Spindle Mattress Review
Natural Latex Mattress
Spindle is a small but, ambitious company out of New England that has been gaining momentum and turning heads. Their straightforward marketing approach and genuine concern for customer satisfaction is refreshing. Company founder, Neal Van Patten, is a fourth generation mattress maker with a sincere passion for his trade. He states Spindle’s mission is simply to “build remarkable mattresses and sell them at kick-ass prices, online.”
The Spindle Mattress Company’s business model is to say the least, a bit unconventional. If you are looking for a white glove delivery that sets your mattress up with a wave of a finger, Spindle may not be for you. However, if you are searching for an exceptional value at a ridiculously low price, you are definitely on the right track.
Spindle recently supplied us with their all natural latex mattress for us to review. The bed was provided at no cost. All Spindle asked for was an honest review of their product. We’ll break down what our impressions were; and what you can expect.
Spindle Natural Latex Mattress Highlights
- Pressure relieving, body contouring support
- Natural Latex sleeps cooler than memory foam
- No chemical off gassing. CertiPUR certified
- Natural materials are great for allergy sufferers
- 365 night comfort trial
Construction
Spindle takes an environmentally responsible approach. Although the company modestly downplays the “green” aspect, Spindle’s natural latex mattress certainly has enough talking points to satisfy even the most stringent environmentalist.
Natural Latex
This ten inch mattress consists of three, 3” layers of Oeko-Tex 100, Class 1 certified Continuous Pour Natural Dunlop Latex. Natural latex is buoyant and resilient. It creates a sensation of floating on top of the mattress. It sleeps cool and has absolutely no off gassing issues. You might pick up a very mild, but not unpleasant natural scent. It’s been sometimes compared to the aroma of almonds. This odor quickly dissipates and emits no dangerous toxins into the air.
Natural latex layers
Natural latex will have imperfections. No two pieces will look exactly the same and small blemishes or tears will not affect the mattress performance or longevity.
Natural Wool
Wool is a natural heat regulator. It keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It all happens due to wool’s natural ability to wick away moisture and moderate temperature. On a cold night, wool pulls water vapor from the air keeping you warm. The opposite happens on a warm evening. The moisture absorbed in the fibers circulates back into the air; keeping you cool. These same unique qualities allow sheep to survive drastic climate changes. Wool also creates a natural fire barrier. Spindle uses no chemical fire retardants. Natural Wool Batting is obtained from sheep raised according to Pacific Northwest Eco-Wool standards.
Spindle Mattress cover
Organic Cotton
Organic Cotton is a healthier alternative to synthetic fabric. Cotton used in Spindle’s mattress cover is grown without pesticides, pigments or bleach. The elasticity of the circular knit fabric allows for greater freedom of movement and complements the naturally buoyancy of the Latex.
Organic cotton is soft and comfortable but, also exceptionally durable. Unlike synthetic fibers, cotton absorbs moisture and breathes easily. This allows you to sleep cool and comfortable all night long.
Whenever possible, cotton is purchased from US sources; typically, Texas and New Mexico. Final fabric is woven to Spindle’s specifications in South Carolina.
Latex mattresses have limited availability
Spindle sees the relative lack of exposure latex has received thus far as a huge growth opportunity. Unlike memory foam, which is petroleum based foam, natural latex, is manufactured from the sap of the rubber tree and responds to your body in an entirely different way. it’s not Spindle’s goal to discredit the merits of its competition. However, Van Patten does view it as an opportunity to tout the virtues of the Spindle mattress. Natural latex is far more buoyant, less heat retentive and does not have the off gassing issues associated with memory foam. Latex also offers exceptional pressure relief and conformity while keeping your body in proper alignment; creating a sensation of floating on top of the mattress. Memory foam conversely, is slower to react and respond allowing your body to be absorbed into the bed. You sleep on a Latex Mattress; you sleep in a memory foam bed.
Spindle Natural Latex Mattress Rating
Overall Value
92/100
Overall rating reflects the combined scores of all values. The categories have been weighted in our calculations based on their individual importance.
