The Ecological and Health Benefits of an Organic Mattress

When most people hear the word “organic,” they think of food grown without using pesticides. Pesticides and other harmful chemicals are shown to have adverse effects on our health while also affecting the long-term sustainability of the environment.

But pesticides and harmful chemicals aren’t just used in foods. They’re found in the materials used in most mattresses.

Why do you need an organic mattress?

It’s worth considering purchasing a mattress made from organic materials because synthetic latex is a no-no. Mattresses made from synthetic latex are deemed unsafe for sleeping because they are produced with some toxic chemicals. Even if you air them for some time before using them, you may still be gassed by undetectable amounts of toxic gases.

A research report in Environmental Science & Technology found that mattresses release gaseous chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs mostly come from polyurethane used in many major mattress brands, but they are also found in chemicals used in the production of plastics and flame retardants.

As the major petroleum-based compounds used to make synthetic latex, styrene and butadiene are regarded as POPs (persistent organic pollutants) because they are known to be responsible for the disbursement of volatile gasses into the air. These compounds pose environmental hazards to not just the immediate user.

What is an organic mattress made of?

Like organic foods that are grown without the use of dangerous pesticides, organic mattresses are made with natural materials like wool, latex, and cotton that are not grown with the use of harmful chemicals. These natural materials are equally cultivated without using pesticides, and their manufacturing processes are chemical-free.

Natural Latex:

Natural latex is sourced by tapping what’s called rubber trees. Natural latex prevents dust mites from disturbing your sleep. It models your body shape and allows for the even distribution of weight as you sleep. Natural latex also has the ability to absorb any disturbance you may unintentionally cause during your sleep to make the exercise smooth and uninterrupted.

Lamb’s wool:

Lamb’s wool makes for breathability on your mattress, exuding warmth in winter and coolness in summer. If you sweat at night, lamb’s wool mattress absorbs the sweat, and you can air the mattress in the morning. Natural lamb’s wool can be treated organically to make it safe for use.

Cotton:

Organic cotton is obtained from plants. If you have sensitive skin, you can rely on a mattress made from natural cotton for comfort. It is also known for its durability and soft, fluffy texture.

This website highlights the best organic mattresses based on the materials used and how certified they are.

Now, what are the benefits of organic mattresses?

Why should we choose organic mattresses over the non-organic (or the synthetic) ones?

Organic mattresses have a very high sustainability rate. Not only that, they have environmental benefits that ultimately impact on our wellbeing because of the materials they are made of.

Durability is an important benefit of organic mattresses as they have a long life span. The materials used in making organic mattresses are flexible and long-lasting.

Organic mattresses are not only durable; they’re sustainable and biodegradable. The components, organic cotton, organic wool, and organic latex, can be renewed and have low toxic significance on the planet.

One reason why organic mattresses are beneficial and thus sustainable is their strong resistance to flame. They do not need the use of harmful flame retardants because of the presence of organic wool, which is the only fiber that is naturally flame resistant.

Organic Mattresses have health benefits too!

Organic latex is comfortable because it helps to put the body’s natural outline in shape.

Interestingly, organic mattresses are also hypo-allergenic nature. When something is hypoallergenic, it causes few or no allergic reactions. Because organic mattresses are chemical-free, pesticide-free, and hypoallergenic, they are one non-toxic-mattress, especially useful for people with allergies and respiratory problems.

Another benefit of organic mattresses is their ability to regulate body temperature. They tend to stay cool in summer and warm in winter because of the presence of organic wool, organic cotton, or organic latex, which wick away body moisture, thereby regulating body temperature.

Are you wondering whether organic beds are suitable for infants? They are not only suitable; they are endorsed! Organic wool contains naturally inconsistent wool fibers that make a cushion that helps soothe and cradle the baby.

To add to this, they have the ability to regulate body temperature, which helps in keeping your baby relaxed and comfortable. It is reported that because your infant spends most of its time sleeping, it is exposed to higher concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are released from its crib mattress. It is, therefore, incumbent on you to make a healthier mattress choice.

Organic mattresses must either be global organic textile standards (GOTS) or global organic latex standards (GOLS) certified. What this implies is that both the materials and the processing of either organic latex or organic cotton mattresses must have a minimum of 95% of either the organic cotton or organic latex.