Mara Vital Guidebook
Guides and Frequently Asked Questions
Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about mattresses, pillows, and blankets, as well as all of Mara Vital's material guides. Each answer stands on its own; for more in-depth information, the sections link directly to the relevant guides.
- In a nutshell
- Guides linked
- Showroom Consultation
Topic Overview
Select a topic.
Selection & Hardness
Which mattress is right for you? Firmness levels, types, and how they feel—explained briefly.
Care & Durability
Flip, clean, replace: Here's how to keep your mattress in good shape for a long time.
Ordering & Trial Period
Delivery, a trial sleep at home, and a trial test in the showroom.
Materials for Pillows & Blankets
Seven guides to materials, from hemp to alpaca.
Topic Guides
In-depth guides on specific sleep topics; to get started: how to sleep more coolly.
Knowledge & Blog
In-depth posts from the Mara Vital blog.
Decision-Making Guides
Your Guide to Making the Right Choice.
Mattress Finder
A few questions, the right models: your shortlist.
Bed Configurator
Design your bed in the showroom, with expert advice.
Dagmersellen Showroom
Test drives near Lucerne, with on-site consultation.
Volketswil Showroom
Test drives near Zurich, with on-site consultation.
Mattresses
All Mattresses: Compare Types and Firmness Levels.
Mattress protector
Washable protection for any mattress.
Duvets
Lightweight duvets for every season.
Pillow
Pillows for every sleeping position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know, Answered Briefly.
Selection & Hardness
The most common questions about choosing the right mattress, answered briefly.
What firmness level is right for me?
As a general guideline: H1 (very soft) is suitable for body weights up to about 60 kg, H2 (soft) for 60 to 80 kg, H3 (medium-firm) for 80 to 100 kg, H4 (firm) for 100 to 120 kg, and H5 (very firm) for weights above that. However, firmness ratings are not standardized: Each manufacturer measures differently, and an H3 can vary noticeably depending on the model.
In addition to weight, your sleeping position, body type, and personal comfort are important factors. The best way to decide is to try lying on or sleeping on the mattress first. The guide “Mattress Firmness Levels” explains how to interpret the rating for a specific model.
Cold-foam or pocket-spring core: What's the difference?
Cold-foam mattresses are made of elastic foam: They’re quiet, provide point-by-point support, and conform closely to the body. Pocket-spring mattresses feature springs sewn individually into fabric pockets: They’re very well-ventilated, which can be an advantage if you sweat heavily at night. Hybrid mattresses combine both designs.
Which mattress is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers need a mattress that allows their shoulders and hips to sink in so that their spine remains straight. Medium-soft models (H2 to H3) with good point elasticity—such as those made of cold foam or natural latex—have proven to be effective. The best way to determine if a mattress feels right for you is to test it by lying on it in the showroom or by trying it out at home. The guide for side sleepers explains how to find the right fit step by step; you can find mattresses for side sleepers in the store.
Which mattress is best for back pain?
A mattress is no substitute for a medical evaluation: If you have persistent back pain, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause. When choosing a mattress, keep this in mind: It should support the spine in its natural alignment, neither sagging nor causing pressure points. Many people opt for medium-firm, point-elastic models (H3). Take your time to test it out before making a decision.
What do point elasticity and surface elasticity mean?
A point-elastic mattress yields only where pressure is applied—for example, at the shoulders and hips—while the rest of the surface remains firm. A surface-elastic mattress yields over a wide area. For most adults, high point elasticity is more important because it provides targeted support for the body.
What does specific gravity represent?
The density indicates how many kilograms of raw material are contained in one cubic meter of foam. Generally, the higher the density, the more dimensionally stable and durable the foam core is. You can find this information in the product description for mattresses with a foam core or foam insert.
Which mattress fits in a box spring bed?
