'I'm about to experience the world's priciest mattress. Can you guess its price?' I posed this question to my colleagues before my mattress trial. Their expressions showed curiosity.
These are veteran shopping writers, accustomed to endorsing home goods that range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. $10,000? $30,000? they speculated, with the highest guess at $40,000. So, you can imagine their surprise when I revealed that the renowned Hästens Grand Vividus mattress, introduced in 2020, can reach a staggering $1 million. Upon my return, everyone was eager to know – is it worth it?
My take: yes and no. The Grand Vividus is undeniably luxurious, crafted from top-tier natural materials, but my personal favorite is the Maranga, a $10,000 option that better suits my sleep preferences (and wallet).
The spotlight on the Grand Vividus might overshadow the broader story of Hästens. Founded in 1852 by saddle-maker Pehr Adolf Janson, the brand has a rich history. His descendant, Jan Ryde, now leads the company. While Hästens is favored by Swedish royalty and celebrities alike, countless everyday individuals invest in their products. After touring the Dream Factory in Köping, Sweden, it was clear why.
Journey to the Hästens Factory
A quick note on pricing: some sources claim the Grand Vividus costs $400,000, others $600,000, with some estimates soaring to $1 million. Prices fluctuate based on material costs and chosen styles. For accurate pricing, check the Hästens catalog.
The Night Before
Since direct flights to Köping weren't available, I stayed overnight at the Stallmästaregården Hotel in Stockholm. I had long wondered, 'what mattresses are used by hotels?' Now I know: many hotels, including Stallmästaregården, partner with Hästens. You can also find Hästens beds at the Lotte New York Palace and Thompson Dallas.
The term 'sleep system' may sound like advertising lingo, but it accurately describes a Hästens bed, which includes three parts: a top mattress, a middle mattress, and a base. I tested an early version of the Hästens Maranga, featuring layers of hand-teased horsehair, wool, and cotton supported by 1,380 springs.
Exhausted from a long day and an early flight, I didn't just sit on my Hästens mattress; I collapsed into it. I could instantly sense the spring coils' bounce. Having been accustomed to memory foam, I worried about motion transfer as I shifted. Typically, I struggle to sleep well in new places, especially with a time difference, and I had a crick from my plane nap. All this meant a good night's sleep seemed unlikely.
Surprisingly, I slept soundly. When I woke, my body had hardly moved throughout the night. Even my neck pain had vanished, without any memory foam assistance. I felt well-supported and rejuvenated, which made me realize the importance of a good mattress for better sleep. As I boarded the train to Köping, I appreciated the Maranga system's advantages, though I still questioned spending half my annual salary on it.
The Factory Tour
A blue-check Hästens Mercedes SUV drove me from the station to the factory. The blue-check pattern is Hästens' signature, contrasting the dull colors typical of mattress factories. This unique design helps workers align their stitching accurately.
But I'm getting ahead. The Dream Factory connects to the Hästens Head Office, which I visited first. The office walls displayed letters from satisfied customers and various certificates. One such certificate recognized Hästens as Purveyor to His Majesty the King of Sweden since 1952, a relationship that continues to thrive.
Hästens attracts both European and Hollywood royalty. Their 'Wall of Fame' features photographs of numerous celebrities who own Hästens mattresses. Due to an NDA, I can't disclose names, but each celebrity invested in their sleep system without seeking free promotion.
Some celebrities are particularly vocal about their admiration for Hästens. Tennis star Maria Sharapova bought her first mattress in 2004 and now collaborates with Hästens on the Sleep to Perform talent program. 'Sleep is vital for performance, no matter your profession,' she says. 'My first big purchase after winning a tournament was a Hästens mattress. It was a crucial investment in my career.'
As I entered the factory floor, I was struck by the calm atmosphere. Unlike American factories filled with noise, the Dream Factory operates mostly by hand. The environment felt like a refined workshop.
I spent the day learning from Hästens' skilled mattress makers. I worked on the top mattress, filled with layers of cotton and wool for comfort, plus thermoregulating horsehair. Each strand functions as a mini-spring supporting body weight. The process involves steaming the horsehair to eliminate dust, then twisting it into coils. I assisted in layering horsehair with wool and cotton, although the exact arrangement varies by model.
