As more and more shoppers are looking to ensure their investments and purchases are sustainable and ethical, organic mattresses are having a moment. And for good reason. After researching the kind of chemicals that go into many mattresses, I decided to swap my old bed with an organic mattress, and now I’d never go back to a traditional mattress again.
Even this year’s best mattresses often use chemical-based materials, like memory foam. While this doesn’t make the bed itself toxic, many people question the process of creating these materials, the waste associated with them and the safety of breathing in VOCs (volatile organic compounds). So, if you’re looking for a more natural alternative, it’s time to swap your bed for one of this year’s best organic mattresses.
Over the years, I’ve tested many organic mattresses, including the Avocado Eco Organic mattress, the Awara Premier Natural Hybrid mattress, the Essentia Stratami and the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex mattress. They regulate your temperature and offer great pressure relief and support, no matter your sleep style. There’ll be a choice suitable for all sleepers and, with organic mattresses are more affordable than ever, I encourage you to invest in one in this month’s mattress sales for more natural sleep. Here's why.
What is an organic mattress?
Organic mattresses are mattresses that use materials that are certifiably organic and non-toxic. The term ‘organic’ refers to the use of natural materials derived from plant or animal materials, rather than chemical-based man-made materials. Because of this, they’re considered the healthiest mattresses that you can buy (and they’re often hypoallergenic to boot!)
Materials that are most often used in organic mattresses include organic cotton, wool, and latex, though some brands use other organic materials like coconut coir. There are organic hybrid mattresses, and in that case, they would have steel coils, but these are not biodegradable in the way that organic latex mattresses would be.
Before buying, you should make sure that the organic materials used in the mattress are certified organic. The most trusted and common organic certifications are Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), and USDA Certified organic.
Organic mattresses may have other certifications that highlight how safe they are to sleep on or that they were sustainably and environmentally made and delivered. Such certifications include: Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC), Greenguard Gold Certified, OEKO-TEX, eco-INSTITUT certified, EWG Verified, MADE SAFE, and UL verified formaldehyde-free.
Why you should swap your bed out with an organic mattress
1. They are non-toxic
Organic mattresses are free of toxic chemicals like phthalates, fiberglass or formaldehyde which can contribute to respiratory problems and exacerbate conditions like ashma. It’s worth noting that most mattresses that use these chemicals are safe to sleep on as the toxic materials are contained.
Many non-organic mattresses highlight that their materials have “low VOCs” or volatile organic compounds as a means of conveying that they’re safe to sleep on. Even at low levels, VOCs vaporize and create an off-gassing of chemicals in the air. That’s what’s responsible with the smell associated with unwrapping even the best mattresses in a box and the best memory foam mattresses.
When inhaled these chemicals can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and more. Organic mattresses don’t have VOCs because they’re free of harmful chemicals. In fact, the organic materials result in a hypoallergenic environment that is naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites, too.
2. They are more ethically and sustainably made
Organic mattresses are usually ethically and sustainably made. Many brands have certifications that verify that they use environmentally-friendly and consciously-sourced materials from renewable resources and often have programs that replace and expand the growth of forests.
Organic mattress companies also reduce waste and recycle and usually have ethical manufacturing policies such as paying living wages to workers. When you see certifications like Forest Stewardship Certified (FSC) and Climate Neutral Certified, it indicates that the organic mattress brand has invested in practices that help the climate and environment.
For example, our top-rated organic mattress, the Avocado Green mattress, has a long list of certifications like the Greenguard Gold, B Corp, and Climate Neutral to ensure their production processes are both sustainable and ethical.
3. They regulate temperature
If you sleep warm or hot, an organic mattress may be the best choice for you. Organic latex is naturally more breathable than memory foam, while organic cotton and wool do stand-up jobs in terms of moisture wicking and breathability.
This doesn’t necessarily result in a “cool” sleep environment. Instead, organic mattresses keep your temperature neutral throughout the night. This means you’re less likely to be awoken by overheating or sweating, resulting in a better sleep.
4. They last longer
Organic mattresses last longer than non-organic mattresses. Mattresses that are made with materials like memory foam or other types of foam that are synthetically made, usually last about 10 years, which is why they usually have 10-year warranties.
On the other hand, the organic and natural materials in organic mattresses break down much slower because they’re free of chemicals. Materials like natural organic latex also tend to hold their shape for longer. Some organic mattresses can last 20 years or more, which is why we see so many organic mattress brands offering lifetime or longer-term warranties.
3 organic mattresses I recommend
