Skip to content
Manta Sleep Manta Sleep
Log in Cart

    Collections

    • Sleep Masks
    • Mask Accessories
    • Sleep Aids
    • Bundles
    • Compare All Masks
    Shop All Products >

    Popular products

    SOUND Mask

    PRO Mask

    SILK Mask

    Original Mask

    WEIGHTED Mask

    COOL Mask

    Get 10% off
Manta Sleep Manta Sleep
Log in Cart
Your Cart

Your cart is currently empty.

Continue Shopping
Join 510,304 people who have improved their sleep
order total: $0 USD
View Cart Checkout
Join 510,304 people who have improved their sleep

why shop manta sleep

Try risk free for 60 days

USA shipping (free)

International shipping

  • SHOP
      sleep masks mask accessories other sleep aids bundles
      Manta SLEEP mask SOUND Manta SLEEP mask PRO Manta SLEEP mask SILK Manta SLEEP mask Manta SLIM mask Manta WEIGHTED mask Manta COOL mask Manta STEAM mask Manta SLEEP mask GLOW Manta SLEEP mask KIDS
      ORIGINAL eye cups COOL eye cups STEAM eye cups SILK eye cups ORIGINAL head strap WEIGHTED head strap SLIM head strap SILK head strap AROMA sachet refills AROMA dots variety AROMA dots bergamot AROMA dots eucalyptus AROMA dots lavender
      travel pillow blue light glasses blackout sticker earplugs nose vents
      the bestseller bundle silk, steam & ice SOUND+ deep sleep bundle
      the most comfortable Bluetooth® sleep mask in existence
      RAZOR-THIN HEADPHONES
      MAXIMUM AIRFLOW
      20HR+ BATTERY LIFE
      SIDE-SLEEP COMFORT
      the world's most advanced sleep mask
      ENGINEERED FOR SIDE SLEEPERS
      ADVANCED MATERIAL SCIENCE
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      same as the original mask - but with anti-aging silk
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      the original Manta Mask - 100% blackout & zero pressure
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      COMFY & DURABLE
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      same as the original mask - but with a slim head strap
      SLIM, ABOVE-THE-EAR STRAP
      100% BLACKOUT
      DURABLE, ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      calming & gentle pressure on your face
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT
      100% BLACKOUT
      STREAMLINED DESIGN
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      cold therapy for migraines & allergies
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      SOFT, GENTLE, MOLDABLE MATERIALS
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED COOLING
      steamy heat to soothe sinuses & dry eyes
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      RELIEF IN JUST 3-5 MINUTES
      POWERED BY 100% NATURAL STEAM
      the comfiest, 100% blackout sleep mask that’s easy to find in the dark
      EASY TO FIND TO FIND IN THE DARK
      100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      SOFT, DURABLE MATERIALS
      the world’s comfiest sleep mask for kids
      FOR KIDS AGED 6+
      100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      SOFT, DURABLE MATERIALS
      made for any Manta Mask
      100% BLACKOUT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      SOFT, TAPERED FOAM
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      migraines & allergies & puffy eyes
      SOOTHES EYES AND SINUSES
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      SOFT, GENTLE, MOLDABLE MATERIALS
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      dry/irritated eyes & sinus pressure & eye strain
      ALLEVIATES STRESS AND DRY EYES
      MINIMAL EYE PRESSURE
      RELIEF IN JUST 3-5 MINUTES
      NEAR-BLACKOUT DESIGN
      fine lines/wrinkles & refreshing skin cells
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      TRUE 100% BLACKOUT
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      made for any Manta Mask
      ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      COMFY & BREATHABLE
      SNAG-FREE MATERIALS
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      anxiety & insomnia & tension headaches
      IMPROVES SLEEP AND MOOD
      EVENLY-DISTRIBUTED WEIGHT
      ZERO EYE PRESSURE
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      sensitive ears & side sleep & minimalists
      SLIM, ABOVE-THE-EAR STRAP
      SLEEK, BARELY-THERE FEEL
      DURABLE, ANTI-STRETCH ELASTICS
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE
      aging skin & coarse/breakable hair & sensitive skin
      PROTECTS SKIN AND HAIR
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      OPTIMAL COMFORT & DURABILITY
      INFINITELY ADJUSTABLE FIT
      made for Manta AROMA
      100% PURE, AAA-GRADE LAVENDER
      NATURAL SCENT — NO ADDED OILS
      INDIVIDUALLY SEALED TO PRESERVE FRESHNESS
      INCLUDES 4 AROMA SACHETS (LASTS ~12 MONTHS)
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      HELPS RELAX & UNWIND
      MADE WITH ESSENTIAL OILS
      3 RELAXING SCENTS
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      CALMS YOU & CLEARS YOUR AIRWAYS
      MADE WITH BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      CLEARS SINUSES & EASES BREATHING
      MADE WITH EUCALYPTUS ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      the deep sleep upgrade for any Manta mask
      ATTACHES TO ANY MANTA MASK
      HELPS RELAX AND UNWIND
      MADE WITH LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL
      PROMOTES EVEN DEEPER SLEEP
      4 RELAXING POSITIONS
      2-BREATH, FAST-INFLATE
      LUXURIOUS FEEL
      EASILY PORTABLE
      BLOCK HARMFUL BLUE LIGHT EMISSION FROM SCREENS
      COMFORTABLE, CUSTOMIZABLE FIT
      STYLISH DESIGN FOR ALL FACES
      ADJUSTABLE, SOFT NOSE PADS
      100% LIGHT BLOCKING
      REUSABLE APPLICATION
      NO INTERFERENCE
      100 PRE-CUT STICKERS
      ERGONOMIC DESIGN
      TOP-RATED NOISE BLOCKING
      SUPER SOFT FOAM
      MULTIPURPOSE EARPLUGS
      TWO CONVENIENT SIZES
      MEDICAL-GRADE MATERIALS
      REUSABLE
      TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
      1 MASK FOR SIDE-SLEEPING
      1 MASK TO SOOTHE EYES AND SINUSES
      1 MASK FOR GENTLE, THERAPEUTIC PRESSURE
      GUARANTEED BETTER SLUMBER
      SOOTHES EYE & SINUSES
      PREVENTS WRINKLES & FINE LINES
      LUSTROUS 22 MOMME SILK
      ALLEVIATES STRESS & DRY EYES
      100% BLACKOUT
      RAZOR-THIN HEADPHONES
      SOOTHES EYES AND SINUSES
      HELPS RELAX & UNWIND
    Shop All Products > Compare All Masks >
  • Reviews
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Get 10% Off
Search
  • Sleep masks
  • Bundles
  • Other sleep aids

