Does an expensive bed really help you sleep? Doze like Drake in your Hästens, Schramm or Savoir – the mattresses and bedding to get you the most beauty sleep when money is no object
- Drake famously spent US$400,000 on a Grand Vividus bed from Swedish brand Hästens – Schramm’s Grand Cru and Savoir are other premium options to look for when buying an A-lister-level bed
- Dauny make pillows that mix down and feathers with memory foam for ultimate performance while Egyptian cotton sheets are still the most coveted, but Sea Island and long staple cottons are good alternatives
With the average person spending something like one third of their life in bed, it’s hardly news that sleep is instrumental to our health and general well-being. Creating the best sleep environment has therefore become a holy grail for the health-obsessed and while no amount of money in the world can guarantee a good night’s sleep, that doesn’t mean we can’t try.
Studies often focus on the importance of sleep hygiene – a completely dark room free of mobile devices and with a temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius is often seen as optimal – but choosing the right bed and bedding are also essential for anyone looking to elevate their sleep experience. Fortunately, we are spoiled for choice today as brands compete for the honour of producing the best bedding in the world – though “best” is obviously subjective, with sleep experts suggesting you ultimately should put comfort above style.
“Natural sleep means regeneration for the body, mind and soul. There is nowhere else where one can relax and recharge better than in a perfectly constructed bed. Experience, tradition and natural materials play a key role here,” says Martin Kaus, managing director of Schramm, a renowned bedding company established in Germany in 1932.
Schramm is among an elite group – which includes names like Hästens and Savoir – that produce handmade mattresses and beds that are among the most coveted (and expensive). These brands boast exceptional craftsmanship and patented technologies that cannot be found elsewhere. Schramm’s Grand Cru bed, for example, takes almost 100 hours to produce, while Hästens’ Vividus mattresses, loved by celebrities such as Drake and Post Malone, have become the status symbols of sleep.
Not everyone can fork out US$400,000 on a bed like Drake though, so experts advise that buyers focus on factors such as materials and firmness when choosing a mattress.
“Know the pros and cons of different mattress materials. Memory foam contours to your body, innerspring provides bounce, latex is durable, and hybrids offer a mix. Look for materials that promote airflow. Low-quality foams may break down faster, affecting the mattress’ lifespan,” advises Kaus.
He says spring suspension also plays its part because it provides support and helps maintain proper spinal alignment. Springs should offer a supportive and responsive feel and help maintain the spine’s natural curve while you are lying flat.
While mattresses form the foundation of your bed, pillows and duvets are also critical. Choosing the right pillow comes down to personal preference, but your sleeping position should be considered.
“Side sleepers will benefit from a firmer pillow with a higher height – preferably at the shoulder – to maintain proper neck alignment. For a back sleeper, your forehead and chin should be as straight as possible,” says Kitrina Wong, executive director and co-founder of Beyond Sleep, a sleep concept boutique based in Hong Kong.