All the questions about Numu-Roo mattress

Additional comfort layer to mattress
baby giggling on Numu-Roo mattress


#Does the Numu mattress meet Australian safety standards?

The Numu mattress was tested against and meets the voluntary Australian safety standard  [AS/NZS 8811.1:2013 Methods of testing infant products - Sleep surfaces—Test for firmness]

#Is the mattress "orthopaedic"?

Not only is Numu orthopedic and complies with the Australian sleeping surface firmness standards, Numu was tested by Orthopaedics and physiotherapists and was found to promote motor development. 

#What is a breathable mattress? Is this a breathable mattress?

A breathable mattress is one that allows better air flow so that the carbon dioxide that is exhaled by the breathing baby is dispersed quickly and oxygen is made more available. 

Numu mattress, including the netted sheet, has the best air flow among all breathable mattresses due to its innovative design, making it one of the safest sleep environments for children. 

We like to say that it isn't the mattress that is doing the breathing, with Numu - its your baby that is breathing.

Numu is the new evolution of mattresses and represents a progression from old and standard foam or innerspring mattresses as is explained in our blog

#What is the difference between Numu and other "breathable" mattresses presently in the market?

In a research performed on various "breathable" mattresses, Numu was found to be the only mattress that was able to maintain carbon dioxide clearance level of below 1.2% which is the maximal environmental level recommended by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
The superior airflow of the Numu mattress and its unique design also prevents overheating, fluid accumulation, and makes it easier to clean (see our home page for detailed list of benefits of the Numu mattress)
#what is the difference between Numu and innerspring or foam mattresses?
Completely different, its a new way of mattress design  - we had innerspring for centuries and foam for decades - now we have Numu. Some key advantages and difference points can be seen in this table: 

#what is the comfort layer? can baby sleep on the net surface?

The Numu mattress arrives with a comfort layer that can be used as the sleeping surface. In addition, the mesh/net surface can also be used as a sleep surface with out the comfort layer. Using either option maintains the unique features of the Numu mattress. 


#Does the baby feel cold?

No! Regular mattresses are insulated and heat the baby's body from below. With Numu, the temperature that the baby feels from below will be the same as it feels from above (from the air in the room).  As long as baby is appropriately dressed and the room is kept at the recommended temperature (approximately 20°-22°C), your baby will not feel cold and would also feel much better on hot summer nights.

#How strong is the mattress?

Current  regulations require firm sleeping surfaces for baby's. Numu was tested to meet the Australian sleeping surface firmness standard. The mesh surface is stretched over the frame, creating high tension, thus giving the mattress unique orthopaedic qualities and can support up to 400 kg without tearing.

The tension is maintained for a long period of time and is recommended for infants weighing up to 25 kg, whether they are laying, standing or jumping!


Kid jumping on mattress

we also have some videos you can check showing how strong Numu is

#What happens if by mistake I cause a tear in the mattress?

The net is manufactured to endure a tear, even while bearing a 100 kg weight on it without further expansion.
If an accidental tear occurs, contact us to consult about further use of the mattress.
#Can I use the Numu mattress with a breathing monitor?

Yes, you can use the Numu mattress with most pad based breathing monitors. You will need to purchase the monitor adaptor accessory for each pad you intend to use. Please refer to the graphic on proper use of the monitor adaptor in the accessory product page

#Can I use a regular sheet? 

In order to gain the most benefit from the mattress we recommend using our special cot cotton fitted sheet and cotton bassinet fitted sheet.


#Is the mattress hypoallergenic?

Yes! The Numu mattress does not have any volume in which allergens can accumulate. Allergens are commonly found in houses and include: animal dandruff, chemicals (anti-retardants frequently used in regular mattresses) or House Dust Mites (HDM) which are found in dust samples taken from uncovered mattress surfaces, bedding, upholstered furniture and floor carpeting. 

HDM, are known allergy triggers that correlate with allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. HDM do not survive on the Numu sleep surface whereas on the standard mattresses, HDM not only survives but reproduced and proliferated. 

Here in Australia, Numu was identified and approved by The National Asthma council Australia as a Sensitive Choice product that is a recommended option for children with allergies or asthma.

Sensitive choice logo

 links to the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice Numu page

Also refer to our blogs referring to scientific research non Numu and dust mites

#In what sizes does Numu mattress come?

We now offer Numu in several size categories for both Cot and Bassinet. Please refer to mattress product page for list of variants

Special sizes can be considered upon request.

#How much does it weigh? 

The Cot size Numu mattress weighs around 4 kg depending on exact size variant

The Bassinet size Numu mattress weighs around 2kg depending on exact size variant

#What Cot/Bassinet bed does Numu-roo recommend with the Numu mattress?

