Frequently Answered Questions

What's the difference between your All-Latex mattresses, Model 1 and Model 2?

The Model 1 is based on the classic European latex mattress that has been in production since the 1960’s. Tried and true, this model is one of our simplest and most effective mattresses. Model 1 is made from a 6″ thick core of 100% Natural Talalay Latex. This “mono-core” construction makes it a fully-reversible mattress, and it’s available in four different firmnesses. The Model 2 builds on the comfort and ingenuity of the Model 1 by adding a softer, independent pillow top layer that sits on the firmer Model 1 style lower. This component-based mattress is one of our most luxurious models, and offers plenty of support while providing a softer, more forgiving surface to sleep on.

Why are the Model 2 and Model 9 constructed with seperate toppers? Why not one piece?

We originally had a zip on cover, but found that it really wasn't necessary. The material we use isn't 'slippery' like some poly or nylon outer layers of mattresses. So, in a nutshell, the separate components also gives the user flexibility to rotate & flip the topper separately from the lower, and also you could use it as a stand alone topper on another bed or area if desired! 

What happens if my partner and I can't agree on a firmness level?

Here at Fawcett, as a result of our direct-to-consumer business model, we are able to manufacture your mattress just the way you and your partner prefers. If you can’t agree on one firmness, we can individualize each side of the mattress by using different firmnesses of latex on either side! This generally works best with a King mattress, as it has enough real estate to make this a viable option. In keeping with our all-natural methodology, the latex is joined together with a water-based adhesive, for a comfortable, seamless construction!

I tend to sleep hot. Does Natural Talalay Latex regulate temperature well?

If you sleep hot, you’re in luck! Natural Talalay Latex is an inherently temperature-neutral material. It has a corral like open cell structure that doesn’t retain heat. In addition, pin holes throughout the latex rubber core facilitate an increased ariflow in a simple but effective and natural manner. We also add a layer of Joma wool to all of our mattresses. We place this wool directly on top of the latex to further increase the temperature regulation, and to improve upon moisture wicking properties of the latex. Wrap all of that in a luxurious organic ticking, and you’ve got a mattress that keeps you at just the right temperature, all night, every night.

What’s the difference between Natural Talalay latex and synthetic memory foam?

There are several differences between Natural Talalay Latex and memory foam. Some might even say they are like “night and day” different.

 

Memory foam is a heat sensitive, pressure reducing material. Many customers find their memory foam matresses restricting, somewhat like quicksand, limiting their ability to move around freely while in bed. Once fully depressed memory foam no longer provides any feedback or support and relies on the layers below for comfort. Our 100% natural botanical latex is incredibly supportive and resilient. It will not restrict your movement, providing you with adequate support and body contouring.

 

Memory foam can feel very hot to sleep on. This is primarily attributed to its limited breathability. Although many manufacturers offer “breathable,” or “gel cooled” memory foam, they still sleep, in general, much hotter than latex. Talalay latex has an open, “coral-like” cell structure that breathes and temperature regulates very well. In addition to that, the latex core contains pin holes from top to bottom that further increase airflow. This air circulation will make sweaty nights a thing of the past. With natural latex you will feel just right on a cold winter and a hot summer nights alike.

 

From a health perspective, memory foam is one of the worst emitters of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals have been known to cause both short and long-term adverse effects in humans. Memory foam mattresses off-gas for months, polluting your home and your body. Conversely our natural latex is made from the sap of the Hevea Brasiliensis tree. It is a natural and earth-based product. 100% Natural Latex does not off-gas and will not release any harmful chemicals into your environment.

 

Memory foam is a petroleum based product. Unfortunately, purchasing a memory foam mattress indirectly supports the petrochemical industry. Natural Latex is a renewable and sustainable material. It is a carbon neutral product. This means that the rubber trees which natural latex comes from capture carbon from the atmosphere. The carbon being captured offsets all of the carbon footprint required for the manufacturing and shipping of the latex products.

What kind of support do I need for my mattress? Can I use my current box spring?

Our mattresses are designed to work on any firm, flat surface provided there is adequate support and ventilation. This includes box springs, slatted bed frames and pedestal bases. If you are using a slatted sleep surface we recommend the slats be no more than 3” apart. Any compromise in your base surface will transfer to your mattress, it’s imperative that your mattress be adequately supported – if your support sags, your mattress will too. We’ve got some options for quality bases. Just ask us.

Will my fitted sheets fit on your mattresses? I’m worried the sheet pockets won’t be deep enough.

