How wool and latex futon mattresses are made
Key Takeaways:
A wool and latex futon mattress combines natural latex with strong wool batting for comfort and breathability.
The mattress typically includes multiple layers: core latex, wool layering, and a durable cotton cover.
Strong wool helps regulate temperature, wicks away moisture, and offers a soft, supportive option to enhance sleep quality.
Latex provides supportive cushioning without the use of synthetic foams.
This mattress style is ideal for those seeking low-tox, renewable alternatives to synthetic bedding.
What materials are used in a wool and latex futon mattress?
A typical wool and latex futon mattress is made from three core components:
Natural latex core
Sourced from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis).
Often GOLS-certified (Global Organic Latex Standard).
Provides cushioning and resilience.
2. Strong wool batting (also called blanketing)
Typically from strong wool sheep such as Romney or Perendale sheep in New Zealand.
Crimped, springy fibres that insulate and regulate moisture.
May be quilted between other fabrics or layered by hand, depending on the build.
3. Organic cotton or canvas ticking
Ticking is a strong, dense material with a heavy-duty weave known for its strength and durability. It is used in mattresses, cushions and upholstery.
The outer fabric cover.
Breathable, durable, and often GOTS-certified.
GOTS certification is the Global Organic Textile Standard
Some premium versions may include extra layers like coconut coir (a layer of coconut fibre mat) or inner tufting, but the core construction is latex and wool.
How are the layers assembled?
The assembly process involves several key stages:
1. Cutting the latex core
The latex core is precision-cut to size (usually 2–4 inches thick, 40 - 100mm). Dunlop latex is commonly used in futon builds due to its firmness and support.
2. Layering wool batting
Strong wool is layered evenly around the latex core. This may involve:
Hand layering: Skilled craftspeople evenly drape wool batting (Blanketing like WiseLayer™) around the latex core to create a cushioned surround.
Quilting: For some builds, wool is mechanically bonded to other fabrics to improve stability.
The wool acts as a natural barrier, temperature regulator, and fire retardant, reducing or eliminating the need for chemical flame retardants.
3. Encasing in a cotton cover
The wool-wrapped latex is placed into an outer fabric casing, typically a zippered organic cotton or cotton-canvas shell.
4. Tufting or quilting
To prevent shifting and maintain shape over time:
Tufting (buttons pulled through the entire mattress and anchored) is common in futons.
Quilting may also be used in softer versions.
This step helps compress and secure the layers without glue, ensuring the mattress remains breathable and chemical-free.
What are the benefits of using strong wool in a futon?
Strong wool (from breeds like Romney or Coopworth) is uniquely suited for futon use because of its:
Structural integrity: The coarse, springy fibres maintain loft and shape over time.
Temperature regulation: Wool helps regulate heat and moisture, ideal for year-round comfort.
Natural fire resistance: Wool’s high ignition point means futons can often pass fire safety tests without added chemicals (Source: IWTO).
Biodegradability: At the end of the mattress’s life, the wool breaks down naturally, unlike synthetic foams.
Globally, over 20 million mattresses are discarded annually, with the vast majority ending up in landfills where they take up to 90 years to decompose and can damage equipment or release harmful chemicals. In the United States alone, approximately 20 million mattresses are disposed of each year, but only about 19% are recycled. Despite initiatives like the Mattress Recycling Council in the U.S., which has recycled over 15 million mattresses since 2015, challenges remain due to high transportation and disassembly costs. Improving mattress recycling and encouraging sustainable product design are essential to reducing landfill waste (The Guardian, SAMINA Sleep, Mattress Recycling Council, TFR Group).
Additional strong wool use:
Mattress manufacturers are embracing WiseFill™ and WiseLayer™ products for superior comfort and support. WiseFill™ is expertly used to stuff pockets in topper pads, delivering plush, breathable cushioning. Beneath the surface, WiseLayer™ provides a resilient, temperature-regulating foundation for restful sleep. One or both of these versatile wool products are used widely in sustainable mattress construction.
Can you make a wool and latex futon mattress at home?
Yes, it's possible, but challenging. DIY mattress builds require access to natural materials and tools, including:
Natural latex cut to size
Strong wool batting (available in rolls or pre-cut panels)
Organic cotton ticking
Heavy-duty sewing machine (for cover)
Long tufting needles and thread (for finishing)
You’ll also need ample space and time. While some eco-conscious crafters enjoy the DIY process, most people prefer to buy from trusted wool specialists who can ensure quality, hygiene, and safety standards.
How does a wool and latex futon compare to other mattresses?
| Feature | Wool & Latex Futon | Memory Foam | Inner Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathability | Excellent | Poor | Moderate |
| Material sustainability | High (renewable, natural) | Low (petroleum-based) | Modderate (mixed fibres) |
| Motion Transfer | Low | Very Low | High |
| Durability | 8-15 years | 5 - 10 years | 7 - 10 years |
| Fire Retardancy | Natural (wool) Low | Chemical additives High | Often, chemical additives are high |
| Nylon | 600-800 | No | Very high elasticity; excellent recovery |
Wool and latex futons are especially popular among sustainability-minded people who are making healthy lifestyle choices.
Final Thoughts
A wool and latex futon mattress offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, ethics, and performance. Thanks to its layered structure, natural latex at the core, breathable, strong wool surrounding it, and a cotton outer shell, it provides support without compromising sustainability.
Brands like Wisewool™ are helping elevate the quality and availability of engineered strong wool for applications like futons, making it easier to choose wool over synthetic alternatives without sacrificing comfort or resilience.
Want to find out more about how wool can make mattresses better? Contact us or visit the Mattress section of our Learning Centre.