Familon bed designer is a happy sleeper who takes sleep seriously.

For someone like Hanna Salama – a true multi-talent when it comes to sleep – who (A) designs beloved beds and (B) regularly sleeps ten-hour nights, there might be an important message for the rest of us “ordinary sleepers” doing our best to get through everyday life with a decent amount of rest. Hanna could be described not only as an ambassador of good sleep, but as a messenger of holistic wellbeing.

How did you sleep last night?

Well! I usually sleep well and on a regular schedule. I go to bed at nine, or at the latest by ten. I value sleep above all else. When I travel, I always bring my own pillow – sometimes even my own mattress topper.

Who (or what) do you choose as your sleep companion?

I sleep on an Ergo Futurex M-size smart foam pillow, mostly on my side or back. In addition, I sometimes use up to three extra pillows to fine-tune my sleeping position – even adjusting the angle of my ankle for perfect comfort. And I wake up in that same position.
The Ergo Back support pillow – or “Arnold” as we affectionately call it at home – is irreplaceable. “Arska” is a dear sleep companion and incredibly handy to place between the thighs, especially if my hamstrings are tight after a long run.

What still excites you about Familon’s world of beds?

The Familon house holds decades of deep expertise in sleep. Even great beds alone are like the appetizer of a meal – they don’t satisfy on their own. Good sleep is always a whole experience, and Familon’s uniqueness lies in the fact that we never offer just a bed or just one product. Instead, we provide a complete solution that includes genuinely excellent beds, ergonomic pillows, individualized duvets, high-quality sheets, and other sleep accessories.
Many of the innovations that improve sleep and wellbeing have been introduced to the Finnish market first – or exclusively – by Familon.

What inspires you abroad?

The wellness trend. Yet another recent study showed how little Finns sleep and how little sleep is valued here. I’m especially concerned about the sleep of young people – it’s close to my heart. I’m curious to see how people sleep in other countries and have marveled at exotic sleep habits, such as the tall pillows often found in Southern European hotels. In contrast, our Swedish neighbors tend to prefer much softer sleeping surfaces. In Finland, sleep hygiene is exceptionally high compared to many other European countries. Our duvets, for example, are sold pure white – and meant to stay white.

What gives a bed designer a sense of pride?

Our Familon collection offers a wide range of products with different feels and features: firmer special foams for those with back issues, the new trendy continental beds launching early this year, traditional spring beds, unique fully washable mattresses, and excellent products designed for children’s wellbeing.
Many people don’t realize that even a mattress protector can elevate sleep to a whole new level. At Familon, we have wonderful options – like energizing and restorative or temperature-regulating mattress protectors.

Overall, our products are not only high-quality and ergonomic but also practical, aesthetic, and increasingly design-oriented. By combining different Familon products, every type of sleeper can find their own perfect solution for a good night’s sleep.

Has the mystery of good sleep been solved?

The recipe for good sleep is well known – Familon has years of research and a deep understanding of what makes for truly restorative rest. It all starts with keeping the spine’s alignment natural and straight while sleeping.
In addition to using the right products suited to your needs, we encourage people to take great care of themselves: make sure to get enough sleep, allow time for rest and reflection. Good sleep also requires a calm, distraction-free bedroom and proper nutrition. Exercise is important, but very intense evening workouts are best avoided.

Published December 1, 2016