7 Best Indian Mattress and How to Shop for them when Abroad
We all know how important it is to get adequate amounts of rest. The average adult needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night in order to function optimally the next day. Considering how long you spend horizontally, what you sleep on is just as important to rest soundly. Enter Indian cotton mattresses, which are known as Tushoks or gaddhi locally.
With coir and memory foam mattresses overtaking the bedding and linen market, Indian-style cotton-filled mattresses are a rare find, both in India and abroad in places like the United States and the United Kingdom. Most Indians can recount having slept on a cotton mattress in their childhood.
Whether you just want to relive your childhood or explore different bedding, this post is going to tell you where to shop for a typical Indian mattress.
1. What is an Indian-style cotton-filled mattress?
An Indian mattress is stuffed with cotton, either partially or 100%. The outer covering is made with waterproof fabric so that the bedding retains its shape and position. Cotton, which is derived from the seeds of cotton plants,is a fluffy fiber that can be spun into thread for use in textiles. Pure cotton mattresses are more expensive than those mixed with synthetic material.
The options you see in any bedding store in the UK and US are Innerspring, memory foam, air and bed in a box. Organic cotton poses a fire hazard, which is why there are strict regulations to importing them from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. It’s sold only in Asian stores or eCommerce stores whose proprietors are experienced (or have their own memories) of what it is like sleeping on cotton mattresses.
The difference lies in the health benefits, especially if the mattress is made of 100% cotton. Such mattresses are softer, lightweight and versatile, making them easy to carry around. This quality makes cotton bedding the preferred choice for campers, trekkers and those who stay in humid or tropical climates. It helps that the bedding comes in different sizes. You can find double, queen and even king-sized mattresses in local stores in India. Organic cotton’s hypoallergenic properties have popularized it overseas, with furniture stores in the U.S and Europe now stocking it in their inventory.
An exploration by 101 India examined a day in the life of India’s mattress fluffers, who are locally referred to as gaddhawallas. They strum their fluffing instruments to alert the neighbourhood of their arrival. Everyone then brings their used mattresses down to be restrung. The Pinjar, which is a shredder, would shred the cotton and fill it back in. The fluffer then stitches the outer casing and gives it a thorough beating to even out the cotton inside. This process is followed even in the making of cotton mattresses, where the cotton is gathered and weighed using scales. Workers then beat the cotton evenly and roll it into a measured outer casing.
2. Where to buy an Indian mattress
1. The Brown Firangi Indian Mattresses
The Brown Firangi, established in 2020, is a premium retailer selling Indian and South Asian goods in the US, UK, Canada and Australia and sells a number of high-quality Indian mattresses directly sourced from India.
Their range of Indian Mattresses, ranging from single to king-sized, are the perfect set of Indian mattresses for those longing for their Indian mattresses back home. The range of mattresses are-
- Indian Single Mattress (perfect for a solo sleeper)
- Jhaansi Rani Queen – Indian Mattress (perfect for a couple or small family)
- Prithviraj King – Indian Mattress (perfect for a family)
The Brown Firangi source their Indian mattresses straight from local suppliers from various regions throughout India. Such mattresses are usually rare to find outside of the country so these are rare and special imports.
The mattresses are firm and great for your back as well as made with the best Indian cotton. We have a couple in our home (in Australia!) and won’t ever be able to go back.
Where to buy: https://thebrownfirangi.com/product-category/lifestyle-and-goods/
Price: $160.00(single) to $220.00 (King size)
2. Futonland
Futonland was established in 1995. The store offers a wide variety of upholstery, furniture and bedding.
They sell Indian cotton mattresses in store as well as online which vary by thickness,outer casing and price. Based on your requirements and budget, you can opt for a 4 or 8-inch thick mattress.Once you select your mattress, you will need to specify if it the size is for a
- Cot
- Twin
- Full
- Queen
- King
The all-cotton 4-inch thick mattress costs $127.49.The full, Queen and King options cost an extra $30, $65 and $130 respectively. All futons and mattresses are manufactured locally and are flame retardant. They can be used on the floor or as a buffer with foam mattresses, which makes it suitable for young children.
The organic Boulder style 8-inch thick Indian mattress contains 155 more cotton and 2x times the tufts than the standard cotton mattresses. This makes it one of the firmest mattresses in the store with a supportive surface. It’s not flame retardant. Buyers will need to furnish a chemist’s prescription explaining that they need a chemical-free mattress. Futonland recommends using this mattress on platform or box-spring beds.
Where to buy: https://futonland.com/product/organic-all-cotton-boulder-style-firm-nfr-mattress-8-inch
Price: $1,745(twin) to $3767 (King size)
3. Whitelotushome
Whitelotushome is located in New Brunswick, New Jersey,US and has been in business for 4 decades. They sell a variety of mattresses that are pure cotton as well as a blend of cotton with wool, latex and foam.
White Lotus Home cotton mattresses can be custom made to your preferred thickness with the maximum limit of 8 inches. The cotton is sourced locally from Vincent Manufacturing in Little falls. The mill takes in recycled cotton fibre to produce cotton bats for the furniture and bedding industry. This makes the cotton green, and lasts for an average of 7 to 10 years. .
If your budget is below $1000, we recommend getting the green cotton and wool dreamton mattress. They come in sizes ranging from twin to Cali king 6”,7” and 8” thick.
