Do I Need An Organic Mattress? A Helpful Detailed Guide

Today, a green lifestyle has become prevalent more than ever. People are taking measures to alter their living standards and opt for clean and natural alternatives.

Many people need an organic mattress for a green lifestyle, being a hot sleeper, require durability, having allergies to inorganic materials, and to avoid inhaling fiberglass and contacting harsh materials and chemicals.

The choices are becoming more organic from the food they eat to the clothes they wear and other items they buy. Things made from untreated wood and natural textiles such as wool and cotton are (now) more in demand.

Even the bedding industry has also experienced a spike in sales of organic mattresses. The laws pertaining to the chemical flame retardants and off-gassing has set in motion the popularity of beds made of natural materials—as they are considered a safer choice.

The Traditional vs. Organic Mattresses

Most of the beds in American households comprise health-hazardous materials, such as nylon, polyester, polyurethane, and vinyl. The manufacturers treat them with potentially dangerous chemicals to act as a fire barrier, including:

• phosphate
• silicon
• boric, as fire barriers

Sometimes, more natural flame resistant fibers undergo treatment with other chemical substances, like chloride and melamine.

Research shows, we spend 1/3^rd of our life on our mattresses, and getting exposed to chemicals for eight long hours is dangerous for one’s health. It can also lead to skin and respiratory illnesses, along with cancers.

As a safer option, spring units were a preferred choice in earlier days. They are durable and offer greater support but not suitable for people who share a bed. Spring units are also not very long-lasting and have an average lifespan of 5 years.

They also tend to be an expensive alternative. Today, most of the spring units are hybrid mattresses, paired with a foam layer. However, there is a good chance of finding an organic alternative if you buy latex foam and wool padded hybrid beds.

What is Organic Mattress Made of?

Your bed is a long-term investment that you make for your well-being. Organic mattresses are safer and healthier options as they comprise of non-chemically treated natural materials such as latex, wool, and cotton.

The latter two are common sources used for covers and top layer padding. Organically farmed latex is a safer alternative to chemically treated polyfoam mattresses.

There are two different methods to convert the rubber sap, i.e., Dunlop and Talalay. However, the former is more organic as it contains a 100% natural rubber tree and less machine-treated to mold and set. Typically, these mattresses are backed with wool and cotton to act as a natural fire retardant and bedbug-repellent.

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Manufacturers source the components organically, which means they were grown without using toxic pesticides and other chemicals.

Among others, natural products have also gained exponential popularity in the industry. They comprise of plant-based polyfoam and natural latex. Unlike organic mattresses, they may contain chemical-laden products, thus may comprise synthetic materials.

Why Should You Buy Organic Mattress?

Although a small number of people need an organic mattress according to the founder of Sleep Easily Method, environmental safety is the driving force to establish the need for organic sleep products. Recent research predicted that the sale of organic mattresses had spiked by 12% in 2019, much more than the average industry.

This product growth was mainly due to the concern over toxic materials present in conventional sleep products, including mattresses, pillows, bed covers, sheets, and other bedding materials. The distress has grown over the fact that these chemicals are a risk for one’s health as they can penetrate through the skin and also affect body organs.

However, the market features products labeled organic and natural without providing any said benefits. To ensure you are getting the right product, check the third-party certifications, such as GreenGuard, GOTS, GOLS, and OekoTex.

GreenGuardverifies that the mattress doesn’t contain any volatile compounds, whereas GOTS certifies the maker sourced the cotton organically, whereas GOLS is a certification for latex. For textile products, OekoTex certification guarantees safety and healthiness.

However, most brands also used USDA Organic Certificate to ensure that it contains more than 95% of organic compounds. These certifications act as a seal of excellence, providing you a healthy surface to sleep on.

Benefits of Organic Mattresses

By purchasing an organic mattress, you get a healthier option and reduce carbon footprints and protect the environment. There are several other benefits of organic mattresses that are listed below:

Organic Mattresses are Chemical-Free

The materials used in organic mattresses are grown, processed, and manufactured without any harmful chemicals. They also contain zero synthetic materials, which makes a highly safe option to sleep on. Furthermore, flame retardants are also made of natural materials such as cotton and wool, thus ensuring they are free of carcinogens.

Being chemical-free, the compounds used are of high-quality. Due to this, these are more durable, long-lasting, and comfortable. However, this typically increases the price, making them one of the most expensive in the market.

