Do you remember when mattresses were two-sided? Two sided mattresses used to be common and they helped balance the wear and weight over time with a periodic turning of the mattress. Today, two-side mattresses are almost unheard of. The obvious downside of a one sided mattress is quicker wear. Quicker wear leads to uncomfortable sleep, a sore back and the need to replace your mattress sooner. This is one area where handcrafted mattresses often stand apart. Harbor Springs Mattress Co. is one of the few mattress makers left in the United States still building two-sided mattresses.
Making two-sided mattresses is a critical part of Harbor Springs Mattress Co.’s specialization because they focus exclusively on making a luxurious mattress that is healthy and lasts. They make their mattresses healthy by using natural fibers. They make their mattresses last decades longer than industry standards by making two sides of handcrafted, artisan quality. Founder, Rory Karpathian is fond of saying; “Why buy half of a mattress?”
Handcrafting each mattress on both sides ensures quality and longevity. Since opening in 2004, Harbor Springs Mattress Co. has decided to focus on quality over quantity. This means that every mattress is:
The importance of a two sided mattress is that you can rotate the mattress and extend its life and comfort. This is vital because it gives you proper support for a longer period of time so your back has proper alignment.
Imagine slipping into luxurious comfortable sleep that was tailor made just for you.
Harbor Springs Mattress Co.’s luxury handcrafted mattresses are surprisingly affordable. Founder, Rory Karpathian says; “We keep our mattresses affordable because we keep overhead low by not mass-producing and make each mattress locally in our Harbor Springs, Michigan workshop.” Harbor Springs Mattress Co.’s two-sided mattresses last decades and range from $950 to $4,540. Call now, and within a few short weeks your custom luxury bed will be calling you. View more information on our materials and handcrafting process here.
A natural mattress with Michigan wool couldn’t be a more natural choice for our handmade in Harbor Springs mattress company. We use wool from a Michigan woolen mill that gathers fleece from Michigan sheep farmers. We feel good buying and selling local. Plus, farming sheep for fleece is sustainable as sheep regrow their fur. We often tell customers; "the wool in your mattress comes from sheep who are still happily grazing, as we speak." It’s hard to get any more natural or locally made.
Harbor Springs Mattress Co., Farm to Bed story begins with Michigan sheep farmers. There are over 2000 sheep producers in Michigan who raise sheep for both recreational and commercial reasons.
The production of wool begins of course with the shearing. Sheep are generally shorn of their locks in the spring. Zach Oaster, Shepherd at Fat Toaster Farm in Rockford Michigan says; “Sheep shearing is a relief for the sheep, mostly. Wool is different from hair in the fact that it grows continuously and never falls out. Thus, when a sheep grows a full fleece it gets long and uncomfortable. Sheep must be sheared because the wool will not fall out on its own. Thousands of years of domestication results in shepherds needing to cut the wool. To not do so would eventually endanger the life of the sheep.”
The tool used to cut, or “shear” the wool is very similar to the electric trimmer that your barber or stylist uses to cut your hair. Sheep shearers have often honed their skill for years or decades, and it is a craft.
Maury Kaercher, Executive Director of the Michigan Sheep Producers Association says; “in my experience, the sheep seem relieved afterwards more than afraid.” Oaster noted that; “the sheep usually go straight to eating grass or hay and happily enjoy their newfound freedom from the thick itchy fleece.”
Our mattresses are made with wool from Frankenmuth Wool Mill. A recent visit with our friends at the Mill, included a behind the scenes look at how they clean, card and form the fleece into the woolen batts we use in our mattresses.
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