Which mattress design do you recommend?

We recommend the Twist Easy Kits for an every day mattress and the Twist Original for occasional use.  The Twist Easy fabric has more stretch and makes a wonderful sleeping surface.  The Twist original looks great but needs the topper layer for comfort.  We also like the Easy kits as the fabric is machine washable.

What does a Hull Mattress feel like?  

Keep in mind most natural materials do not feel spongy or spring back like foam.  Most of us have gotten used to sleeping on soft, springy surfaces but I wonder sometimes if that is why we are a nation of back pain. Hull mattresses are similar in firmness to a traditional Japanese futon.  It may take you a few weeks to adjust to your new mattress if you are used to a foam or spring mattress.

Can't I simply fill a mattress cover with hulls to make a mattress?

The mattress contains just the right amount of hulls in each area to restrict the movement of the hulls. You cannot simply fill a cover with hulls to make a comfortable mattress.  If you fill the cover too much you restrict the freedom of the hulls and your mattress will feel like a rock.  Fill the cover loosely enough that the hulls have enough room to move and you will end up parting the entire mattress with your body weight. 

Is a Twist Mattress lumpy?

You can feel the separate compartments when you first lie down but they do not feel lumpy.  Every sight movement you make shifts the hulls and they slowly mold to your body. I like to wiggle my hips and shoulders slightly when I get into bed to help the shifting to get started.  The hulls do not fight with your body, they conform to your every curve making a slight impression of you!  This is what makes sleeping on hulls so nice, as every part of you is supported.  The top layers of hulls have enough freedom of movement that you can easily dig your toes into them similar to a sandy beach.

Which mattress is more comfortable, the Twist Original in canvas or the Twist Easy?

The Twist Easy is more comfortable as the fabric has some stretch to it.  It is also much easier to construct. The Twist Easy in the soft cotton is more economical and has the benefit of more air circulation.  Please be aware that the cotton fabrics we offer are not organic and we do not treat them with any fire retardant chemicals.  The twist Original design in canvas is a base layer and requires a topper layer for the comfort layer.  The Twist Easy does not need a topper layer.

How do I know a hull mattress is for me?  Is there anywhere I can try one out?

We do not have a showroom or anywhere that you can test out a hull mattress.  It may take a week or two to adjust to sleeping on hulls as they feel completely different from what most people are used to.  A good way to test if you would like a hull mattress is to try out a mattress topper section first.  The toppers are basically large body pillows.  They can be rolled up and stored or used as a back rest.  Be prepared to fight over which family member gets to sleep on the topper if you only order one!

Can I roll up and store my Twist Mattress?

It is not recommended. You can roll up the toppers.

Are there any issues with hulls escaping the woven fabric?

Yes!  Some hull particles will find a way to escape the woven fabric.  They will land beneath your mattress and away from you.  You may invert a fitted sheet below your mattress to catch any stray particles.  If you could not bear specs of hulls here and there under your mattress, these kits are not for you.

I would say no to a crib mattress (that is why we do not sell a crib mattress kit) as the surface is not flat and could be a SIDS risk.  Also babies should not sleep on hull pillows or bedding, again it is also considered a SIDS risk by the Consumer Protection Agency.

Use you own judgement when it comes to younger children.  Please also consider your baby proofing options if you are planning to co-sleep with your baby.