Many Cultures Don't Use Mattresses — Here's What They Sleep on Instead

A man sleeping on his stomach on an Indian rope bed or charpai.

Not everybody sleeps on a typical mattress. Read this blog post to discover the different types of beds around the world.


It's easy to assume that most people sleep on soft, comfy mattresses like yours. The truth is the U.S. and other western cultures are outliers in the bed world. In other cultures, it's often the norm to use alternative beds. Chalk this up to changing socioeconomic factors, preferences and long-standing traditions. Traditional western beds tend to run pricier with their expensive frames and mattresses.


Many international sleepers also avoid traditional western beds. The reasons are they take up a lot of space and are usually difficult to move around. Also, many types of beds in the western world are too soft by international standards. They don't provide enough back support.


Intrigued? Read on to find out more about the most popular alternative beds around the world.


Here's what you'll find in this blog post:


  • India: The Charpai

  • Japan: The Futon

  • China: The Kang Stove Bed

  • South America: The Hammock

  • Conclusion

The Most Popular Alternative Beds — and Where to Find Them

India: The Charpai

An Indian charpai bed made from rope.

The charpai has a long cultural history in the Indian subcontinent.


Many consider this traditional bed a sign of growing poverty in India. Others consider it a nostalgic item. Even so, the charpai has endured for the past several centuries.

The charpai has a footed frame, measuring up to 4 feet in length and width. Handwoven ropes or fabrics make up the top of the bed. It's widely known as the rope bed.


People sleep on these rope beds without any pillows, blankets or mattresses. The point is to increase ventilation and reduce humidity. And if you think about it, these are what often disrupt a peaceful night's sleep.

Japan: The Futon

A Japanese futon laid out on the floor.

Futons or shikibutons are comfortable yet firm rectangular cushions. They're slim and easy to fold.


Traditional futons have a cotton filling for increased back support and cushioned comfort. Tatami mats serve as a base to keep them in place. But, modern shikibutons have a foam filling. They're a bit thinner for more portability and easy storage.

Futons typically measure 3 to 4 inches in height. It's possible to find them in a variety of sizes to suit modern lifestyles. But tradition-wise, these beds are a single-person sleeping unit.

China: The Kang Stove Bed

A kang bed stove with two holes in the base for hot coals.

When it comes to different kinds of beds, the Chinese kang bed stove stands out for its sheer strangeness.


The kang bed is a large platform that rests upon bricks or other materials. It takes up quite a bit of space. Inside the layered brick area is another platform that’s used as a heat source — almost like a small furnace.

The furnace contains hot coals to keep sleepers warm and cozy. This is especially helpful during the harsh northern Chinese winters.


The kang bed is a general sitting area for the family during the day. At night, all beddings go back on for sweet slumber.

South America: The Hammock

A woven hammock from South America.

A hammock is a minimalist bed made of strong nets and rope. It’s suspended using rope or chain between two points.


It’s still not clear who invented the hammock. But it's known that Christopher Columbus was the first European to note it.

In the west, most people use a hammock for rest and relaxation. But it's primarily used for sleep in different parts of South America. That said, the way different cultures across South America use hammocks varies.


In El Salvador people sleep in hammocks to protect themselves from earthquakes. But in Brazil or Venezuela, the hammock is a work of fine art and creativity.


Vast jungles surround other South American countries. People have to take necessary precautions to fend off insect attacks.


They suspend hammocks in these areas a few feet or more above ground. This keeps sleepers both safe and comfortable.

Conclusion

So, now you know more about the different beds around the world. Makes your box spring mattress feel a little dull, huh? If so, you’re not alone.


But here's the truth. It’s common for international sleepers to thrive without a traditional mattress.


Luckily all the alternative bed types listed above are still in active use today. Why not reach both your sleep and travel goals in one fell swoop by giving them a try?


Want more sleep trivia? Then read these:


  • 10 Animals That Get Their Sleep in Weird Ways

  • 5 Surprising Reasons Your Dog Should Sleep In Your Bed Every Night

  • Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sleep* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)


Enjoy!

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this website or provided through our blog, e-mails, or programs is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment that can be provided by your healthcare professionals.

Main Menu

  • Home
  • SHOP
  • About
  • Faq
  • Reviews
  • Contact

Products

  • Sleep Masks
  • Eye Cups & Head Straps
  • Other Sleep Aids
  • Bundles

Other Info

  • Shipping
  • Return & Warranty
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Program

become a manta-holic & get 10% off your first order!

JOIN MANTA CLUB

© Manta Sleep . All Rights Reserved.

Close