{"id":492,"date":"2014-12-10T09:00:15","date_gmt":"2014-12-10T16:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.com\/?p=492"},"modified":"2023-11-22T15:54:17","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T22:54:17","slug":"should-you-choose-an-organic-mattress","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.com\/should-you-choose-an-organic-mattress\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Choose an Organic Mattress?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Natural textiles, foams and woods are becoming more popular as people seek to live cleaner lifestyles. In the bedroom, demand for safer mattresses has also grown, spurred in part by newer mattress laws regarding flammability.<\/p>\n
While the benefits of organic foods are fairly well known – no toxic pesticides, increased nutrients eco-friendly farming methods – the reasoning behind organic home furnishings may not be quite so clear for many shoppers.<\/p>\n
In this guide, we take a look at pros and cons of buying an organic mattress, explain common materials, and compare a few brands.<\/p>\n
Traditional mattress options include innerspring beds with different foam and fiber layers, memory foam beds, latex mattresses, and even water beds. Most of these mattresses are made from synthetic materials like polyurethane foams, polyester fabrics, vinyl, press board, and other fibers. They are often treated with dyes, adhesives, antimicrobials, flame retardants and other chemicals as well that contribute to off-gassing, or the release of chemicals into the air.<\/p>\n
Organic mattress options primarily include innerspring beds with organic padding and fabric, and latex mattresses. Organic wool and cotton are the most common sources of fabric and padding. Foam made from organically-grown latex trees can also be processed in the Dunlop method to create organic latex beds.<\/p>\n
Between these two categories, there are also mattresses that use all-natural or a greater proportion of natural materials than traditional beds (but are not organic). These might include natural fabrics, plant-based poly foams, and natural latex. An organic mattress and natural mattress<\/a> are not the same thing, as a mattress must contain a certain percentage of responsibly harvested and produced materials to qualify as organic.<\/p>\n Below is a more detailed overview of the advantages and disadvantages of shopping for organic mattresses versus other types.<\/p>\n Organic fabrics and fibers are grown and processed differently than traditional versions, without toxic pesticides, chemical dyes, and other treatments. Organic cotton<\/a> is considered one of the most hypoallergenic materials, used in most organic mattress covers.<\/p>\n Wool and latex foam are also hypoallergenic for most people, and some may look for them in hypoallergenic pillows<\/a> along with the best mattresses for allergies. Organically-grown wool and latex are also produced without the pesticides and other chemicals used in traditional methods. On the other hand, polyurethane, glues and other ingredients in regular beds can cause skin or respiratory irritation for some people.<\/p>\n All mattresses sold in the United States must pass flammability tests, which can be accomplished in several ways. Some mattresses use chemicals<\/a> like chlorinated tris, antimony, boric acid, or brominated retardants that may offgas or cause reactions for some people. Most of these chemicals have not been studied for long-term use in mattresses, and some believe they are associated with skin irritation, respiratory issues, kidney damage, neurological issues and other problems.<\/p>\n However, specially-designed fiberglass or kevlar fabrics and wool layers can also be used, with organic mattresses primarily using wool. Some shoppers have concerns about fiberglass as an irritant and may want to look for a mattress without fiberglass<\/a>.<\/p>\n In addition to chemicals in materials and flame retardants, most organic mattresses will also be made without adhesives or glues, which are a strong source of chemical odors and off-gassing. Altogether, this means that organic beds are more likely to keep your indoor air clean and healthy, while not irritating individuals sensitive to chemicals. Some organic mattress brands also have their beds tested for VOC levels (via Greenguard, Oeko-Tex or Eco Institute) to further demonstrate safety.<\/p>\n For couples with different tastes, the ability to customize firmness levels might offer a significant benefit. Since many organic beds are made or assembled to order, several manufacturers offer customizable firmness options on each side. This is most common with a latex mattress<\/a>.<\/p>\n The other benefit that encourages many people to shop organic is the reduced environmental impact. Traditional cotton is one of the dirtiest crops in the world in terms of pesticide and herbicide use. Non-sustainable wood harms forests, and the use of non-renewable petroleum products often contributes to pollution. Organic cotton and wool, sustainable woods, and sustainable materials like latex are kinder to the environment, and many are also recyclable or biodegradable as well.<\/p>\n The cons of shopping for organic mattresses primarily relate to the convenience factor. Very few places sell all-organic beds, especially in physical retail stores.\u00a0Some brands sell\u00a0nationally online, but unless you live in a major metro area, chances are you won\u2019t be able to test many organic beds before buying. However, several stores do offer return or exchange policies just in case it doesn\u2019t work out.<\/p>\n Compared to spring and memory foam beds, there are also less options to choose from when it comes to all-organic mattresses – basically options include latex foam beds, spring mattresses topped with latex and\/or wool, or futon-style wool-stuffed beds.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t have much experience with mattresses or buying organic, it can also be a little confusing to shop for organic beds. There are different terminologies and different things to compare. For example, some brands sell \u201corganic mattresses\u201d that only have organic covers, while the interior components are non-organic. Others may use misleading information (like false certifications or studies) or not provide you with sufficient information to compare and research the beds.<\/p>\n The key things to keep in mind include: get information on each mattress layer and material, ask who certified anything said to be organic, and conduct your own research and comparisons. The internet is your most helpful tool for learning about brands, materials, certifications and owner reviews, and it is worth the time to make sure you get a good mattress and a good value.<\/p>\n Finally, the other potential con of buying an organic mattress could be the price. Since organic materials cost more to produce, are more limited, and since getting certifications can be costly, organic beds do tend to cost more than their traditional counterparts.<\/p>\n An average organic spring or latex bed might cost around $2000-$2500, compared to $1000-$1500 or so for an average traditional spring or latex bed. Ultimately, it will come down to what you value and hold most important, and your budget.<\/p>\n This is where research can be important, however, as brands vary in their markups and some will have occasional sales. With patience and research, you may be able to find a mattress under $2000<\/a> with organic materials.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a quick look at a few of the more prominent national brands of organic mattresses to get your research started. We\u2019ve included basic information on their beds, pricing, materials and certifications, and guarantees. Information comes from retailer websites, with pricing accurate as of 12\/9, excluding limited-time sales and discounts. Brands are listed alphabetically, and prices are given in Queen size:<\/p>\n\nPros of Choosing an Organic Mattress<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\nFor many people considering an organic mattress, the most important benefits are likely those that have an immediate impact on you and your home environment. For example, if you have sensitive allergies, you can look for a hypoallergenic mattress<\/a> to minimize symptoms.<\/p>\nCons of Choosing an Organic Mattress<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Comparison of Organic Mattress Brands<\/b><\/h2>\n