Basically, any one. If you want to keep the typical feel of a box spring bed, choose a pocket-coil mattress. Also pay attention to the height: Box spring mattresses are often about 25 cm high to maintain the bed’s proportions. You can find matching box spring mattresses in the store.
One large mattress or two single mattresses on a double bed?
Two separate mattresses are a good choice if you need different levels of firmness or sleeping comfort—for example, if there’s a significant difference in body weight. A full-length topper fills the gap between the two mattresses. If you have similar sleeping preferences, a single, full-length mattress will suffice; there are also couple’s mattresses with two different firmness zones in a single core.
Is a natural latex mattress worth it?
Natural latex is elastic, retains its shape, and is durable; with proper care, many models last 10 to 15 years. However, natural latex mattresses are heavier and usually more expensive than cold-foam models. Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on how much you value the springy, elastic feel: it’s best to compare them in person at the showroom.
What kind of mattress do babies and children need?
Babies up to about 2 years old need a firm, dimensionally stable mattress that doesn't let them sink in too much. Medium-firm models are suitable for toddlers. Once children reach school age, similar criteria apply as for adults, though the firmness level must be appropriate for their lower body weight. You can find baby mattresses in our shop.
Why is choosing the right mattress so important?
You spend hours on your mattress every night: The right mattress supports your body and relieves pressure while you sleep. The Mattress Finder narrows down the selection with just a few questions to show you the models that are right for you.
What types of mattresses are there?
At the Mara Vital store, you'll find pocket-spring, cold-foam, and natural latex mattresses, as well as box-spring mattresses, couples' mattresses, and baby mattresses: The mattresses differ in construction and feel; the product page describes each model in detail.
Care & Durability
What your mattress needs on a daily basis to last a long time.
How long does a mattress last?
A mattress typically lasts 7 to 10 years, though high-quality models can last even longer. Replace it if visible indentations remain, if you’re sleeping worse than before, or if you wake up feeling stiff in the morning. Don’t just blindly buy the same model again: Your body and sleeping habits change, so it’s worth trying out a new one.
How often should you flip a mattress?
Flip a double-sided mattress about every 3 months, rotating it 180 degrees so that the pressure is distributed evenly. For mattresses with a fixed sleeping side, simply rotate them about every 3 to 6 months. Regular flipping prevents the formation of indentations and extends the mattress’s lifespan; many mattresses have handles designed for this purpose.
How do you properly clean a mattress?
Wipe down the surface regularly and air out the mattress every time you change the bedding. Dab stains with a slightly damp cloth and mild detergent without rubbing; the mattress must never get soaked. A removable, washable cover or a mattress protector makes care much easier.
Do you need a slatted frame?
In most beds, yes: The slatted frame allows air to circulate beneath the mattress. The body releases about half a liter of moisture per night; without air circulation, it builds up in the mattress. Adjustable slats also help customize your sleeping comfort. Exceptions include bed systems with their own ventilated base, such as box spring beds. You can find matching slatted frames in the store.
How do you dispose of an old mattress?
An old mattress is considered bulky waste and should be disposed of through your municipality’s waste collection program or taken directly to the recycling center. Procedures and fees vary depending on where you live; check your municipality’s waste collection calendar for details. If you order a new mattress from Mara Vital, we’ll pick up your old one upon delivery if you’d like: simply book the disposal of your old mattress as an add-on service.
Ordering, Delivery, and Trial Period
What happens between placing your order and your first night on the new mattress.
How is a mattress ordered online delivered?
Up to a certain size, the mattress is delivered rolled up and vacuum-sealed via a package delivery service. Larger sizes, such as 180 x 200 cm and up, are delivered by a freight carrier. The shipping method for each model is listed in the respective product description. Mara Vital offers free shipping within Switzerland.
How does the trial sleep period work at Mara Vital?
Once you receive it, you can try out the mattress at home for up to 100 nights. It takes a few weeks for your body to get used to a new mattress, so the extended trial period is more telling than your first impression. If the firmness level or model isn’t right for you, you can return or exchange the mattress. The exact terms and conditions are listed with each product.
