily in a "good" or "bad" way, just different. A good rule of thumb is the more you put on top of the mattress, the more it will affect the feel. The tighter the cover the firmer the mattress. The experience is subjective and everyone is different.

Mattress protectors come in different styles, e.g.: fully enclosed dust mite cover; waterproof fitted sheet style; down featherbeds; wool; simple cotton polyester pads; and many more. These are generally commodity products that try to differentiate themselves with fancy sounding titles and buzzwords, e.g.: "bamboo" [aka rayon]; natural; organic; pure; etc. Any style should do a good job. Just go with something you like and don't overthink it.

Today’s waterproof mattress covers aren’t all plasticky and crunchy like the waterproof of yesteryear. Most often waterproof mattress covers have a terrycloth top with a waterproof backing. This keeps you protected and you’d never guess it was waterproof! The slight downside to this one is that it sleeps a little warmer, but it really is the best at preventing moisture from getting to the mattress.

Some popular solutions include:
Luna Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector or this
Gotcha Covered Organic Cotton Jersey Mattress Protector

We think that these are great products at a very attractive price point. Searching shopping sites like Amazon will return other products with different features that get good reviews. You'll probably do well with most of the popular items, e.g.: 16,000 5-star reviews.

Some protectors that use wool or cotton batting may do a better job with temperature regulation. But, they aren't as good at protecting against spills and other accidents:
Sleep & Beyond Washable Wool Mattress Pad
Gotcha Covered Natural Cotton Mattress Pad
SnugSoft Wool Mattress Pad

At the end of the day, the less expensive ones from Amazon or TJMax work great at protecting your bed. If you want wool to regulate temperature, you'll pay a premium, but sacrifice on the moisture protection.

SHEETS

We don't have a specific brand or company to recommend, but we have some information for you that may be helpful as you go about making a decision about which sheets to buy for a Spindle.

When it comes to size, all sheets are not created equal. Just as in clothing, a Medium sized shirt varies widely between Land's End, LL Bean, Gap, etc. So it is with sheets. We recommend you look for sheets that fit mattresses up to 14" deep. Any more than that and it's likely you'll be dealing with extra fabric. But, one company's 14" fitted sheet may be loose and baggy where as another manufacturer's 14" fitted sheet may fit like a glove.

Another factor in considering which sheets to buy is the weave of the fabric. This is more a matter of personal preference than a matter of right and wrong. Keep in mind that woven materials (percale, damask, sateen, twill, flannel) may bunch and shift on some mattresses, but if you've always slept on these without any issues, feel free to continue to use them on our latex mattress. Sheets made of a knit fabric, most often cotton jersey, are stretchy and have less of a tendency to bunch and buckle. Cotton knit jersey will offer you a snug, smooth and comfortable feel, while staying anchored under the corners of your bed. If they have a little bit of stretch in them - like lycra or spandex - even better.

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25 YEAR COMFORT LIFE PROGRAM

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