FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do your raw fibers have an odor? 
Yes, our raw fibers may have a natural, earthy scent when they are first processed, which is completely normal. This scent is a result of the pure, unprocessed nature of the materials we use. Most people actually love the natural aroma, as it’s a sign of the high-quality, chemical-free fibers. However, some people may notice it more than others. The scent typically fades within a few weeks as the fibers settle. If you'd like to speed up the process, simply air out your mattress or pillow in a well-ventilated area. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or need more information!

Are your products certified Organic?
Yes! You can find our certified organic products under GOTS Organic on our homepage. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world's leading processing standard for organic textiles and fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. The aim of the standard is to define globally recognized requirements that ensure the organic status, from harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing all the way to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. 

You can review our awesome BLOG for details about each type of pillow.

Why do your pillows come with a zipper?

• The zipper allows you to adjust the inner fibers to reach your own personal comfort level, so you can add or remove filling to your liking. Many pillows, such as cotton and wool, may compress over time: purchasing a pillow with a zipper allows you to add fibers back over time to maintain your preferred level of comfort. Others, such as kapok, may absorb the healthy oils from your face and hair, and may benefit from the occasional manual readjustment.

Mattresses/Futons

Are your natural futon mattresses comfortable? Yes, very comfy! As a general rule, an all-cotton mattress will be rather dense due to the hand-done layers of batting, though that does not necessarily mean the mattress will be firm. The feel is simply different than a conventional innerspring or memory foam mattress. All of our mattresses can be paired with our range of toppers, which can be used to add a softer, pillow-like surface to your I Sleep Simple or existing mattress. 

I'm confused, is it a futon or a mattress? Great question! The beauty of our Cotton and Wool Futon Mattress is that it’s super versatile! Some people use it as a primary mattress for sleeping, while others enjoy it as a futon for a comfy couch or a shikibuton—the traditional Japanese floor mattress. Whether you're using it for a restful night’s sleep, a cozy seat during the day, or as a portable sleeping surface on the floor, it’s designed to do it all!

Why are hand-made futon mattresses better than machine-made mattresses?

1. Craftsmanship & Quality: Hand-making ensures attention to detail in every layer. The cotton, wool, and other materials are carefully placed and tufted by skilled artisans, creating a mattress with consistent support. Unlike machine-made mattresses, which may rely on bulk processes, a hand-made futon mattress is built with personal care and precision. 
2. Durability: Hand-crafted mattresses, like ours, are designed to last longer. The layering process used in hand-made futons means that the mattress holds its shape and firmness over time. This is in contrast to machine-made futons, where compressed or blown cotton may develop air pockets and lose shape, leading to uneven support. 
3. No Synthetic Fillers: Many machine-made mattresses use synthetic fillers or scrap cotton to reduce costs. These fillers can cause lumps or air pockets to form over time, affecting comfort. In hand-made mattresses, you get pure, carefully chosen materials that are layered by hand for a more consistent, supportive feel.
4. Cultural Tradition & Authenticity: Hand-made futons carry a sense of tradition. These types of mattresses are widely used in countries like Japan, India, and other parts of Asia, where they are valued for their comfort, durability, and support. Whether you're getting a classic Japanese-style shikibuton, a traditional Indian futon, or a western-style futon mattress, the handcrafting method preserves the authenticity of the design. This makes your mattress not only a product but a piece of craftsmanship and cultural history.

Do you use flame retardants on your products?
Under Federal Regulation 1633, mattresses must either be treated with a flame retardant or meet specific medical exemptions. At I Sleep Simple, we use no chemicals. Instead, we rely on wool, a natural and safe flame retardant. If you prefer a wool-free mattress, we can accommodate your request, but we will require a doctor's prescription (RX) for the exemption, please contact us for more information.

Our pillows, toppers, and bedding are made using only carefully selected, natural fibers and do not require any flame retardants.

Do you offer custom work? Yes! If you're looking for a custom piece or a unique modification to one of our standard I Sleep Simple products, we're here to help! Since each item is hand-crafted with care (without heavy machinery), we kindly ask for an inch of flexibility on all dimensions. Please note that custom orders are final sale, and no discounts can be applied. If you're ready to bring your project to life, email us or give us a call at (917) 231-4141 with your specifications. We're excited to work with you!

What is your Return/Exchange Policy?

1. We offer a 90-day mattress guarantee for our mattresses. 
2. All other hand-made products have a 30 day-return policy and must be unused
3. Wholesale fibers are considered a final sale
4. Custom orders are considered a final sale

What are the care instructions?
Please see our product care guide.