While stitching the top mattress, work began on the middle mattress. No springs yet; those come from the bed base. I observed layers of wool, cotton, and horsehair being secured within plaid fabric. When invited to stitch the side of the middle mattress, I accepted, only to realize it was much harder than it looked. My fellow worker graciously re-stitched my work after my struggle.
The middle mattress features a pocket spring system, reducing motion transfer — great for couples and light sleepers. Depending on the model, springs may sit atop or within the pinewood base. The base, made from sturdy northern Swedish pine, is crafted by a partner company before arriving at Köping for final touches.
Hästens workers are versatile, skilled in multiple mattress designs. Only the most proficient handle the Grand Vividus. Much of the production remains a closely guarded secret, with no photos allowed.
What I can share is that the Grand Vividus contains horsetail hair, wool, and cotton like other Hästens products. The headboard is upholstered with luxurious mohair, and the handles are adorned with stingray skin purely for aesthetics, as the mattress is too heavy for practical use.
At the packing station, I sheepishly asked if the sleep systems were compressed for shipping. My guide informed me that the meticulous work continues through to packing.
The top and middle mattresses are wrapped in plastic for protection, and the base follows suit. Unlike some brands, Hästens customizes the box to fit the mattress rather than altering the mattress for the box. Each section is delivered in two parts, making the delivery process a challenge. My tour guide is moving soon and is unsure how to transport his Hästens mattress. He is determined, however, to ensure he doesn't lose out on that great sleep.
The Mattress Showroom
Not far from the Dream Factory is Hästens' flagship store in Köping. Inside, I encountered an array of Hästens mattresses across various firmness levels. This was more than a showroom; it felt like a sleep sanctuary. I swapped my shoes for cozy booties to explore the different beds while the guide dimmed the lights and fluffed the pillows.
Before trying out the beds, I noticed a striking poster depicting a nude woman demonstrating spinal alignment. My guide casually explained, 'This shows the mattress's ability to support your spine.' He illustrated how a Hästens bed is designed to conform under your shoulders and hips for optimal back support. I was reassured that once I found the right mattress, my spine would align perfectly.
To help me choose, a Hästens sales associate offered a personalized sleep consultation. He first inquired about my sleeping habits. When I mentioned I often sleep on my stomach, he frowned, indicating it might not be ideal. I defended my choice, admitting I occasionally sleep on my back.
Taking my age, weight, and sleeping style into account, he recommended a medium firmness mattress. Contrary to the belief that firmer beds are always better, Hästens advocates for a balance between softness and support.
We leisurely explored the store, weighing the benefits of each mattress to ensure I was comfortable on my back. To my surprise, it was possible — on the right mattress and the appropriate pillow. Lying on the Hästens Herlewing (starting at £17,890, roughly $24,000), I noticed my hips properly supported while my lower back remained elevated, keeping my spine aligned.
Still, I favored the Maranga sleep system from the hotel. Re-testing it the following morning, I felt the reassuring support of its steel springs. My sales associate eased his stance on stomach sleeping, stating that it could be acceptable with the right pillow — one that's fluffy yet flat to avoid neck strain.
Full disclosure: I tried the Grand Vividus in the showroom, but it didn't suit me. When I admitted this to the sales associate, he nodded, indicating it felt overly firm. He added that many misjudge the best mattress by assuming the priciest option is the best fit for them.
Is a Hästens Mattress Worth It?
If I had unlimited funds, I still wouldn't choose a Grand Vividus, as it doesn't meet my needs — but I'd likely opt for a Hästens Maranga. The quality of sleep I experienced in the hotel and showroom was noteworthy. When considering cost versus usage, sleeping nightly on a $10,000 mattress for seven years (the average mattress lifespan) equates to just $4 daily. Many people spend more on coffee each day.
Ultimately, it's about the value of the investment. Unlike cars or fashion that lose value over time, a good mattress can enhance your health and well-being. I've heard of Hästens customers enjoying their beds for decades, even passing them down through generations.
So, to answer my colleague's question: is it worth it? If I invested in a Hästens Maranga and slept as well as I did that first night for 50 years, I'd say it's definitely worth the expense.