Support
90/100
Spindle’s natural dunlop latex offers solid body alignment for most sleepers. However, larger individuals will not experience the same type of support. This mattress is not recommended for individuals over 270 lbs.
Pressure Relief
90/100
Natural latex contours and conforms while maintaining proper spinal alignment. The Spindle mattress creates a floating sensation opposed to a sinking in feel.
Motion Transfer
90/100
This springless latex mattress creates little to no sleep partner disturbance.
Ease of Movement
100/100
This is an area where Spindle really shines. Natural latex has bounce and resiliency not found in synthetic foams.
Sleeps Cool
90/100
Any foam, man made or otherwise can at times retain a certain amount of heat. Natural Dunlop Latex will sleep cooler than most synthetic materials like memory foam. The vast majority of sleepers will have no issues whatsoever with Spindle. As far as all foam mattresses go, it would be hard to find a cooler sleep surface. If you are one of the few who genuinely sleep hot, you need to address more than your mattress. With any quality mattress, you should be using a mattress protector. Make sure it's breathable. Cotton breathes exceptionally well but bare in mind, it's not waterproof. there are a variety of GOR-TEX pads on the market that are breathable, waterproof and machine washable. As for the sheets, cotton is good, bamboo is better. Bamboo has a natural wicking quality that helps keep you cool. When it comes to sleeping cool, your mattress is only part of the equation.
Off-Gassing
100/100
Natural dunlop latex emits no dangerous chemicals into the air and is CertiPUR certified. When first unpacked, there are some mild, natural scents present that dissipate within a few days and present no danger.
Durability
90/100
A mattress of decent quality should last between 8 - 12 years. This is a reasonable expectation for the Spindle mattress.
Edge Support
80/100
Like most spring-less mattresses, this is not Spindle’s strongest suit. Don’t judge the support of this mattress based on sitting on it’s edge. While laying down your weight is distributed evenly and efficiently.
Corner view of the Spindle
Sex Friendly
100/100
Bounce and resiliency translate to ease of movement and a high overall score.
Trial Period
100/100
The Spindle company won't hesitate to tell you, no one mattress is right for everyone. This is why they now offer a full 365 day money back guarantee. It's also why they go to such great lengths to convey just what you can expect from their mattress. For our part, we have tried to do the same. We recommend before returning your mattress, that you reach out to Spindle for assistance in getting the comfort right. Because of the convenient zippered cover, adjustments of comfort layers can be made quite easily. Spindle does ask that you try your mattress out for a period of 60 days before making any returns or exchanges. This is actually done with your best interest in mind. This gives time for your body to adapt to your new mattress. Also, latex tends to break in a bit during this period; becoming slightly softer over time. If you are still having issues after 60 days, call Spindle and they will work with you to come up with the best solution.
Warranty
90/100
Spindle offers a full 10 Year Warranty. if you have a warranty claim during the first ten years — e.g. a sag exceeding 3/4″ Spindle will replace the defective materials at no charge.
Delivery
85/100
Spindle offers free shipping to your door, within the continental US. It typically arrives within 7 days via UPS. A reasonable amount of assembly is required and no in home setup is offered. Spindle representatives are available to provide online or over the phone guidance with assembly. We actually referenced their videos for setup tips. More on that in the Unboxing section.
Money Value
100/100
For those seeking natural latex mattress, Spindle is an exceptional value. This is one of the best priced mattresses in this category. A Spindle mattress costs significantly less than retail beds of the same specifications. It also sells for less than most of its online competition. This is a quality natural latex mattress that was designed to be affordable for everyone.
Spindle Natural Latex Mattress Comfort / Firmness Options
- Softest
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4Soft
- 5
- 6Medium
- 7
- 8Medium Firm
- 9Extra Firm
- 10
- Firmest
The Spindle mattress has four unique comfort feels that are created by arranging three separate layers of natural dunlop latex to achieve the desired firmness.
Adjustable natural latex layers
Spindle’s web site has an online comfort calculator. It’s designed to give you an estimate of what your ideal firmness level might be. Please note, it’s more of a helpful tool than a science. Use your own judgement in determining what firmness level is best for you. If you’ve never slept on a Natural Latex mattress before, one of the biggest things to be aware of is just how much bounce and resiliency these mattresses possess. Natural Latex has its own unique feel. Although it is very pressure relieving, it does not have the deep body hug of Memory Foam. Use that thought to temper your expectations of how firm each comfort option will be.
