Mattress Care and Use Information

Begin with the right frame
Breaking-in a new wool mattress
Mattress size and shape considerations
Mattress care
Mattress refurbishing

Frame Recommendations

The correct frame is essential for the comfort and longevity of your wool mattress. A beautiful Shepherd’s Dream Wool Mattress deserves a compatible frame. Look for these elements:

Solid wooden slats instead of a box spring or solid platform (both block airflow).
Slats are spaced 1.5” apart to provide the best support. (Slats spaced more than 2” apart may allow the sleeper to feel the spaces between the slats)
Wooden slats are 2.5” wide to accommodate the addition of our latex strips. Other widths will work for the mattress, but will not accommodate our latex strips.
If you are interested in a frame style that we do not offer, our custom box insert will add the ideal slatted supports to any frame.

"Breaking-in" a New Wool Mattress
Each wool mattress is carefully compressed by hand when it is created, but be aware that a mattress will compress an additional 10-15% during the first 3-6 months of use. Our other wool-filled products will compress 30-40% (pillows and mattress toppers). This is a completely natural process; it does not decrease any of the positive qualities of sleeping with wool.

In order to avoid creating "dips" where you sleep, a few simple steps can be taken.
Flip and rotate your new bedding frequently
Sleep on all parts of your bed. An occasional nap in the center of the bed will help to avoid a "hump" where no one usually sleeps.
Remember that the compression stops after a few months of regular use. Parts of your bed that are used rarely (edges and the center) will catch up quickly.

If you desire more "give" after compression is complete, you can add another snuggle mate, latex strips, or wool felt.

Mattress Size/Shape
When we create your mattress, we allow no more than a 1" variation from standard bed dimensions. Be aware that the tight packaging for shipping often causes the mattress to temporarily gain/lose an inch. Also, the mattress will expand slightly as it settles and compresses with use. A mattress can gain 1 to 2 inches in length and width after about 6 months of use.

Continued Mattress Care
Once your mattress is completely compressed it requires only minimal care. Continue to follow the regular care steps for natural bedding. The mattress will benefit greatly from an annual day in the sun. This is also a great time to rotate and flip the mattress. You can vacuum your mattress if it needs additional cleaning.

Mattress Refurbishing
We can refurbish most of our wool bedding items. If an accident damages your bedding or if it simply needs a fresh layer of wool, call our office for a quote. We will charge a reasonable rate to cover shipping, materials, and labor.

Mattress Care and Use Information
Begin with the right frame Breaking-in a new wool mattress Mattress size and shape considerations Mattress care Mattress refurbishing
Frame Recommendations
The correct frame is essential for the comfort and longevity of your wool mattress. A beautiful Shepherd’s Dream Wool Mattress deserves a compatible frame. Look for these elements: Solid wooden slats instead of a box spring or solid platform (both block airflow). Slats are spaced 1.5” apart to provide the best support. (Slats spaced more than 2” apart may allow the sleeper to feel the spaces between the slats) Wooden slats are 2.5” wide to accommodate the addition of our latex strips. Other widths will work for the mattress, but will not accommodate our latex strips. If you are interested in a frame style that we do not offer, our custom box insert will add the ideal slatted supports to any frame. We are not responsible for problems associated with frames that we do not recommend.
"Breaking-in" a New Wool Mattress Each wool mattress is carefully compressed by hand when it is created, but be aware that a mattress will compress an additional 10-15% during the first 3-6 months of use. Our other wool-filled products will compress 30-40% (pillows and mattress toppers). This is a completely natural process; it does not decrease any of the positive qualities of sleeping with wool. In order to avoid creating "dips" where you sleep, a few simple steps can be taken. Flip and rotate your new bedding frequently Sleep on all parts of your bed. An occasional nap in the center of the bed will help to avoid a "hump" where no one usually sleeps. Remember that the compression stops after a few months of regular use. Parts of your bed that are used rarely (edges and the center) will catch up quickly. If you desire more "give" after compression is complete, you can add another snuggle mate, latex strips, or wool felt. Mattress Size/Shape When we create your mattress, we allow no more than a 1" variation from standard bed dimensions. Be aware that the tight packaging for shipping often causes the mattress to temporarily gain/lose an inch. Also, the mattress will expand slightly as it settles and compresses with use. A mattress can gain 1 to 2 inches in length and width after about 6 months of use. Continued Mattress Care Once your mattress is completely compressed it requires only minimal care. Continue to follow the regular care steps for natural bedding. The mattress will benefit greatly from an annual day in the sun. This is also a great time to rotate and flip the mattress. You can vacuum your mattress if it needs additional cleaning. Mattress Refurbishing We can refurbish most of our wool bedding items. If an accident damages your bedding or if it simply needs a fresh layer of wool, call our office for a quote. We will charge a reasonable rate to cover shipping, materials, and labor.