The Numu mattress can fit any rectangular shaped cot or bassinet bed.

We love these sort of questions as we do think the mattress should be the main purchase driver over the Cot bed (Baby will spend 60% of his time on the mattress more so than in the Cot bed. Cot beds are in large part an aesthetics decision while the mattress has a direct impact on baby safety).

Having said that, despite there being in the market a large number of suitable baby beds, we are happy to offer a sample list of widely available cot and bassinet beds that can be found in the largest retail stores and can be used with the Numu mattress (in brackets the specific Numu variant size):

Cot beds:

Grotime - Jimmy Cot (130x69), Childcare - Cambridge cot (130x69), Tasmaneco  - Palermo cot (130x69), Boori - Alice cot barely (132x70), 

Bassinet beds:

Boori Tidy (80x40), Boori Barley (80x40), Tasmaneco Amore (80x40), Tasmaneco rascali (80x40), Tasmaneco urban venice (79x40), 


4baby co-sleeper (87x48)

this is by no means a closed or complete list. We encourage you to reach out and enquire with us about any type cot bed or special size mattress you have in mind.

#Middle Bar of Cot mattress - is there danger a child bumps his head on it?

We were recently asked about the middle bar on the Cot mattress (visible in the GIF below), if there is a risk of child bumping his head on the bar. We would like to clarify there is no way a child (under 25 kg) can bump his head on the bar. My baby girl goes to bed siting and drops head down to the mattress and she even jumps as if in a trampoline when she wakes up (proof below...). The net is designed for 400kg tear and 25kg orthopaedic. A child (under 25kg) shouldn't be in any risk of hurting any part of his body from the middle bar. 

testing firmness by jumping

#Numu sleep marks

We have recently received questions about the criss-cross pattern marks bub may have after a nights sleep on Numu.

We like to name these marks - a Numu kiss - it is a sleep mark, not unlike what most of us get when we wake up with marks from our blanket, pillow or mattress. The difference is that it is a different pattern as the Numu sheet and sleeping surface are a different mesh pattern. The marks are normal and will occur when baby sleeps on her tummy or on her side (these are exactly the scenarios you want a Numu there), they will disappear within 20 to 30 minutes. If anything, they are a sign of a good night sleep... one such example - my baby girl sleeping well, waking up and Numu kissed:


numu marks -kisses


#When and how often should I clean the Numu mattress?

The Numu mattress should be cleaned as often as required. Mostly the mattress will require cleaning after baby had an incident during her sleep.

All that is required is using a wet wipe over the area requiring cleaning or washing the mattress with a shower head or garden hose for a more comprehensive cleaning. The mattress will very quickly air-dry but a hair dryer can be used when needed.

When cleaned, Numu will remain as new even after years of use.

cleaning the mattress 

 refer to our blog post on this

#Is Numu SIDS safe?

Numu reduces SIDS risk factors like no other mattress does making it a safer mattress for your baby. 

No one today knows the exact direct causes of SIDS though risk factors have been identified. Chief amongst them are overheating, CO2 buildup, lack of air circulation and the build up of house dust mites. 

Numu was designed to reduce these risk factors and we have the scientific and clinical research to support such claims. No other mattress prevents overheating, CO2 buildup and dust mites presence as Numu does and no other mattress allows free air circulation as with Numu. 

The approval of Numu by the National Asthma Council Australia is based on these Numu features. 

The number one recommendation for SIDS safe sleep is to place baby on her back. This causes many parents to be concerned once the baby starts rolling on to her tummy during sleep without knowing how to roll back. With Numu you can be sure that even when facing into the mattress, your baby should be able to breath freely (try it yourself).

please also refer to our blog post on tummy sleep

#Why should I buy Numu when some mattresses cost less?

Babies and toddlers are estimated to spend 60% of their time sleeping.  Therefore, the mattress requires serious parents attention while making newborn purchases.

Numu can maintain its qualities for a much longer time than other mattresses which means you will not need to buy a new mattress for each child.

The Numu's safety and long list of great features for baby (and for you), make Numu a worthwhile purchase. 

We sometimes hear of how babies were just fine sleeping on regular foam or innerspring mattresses - the best answer we can give is that today we know better - please review our blog post on exact;y this point 

#Is Numu mattress safe to hand over between siblings? 

 One of the big advantages with Numu is that you can re-use it between siblings. Dust mites, bacterial and other nasties can't survive in the mattress so no hygienic concerns at all. We are supported by the national asthma council Australia for these qualities and the fact we prevent allergy triggers such as dust mites.

If you compare a regular foam or inner spring mattress that will cost you 100-150 AUD and consider you need a new one for every child, long term the financials are similar with Numu. But these are not apples to apples, Numu offers a much safer sleep environment all around.