Use Spindle’s Comfort Calculator
Or choose from the following firmness options:
The Extra Firm
Although not as firm as the firmest innerspring, extra firm Dunlop Latex is a pretty robust feel. It should more than accommodate back or stomach sleepers who are seeking a very firm feel. For most side sleepers, the Extra Firm will be too firm to offer enough pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. It’s important to not confuse firmness with support. All four options are equal in this regard. It’s individual comfort requirements that vary.
On your back…
A back sleeper who appreciates a more stabilized feel that is noticeably firm will appreciate this mattress. A heavier individual’s weight will be absorbed easier than a petite person. This mattress could be too firm for someone with a smaller body mass.
On your side…
Some larger individuals may enjoy the push back that this mattress offers while on your side. More moderate body types and those with more pressure sensitivity may find this mattress too firm.
On your stomach…
Stomach sleepers generally prefer a firmer mattress. It prevents your lumbar from dipping and causing lower back pain. Weather this mattress is just right or too firm depends on your physical sizes and pressure sensitivities. A smaller individual may find the medium firm a more suitable choice.
The Medium Firm
It should be noted that natural latex mattresses have a more buoyant feel than most synthetic foams. A medium firm will to some feel a bit firmer than other types of beds because of the added bounce latex offers. That said, If you want a firm mattress, but not a brick, the Spindle firm might be the way to go. We still feel this mattress is best suited for back and stomach sleepers.Unless you are a side sleeper who knows that they feel most comfortable on this type of feel, consider the medium or soft.
On your back…
Most back sleepers who gravitate towards a moderate firmness, should consider the Medium firm. It will offer more pressure relief than the extra firm and a little less body hug than the medium. It’s a comfort question, not a support issue.
On your side…
Side Sleepers who like a like a bit firmer feel will like the Medium firm. When talking about differences between the medium firm and the medium, it’s a matter of personal preference. Make your decision based on comfort. If you truly like a softer feel for more conformity, we recommend the medium.
On your stomach…
The medium firm will for many sleepers be the ideal mattress for stomach sleeping. It combines enough buoyancy and support to prevent lumbar pain without being too firm. Most stomach sleepers preferences will fall between the medium firm and the medium. This again depends on your physical size and comfort preference.
The Medium
We received the medium for our evaluation and the general consensus was the mattress felt more like a medium firm than a medium. If you decide Spindle is right for you but are on the fence about firmness level, consider this mattress. This level of firmness will accommodate the widest range of comfort preferences. Spindle makes adjusting comfort layers easy if necessary.
On your back…
As we have mentioned, body size can influences comfort preference; especially on a latex mattress. All those in our group who tested this mattress are more moderate size body types. We all were in agreement that the medium was very comfortable while on our backs. This mattress has a nice mix of support and pressure relief. If you are a back sleeper who has never tried a natural latex mattress, the characteristic bounce of this foam may surprise you. We feel the Spindle medium is a great place to start. It offers just the right amount of alignment and contouring to satisfy most back sleepers.
On your side…
While back sleeping was a pretty unanimous thums up, we had varying opinions on how comfortable this mattress was for side sleeping. It really comes down to a comfort preference. While on your side, most of your weight is distributed to your shoulders and hips. The medium will meet most but not all side sleepers comfort needs. Those who feel most comfortable on a softer mattress with more body hug will prefer the soft.
On your stomach…
While admittedly not stomach sleepers, we found this mattress to be quite comfortable in this position. Spindle’s natural latex creates a floating sensation. The medium offers pressure relief without a lot of sinkage. We feel this mattress will accomodate most stomach sleepers comfort requirements. Remember, a larger individual may be absorbed deeper into the mattress and prefer a slightly firmer bed.
The Soft
On your back…
For smaller, more petite individuals, the soft may be just right for a back sleeper. For people of moderate and large frames, the Spindle soft mattress may sink a bit too much. Of course, we are speaking in generalities. Personal comfort preferences can and do vary.
