Best Non-Toxic, Organic Mattress You Should Choose for Your Family

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A lot of people will exhaust everything to have a good night’s sleep. With loads of chemicals and artificial processes that mattresses go through these days, sleep quality can be an issue. Many individuals complain of allergic reactions to mattresses. There are also a few who are environmentally conscious and looking for the best non-toxic mattress.

Organic and non-toxic beds are made of natural materials and infused with extracts that add a refreshing feel. Those with sensitive skin and extreme allergies will benefit from this the most. But although it seems to be a failsafe option, there are some things to consider before jumping into the organic bandwagon.

The art of getting quality sleep is getting more and more intensive due to the presence of many mattress types. But to help you with these eco-friendly options, here are our personal insights:

Why organic mattresses are a big thing

It’s easy to think that organic mattresses are just another rising fad. A lot of people are investing to go organic and to boost all means that will give them quality sleep. According to a poll commissioned on behalf of the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is eating away the overall well-being of many Americans. This is probably one reason why a lot of us are seeking comfort even on the tiniest details of our living – including our beds.

Many organizations suggest that a lot of Americans are starting to be health conscious. As an effort to reduce off-gassing and carbon footprint, they resort to organic mattresses. A lot of individuals nowadays are also giving their share for the environment. And with the increasing campaign for reducing wastes, there’s no doubt that even organic mattresses are a big hit.

If there’s one advantage organic mattresses have, it would be durability. It’s proven to be way sturdy than its synthetic counterparts. Most artificial mattresses can only last for four to five years. But when it comes to natural options, you can bet for up to 10 years, if not seven.

Although organic options are a bit expensive, it’s the right bargain for quality and safety. And if you’re going to calculate the cost with the length of use, it will be cheaper in the long run.

Organic vs. inorganic mattress

There are manufacturers who try to fabricate organic mattress only to turn out to be a fraudulent piece. Even if there are ways to make a mattress appear organic, the original consistency will reveal itself.

Take note that most American households nowadays use mattresses with petroleum-based nylon and other synthetic materials. Even if that seems unattractive in the safety aspect, it’s the cheaper choice. But the problem is that almost all households don’t bother about this fact. As long as it’s comfy and soft to the touch, it’s a fine mattress.

The biggest downside of inorganic mattresses is the chemicals. It contains flame retardants, phosphates, silicon, and acids that aren’t supposed to be in contact with your skin. Still, there are synthetic mattresses that are successful in removing these hazards. But it’s undeniable that there would still be traces of these harmful chemicals.

We can easily compare organic mattresses to organic food. Although an apple appears the same regardless if it’s organic or not, it would definitely be more nutritious if it doesn’t have pesticides. It’s like beef chopped from cows that are grass-fed and spared from antibiotics.

What makes an organic mattress?

Generally, organic mattresses are classified as such by certifying organizations like Global Organic Textile Standard and CertiPUR-US. These organizations will assess the products and assure that it doesn’t have any harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and retardants that are harmful to the health.

This type of bedding is made of the usual latex, cotton, and wool that are certified to be organic. To keep it organic, it’s not treated with chemicals and made with synthetic materials. Most of all, it should qualify on the organic manufacturing standards.

Above all, organic mattresses should be hypoallergenic and free of substances that can trigger asthma attacks or rashes. If not, it won’t live up to its hype.

Another thing is that organic mattresses should be naturally flame resistant and infant approved. This level of safety is impressive and the best of its kind. It doesn’t need further explaining why the best non-toxic mattress is rising in the sleep industry.

Organic mattresses are also seen to be more conforming, elastic, and pressure-releasing than its synthetic counterparts. Still, it’s important to remember that aside from purely organic beds, it can also come in hybrid forms.

Common materials

Organic mattresses are made of two common natural materials namely cotton and wool. The cotton should be grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It shouldn’t be genetically modified either as much as it’s not bleached during production. This material is responsible for making the mattress soft and comfy.

On the other hand, wool is necessary to make the mattress cool. The common problem with cotton is its lack of breathability once it conforms to the body. This works by wicking moisture and making it somehow “weatherproof”.

Aside from these, the organic mattress may also come with natural latex and even Dunlop. Even with these materials, the mattress stays sustainable. A rubber tree can yield latex for 30 years.

Chemical check

One thing that makes mattress organic is the absence of synthetic materials. First of all, it shouldn’t contain any flame retardants. Although this fire-delaying chemical seems to be important, it spells trouble with off-gassing. Aside from that, an organic mattress should be free of adhesives, perfumes, glues, and deodorants that aren’t naturally present to the materials.

Some manufacturers experiment with green tea extracts, Aloe vera, and more to make the mattresses fresh. Without the need to resort to artificial deodorizers, this would be excellent.

If you want a fire-resistant mattress, you can look for one with a natural fabric called Kevlar. This is a textile used in fireproof vests. Manufacturers also have a lot to offer when it comes to this feature. Just remember that you don’t have to stick to harmful chemicals just to achieve this on your mattress.

