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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

Want to sleep easy? Try the best in beds and bedding, but is it really worth digging deep? Photo: Chris Craymer/Trunk Archive

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.

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“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 bed. Photo: Handout

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.

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“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.

Hästens bed. Photo: Handout

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.

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Baea Sea meets Shore bedding collection. Photo: Handout

The pillow’s filling also matters. While down and feather are considered the most “luxurious” with a softer feel, polyester fibre and memory foam can offer firmer support, although they may also trap heat and are not as comfortable as natural materials. Wong highlights Swiss-based Dauny, which produces pillows that feature a combination of memory foam to support the neck as well as down and feather to provide additional comfort.

While rectangular pillows are standard, buyers can also consider other shapes. Some styles, for example, feature a special curve at the bottom for better shoulder alignment while full length body pillows are becoming more popular as they promote spinal alignment and relieve pressure on the hips.

Duvets meanwhile are more popular than flat sheets – “Sheets are basically an add on and not necessary,” says Wong – because they provide a sense of comfort and security. Many styles made from down are categorised by their tog rating – a measure of how effectively they retain heat which typically goes up in steps of 1.5 to the warmest at 16.5. Wong suggests purchasing products suitable for “all seasons” including some styles that can be customised by adding or removing layers of down, depending on the season.

Dauny Superior collection

“More customers are also choosing silk duvets, which are lighter and more breathable. The surface is much cooler but it’s important to note that these duvets are usually hybrids and feature other materials such as down to ensure that they still have a fluffy, comforting feeling,” she says.

Beyond the basics, other luxuries can take your sleep score up a notch. When it comes to bedsheets, opt for the best quality you can afford says Adah Chan, founder of Hong Kong-based brand Baea.

“If you have to break it down, there are three factors that constitute quality: the thread count, the raw materials and the way it’s made, particularly the finishing process, which is different from the way it’s manufactured,” she says.

Adah Chan, founder of Baea. Photo: Handout

While thread count has become an indicator of quality – she recommends between 300 to 600 – higher numbers don’t necessarily equate comfort. The weave of the fabric also matters. If the weave is too dense, your sheets are less breathable and can affect the quality of your sleep.

“Percale is a lighter weight fabric that is much crisper and cooler, while sateen has a sheen and smoother surface. The choice is one hundred per cent personal,” she says.

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In terms of fabrics, Egyptian cotton is still the most coveted – Chan highlights Sea Island and long staple cottons as other luxury contenders – although silk is also appealing for its tactile feel. Linen is considered more sustainable but it wrinkles easily and has more texture which is not for everyone.

With your bedding sorted, you can experiment with other add-ons. Wong highlights weighted blankets, which are becoming more popular as they provide “a calming and comfortable sensation”, thanks to glass and plastic beads which distribute weight and pressure evenly across the body.

Last but not least, studies have shown that wearing an eye mask can help improve the quality of your sleep. Just make sure you opt for a silk version which not only feels more luxurious but supposedly helps reduce wrinkles.

Beauty
  • 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