On your side…
The soft is an ideal choice for those looking for more body hug and conformity. This mattress provides the most pressure relieving feel for the shoulders and hips. Natural dunlop latex has a unique feel unlike any other foam. Even at its softest, it will retain a certain amount of bounce and resiliency not found in synthetic foams.
On your stomach…
Although there are exceptions to everything, we feel this mattress will be too soft for most stomach sleepers. Our concern is the lower back dipping to deep and causing lumbar pain. We recommend considering the medium firm or the medium for better alignment while on your stomach.
Spindle Natural Latex Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Natural latex offers great body alignment while alleviating pressure points that can cause pain.
- Great value: Spindle's Natural Latex mattress is half the price of what you can expect to pay in a retail store.
- Sleeps cool: While all foams have the potential to retain a certain amount of heat, natural latex sleeps cooler than synthetic materials like memory foam.
- No off gassing: The Spindle mattress is made from natural materials and emits no toxic chemicals. Wool creates a natural fire barrier. No chemical fire retardants are used.
- Pressure relief: Spindle’s natural latex provides pressure relieving contouring and conformity.
- Great for sex: Unlike memory foam, you sleep on latex, not in it. Spindle's buoyant, resilient feel creates great ease of movement.
Cons:
- Assembly is required for both the mattress and the foundation. This is a fair trade off for the lower than average price point.
- No White Glove in home delivery service offered. The Spindle mattress is quite heavy. Most people will require two sets of hands to bring into the house. Setup, although not difficult, takes more time than most competitive mattresses.
- May be too firm for some sleepers. This is particularity true if you already know you are most comfortable on super soft mattresses.
- Not recommended if you have latex or wool allergies. We do acknowledge latex allergies are contact in nature and should pose no danger. However, we feel there are far too many other options available to take that chance.
- Not recommended for very large body types. Spindle performs best for individuals under 270 lbs.
Who Will Like This Mattress
Spindle makes an exceptional mattress. But, latex in general is not right for everyone. If you’re wondering if Spindle might be right for you, we recommend taking time to consider a few important factors. Natural latex has a unique feel that is different from traditional coil spring or memory foam. We’ve found people who like (or dislike) latex have similar comfort preferences. Your first step should be determining if Spindle will fit your comfort requirements.
You’ll like Spindle if you love the feel of high priced retail store latex mattresses but, feel they are out of your price range. By cutting out the middleman, Spindle has been able to drastically reduce the price of their natural latex bed. Through our many years of bedding industry experience, as buyers and salespeople, we’ve evaluated many high end beds. We feel Spindle’s support and comfort are comparable to natural latex mattresses costing thousands more.
Spindle is for you If you want to lay on your mattress; not in it. For those who feel memory foam mattresses feel like your sinking in quicksand, Spindle will be a good choice. Unlike memory foam, you sleep on natural latex; not in it. There is more bounce and far greater ease of movement. This has obvious benefits for couples in a romantic relationship.
You’ll also like Spindle if you want limited motion transfer. This is a great advantage for couples who do not wish to disturb each others sleep. In our testing, we found Spindle performed exceptionally well limiting motion transfer. In this category, Spindle ranks as high or even higher than many memory foam beds we’ve tried.
If you’re looking for an Eco friendly, alternative, Spindle may be your answer. Natural latex, wool and organic cotton offer a healthy alternative. No polyurethanes or chemical fire retardants are used in production.
Who Will Not Like This Mattress
You may not want to purchase Spindle if you are opposed to doing some light assembly during setup. Spindle is delivered free to your door. No in home setup option is offered. The mattress is delivered in 3 boxes each containing 1 of 3 latex layers. the 3rd also contains the cover. Set up is quite simple but, a second set of hands is recommended. See our delivery section for complete set up information.
You’ll probably not care for Spindle if you like an extremely soft mattress. If your preference has typically been an ultra plush or memory foam, Spindle will most likely feel too firm. Although natural latex offers great pressure relief, it does not have the deep body hug of some other mattress types.
