Obasan: Sleep as It Should Be

The Dalai Lama once said, “Sleep is the best meditation.” As daylight fades and the world around us becomes quieter, sleep offers more than rest; it becomes a refuge, a chance for the body and mind to reset. Yet true rest is shaped by the environment we sleep in. This belief lies at the heart of Obasan, a brand that has spent nearly four decades crafting bedding designed not just for comfort, but also for wellbeing. Obasan emphasizes that people sleep differently and that a mattress for two shouldn’t be designed for one. Their products take into account the different stages of many of our lives, such as pregnancy and aging, and the lifestyles that we live. Their rigorous understanding of the science behind our cycles and what might hinder a good night’s slumber make them experts in sleep quality.

In this article, we highlight the work of Obasan, a WLLW Shop brand and pioneers in creating healthy sleep products that transform our repose into something deeper. Obasan’s approach is rooted in thoughtful design, ethical craftsmanship and the purest organic materials, all of which make handmade mattresses for both adults and children, toppers and perfectly weighted duvets. For Obasan, how we sleep each night isn’t merely an afterthought – it’s the foundation of a healthier life.

Care Through Craftsmanship

Obasan’s story began with Jean Corriveau, whose connection to sleep started long before he founded the brand. When Jean was just nine years old, his family befriended a neighbor who sold mattresses door-to-door, a relationship that would quietly shape his future. That neighbor eventually moved to Quebec, Canada to open his own mattress factory, and when Jean turned 16, he was offered a summer job. What began as a seasonal role quickly became a formative experience. For six summers, Jean lived with the factory owner’s family, immersing himself in every aspect of the business. He quickly discovered a passion for the science behind quality sleep. That early experience stayed with him, inspiring the founding of Obasan in 1985.

Today, each Obasan product is still made by hand in its Ottawa workshop, where a team of 15 skilled artisans carefully creates every mattress with precision. But this dedication to craftsmanship was shaped by a pivotal shift in the 1990s, when Jean began meeting customers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Determined to develop a mattress they could sleep on safely, he began producing chemical-free options alongside his traditional range. Demand grew, and Jean’s commitment to healthier materials deepened. He partnered with customers to source certified organic cotton, researched equipment suited for natural fibers and even traveled across Europe, where he found manufacturers already working with organic cotton, wool and natural rubber. Learning from their expertise, Jean refined his approach, shedding all use of synthetic materials by 2002.

Thoughtful Materials, Ethical Origins

Central to Obasan’s philosophy is the belief that healthy sleep starts with healthy materials. These days, each fiber and layer is thoughtfully sourced for its purity, sustainability and comfort. This begins with organic cotton from the Cañete region of Peru, where GOTS-certified pima cotton is hand-harvested to preserve its softness and strength, and the ginning, spinning and weaving processes are also all done in Peru. Known for its breathability and durability, this cotton creates fabrics that are cool, gentle on the skin and entirely non-toxic. Organic wool, sourced from Corriedale sheep in Patagonia, plays an equally vital role. Raised in remote, pesticide-free grasslands, the sheep are hand-sheared using traditional methods that prioritize animal welfare. The wool’s natural ability to regulate temperature and wick away moisture ensures a comfortable, dry sleep environment which is perfect for warm summers and cold winters alike.

To provide support and structure, Obasan incorporates organic rubber from Sri Lanka. Harvested from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, the rubber is processed without chemicals, maintaining its natural elasticity and resilience. This material not only offers superior pressure relief and spinal alignment but is also antimicrobial and dust-mite resistant, ensuring a cleaner, healthier sleep surface. Finally, the customizable wooden legs, the foundations of Obasan’s mattresses, are crafted from FSC-certified wood, a mix of spruce and poplar, sourced from responsibly managed forests in Quebec. Free from chemical treatments and assembled without glue, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating products that are as kind to the planet as they are to the body.

Tailored Sleep for Every Body

Recognizing that no two people are the same, Obasan takes personalization seriously. Its mattresses are designed with customizable firmness zones, allowing each side to be tailored to individual needs. Factors like weight distribution, sleep position and spinal alignment all inform the design, ensuring that every sleeper enjoys optimal support and comfort. This attention to detail extends to its bedding accessories, including pillows and mattress toppers, which are available in different thicknesses and firmness levels. Whether you prefer a plush, cloud-like surface or stronger support, Obasan’s products are made to adapt, not just to your body, but to your evolving sleep needs over time.

Sustainability at Every Step

For Obasan, sustainability is more than a promise, it’s a practice woven into every stage of production. From the organic farms and forests where materials are sourced to the handcrafting process in its workshop, the brand prioritizes environmental responsibility. Minimal packaging, carbon-conscious shipping and biodegradable materials further reflect its dedication to reducing environmental impact. Obasan’s partnerships also speak to its commitment. By working directly with its producers, the brand ensures ethical practices throughout the supply chain. Corriveau continues to visit suppliers regularly, maintaining relationships built on mutual respect and shared values.

For Obasan, sleep is more than rest, it’s restoration, health and connection with our bodies. Its products are designed not just to improve sleep but to enhance overall wellbeing. It’s about creating a sleep environment that feels good, inside and out, where every choice reflects a commitment to living well. When it comes to considering how we sleep, Obasan stands as a testament to how thoughtful craftsmanship, ethical materials and mindful design can truly transform the way we sleep. Because when sleep is healthy, life is better and with Obasan, that transformation begins the moment you close your eyes.

Discover Obasan products at the WLLW Shop

Photography: all images courtesy of Obasan