Horsehair bed
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A horsehair bed is a mattress similar to a wool mattress but produced using horsehair instead of wool. Each curl is shaped like a tiny spring, providing support and flexibility.[1] At the same time, these springs act as miniature airlines and provide air flow, so the mattress does not retain excess heat and moisture and allows the flow of fresh air. Its flexible structure also strengthens the functions of ordinary spring systems.[citation needed]
Horsehair is also an organic product with anti-fungal and anti-mite properties.[citation needed]
No chemical treatment is used in the production of the mattresses as horsehair is very sensitive to chemical processes. After being thoroughly washed in boiling water, the horsehair is rinsed and turned into yarn by heating at 140 °C in high humidity. After this process, the knots are untied and volume is gained by handling.[citation needed]
The production of these beds tends to be quite difficult and expensive, as they are made entirely by hand.[2][3] It takes approximately 350 hours to produce a mattress. Today, there are only a few companies and places in the world that produce them.[4]
References[edit]
- ^ "All about horsehair mattresses and beds". John Ryan By Design. June 2020.
- ^ Gaddy, James (2 December 2016). "Will $150,000 Buy You the Best Sleep You've Ever Had?". Bloomberg.
- ^ Olmsted, Larry (19 September 2011). "Will You Sleep Better in a $55,000 Bed?". Forbes.
- ^ Frank, Robert (18 March 2013). "Holy horse hair! $175,000 for 'royal' mattress". NBC News.