If you are sensitive to odors, be aware that both natural latex and wool have a slight scent that although not unpleasant, may linger for a few days. These odors are neither strong nor offensive but, some will notice them more than others. Please note, this is only temporary and there are no chemical toxins being released. These are natural aromas that pass quickly.
Known allergies to wool or latex should prompt you to choose an alternative mattress. Latex is actually a contact allergy but assembly does require direct contact with the foam. Even if you are not involved with the actual setup, we recommend erring on the side of caution.
Spindle Natural Latex Mattress Unboxing and Setup
At this point we highly recommend you watch Spindle’s setup video. The process is really quite easy if you follow the simple instructions.
Your Spindle mattress will come packaged in 3 separate boxes. Each will contain a layer of natural latex and one will also include your organic mattress cover.
The box with your cover will clearly be marked “Open First”. Carefully break open the seal while being cautious not to damage its contents. Remove and unwrap the cover and lay it across your foundation, making sure zipper access is at the foot of the bed. Unzip and remove the quilted top.
Note: As with any quality mattress, It’s essential a Queen or King have a frame with a sturdy center support and additional legs on the ground. Over time, Inferior frames can affect the support and longevity of your mattress.
You can now open what will be the bottom layer of your mattress. unwrap and unroll the latex, making sure the smooth side is facing up. Carefully line up this layer as even as possible being alert not to pull so hard that you damage the latex. This is where a second set of hands really comes in handy. You can use a kind of flicking motion to move latex.
Gently, tuck and smooth the corners to create a bucket shape. If you have not done so already, watch the video. It clearly shows an easy technique that is very effective. repeat the process with the remaining layers.
Your Spindle mattress will quickly take shape. It does not have to be perfect. You can continue to smoothing and reshaping as you reattach the quilted cover. The whole process start to finish took us about 20 minutes and that included taking time to watch the instructional video. Our verdict is, the little bit of extra time spent is well worth the value you receive in exchange.
The box with your cover will clearly be marked “Open First”. Carefully break open the seal while being cautious not to damage its contents. Remove and unwrap the cover and lay it across your foundation, making sure zipper access is at the foot of the bed. Unzip and remove the quilted top.
You can now open what will be the bottom layer of your mattress. unwrap and unroll the latex, making sure the smooth side is facing up. Carefully line up this layer as even as possible being alert not to pull so hard that you damage the latex. This is where a second set of hands really comes in handy. You can use a kind of flicking motion to move latex.
Gently, tuck and smooth the corners to create a bucket shape. If you have not done so already, watch the video. It clearly shows an easy technique that is very effective. repeat the process with the remaining layers.
Your Spindle mattress will quickly take shape. It does not have to be perfect. You can continue to smoothing and reshaping as you reattach the quilted cover. The whole process start to finish took us about 20 minutes and that included taking time to watch the instructional video. Our verdict is, the little bit of extra time spent is well worth the value you receive in exchange.
Comparison
| Name | Type | Price | Delivery | Trial | Warranty | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spindle Natural Latex Mattress | Natural Latex Mattress | $1,299.99 | Free | 365 days | 10 years | 92 |
| Happsy Mattress | Hybrid Mattress | $1,399 | Free | 120 days | 10 years | 95 |
| Zenhaven | Natural Latex | $1,899 | Free White Glove | 120 days | 20 years | 93 |
| PlushBeds Botanical Bliss | Latex Mattress | $1,499 -$2,199 | Free | 100 days | 25 years | 95.5 |
Pricing
| Size | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" x 75" | |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | |
| Full | 54" x 75" | |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | |
| King | 76" x 80" | |
| Cal King (not available) | N/A | N/A |
Conclusion
By cutting out the middleman and operating on trim margins, Spindle has broken the price barrier for quality natural latex beds. Natural latex is a unique feel that’s unlike any other foam. It’s not right for everyone. But, for those who appreciate the bounce and resiliency this quality mattress offers, Spindle is an exceptional value. In our testing, Spindle’s natural latex mattress performed as well or better than similar mattresses costing twice as much. We highly recommended this mattress to anyone interested in the unique benefits of natural latex.
Learn more at SpindleMattress.com