What Is the Best Component for a Mattress Base?

Hello, and thank you for asking! This is a very important question.

Let's start by saying all the components have advantages, but some have more disadvantages than others! I'll run through a few things here, but you can find more details on each component in separate articles.

Fibre

Well, this has taken the baby mattress industry by storm because it's so cheap - about a quarter of the price of decent-quality foam. Fibre is made mainly from recycled plastic bottles. It's often labelled "Eco Fibre" - a term used as a marketing selling point! It's not very "eco," as you'll learn later.

Advantages

• Very cheap
• Doesn't have a new smell like cheaper foam
• More breathable than foam and cooler

However, that's where the advantages over foam end!

Disadvantages

Fibre gives little support, has no recovery, and will dent or dip in a few months - maybe weeks. Have a read on Amazon at some of the reviews where customers have reported on fibre mattresses after having them a while, instead of saying how lovely it is on the first day they put it in their cot!

Fibre cannot compare with foam for comfort, durability, and support in any way whatsoever - and I'm saying "good quality foam."

Good-quality foam, either as a block or used with pocket springs, should last four to five years.

Foam

"Good quality foam" - you get what you pay for. I'd say at least 70% of the foam used for baby mattresses is labelled "Nursery Foam" - a term used to imply good quality. Some I wouldn't put my dog on!

Look for a foam rating of 133/33 as a minimum, or a guarantee of 3 years or more. Then you can be confident a manufacturer is proud of the foam they're using.

Disadvantages of Cheaper Foam

• Might need airing for a day or two when you first buy it
• Recycled polyester fibres can shed microplastics (covered in another article)

You should NOT see "Memory Foam" anywhere for a baby mattress. If you do, as the song goes, "Walk On By!"

Coir and Wool

Coir is "the hair of a coconut." When used with wool or springs, you're into a quality product.

Most manufacturers making these natural coir products are at the top end and not cutting corners - they're making lovely products.

Great News on Flame Retardants

I'm delighted to add that after over 30 years of constantly telling the Government that making baby mattresses flame retardant by adding toxic chemicals was totally insane, they've finally seen sense!

In October 2025, they focused on safer designs and realised that adults might fall asleep smoking on a couch, but babies don't smoke in their cots!

Don't Forget the Covers

The core is one thing, but the covers are another story - please read our information on mattress covers.

Yes, I agree it's a minefield searching for the best for your baby, but we're here to help you buy with informed choice.