Why hotels priortise mattress

Sleep Nice stall at the Hotel Show 2018 - Photo by Dhes Handumon

Why do we end up sleeping better at a hotel? The reason, experts say, is because of the technology that goes into creating the most comfortable mattress possible for the guest.
Whether in a hotel or at home, the mattress on your bed is the most important piece of furniture that you will interact with, experts at the ongoing Hotel Show 2018 said.
"The number one thing that every hotel will focus on when choosing a mattress for the room is comfort," said Mohammad Sami, marketing manager at Sleep Fine Mattresses. "Different hotel segments will have different budgets when spending on bedding, but the number one priority will always be comfort."
"Innovation is a must in this industry, and you can't afford to stay still in one place doing what you always have," he stressed.
"Every day, there are new materials and new ways of crafting something, so you need to be looking at opportunities to innovate. The biggest innovation in the mattress industry right now is in the way that the mattress is constructed."
"We have 15 different types of foam that we use, so we don't give one option to a customer; instead we give 20 options and ask them what they want. How do you pack the foam inside the mattress to change the feeling; how dense do you want it to be? Memory foam has always been very popular and we expect that trend to continue. Another element that hotels in the UAE and the Middle East focus on is how presentable the mattress is," he added.
Sudarshan Rai, marketing manager at Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Co, which is the licensed manufacturer of King Koil and Serta mattresses in the UAE, also highlighted some trends in the market, saying that there has been a growing focus on customisation.
"Most of the five-star hotels and resorts have their own specifications about how the mattress should look and feel," he said. "Of course, we can always suggest some options based on their requirements and what is new in the market. Right now, there is also a trend towards smart beds in the more premium segments of the market."
"Customers are increasingly looking for beds that they can tailor to their needs. They want to control the elevation at the head of the bed; they want technologies that keep the surface of the bed nice and cool; and they are even looking at beds with timed massage functions that can help you relax and go to sleep faster," he said.
Of course, these functions come with a hefty price tag, and Rai says that based on all the additions, the price of the bed can easily end up in the tens of thousands of dirhams.
Sami also noted that right now, there is a misconception in the market that experts are trying to change. "There is no such thing as a medical mattress; what people think about when they say medical mattress is actually a very hard and firm mattress, also known as an orthopedic mattress. Many people think that this is best for you, but unless you have constant issues with your back, then it might end up doing you harm."
"What you are looking for, is a mattress that gives you the right support for the body; this could be firm or it could be soft. Go for a memory foam mattress, which is great for helping the blood flow in your body," he added.
Similarly, H. Easwaran, deputy general manager of sales at Dubai Furniture Manufacturing Co, said that the term 'medical mattress' is incorrect. "All mattresses provide their own comfort and support. You need to find one that works for you. We have several options that can help you with medical issues because our products are licensed by chiropractors." - rohma@khaleejtimes.com