Standard fitted sheets have pockets that are between 7” – 14” deep, and our thickest mattress finishes at 13”. We’ve also got Fawcett branded 100% Organic Cotton 300 Thread count bedding, which have a 17 inch pocket. Check them out! They are great value.

Which one is better, your "all latex" mattresses or the Hybrid models with inner springs?

This is quite a subjective topic. We find that some of our clients like the tried and true feeling of pocket coils, with their distinctive buoyancy and signature “bounce.” Other clients appreciate the isolation of motion transfer that an all-latex mattress provides them. It can be especially important when the mattress is being shared with a restless partner.Both options have considerable lifespans, and will provide a comfortable sleep surface for many years to come. In this case, it all comes down to personal preference!

What is the purpose of utilizing Organic Joma Wool just below the sleep surface?

Joma wool is an incredible material – it is 100% natural, biodegradable and renewable. It’s exceptionally well suited to mattress making, because it is naturally temperature regulating, moisture wicking, dust mite resistant and antimicrobial, making it perfect for building mattresses. Another huge benefit most people don’t realize, is that wool provides an excellent natural “fire retardant” layer. Did you know that 95% of the world’s mattresses contain nasty fire retardants that are carcinogenic and generally unhealthy? Not at Fawcett. We’re 100% fire retardant free, thanks to our wooly friends.

What if I sleep on my mattress only to realize that it’s too soft or too firm? Can I exchange it?

We are able to offer a “Comfort Exchange” on our Model 1, Model 2, Model 6 and Model 9 mattresses. We provide this service at our cost to the client, to get as close to 100% satisfaction as possible. However, this service is only reasonably available in Victoria BC and is not available on our Model 7 or 8 as these mattresses are tufted (buttons sewn through the mattress). For this reason we recommend taking as much time as possible in making your selection, especially if considering one of our other mattress models. For a more detailed explanation, please visit our Warranty & Mattress Care page.

Do you use any fire retardants in your mattresses?

No! We don’t use ANY conventional fire retardants in any of our mattresses. With Fawcett, we utilize both Organic Joma Wool and 100% Natural Talalay Latex both possess natural fire-resistant properties. But this is uncommon. Did you know that about 95% of the mattresses sold worldwide contain nasty, toxic fire retardants? Most mattresses are made from toxic, and flammable petroleum based foams. What are you sleeping on?

Can you make a custom sized mattress?

Absolutely! We’ve made mattresses in all shapes and sizes for client’s various needs, including mattresses for boats, RVs and non-standard sized beds. We are only limited by your imagination!

I have a latex allergy. Can I still sleep on one of your mattresses?

The latex in our mattresses is fully encapsulated in organic wool and cotton ticking, so it shouldn’t pose a problem since the latex will never come into contact with your skin. If you’re near our shop in Victoria BC, come and lay around for a while. We’ve had people purchase our mattresses with latex allergies, and no problems.

What's the difference between the Dunlop and Talalay processes for creating Latex mattress foam?

In the Dunlop process, natural rubber tree sap is poured into a mould before being cooked in a process called vulcanization. Before the latex is rendered into its solid state, any natural sediments within the mixture settle to the bottom, resulting in an inconsistent latex core that is softer on the top and firmer on the bottom. By comparison, the Talalay foaming process takes place in a vacuum chamber, and yields a far more consistent product due to the fact that the latex is flash frozen before vulcanization. This step evenly suspending any particulates, resulting in consistent firmness throughout the core. Besides their production processes, Dunlop and Talalay also differ in their buoyancy – Dunlop tends to be heavy and dense while Talalay is soft, bouncy and resilient. Lastly, Talalay is available in five firmnesses while Dunlop is only available in three.

Should I purchase a Natural Fawcett Mattress?

Purchasing a Fawcett mattress is a great way to invest in your long term health and wellbeing. We spend one third of our life in bed. That’s a lot of time to potentially expose yourself to the harsh chemicals and off gassing materials used in conventional mattresses. Conversely, at Fawcett, we use organic wool and cotton ticking that is temperature regulating, moisture-wicking, dust mite resistant, antimicrobial and naturally fire retardant. Our botanical 100% Natural Talalay latex is biodegradable and durable, and offers an incredible amount of pressure point relief and support, no matter which model you select. Choosing a natural mattress means you’re sleeping on a surface that has been constructed with carefully selected, sustainable, natural products that each contribute to providing you with the best possible sleep.

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