Company History

Chattam & Wells is a luxury mattress brand created by Spring Air International in the early 1990s. Positioned as their premium offering, Chattam & Wells was designed to evoke old-world craftsmanship and British heritage (despite being an American brand). The name itself was crafted to sound distinguished and convey a sense of tradition and quality.

Key Historical Milestones

• Established in the early 1990s as Spring Air's luxury division
• Underwent a significant relaunch around 2016-2017 to reinvigorate the brand
• Spring Air International, the parent company, has been in business since 1926
• The brand is marketed as "The Dukes of Mattresses" with a royal, luxury aesthetic

The company's marketing emphasizes handcrafted quality, premium materials, and traditional manufacturing techniques blended with modern sleep technology. Their mattresses are positioned in the luxury segment of the market, competing with brands like Stearns & Foster and Aireloom.

Mattress Models and Collections

Chattam & Wells offers several mattress collections, typically structured in a good-better-best lineup:

Mattress Specifications

Chattam & Wells mattresses share several distinctive construction elements:

Common Features Across Collections

• Hand-tufting: Traditional diamond tufting technique that secures layers without adhesives
• Natural materials: Emphasis on wool, cotton, silk, cashmere, and natural latex
• Pocketed coil systems: Individual coils wrapped in fabric for motion isolation
• Edge support: Reinforced perimeters for usable edge space
• Belgian damask covers: Luxury fabrics for the mattress exterior
• Hand side-stitching: Traditional technique for durability and edge support

Specific Construction Details

1. Comfort Layers

• Natural Talalay and/or Dunlop latex
• Gel-infused memory foam in some models
• Natural fiber padding (wool, cotton, cashmere)
• Microcoils in premium models for additional contouring

2. Support Systems

• Pocketed coil counts ranging from 900-2000+ depending on the model
• Zoned support configurations in higher-end models
• Multi-gauge coil designs for targeted support

3. Materials

• Certified organic materials in select models
• CertiPUR-US® certified foams
• Fire barriers made from natural materials rather than chemical treatments

4. Height Profiles

• Mattress heights typically range from 13" to 16+" depending on model
• Box spring/foundation adds approximately 8-9" of additional height

Price Range

Chattam & Wells positions itself firmly in the luxury market with corresponding pricing:

Note: Exact pricing varies by retailer, region, and ongoing promotions. Some ultra-premium models can exceed $10,000 for king sizes with additional features.

Availability and Retail Approach

Unlike direct-to-consumer bed-in-a-box brands, Chattam & Wells follows a traditional retail distribution model:

• Sold through authorized mattress retailers and department stores
• Available for in-store testing in showrooms
• Not typically sold online directly to consumers
• White glove delivery service standard with purchase

Warranty and Support

Chattam & Wells offers premium warranty coverage reflecting their luxury positioning:

• 10-25 year limited warranties depending on model
• Warranties typically cover manufacturing defects and abnormal sagging
• Some models include body impression coverage for indentations greater than a specified depth (typically 1.5")
• White glove delivery and old mattress removal usually included

Comparative Analysis: Chattam & Wells vs. Competitors

Sleep Feel and Performance

Chattam & Wells mattresses generally offer:

• Medium to medium-firm feel: Most models fall in the 5-7 range on the 10-point firmness scale
• Balanced pressure relief: Not as conforming as memory foam, but offers good pressure distribution
• Traditional innerspring feel: Responsive and supportive, but with added plushness
• Motion isolation: Better than traditional innersprings due to pocketed coils, but less isolation than all-foam designs
• Temperature regulation: Generally good cooling properties due to natural fibers and coil airflow
• Edge support: Excellent compared to most competitors due to hand side-stitching and reinforced perimeters

Customer Perception and Reviews

Based on available reviews and industry feedback:

Strengths frequently cited:

• Exceptional durability and longevity
• Premium materials and craftsmanship
• Balanced comfort that appeals to various sleep positions
• Strong edge support
• Temperature neutrality

Concerns sometimes mentioned:

• Very high price point compared to many alternatives
• Limited availability for testing in some regions
• Heavier and more difficult to move than many modern alternatives
• Break-in period required for some models

Ideal Customer Profile

Chattam & Wells mattresses typically appeal to:

• Luxury consumers willing to invest significantly in sleep quality
• Traditional shoppers who prefer established retail experiences over online purchasing
• Sleepers who appreciate classic innerspring feel with premium comfort layers
• Those seeking durability and willing to pay premium for longer-lasting products
• Customers who value natural materials and traditional craftsmanship

Final Assessment

Chattam & Wells occupies a well-defined niche in the luxury mattress market, offering traditionally crafted, high-end products through a conventional retail model. Their primary value proposition centers on craftsmanship, premium materials, and heritage – differentiating them from both mass-market brands and direct-to-consumer disruptors.

For consumers with the budget for luxury bedding who prefer traditional innerspring construction enhanced with premium comfort materials, Chattam & Wells represents a legitimate option worthy of consideration, particularly for those who value in-person testing and established retail relationships.