It’s important to put something in context here. Organic mattresses aren’t black and white concepts. Most beds nowadays come in a natural blend or increasingly organic materials. Of course, you can find a certified pure cotton and wool. But it’s important to remember that each bed will have a sense of being organic in it.

Advantages of organic mattresses

So is an organic mattress a worthy purchase? Here are some of the benefits that you’ll reap:

Biodegradable. If you’re thinking of helping out Mother Nature, the best non-toxic mattress will be an excellent choice. It’s sustainable and no doubt eco-friendly.

Fire barriers. Even if you’re getting an organic mattress, there would still be natural fire barriers in place. This will shield your mattress from accidental exposure to cigarettes or a kid playing with matches. It will also reduce the fire hazard at your home.

Customizable. If you wish to tailor-fit your mattress to your bed, you can request this to the manufacturer. You can also ask if it’s best for those with asthma or whatever condition you have.

Pesticide free. The biggest advantage of getting an organic mattress is the absence of the usual pesticides and chemicals intended to keep the mattress in shape.

Disadvantages of organic mattresses

As much as organic mattresses are the Holy Grails of comfy sleep, it still comes with a few downsides.

Expensive. Since these mattresses would be using pure materials that will take time and resources to cultivate, there’s no doubt that it will be expensive. Still, the quality is unbeatable.

Limited options. Unlike the usual memory foam beds, organic mattresses have fewer variations. It can probably stem from the price and exquisite production.

Can be confusing to buy. Some manufacturers would claim that their mattresses are organic only to discover that it’s just masking its synthetic materials.

Difficult to find. Only a few manufacturers produce true organic beds. If you want to get a hand on an authentic piece, you’ll have to dig deep. To save you from the hassle, we scouted and reviewed two of the best non-toxic mattress options below.

Checking the certifications

Remember that the certifications of organic mattresses have expiration dates. Make sure that what you’ll buy is still within the prime of its condition. If the date has lapsed, contact the seller or look for another option. Basically, these are some of the certifications you should look for:

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

This organization is a consortium of four groups around the world that help in assessing organic farming and environmentally responsible production of textile products. They conduct on-site inspections and testing to prove that the materials abide by the organic standards.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

This organization is responsible for certifying the quality of organic latex. They have a focus on the sleep products sector including mattresses, pillows, blankets, and the likes. GOLS will consider a mattress organic if it contains 95% natural materials.

CertiPUR-US

CertiPUR-US is tasked to make sure that the foams used on bedding products are free of formaldehyde, flame retardants, phthalates, low volatile organic compound, and dangerous heavy metals like mercury and lead. This is one of the most common certifications that mattress manufacturers should comply with.

USDA Organic certification

This organization covers a wide range of products ranging from crops, live stocks, and up to sleep item materials. They seek to confirm that each of these products is 95% organic.

Best organic mattress options

Comparison Chart

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Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress – Medium Firmness – Twin (GOTS Certified Organic)
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Oliver Smith – Organic Cotton – 10 Inch – Perfect Sleep – Comfort Plush Euro Pillow Top – Cool Memory Foam & Pocket Spring Mattress – Green Foam Certified – Twin

My Green Mattress Pure Echo Organic Cotton Mattress

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A mattress that’s certified by GOTS and GREENGUARD, this My Green Mattress Cotton bed is definitely an authentic piece. It has eco-wool harvested from Oregon and California which gives the mattress a fire-resistant characteristic. This mattress is free from polyurethane foams that are the leading synthetic materials for commercial mattresses.

Aside from its top layer of organic cotton and wool, it has innerspring construction for a medium firmness. It conforms to the body very well to release pressure points. And even if this has spring coils, it’s quiet and boasts an excellent motion isolation feature.

This mattress feels clean and fresh. It doesn’t have any chemical smell and very comfy even for kids. The My Green Mattress comes as a bed-in-a-box type which will be delivered straight to your doorstep.

If you want to keep the freshness, make sure that you clean the mattress regularly. Weekly vacuuming will be excellent keeping away the “barn-like” smell that some users complain about. This is a bit expensive, but boy, I’m willing to put my money on it.

Oliver Smith – Organic Cotton and Foam Mattress

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If you want the feel of the usual foam, this mattress from Oliver Smith would be a great choice. It uses a 100% Green certified non-toxic foam and a pure cotton cover. Aside from its comfy layer of plush foam, it has innerspring coils for added support. This bed is well ventilated to ensure that it won’t be hot to sleep on.

The good thing about this mattress is that even people that are a bit heavier than usual will feel comfortable on this one. The cotton layer gives a nice bounce but the foam and spring will make sure that you won’t sink. It also has a decent level of motion isolation.

The Oliver Smith mattress will come in a box which is surprising due to the coil material. Just give it a day or two to stabilize and it will be perfect to sleep at. Just don’t let the price fool you, though. It’s affordable but not cheap on the quality and lifespan.

The best non-toxic mattress isn’t just vanity. It will help in improving your sleep quality while reducing possible allergic reactions. As long as you stick to authentic pieces, there shouldn’t be a problem. Again, investing in quality is unbeatable.

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