If you have not already read the Introduction to Indoor Hammock Sleeping and Picking the Perfect Spot for Your Indoor Hammock, please do! The 'perfect hammock' will not make up for a hammock being poorly hung or undersized. Learn about the options and trade-offs with indoor sleeping hammocks. This will increase your chances of finding a great alternative to 'normal' mattress-based sleeping.
TLDR: My Indoor Sleeping Hammock of Choice
My go-to sleeping hammock is the Brazilian-style La Siesta Flora Organic Cotton Kingsize Classic Hammock (Amazon). I use two of these hammocks layered together to make an underquilt sandwich – hammocks on the outside and a duvet in the middle, and a small Therm-a-rest Travel Pillow (Amazon). I have more details on underquilts, pillows, and blankets in Hammock Accessories.
Hammock Styles
Hammock sleeping has been done for a long time – at least as far back as the Mayans. There are a variety of hammock styles among hammocks suitable to year-round sleeping – different fabrics, weaves (nets vs solid fabric) and color patterns. Tighter weaves tend to be more comfortable for
Mexican and Mayan Hammocks
Mexican and Mayan hammocks have a more open weave which allows for a bit more airflow on warm nights, but isn’t so spread out and net-like that you’d be uncomfortable. Mayan hammocks are typically made of sisal or polyester. The Cielo Ideal Mayan Deluxe XL Cotton Hammock is a nice option for warmer climates. This Mayan-style hammock uses cotton instead of sisal, hemp, or polyester and has a bit of a thicker and tighter weave. So it provides some of the ventilation benefit of the Mayan style for hammock sleeping in warmer climates which still being a tight enough weave to be comfortable for sleeping.
Cielo Ideal Mayan Delux XL Cotton
Brazilian Hammocks
Brazilian hammocks use a tight weave with thicker cotton than a Mexican or Mayan hammock. This makes them both more comfortable for sleeping, and warmer for handling a larger variation in temperature year-round. The La Siesta Flora Organic Cotton Kingsize Classic Hammock is a great Brazilian hammock option.
Note: Spreader Bars
These hammocks do not use spreader bars. Although spreader bars may seem like a good idea for making a hammock easier to use, they prevent a hammock from conforming to your body, and can make the hammock less comfortable for sleeping. Some styles of hammock use a sort of ‘mini spreader bar’. I have not slept in any such hammocks, so if you’re tempted, give it a try and let me know how it goes!
Wrapping Up
When choosing an indoor sleeping hammock, consider the weave, material, and climate suitability. Brazilian hammocks, with their tight weave and thick cotton, are ideal for year-round use in various climates. In contrast, Mexican and Mayan hammocks offer better ventilation for warmer conditions. Selecting the right hammock can enhance your indoor sleeping experience, providing comfort and a unique alternative to a traditional mattress. Sleep Better!