What is an Organic Mattress?

Organic always means certified organic. To call any product organic it must be certified by an organization which certifies products to be organic, a third party organic certifying agent.

Eco-friendly, environmentally friendly and natural are just claims.

Only food and fabrics are currently being certified as organic.

100% organic mattresses, adult, toddler or crib mattresses do not exist. Most claiming to have organic mattresses contain both organic materials and natural components in their organic mattresses.

Organic Mattress Components which are NOT Organic

Natural latex foam is a component you’ll typically find in an organic mattress.

Organic latex does not exist. Since certification is required to label anything organic and there are no organizations certifying latex foam as organic, claims of organic latex cannot be proven.

Latex foam can be made natural, synthetic (made made), or blended for a combination of natural and synthetics ingredients. learn more about latex foam.

Only 2 Components are Truly Organic

         1) Organic wool
         2) Organic cotton

1) Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic chemicals like fertilizers or pesticides and is not genetically modified in any way. It’s healthier to for you as residue from chemicals used in organic cotton agriculture can be taken into the body through the skin. Unbleached organic cotton is ever better as it ensure no harsh bleaches have been used on the cotton.

2) Organic Wool
There are pros and cons to organic wool used in mattresses.

Pros – Wool is good at wicking away moisture and helping you keep cool. How does it do this? It contains a natural wax called lanolin. It’s a greasy yellow wax produced by sheep which keeps their hairs dry and soft through harsh weather.

Cons – Wool is an animal fiber. With this comes maintenance. Wool, like any animal fiber, needs to be washed at least once a year. Many are also allergic to wool so finding an organic mattress that doesn't contain wool is a catch.

Considering a mattress with non organic wool? You’d be amazed to find out what these poor sheep go through.

So what’s in an Organic Mattress?

Organic mattresses are typically made from non-organic latex foam as a support layer, topped with organic wool to soften it up and wrapped in organic cotton. This does not mean they are not safe mattresses to sleep on, it just means you have to be a little more inquisitive.

Always shop for 100% natural latex. Always ask if each component is 100% natural. Always ask them to explain each and every layer, especially when it's an organic toddler or organic crib mattress. Always ask what binds these layers together?? What type of glue? If they stumble when answering any of these questions or cannot back up their claims with supporting documents, RUN!

Organic mattresses are not known for their comfort. They are generally quite firm which is why we invented our natural memory foam.

Innersprings may be used as a replacement to latex foam for support. Keep in mind that springs do not come close to offering the durability and pressure relief natural latex offers. It’s also an incubator for dust mites and their feces which accumulate in this large, warm, open area a spring mattress.

People who read this article also read:

- Latex Mattresses vs. Memory Foam Mattresses
- How to Choose a Natural Mattress?
- Mattress for Allergy Sufferers?