airweave
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Airweave has an unusual origin story. It found its start when Founder and CEO Motokuni Takoaka took over his uncle’s fishing line company in Japan. He experimented with different applications of the resin fiber and discovered that the material was perfectly suited for a newer and better purpose: to revolutionize the way we sleep. The mattress and sleep products are popular in Japan and are now sold worldwide.
This is not a foam-based bed-in-a-box mattress company. Made in Japan, Airweave mattresses are composed of its proprietary technology and material called airfiber®. Through its unique interwoven design, airfiber helps you move easily, evenly distributes weight, and allows airflow to help keep you in a deeper more restful sleep. The three-dimensionally woven airfiber® core provides sleepers with a firm mattress sleeping experience that gives the feeling of floating on air. There is no sinking-in feeling that comes with a memory foam mattress.
The airfiber® also allows natural airflow through the mattress which many sleepers say allows them to sleep much cooler on an airweave mattress than on traditional mattress material.
Airweave offers four mattress options in sizes Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and Ccalifornia King (the airweave mattress advanced doesn’t come in Full size):
The eight-inch thick New Airweave Mattress is Airweave’s standard mattress is described as having a softer feel. The mattress comes with three airfiber® pieces, pillow top layer and two covers. It ships in two boxes and assembly is required. Prices range from $1,400–$2,100.
The New Airweave Mattress Advanced is 11-inches thick and is made for all body types and sleep positions because it allows sleepers to choose from three different firmness options. It comes with two DUAL MODE moderate/soft airfiber® pieces and one DUAL MODE moderate/firm airfiber® piece, two pillow top layers, and two covers. It ships in three boxes and must be assembled. Prices range from $2,180–$3,270.
The Airweave Mattress Advanced is 8.5-inches thick and has two firmness options (DUAL MODE). This mattress is firm and lets you choose from two firmness options for your lower back. It comes with two regular firm airfiber® pieces, one dual mode airfiber® piece, one pillow top layer, and two covers. It ships in two boxes and requires assembly. Prices range from $1,670–$2,510.
The Airweave Mattress is its older model and is 8.5-inches thick, firm and does not have the extra, customizable airfiber® pieces like some other models. It ships in one box. It is also referred to as its futon model. Sleeping on this mattress is similar to floor sleeping, traditional in Japan, but with added comfort and breathability. It can be used alone or as a mattress topper. Prices range from $920–$1,330.
In addition to its mattresses, Airweave sells accompanying products, similar to its competitors, such as pillows, a dog bed, and other bedding products. It stands out with its offering of a seat cushion made from its airfiber® material as well as a portable bedding topper allowing customers to sleep comfortably anywhere.
Airwave stands out with its many endorsements and placement at several high-end hotel chains. It is the Official Bedding Supplier to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team, providing mattresses and toppers to help its athletes compete on the global stage. It has custom-designed top mattresses, pillows, and blankets that are available on select Japan Airlines international flights. And it has been supporting the British running team with its portable mattress topper since the 2016 Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- 100% Machine Washable
- 100-Night Trial
- Free Shipping and Returns
- Multiple Retail Locations
- Eco-Friendly
100% Machine Washable
Mattresses can get dirty. They collect dust mites, dander, pet hair, and bedbugs among other allergens. Most mattresses are not machine washable, and many don’t even have covers that can be machine washed. Airweave mattresses are 100 percent washable. The outer covers can be unzipped, machine washed, and air dried. The inner core can be spot cleaned, or cleaned with a hose or shower head. It can also be wiped down with ethyl alcohol to disinfect.
For those suffering from allergies, living with pets, or caring for patients or the elderly the washability of the Airweave mattress system is very attractive.
100-Night Trial
Airweave offers the fairly standard 100-night trial that most online mattress retailers give customers. If you are not completely satisfied you are eligible for a full refund in the form of the original payment. It does require that customers try the mattress for 30 nights before attempting to initiate a return. It says that it can take up to 30 days for someone’s body to adjust to the feeling of a new mattress. If you request a return prior to 30 days, you will be subject to a $150 service fee. After 30 days, there is no charge to return.
Free Shipping and Returns
Airweave products ship free within the 48 contiguous United States. It currently does not ship internationally or to Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada. You may be able to arrange shipping for smaller items for a fee to Hawaii or Canada. Customers should contact Airweave customer service directly to arrange this in advance of purchase. Airweave mattress orders take up to 14 business days for delivery. An optional $40 White Glove Service is available at checkout if you would like your mattress to be carried into your home and set up in the room of your choice. Mattress returns are free within the 100-night trial period.
Multiple Retail Locations
Many online mattress retailers do not have showrooms where you can try before you buy. Airweave, with its unique mattress, has four retail locations in the United States: two in New York City, and one each in McLean, Virginia, and Los Angeles, California.
Eco-Friendly
Airweave has a lower carbon footprint and produces less waste in its manufacturing process than most traditional mattress brands. Its inner core material is made of one of the safest plastics and is suitable for recycling. Airweave mattresses are also very lightweight which means it takes less fuel to transport them.
The Airweave Mattress Advanced allows customers to purchase a mattress for life due to your ability to purchase replacement parts rather than purchase an entirely new mattress. This is great for reducing waste.
The Bad
- Limited Shipping Area
- Mattresses for the Firm Sleeper
- Some Assembly Required
- Less Durable for Heavier Sleepers
Limited Shipping Area
Most mattress companies charge extra to ship to Alaska or Hawaii. However, Airweave does not ship its mattresses to Alaska or Hawaii. It also does not offer international shipping including Canada. This could obviously be an issue for a customer living in these areas.
Mattresses for the Firm Sleeper
Airweave mattresses are great for sleepers that prefer a firmer mattress. They may not be a good fit for those looking to have that sinking in, cuddling feeling from a sleep experience on a mattress. They also may not be a good fit for side sleepers who need pressure relief on hips and shoulders to remain comfortable all night. Reviewers mention that the Advanced mattress is slightly softer than the other mattress models. Not everyone enjoys this kind of sleep experience and Airweave doesn’t offer alternatives so this can be limiting especially for couples seeking different firmness levels.
Some Assembly Required
Airweave mattresses are not your typical bed-in-a-box models. They do require some assembly once they arrive. They will be shipped to you in multiple boxes with the airfiber core arriving in a few different blocks which you set up inside the zippable cover. While assembly is not complicated, customers who are expecting a typical bed-in-a-box ease of setup should be aware.
Less Durable for Heavier Sleepers
Airweave’s mattresses are tested for individuals up to 220 lbs. At this weight or lower, it says that customers should expect their mattress to last for 10–15 years. If you are over 220 lbs, Airweave says you may see body indents and wear sooner.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking for a truly firm and supportive mattress, then Airweave should be a great fit. The company offers a range of higher-priced, high-quality mattresses as well as accompanying bedding and other sleep products. Airweave mattresses really stand out with their unique manufacturing process, eco-friendly materials, and 100 percent washability.
For those who suffer from allergies, or have other hygiene concerns, the Airweave’s mattresses washability is unique and could be incredibly helpful. The Airfiber®’s unique breathability will also be attractive to those looking to sleep cooler than they might on a foam mattress.
If you live close enough to try out the mattress in one of the company's four retail stores, it would be a good idea since this mattress is unique. Airweave’s 100-night free trial also makes your purchase risk-free if you are considering a firmer mattress but unsure of whether your body will adjust well.
