How to Choose the Best Mattress
Navigating the World of Organic vs. Traditional Mattresses: What You Need to Know
In recent years, organic mattresses have taken center stage in the pursuit of healthier, more sustainable sleep. With new brands popping up left and right, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So how do you choose a mattress that’s not only comfortable but also genuinely safe for your family?
Let’s break it down so you can rest easy. Literally :-)
Why Consider an Organic Mattress?
Traditional mattresses often contain synthetic materials, chemical flame retardants, and adhesives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home environment. As these emissions “off gas" from the mattress as we sleep (think 6 to 8 hours a night!), our system is literally taking them in and filtering them. The chemicals in the air have been linked to respiratory problems, hormone disruption, autoimmune diseases, cancer and other long-term health concerns. The HBO documentary called “Toxic Hot Seat” covers the danger of just one of the many chemicals associated with household furniture; brominated fire retardants. The film jumps into the surprising lack of studies and testing around the effectiveness of the flame retardants, but more importantly, the devasting neurological side effects they cause.
One of our favorite quotes to share with people in relation to exposure to toxins is “buy a filter, or be a filter.” I think that line works really well in helping folks understand the importance of a filter in relation to water and air quality. However, how do you get a “filter” for a toxic mattress? You don’t, you just swap it out for a cleaner version. Organic mattresses aim to reduce this risk by using natural, non-toxic materials such as organic cotton, wool, and latex.
When your face is so close to the good or bad the mattress has to offer, for hopefully th 6 to 8 hours of sleep you get every night of the year, it’s easy to see how the wrong mattress can have a big impact on your health.
Benefits of an Organic Mattress
Healthier Sleep Environment – Free from harsh chemicals that can off-gas.
Eco-Friendly Materials – Produced with sustainability in mind.
Natural Flame Resistance – Materials like wool offer protection without chemical additives.
Understanding Mattress Certifications
Because the term “organic” isn’t strictly regulated in the mattress world, certifications are your best bet for gauging authenticity, including;
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – The gold standard for organic textiles.
GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) – Applies to latex with 95% or more organic content.
MADE SAFE – Screens for known toxic chemicals.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 – Ensures textiles are free of harmful substances.
CertiPUR-US® – Certifies low-emission polyurethane foam (not fully organic, but a better option in its class).
Buyer Beware: Greenwashing in the Mattress World
Some brands boast “organic” materials that only apply to small components of the mattress, not the whole product. Make sure the entire mattress is certified by a reputable body, not just a layer or supplier.
Types of Organic Mattresses
Natural Latex Mattresses – Hypoallergenic, durable, and supportive.
Hybrid Mattresses – Combine latex with coils for a balanced feel.
Wool or Cotton Mattresses – Firmer, minimalist designs made from pure fibers.
Recommended Organic Mattress Brands
These trusted brands stand out for their transparency, quality certifications, and eco-conscious design:
Each of these companies provides clear details about their materials, sourcing and manufacturing processes. While they might change the materials from time to time, these are crucial for making an informed choice. If something is unclear or hard to find on the company’s site, we feel that is a bad sign and prioritizing marketing hype over truth and transparency. If you can’t find the information on the site, you could always call the company for more details.
Temperature Controls Too?
Lastly, something that is newer to the market for optimizing your quality of sleep is control over temperature zones.
Studies show that the optimal temperature to fall asleep for most people is actually 68 degrees. Along that same line of thinking, people who are cold and sleep with their socks on report better and deeper, more restorative sleep. I think my wife would divorce me if I tried either of those…but hey! If your partner despises the cold as much as mine does, Eight Sleep, Bed Jet and Chili Pad all offer either an actual mattress or a topper (to put over your own mattress) that has both heating and cooling dual zones for you and your partner. Talk about heaven :-)
Making the Best Choice for Your Family
When choosing an organic mattress, prioritize transparency and certification. Ask questions, read reviews, and explore third-party test results. And above all, think about your family’s specific needs, whether it’s toxicity related, allergy concerns, sleeping positions or firmness preferences.
By investing in an organic mattress, you’re not just enhancing your nightly rest, you’re supporting a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable lifestyle. If you need any support in regards to your choice of mattresses, reach out to our office with your questions at 239-774-5433.