Ten with Tom: Naturalmat
We’re lucky to cross paths with brands who share the same ethos as we do here at Tom Raffield - a belief that nature is the key to creating a better way of living. One of those brands is Naturalmat, the B Corp, Devon-based sleep company that specialise in organic mattresses, beds and bedding that are as healthy for people as they are for the planet.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Co-founder Mark Tremlett to discuss sustainable comfort, running a purpose-led business and what truly sets Naturalmat apart.
TR: Tell us about the beginnings of Naturalmat. What inspired you to start creating organic mattresses and sleep products?
MT: The idea for Naturalmat began on a boat. My father was a boat builder, crafting speedboats, and I saw time and time again how the mattresses onboard were never up to scratch. They were often made from synthetic foams that weren’t breathable or suitable for damp environments, often leading to an uncomfortable night's sleep. This is what sparked the idea for Naturalmat. Together with my friend Peter, a keen sailor and now my business partner, we set to work to create a breathable and comfortable mattress that would provide proper support. The difference was truly night and day.
A year later, when my wife and I had our first child, we began shopping for baby mattresses only to be shocked to discover they were often made from synthetic foams and sprayed with chemicals. We knew there had to be a better way, so we took everything we had learned in creating organic mattresses and set to work on creating our first nursery range, becoming the first company in the UK to create a natural baby mattress which passed all British Standards without the use of any glues, chemicals, and synthetics.
While we still produce our boat mattresses, Naturalmat is now best known for our organic, sustainable and British-made sleep products for the whole family. We’re B Corp certified, meaning customers can trust that every product is made with people and the planet in mind.
TR: Sustainability is at the heart of everything you do, how do you continue to stay true to your eco ethos?
MT: Sustainability is at the core of everything we do from the very beginning, but staying accountable is just as important. That’s why we produce a Sustainability Impact Report to chart our progress and keep our stakeholders and consumers informed. All our key materials are sourced from natural, renewable sources, and every business decision is made through a sustainable lens.
Even as we grow, we’re staying true to our values. Recently, we’ve expanded into a new warehouse, designed to support our future in a way that’s both efficient and environmentally friendly.
TR: What initiatives are you taking to ensure a brighter and greener future?
MT: We’re incredibly proud to be the only UK business to offer a Mattress for Life initiative. Each mattress is handmade in our Devon workshop and designed to last for years to come. However, when the time comes, every one of our mattresses can be broken down into its component materials, each of which can be either composted, reused or recycled rather than being thrown away. More recently, we’re now extending the same service to our handmade beds. Now customers can have their bed refurbished, recycled or donated through our charity network. We’re committed to helping our customers make more mindful and sustainable choices, and leading the charge for a circular furniture and mattress industry.
TR: Naturalmat mattresses and beds are handmade in Devon. How important is local craftsmanship to your brand and process?
MT: Supporting local talent is hugely important to us, and we’re proud to work with some of the best craftspeople in Devon. Their skills and dedication ensure we’re creating the highest quality beds, mattresses and bedding. Working locally also means we can be selective with our materials, and we go to great effort in sourcing the finest, most sustainable elements while having complete control over every stage of the process.
TR: What’s one thing most people might not realise about what goes into making Naturalmat’s products?
MT: There is a real story behind every mattress and bed we make. Whether that’s the organic coconut fibre we collect from certified suppliers, or how we drive to local farms to source the very best organic wool, every single detail that goes into crafting every one of our products is carefully considered, even down to the smaller details like how we use natural extracts for dyes.
TR: As a founder, what’s been your proudest moment since launching Naturalmat?
MT: I’m lucky to have quite a few proud moments, but nothing beats hearing from a happy customer about how much they love their Naturalmat. Often telling me they’ve had their best night's sleep, but how impressed they are with our exceptional customer service. Hearing how we’ve improved the well-being of so many people is incredibly rewarding.
TR: Describe your ideal Sunday morning. (We’re picturing something with lie-ins and no alarm clocks…)
MT: Stealing an extra few minutes on my Naturalmat mattress, of course, before heading out for a scamper along the cliffs with my unruly hounds. Then it’s straight to the beach for a dip in the sea, followed by a perfectly boiled egg. It’s the simple things in life that give me the biggest pleasures.
TR: Do you have a favourite space in your own home, and if so, what makes it special?
It’s a tie between my bed and the kitchen. My bed is the ultimate place to unwind after a long day, while the kitchen is where I switch off, cook and clear my head off the myriad of mattress-making conundrums that occupy my mind for much of the day!
TR: What is your favourite Tom Raffield light and why?
MT: I love the Verso Portable Table Light because it feels so aligned with our values at Naturalmat – natural materials, timeless craftsmanship, and design that’s both beautiful and functional. The way the wood curves and plays with light is stunning, and the fact it’s portable makes it genuinely useful too.
TR: What is next for Naturalmat?
MT: Well, we’ve just received the keys for our new showroom in Dorking, so it’s now full steam ahead to bring it up to scratch, hire a great team and get the doors open! More and more, people are realising how important sleep is to their overall health and wellbeing, so we need to make sure we’ve got showrooms in the right places to help them sleep better and more sustainably. It’s exciting times at Naturalmat!
Posted: 11.09.25
Updated: 11.09.25