What is an organic mattress?
An organic mattress is made of certified organic materials and is completely free of synthetics. It is not treated with chemical flame retardants and instead uses a natural flame barrier, most likely organic wool.
If you’re looking for a truly organic mattress, choose one that is completely GOTS-certified organic. This means that the materials, the manufacturing facility, and the entire product as a whole have been assessed by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and have met their strict standards.
There are several benefits to getting rid of your synthetic mattress and opting for an organic one. Here are just a few…
- No chemical flame retardants: Chemical flame retardants travel through dust particles in our homes. We touch and breathe in dust (even in the cleanest of homes) which means these harsh chemicals enter our bodies. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) are present in over 90% of Americans. What is even more disturbing is that children have three times the levels as adults. PBDEs can cause neurodevelopmental issues, negatively impact thyroid hormone regulation, and can even be linked to cancer. By avoiding chemical flame retardants in products such as mattresses, pillows, sofas, and chairs, you’re creating a safer environment for you and your family.
- No polyurethane foam: Natural latex is just that--natural. The layers of latex in a mattress start with sap from the rubber tree and are baked into cozy perfection. By purchasing an organic mattress, you’re choosing a much healthier and eco-friendly product. Tip: make sure that the natural latex mattress you’re considering is not a blend of latex and synthetics.
- Smaller carbon footprint: Supporting an organic mattress brand means you’re voting for natural materials and more responsible manufacturing practices that have less of an environmental impact. An organic mattress will also naturally break down over time unlike a synthetic mattress that, when discarded, takes up room in a landfill for years and years.
- Higher quality: Organic mattress companies are sourcing expensive, certified organic materials, which means the overall price of their mattress is greater than your typical mattress-in-a-box. In order to gain the trust and support of customers, it’s not enough for the mattress to be natural--it also has to last. An organic mattress is designed to last for several years, unlike a cheap polyurethane foam or memory foam mattress.
We spend a third of our lives sleeping so investing in an organic mattress is absolutely worth it. Your health should always be a priority.
This is a question that is sometimes asked because of the steep price point of organic mattresses but keep in mind how expensive certified organic materials are and that there is a price to purchasing a mattress with proper certifications, especially if the product is GOTS-certified as a whole. This is why an organic mattress is an investment and not a spur-of-the-moment purchase.
When thinking about what to replace with an organic option, consider the items you come into contact with every day: your mattress, sofa, shampoo, moisturizer, etc.