Hi powerdog,
I was running out the door and saw your question.
I could go on forever regarding horsehair. I have 4 or 5 horsehair pillows that I have made in different combinations as seen in my pillow thread here.
When it comes to horsehair in a mattress, particularly when it utilizes horsehair as a primary layer, a mattress can last as long as 100 years.
Horsehair, traditionally used in high-quality mattresses and pillows and offers a range of benefits that enhance comfort, durability, and longevity.
One of its standout features is breathability, which helps regulate temperature and wick away moisture, ensuring a cooler and more comfortable sleep. Its natural resilience provides a balanced level of firmness and softness, adapting to the body’s contours while maintaining firm support. Additionally, horsehair’s excellent heat-neutrality properties contribute to consistent comfort across different seasons by dissipating excess heat.
In terms of durability, horsehair is exceptionally resilient and bounces back to its original shape after compression, preventing sagging or indentations over time. This resilience extends the lifespan of the mattress or pillow, as horsehair retains its structure and support for many years. The natural elasticity of horsehair also enhances its longevity, as it maintains its shape and support with regular use.
Beyond comfort and durability, horsehair offers additional benefits. As a natural fiber, it is resistant to pests and mold, contributing to a longer lifespan and requiring less frequent maintenance. Its eco-friendly nature, being sustainable and biodegradable, makes it a more environmentally responsible choice compared to synthetic alternatives.
Furthermore, horsehair is naturally hypoallergenic, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and promoting a cleaner sleeping environment. Often associated with luxury, horsehair adds a premium feel and aesthetic to bedding products, making it a favored choice for those seeking high-quality, long-lasting comfort.
I currently sleep with a horsehair pillow regularly now as I get the most restful and sound sleep with my horsehair pillows. Although I recently got a 3" wool organic topper, had a good horsehair topper been available, I would have opted for that instead. My horsehair pillows and extra bags of horsehair, I had to order from Italy, as I wanted blond horsehair to be assured it was real horsehair and not horsehair mixed with cattle hair as some dark horsehair products are combined, which is not as good.
Regarding Hastens.
Hastens mattresses command high prices due to a combination of factors that underscore their luxury and quality. Central to their cost is the use of premium, natural materials such as horsehair, cotton, wool, and flax, each selected for its durability, comfort, and breathability.
Horsehair, in particular, my favorite is costly due to its rarity and the complex, labor-intensive process required to prepare it for use in mattresses. Additionally, Hastens mattresses are handcrafted with meticulous attention to detail, employing traditional techniques that add to the labor costs.
The brand offers a high degree of customization, allowing customers to choose from various firmness levels and materials to suit their personal preferences, which further drives up the price.
Hastens mattresses are designed to last for decades, with high-quality materials and construction ensuring long-term durability and performance. This focus on longevity is a key factor in the cost.
Hastens’ rich heritage and strong reputation for luxury also contribute to the premium pricing. Established in 1852, the brand is synonymous with high-quality bedding, and its long-standing tradition of excellence is reflected in its prices. Investment in research and development to enhance comfort and performance, as well as the maintenance of exclusive retail environments, also play a role in the overall cost.
The process of making a Hastens mattress is highly meticulous and time-consuming, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. On average, it takes around 60 to 100 hours to create a single Hastens mattress.
Collectively, these elements—premium materials, expert craftsmanship, customization, durability, brand prestige, and exclusive distribution—explain why Hastens mattresses are so expensive.
Can you find a mattress that will be equally as comfortable. I have this saying, " the best mattress is the one that works for you." So whether you buy a 450k hastens Grand Vividus or a 25k one, price is no guarantee of comfort. But in this case it is a guarantee of quality materials that will last.
Hope this quick answer helps,
Maverick