Bruno Latex Mattress Review

Tests and Analysis:

Edge support:

Although the high average density for the mattress as a whole at 48 kg/m3 might promise great edge support the problem here is that there are just two layers. The base layer has to double as a support and also transition layer and so it is less firm that a traditional base layer of say a 3 layer configuration. While that density means the promise over better durability over time the downside is less edge support because of the softer nature to the base. While the edge support does well for my 20 kg test because much of the burden is taken by the springy latex layer, my 40 kg test and perhaps most indicative of real world scenarios show more than average dip on the edge. Because the edge support is poor with weight increases but better than average for low pressure I have still given Bruno the same score as the majority of the mattresses I have tested. Just bear in mind the heavier you are the worse Bruno will be in comparison to similar mattresses. Score: 8.5/10

Firmness (sinkage):

There is no doubt the feel of the Bruno mattress is quite different to a normal polyfoam mattress. Most noticeable is the springiness the latex provides and the firm overall feel in general. This is neither a good or bad thing, just a matter of preference. Indeed generally a firmer mattress will offer a greater lifespan since there is less movement in the depth of the mattress as you lay and change position on it. Also as a firmer mattress such as this one has you laying on top rather than being enveloped in it and so you sleep cooler. I do not want to give the impression that the mattress has a hard feel, indeed you do sink in enough that your pressure points are relieved. The Bruno also may be a good option for heavier than average people due to the feel and overall density holding up better over time. The significant point here is the amount of spring and push-back that Bruno has and can make it feel firmer than the sinkage tests would suggest. Firmer than all other mattresses I have tried apart from the Otty Original Hybrid. Firmness: 9/10

Cooling:

There is no doubt this is a great option for someone who needs to sleep cool. Latex offers great cooling properties compared to high density polyurethane foam and memory foam. Less of your body heat is retained and this together with the way Bruno has you sleeping on top of the mattress adds up to a great mattress for cool sleeping. Cooling: 9/10

Spot Relief (point elasticity):

I rate Bruno a little bit below average for spot relief. Not to be confused with pressure relief. Bruno certainly has a lot of push-back but in terms of how much foam gets pushed down outside the area actually being pushed down on Bruno does well. This is also a measure of contouring. This is often the case as it correlates strongly with firmness. My score takes into account the firmness level along with the amount of foam affected. Being a firm mattress I would expect slightly less foam to be affected. Spot relief (point elasticity): 6.5/10

Mattress for Sex/Bounce:

When it comes to the best mattress for sex I rate this by having good bounce without being like a trampoline or overly firm. I find Bruno very bouncy and with the high average density well suited to very heavy use in the long term. Bruno may still be a little too springy for some peoples taste, it is very springy. For this reason I have to rate it down a little bit as it may be too much for some. Sex/Bounce: 8.5/10

Weight Capacity:

7.8 – 17.3 stone (50-110 kg). This is just a guide. This about the weight range at which Bruno think their mattress loses its supportive properties. This actually surprised me somewhat, on paper this should suit heavier than average people but this range is  a tad under the average for a foam mattress of 114 kg.

Motion Transfer:

Unfortunately the very qualities that make for a bouncy mattress lead to poor motion transfer properties as little of the energy from movement is absorbed. In this category Bruno is below average and has more than average transfer of movement across the mattress. Motion Transfer: 5.5/10

Type of Sleepers this mattress suits:

Each sleeping position requires different properties from your mattress. Front sleepers require a mattress with little sag in the middle to ensure their spine does not get out of line. A firmer feel without being overly firm is good for stomach sleepers. Bruno certainly qualifies here. Side sleepers need good give at the shoulder area and not too much push back. Bruno has a bit too much push back for my linking despite its zoning in the shoulder area. Back sleepers have enough pressure relief and contouring to ensure spinal alignment although the feel remains firm. Back sleepers 8/10 Side sleepers 5/10 Stomach sleepers 8/10

Price:

It seems the over whelming majority of online only or bed in a box offerings attempt to occupy the same ground in terms of pricing. There are a little differences of around £50 to £100 depending on size and also deals on offer at any one time. Bruno is a little on the higher than average size but again depending on the size and deal. You must take quality of materials into account when making any conclusions on price. Average price: £587, rank: 3rd of 9

Materials/Design:

In terms of sheer average density Bruno is excellent. This is the amount of foam in a given area determined by weight. Bruno averages 51 kg/m3. Compare that to say Leesa and Casper at 41 kg/m3 on average for the whole mattress. If it wasn’t for the amount of spring the mattress has I would have said this makes an ideal base for a topper. Design elements are good too with handles on the bottom and zoning across the entire mattress. The top latex is certified for low VOCs. The downside is that the only comfort layer is the 3 cm of latex. Materials/Design: 8/10

Off-gassing/Smell:

While the German version of the Bruno has OEKO-TEX® certification for low off gassing due to UK laws regulating foam materials and their requirements for fire safety the UK version is slightly different and so does not have OEKO-TEX® certification. However the top latex layer does carry certification. I had no issues with smells from the mattress and that top latex layer would certainly minimise any exposure to leeching of chemicals. Smells: 8/10

Comfort:

I give no score for this category to any mattress as this is so personal as to be almost meaningless. if you prefer a firmer mattress and /or lots of bounce and a springy feel you may well find this very comfortable. For me personally at 13 stone (82kg or 182lbs) and having a preference for a softer feel (less push back) it wasn’t overly comfortable. However I must add that a nights sleep on Bruno was without issue, it is very supportive and though I am prone to lower back pain the support was such that I had no issues, something that can be a problem on softer mattresses. Indeed, though I cant say laying on Bruno gives you a feeling of sumptuous comfort, when I switched from Bruno to a softer polyfoam mattress I was struck but the obvious lack of support between the two. The point I am trying to make is that some of the positive attributes of the mattress only became clear when switching to a different mattress.

Zoning:

Note the laser cuts along the top of the orange core layer and the cuts at shoulder height on the latex top comfort layer. The Bruno mattress takes full advantage of zoning. With laser cuts the entire length of the mattress and just below the top layer make this very effective used this way. It remains firm overall but adds contouring at the shoulder and hip areas.

Bruno Mattress Overall:

Average Density: 51 kg/m3

Summary: