Organic mattresses are an eco-friendly, chemical-free, and sustainable choice for your bedroom.
But do you know about the full range of organic mattress benefits that separates them from ordinary mattresses?
From improved health to environmental impact, a quality organic mattress can make a genuine difference in your life AND help the planet at the same time.
I've experienced these wonderful benefits first-hand during years of sleep product testing, and now I'd like to share them with you.
Read on to discover why going organic can offer you better sleep and so much more...
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Organic mattresses are made from 100% natural and certified organic materials, like organic cotton, humanely sourced wool, and organic latex.
All materials used are grown without using chemical pesticides or fertilizers.
These mattresses are therefore non-toxic, because they don't contain any artificial foam or other synthetic components derived from petroleum-based chemicals.
The absence of these harmful ingredients makes organic mattresses a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to conventional mattresses.
The first and most obvious benefit is that organic mattresses do not contain dangerous chemicals or toxins.
No chemical flame-retardants, PBDEs, CFCs, formaldehyde, heavy metals like lead or mercury, or other hazardous materials are present.
You don't need to worry about your health (or your family's health) when sleeping on an organic mattress.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a vast class of harmful chemicals used to make many familiar household items (conventional mattresses, rugs, paint, and furniture, to mention just a few.
These manufactured toxins are released into the air (a process known as off-gassing) and circulate through our homes, with potentially health-harming and even cancer-causing effects.
By choosing an organic mattress, you can dramatically reduce the VOC levels in your home.
Organic mattresses are made from certified sustainable materials, including organic cotton, wool, and natural latex.
Because this type of mattress contains no materials made from petrochemicals, it means that their production has a lower environmental impact than regular mattresses.
This means you can sleep well knowing that your mattress is helping to reduce your carbon footprint and support sustainable farming practices.
In the US, over 50,000 mattresses are discarded every single day!
Only 5% of synthetic mattresses are recycled, and they do not biodegrade. That means they can end up sitting in landfills for hundreds of years.
Sustainable mattresses made from natural or organic materials are generally biodegradable, and many are fully recyclable. That means even if they can't be recycled at the end of their life, they will at least break down within a few years and won't pollute the Earth.
If you're a hot sleeper like me, you'll know the importance of having bedding that keeps you cool.
But did you know that synthetic materials like memory foam can trap hot air, making the problem worse?
Organic mattresses are known for their breathability, allowing for more air circulation throughout the night. This ensures you always maintain a comfortable body temperature, even during cold winter or hot summer nights.
The materials used in organic mattresses also often provide greater support and elasticity and feel more luxurious than traditional foam and innerspring mattresses.
The improved comfort allows you to enjoy a good night's sleep while your mattress supports your body's natural alignment and pressure points.
Organic mattresses last longer than their traditional counterparts due to the high quality of the materials used.
They can actually last as long as 20-25 years, while traditional mattresses usually need replacing after just 7-10 years.
So despite their higher price point, the truth is that due to their longevity, natural mattresses are much better value for money over the long term.
Organic mattresses are also hypoallergenic. This is because they are free from synthetic materials (such as polyurethane foam and polyester batting) that can often cause allergic reactions.
The natural materials used in organic mattresses also help to provide an inhospitable environment for dust mites, mold, mildew, and other allergens…making them the perfect choice for people with allergies or those who suffer from asthma.
Organic mattresses with an organic wool layer are naturally flame retardant, meaning they don't need to be treated with chemical fire barriers or contain fiberglass.
The EWG highlighted the potential health hazards of flame-retardant chemicals in the manufacturing process back in 2014.
Hands up who wants to sleep with toxic or harmful substances underneath them? No, me either.
Another advantage of choosing an eco mattress is that they are much easier to keep clean. Since they don't tend to harbor dirt, mold, dust mites, or bed bugs, you generally just need to vacuum them regularly and spot clean occasionally.
Our guide to cleaning a latex mattress explains how best to care for your new mattress.
Everyone can enjoy the health and environmental benefits of switching from a toxin-filled mattress to a non-toxic, eco-friendly mattress made from natural and organic materials.
However, for some people, the benefits can be life-changing.
Infants and young children can be especially vulnerable to toxins in regular mattresses due to their developing immune systems and more permeable skin.
So, if you're a parent or plan to be one soon, an affordable non-toxic crib mattress will offer your little one the best possible start in life.
When they grow a little older, switching them to an organic bunk bed mattress can provide additional peace of mind for your family.
Older people may also experience significant advantages from a natural organic mattress due to its enhanced comfort, breathability, and lack of off-gassing VOCs (protecting old or frail lungs).
Organic mattresses may also be ideal for those with allergies or sensitivities to traditional mattresses.
The hypoallergenic properties repel allergens, and the exclusion of harsh chemicals and synthetics can help reduce irritation and prevent flare-ups.
If you're somebody who cares about your health, you'll already know the importance of a good night's sleep. You'll also know how regular, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals can be harmful to your health.
An organic mattress is therefore the ideal choice, providing unbeatable sleep without exposing your body to unnecessary to toxins.
Navigating all the mattress options online can be daunting, so I've broken it down into six easy pointers to help you make the right decision:
Our list of the best organic mattresses is a great place to start.
The only real negatives to an organic mattress are cost, limited availability in stores, and longer lead times (for the more bespoke options). But the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks.
PlushBeds, Avocado, Naturepedic, and Saatva are some examples of the best mattress brands.
If you're looking to improve your wellness and adopt a healthier lifestyle, an organic mattress (combined with organic bedding) is the way to go.
It offers numerous benefits such as hypoallergenic properties, reduced chemical exposure and off-gassing, enhanced comfort and breathability, as well as being better for the environment.
Yes, they're more expensive than traditional mattresses.
But they're an investment in your sleep quality and long-term health, and surely that's worth digging a little deeper into your wallet for.