Generally, organic mattress companies tend to be open about the products used and back up their claim with multiple certifications. You can also carry out an online research to find the materials commonly used in manufacturing and make a more informed decision.

Organic Mattresses are Safe

All organic mattresses and home products go through state and federal flammability tests to avoid fire accidents. This means that the organic materials contain flame retardants, but they receive certification for being organically sourced.

Since the components are safe, they are suitable for people with sensitive skin and nose. The chemical toxins tend to aggravate respiratory and skin issues, but theese pose no such risks. Comprising of natural materials, these are inherently hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and moisture and heat resistant.

Due to this, the organic mattress effectively combats the bacteria, dust mites, mold, and fungus infestation.

Organic Mattresses are Naturally Cool

These mattresses are ideal for hot sleepers as they naturally wick away heat and moisture. Latex, the most common foam type in organic mattresses, is congenitally cool and effectively regulates body temperature.

Cotton and wool are highly breathable, thus offer improved air circulation to mitigate moisture or heat lock. Latex combined with cotton and cool has an innate ability to regulate sleep temperature, irrespective of the season.

The materials make the sleep surface hot during winters and cool off in summer, thus ensuring a comfortable snooze. As wool is a hygroscopic fiber, it effectively absorbs moisture (sweat) and keeps the surface dry, functioning as a natural heat insulator.

Organic Mattresses are Durable

Organic materials have an extended lifecycle compared to their synthetic counterparts. They do not breakdown easily and thus are flexible, which makes them suitable for people of all sizes and weight.

Natural and organic products such as latex, wool, and cotton are stretchable but perfectly bounce back to their original shape after removing the pressure.

The chemical structure of organic materials is impermeable thus doesn’t compress when stress is applied. This is why latex foam has fewer indentations compared to polyurethane and memory foam. Hence most of them are backed with 20 years of warranty.

Organic Mattresses are Eco-friendly

The natural materials of organic mattresses do not off-gas or emit harmful chemicals. They also reduce the carbon footprint and thus safe for the ecosystem. A renewable source, latex, cotton, and wool are biodegradable. This means the materials can be reused and recycled without potentially damaging the environment.

The extraction and manufacturing process is also sustainable. For instance, you do not need to cut trees to extract the rubber sap but can directly tap it from the tree. Also, most of the companies plant another tree on tapping each.

A single rubber tree can yield latex for 30 years, and thus new trees are replanted. The wood from the harvested rubber trees goes towards making furniture.

Organic Mattresses are Highly Comfortable

Latex is intrinsically supportive materials; thus, it provides conform to our body structure in all sleep positions. The mattress also effectively distributes weight and prevents pressure formation. Due to its inherent properties, latex also relieves pain and sore joints to offer a comfortable sleep.

The cotton and wool backing gives soft padding to the spinal curvature, especially when you are sleeping on your back. Latex foam offers comfort for stomach sleepers as the mattress doesn’t compress, which could otherwise lead to restless sleep.

Organic Mattress is Innocuous for Babies

Being hypoallergenic, anti-inflammatory, and firm, latex is an ideal choice for baby beds (read more here). Pediatrics and sleep experts often recommend latex mattresses for newborns and infants. Its core properties ensure cushioned support that cradles and soothes the body.

Coupled with temperature control features, latex foam works well for babies as they are naturally hot sleepers. The chemical and pesticide-free latex also keeps off the mites and bacteria from the sleeping area.

Organic Mattress Labels You Can Trust

If you are deciding if you need an organic mattress you should research the below companies that have been in the business for a long time.

Are you worried about the materials? Numerous bed manufacturers are claiming their products are safer and healthier.

But determining which could be this right one is a challenging task as most of them come with various certificates. So, here we have compiled a list of top 5 Organic Mattress Brands for you:

Zenhaven

Zenhaven is a popular natural latex option manufactured by Saatva. It comprises premium quality Talalay latex, which is durable and desirably cool.

It is 10-inches high and contains four different layers of foam. Made of frothy Talalay latex, it is highly resilient and conforming. The cotton cover effectively wicks away heat and moisture to provide you with a comfortable sleep.

Its remarkable buoyant properties make Zenhaven great for those who share a bed or are combination sleepers. As soon as you lie down, It offers a cushioned support without causing any sinkage. Its five-zoned support system makes it a comfortable surface for slumber.

The hypoallergenic materials of Zenhaven are free of chemicals but effectively resist microbes, mites, and mold. This makes tit a good option for people having skin or respiratory problems.