Where can I try out mattresses before buying them?
At the Mara Vital showrooms in Volketswil (ZH) and Dagmersellen (LU). There, you can compare mattresses, pillows, and comforters in person; the consultation is free and non-binding. You can book an appointment online or stop by during business hours.
What should you keep in mind when buying a mattress in Switzerland?
You pay in Swiss francs, and Mara Vital offers free shipping within Switzerland: For larger sizes, the XXL mattresses —with lengths up to 220 cm—are a great option, and you can try them out before you buy at the showrooms in Volketswil and Dagmersellen.
Material Guide
Materials for pillows and blankets.
Each guide explains a material, including its properties, care instructions, and buying tips.
Overview of Materials
This guide walks you through all the material guides and shows you how to compare them.
Hemp
A durable plant-based fiber that, when combined with cotton, can help create a balanced sleeping environment. Machine washable up to 60 °C; the pillow’s filling can be adjusted.
kapok
Fine, hollow plant fibers: plenty of volume with little weight. Can help create a comfortably dry sleeping environment if you sweat easily at night.
Camel hair
A fine inner layer of fabric that can absorb and release moisture. This might be a good option if your body temperature fluctuates at night or if you sweat easily.
Lyocell
Smooth cellulose fiber made from wood with a subtle sheen. According to the product page, the pillow and blanket are machine washable at 60 °C.
Swiss stone pine
Swiss stone pine shavings bring the scent of alpine pine into your bed. They are combined with virgin wool and cotton in the pillows and blankets.
Virgin wool
A crimped natural fiber that can absorb and release moisture vapor. You can adjust the filling amount and height of the pillow.
Alpaca
A lightweight, natural animal fiber with a soft feel. The blanket is available in several warmth ratings, and the pillow comes in several sizes.
Topic Guides
A topic explained in detail.
In-depth guides on specific sleep topics. We’ll start with the guide for anyone who gets too hot at night.
Sleep more soundly
Pads, covers, and materials for a cooler sleeping experience.
Mattress for Side Sleepers
Fit comes before fabric: Check the shoulders, hips, and waist when trying it on.
Mattress Firmness Level
H2, H3, and H4 are not a standard that applies across manufacturers: the number applies only within a single product family.
XXL Mattresses
Plan for extra length and width: sleeping surface, distance to the headboard, and the distance to the installation site.
Convenient exit height
From the floor to the top of the mattress: Measure accurately using a tape measure—it only takes a minute.
Knowledge
From the blog.
In-depth posts from the Mara Vital blog.
Natural Materials for Blankets: The Ultimate Guide to Warmth, Moisture Management, Care, and Seasonal Choices
As of September 2025 – This article explains the differences between the most common natural fillings for comforters (duvets/quilted blankets) and…
Waterproof mattress protector – comprehensive protection against liquids, sweat, or stains
A high-quality mattress is an investment in restful sleep. To ensure it remains hygienic for a long time and retains its…
Sleep soundly – Mara Vital mattresses meet the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, Baby Class 1
A good night's sleep starts with trust. That's why all Mara Vital mattresses and their components are certified according to…
The Best Mattress for Everyone: A Guide to Restful Sleep
Introduction Restful sleep is the foundation of our health, performance, and well-being. Choosing the…
Switzerland swears by this solution for a cool, restful night's sleep.
"It's as if someone were blowing fresh air under my blanket all night long." Esther Ries, Frauenfeld "The sultry…
Box spring mattress instead of a memory foam mattress
When you read the term "box spring bed," the first thing that probably comes to mind is a luxurious, spacious hotel room with a…
That's why a mattress topper is worth it
At night, our bodies recover, and we recharge our energy for the day. But…
Consulting
Can't find the answer you're looking for?
Ask your question directly: The Mara Vital team will advise you free of charge and with no obligation—in the showroom, by phone, or by email.