If you’re willing to splurge a little (and you should, considering it’s a long-term investment!) try out the organic cotton and wool boulder mattress, which costs $1,614. The fabric is a 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton twill and wool. The Dreamton is sans springs, which prevents motion from transferring between sleepers. If you or your partner are fidgety and restless, rest assured that individual movements won’t disturb you!
Whitelotushome recommends using a slatted bed frame with the slats 2.5” wide and no more than 2” apart from each other. This holds the mattress in place without gaps through which the stuffing can sink through over time.
Where to buy: https://www.whitelotushome.com/bedding/organic-cotton-wool-boulder-firm-mattress.html
4. Bedandwood
Bedandwood is a dream come true for mattress shoppers, because it’s the only store that stocks bedroom essentials, from pillows and pads to mattresses.
The first thing we spotted on their website was the Indian mattress-Organic futon.
The smallest size they have is the mini which is 12”x 12” while the largest size is Cali King (72” x 84”).
The mattress is filled with cotton batts which are compressed sheets of cotton fiber. This ensures that the stuffing is compact and unchanged in shape for several years. It does not sag nor shrink over time.
The 4” Shiki futon and 8”organic Indian mattress are filled by weight and are made with 100% organic cotton batting and certified cotton fabric.
Where to buy: https://www.bedandwood.com/cotton-mattress/9-440-indian-mattress-organic-futon#/27-size-cal_king_72_x_84/39-thickness-8_inch
Price: $12 (Mini) to $ 2,139 (Cali King)
5. Alibaba
Alibaba’s selection of Indian cotton mattresses can help you pick one that’s right for you and your family!
Under categories, you can choose from 100% cotton or mattresses, which will narrow the filter down to Indian mattress. Besides mattresses, Alibaba also features mattress toppers, pillows, throws and blended fabrics such as memory foam and cotton, cotton and coir (coconut fibre) and baby mats.
If you have a young child at home, consider looking at the Airland memory foam organic knitted cotton mat. It comes in 2 sizes, King and Queen. You can buy a single or in bulk, with upto 50 mats.
Their shipping time is estimated to take 14 days since it’s made in Guangdong, China.
Where to buy: https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/indian-cotton-mattress.html
Price: subject to quantity. Lowest price is $70.
6. Wayfair
Wayfair is a home and office expertise service that sells a range of furniture, bedding and equipment. Their corporate quarters are located in Boston, U.S and Berlin, Germany. Wayfair was founded in 2002 and operates 18 fulfillment and 38 delivery centers across the U.S, Germany and the U.K.
Their online stores carry a range of futon Japanese and Indian cotton mattresses designed by Alwyn homes, Arsuite, Winston Porter and Ebern designs, to name a few. We liked the Trule Hogue Cotton Futon mattress, and ordered one to carry around for a weekend outdoor getaway. It was convenient to carry around the campsite. Since we were near a bonfire, we covered our mattress with a flame retardant fabric as an added precaution. It comes in 9 different colors and is shipped with
- 1x dustproof cover
- 1x pair of bandages
- 1x canvas storage bag.
The mattress weighs about 10 pounds and comes in sizes between twin and King size. This mattress is more budget friendly, costing $150.
If you’re looking for orthopedic support, the Euben 8” thick mattress could be the one for you. The outer covering is made of polyester while the core construction is cotton with a blend of soy-based foam and wool to create more back support. Wayfair estimates this mattress to have a life expectancy of 8 to 12 years .
Where to buy: https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/arsuite-euben-8-cotton-futon-mattress-w002986125.html
Price: $465 ($40 off on your first order over $250).
7. Pros and Cons of Indian Cotton Gaddhi
The advantages of an Indian mattress are that they are
- Natural: Organic cotton is great for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
- Vegan: Unlike goose down bedding which uses bird feathers, animals and birds are not skinned or plucked for their coat/fur/feathers to make these mattresses.
- Breathable: 100% cotton mattresses allow air to circulate freely and provide ventilation.
- Comfortable: When you break in a cotton mattress, it’ll lose some of its firmness and become softer over time, making them more pliable.
- Moisture absorbent: Cotton mattresses have a natural wicking property which helps it to absorb sweat (another reason it’s preferred during hot and long summers). You just need to dry the mattress off in the sun for a few hours.
- Durable: Unlike spring coil mattresses that sag with weight over time, cotton mattresses retain their shape and have a longer shelf life of 15 years.
Like any mattress, Indian style cotton mattresses do have some disadvantages.
- Prone to dust mites and insects:Pure cotton attracts dust and insects and has to be sprayed with repellants from time to time.
- Susceptible to catching fire: Cotton, silk and linen are highly flammable.
- Unsuited for body support: cotton mattresses can become uneven after a few years and are not recommended to use for back support.
- Maintenance: An Indian mattress needs to be restuffed and beaten from time to time to remove any lumps.
FAQS
1. Where can I buy an Indian style cotton filled mattress?
Indian style cotton filled mattresses are also marketed as Japanese and can be found under the same category of rugs, Tatami mats and cotton bedding. You can buy them online or try out a sample of mattress protectors and toppers before deciding if the cotton mattress is what you need.
You recommend getting them from Futonland, Wayfair and Whitelotushome. These are not only more credible but also have great post-sales service. You can speak to someone to track your orders, initiate a refund or request samples.
2. How much does an Indian mattress cost?
An Indian mattress can typically cost between $55 (for a mini) to $3,200. The price goes up if the material is all-cotton and organically grown. There are additional costs for custom bedding which accommodates size, extended warranty and requests for insect repellant casing.
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