Pros

• Highly contouring and responsive surface
• Hypoallergenic ideal for people with sensitive skin and nose
• Pressure and pain-relieving comfort for restorative sleep
• Durable and long-lasting materials

Cons

• Expensive
• Bouncy
• A little too firm for side sleepers

Eco Terra Latex

EcoTerra Latex is a popular organic hybrid mattress known for its exceptional comfort and support. The company has earned its reputation as a discount organic brand.

The 11-inch of thickness and dual-layer structure provides a combination of bouncy and conforming support, irrespective of your sleep position and body type.

The latex foam adjusts to your body shape and provides contouring at all the right angles. Thus, sleepers experience great pressure relief no matter what sleep position you assume.

The plant-based latex foam is inherently cool and supportive, offering a cloud-like feel. Besides this, the mattress materials are naturally hypoallergenic, thus wards off bacteria, mold, and mites for healthy sleep.

Being a low-cost latex hybrid mattress, EcoTerra is perfect for those having a tight budget, but may not be best for people who are very chemical sensitives as there is only 90% organic materials in the latex.

Be sure to view the video below for the experience of one buyer.

Pros

• Made of naturally sourced premium materials
• Effectively isolate movement
• Perfect combination of bounce and support
• Stable edge support
• Excellent temperature regulating properties

Cons

• Potential misleading or inaccurate label information
• The label states latex only contains 90% natural and 10% polyester
• The label states the cotton cover has polyurathane

Spindle

Spindle is a relatively new online brand in the market, offering high-quality natural latex model. The company allows its customers to customize the mattress firmness to cater to all sleeper types.

The latex used in Spindle comes from the forests in Guatemala and the Asia Pacific. In contrast, cotton is grown in India, Texas, and Mexico, while the final product is manufactured in the US—ensuring its top-notch quality.

The crimp properties of wool keep the surface temperature ideal throughout the year. Its innate ability to wick away heat and moisture keeps you cool and comfortable. Although slightly pricey, the brand offers multiple discounts to the customers.

Pros

• Personalized design to meet your specific requirements
• High-end materials ensure long-lasting use
• Undisturbed sleep due to excellent motion isolation
• Exceptionally cool and comfortable

Cons

• Not so good for fat people
• Not so great for people who tend to sleep near the edge
• No so hot… for hot sleepers. Not so good for cooling

Avocado Green Mattress

Avocado Green is an organic hybrid mattress, made of premium quality materials. The company instantly gained fame due to the comfort and quality it offers to the customers. The bed is suitable for people who prefer a green lifestyle.

Read the full, most in-depth, and analytical, Avocado review that took me days to research here.

Using 100% natural latex and Joma wool, Avocado Green is an excellent choice for people looking for hypoallergenic option. The components are structured to provide remarkable spinal support, instant pain relief, and prevent pressure formation.

The brand has received positive ratings online that bespoke of its popularity and customer preference.

Pros

• Exceptional moisture-wicking properties
• Very high-quality materials
• 8″ coils and thick latex
• Very think bed
• Many certifications for natural materials
• Antibacterial and antimicrobial
• 25-year warranty
• Good for fat people
• Durable construction
• Optional euro pillow top for plush comfort

Cons

• More firm than most
• It is expensive, but you get what you pay for
• Only two firmness options
• No plush option
• Motion isolation is not great

Happsy Organic

Happsy is an eco-friendly and organic latex mattress, known for its revolutionary design. The bed contains organic latex foam supported by a layer of pocketed coils for highly responsive support. This model comprises of premium quality products sourced domestically.

Happsy is free of volatile compounds and hazardous chemicals, which makes it ideal for eco-conscious consumers. It is safe for you and your kids’ health while providing you the comfort, all-night-long, which you crave for.

Pros

• Pure organic materials
• Highly affordable brand
• Excellent support and comfort
• Effectively isolates movement

Cons

• Side sleepers won’t sink into the mattress, which can be an issue for some people
• Not bouncy. Again, only an issue for some people

Price Range of Organic Mattresses

Organic mattresses are expensive compared to other conventional and traditional models. Depending on the brand and size, the price could reach several thousand dollars as the materials and production processes are costlier.

An average latex foam or latex hybrid mattress can range between $2000-2500, which is almost double the price of traditional foam beds, priced around a few hundred dollars.

Ultimately the choice is yours. After thorough market research, you will find an organic mattress that fits your budget and meets your sleep needs.