Concerned about harmful chemicals in your mattress? Manufacturers of organic mattresses suggest that their products are safer, and this product category—though still niche—is growing. But figuring out whether these mattresses are partially or completely chemical free can be a challenge because there are so many different labels making various claims. Take the term "natural" on a mattress. It's meaningless, with no standards behind it and no required verification. Even a mattress labeled “organic” may have only some materials that are actually certified organic. For a mattress to be truly organic, it should have at least 95 percent certified organic materials. It should also prohibit potentially harmful chemicals used in processing. You might even notice a mix of the labels, with some applying only to part of the bed. Casper mattresses, for instance, are compliant with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 for its top latex layer alone; the rest of the bed is labeled CertiPUR-US (more on what those mean in a moment).
If you’re in the market for a mattress made without potentially harmful chemicals, here’s what you need to know about the labels you’ll see and their claims based on our in-depth analysis. Before you buy a new bed, check our mattress buying guide and Ratings. You'll find shopping tips, reviews of nearly 50 mattresses, and Ratings of retailers and brands. Best: GOTS and GOLS Only two mattress labels precisely meet the most stringent qualifications: the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and, for mattresses that contain latex, the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), which is found on the OrganicPedic by OMI Flora Nouveau we’re currently testing. GOTS requires that at least 95 percent of the materials in the mattress be certified organic, and it prohibits outright the use of certain substances even for the other 5 percent, such as chemical flame retardants and polyurethane, the chief ingredient of memory foam. GOLS ensures that a mattress with latex is made of organic latex, with restrictions on the other 5 percent of the mattress’s components.
Natural-latex mattresses may have both the GOTS and GOLS labels. Good: Oeko-Tex Standard 100 While Oeko-Tex Standard 100 doesn’t ensure that a mattress’s fiber is produced organically, it does set limits for the emission of harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked to ozone, smog, respiratory illnesses, and memory impairment. It also bans the use of certain chemical flame retardants, colorants, and allergenic dyes. Some Value: CertiPUR, Greenguard, Greenguard Gold, Organic, and Organic Content Standard 100 We found these five additional certifications only somewhat meaningful since many address certain components and are more limited than the labels above. Still, you may find a certification that addresses a particular concern, such as use of chemical flame retardants. None of these, however, address the sourcing of raw materials. • CertiPUR-US applies only to the polyurethane foam in a mattress. While other standards such as GOLS bar this foam altogether, CertiPUR-US prohibits certain substances that are in many foams (such as polybrominated diphenyl ether, or PDBE, flame retardants) and requires testing for formaldehyde and other chemicals.
• Greenguard requires testing of a finished mattress for specific emission limits of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. • The related Greenguard Gold has more stringent emission limits on the above VOCs. • The U.S. Department of Agriculture allows the term “organic” on mattresses (for instance, “made with organic cotton”) if only a portion of the components are certified organic. Other components, in fact, not only don’t need to be organic, but can be processed using potentially harmful chemicals. • Organic Content Standard 100 refers only to the percentage of certified-organic materials, not to the presence of flame retardants, VOCs, colorants, or dyes. Prices for mattresses with green claims run from as little as $600 to more than $25,000 for luxury versions. In general, expect to pay around $2,000 for a queen-size mattress—more for one meeting GOTS or GOLS. Whatever mattress you buy, air it out for at least 48 hours before using it to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
That likely means you’ll have to dispose of the old mattress yourself (rather than letting the retailer haul it away when they deliver the new one), but you might thank yourself in the long run. What's in your mattress? If you're concerned, share your thoughts below.USDA / GOLS Certified Organic Latex As America's largest distributor of ARPICO organic latex, PlushBeds brings the world's finest latex directly from ARPICO's certified organic plantations to your bedroom. More expensive than natutal talalay latex or traditional dunlop, certified organic latex as per the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is latex that has been processed using only organically-grown, milky-white latex sap tapped from the rubber tree grown without chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides, as well as being grown using one or more sustainable energy sources. Unlike talalay latex, which is infused with excess air to be light and fluffy (ideal for pillows and top comfort layers), organic latex provides a heavier and more dense mattress core which is where the support of your mattress comes from.
The core is the largest, most expensive component of a latex mattress and a high quality core can be the difference between years of long lasting support or unpleasant sagging indentations after a short period of time. While you'll sometimes find what appear to be great deals on claiming to be "organic", be sure that the true value bears that out, and that the retailer can produce the necessary documentation. 100% Natural Talalay Latex Comfort Layer Right underneath your mattress's organic cotton cover is a plush comfort layer of the world's finest 100% natural talalay latex, which offers a pressure-reducing, buoyant sensation found only with 100% natural talalay latex. Talalay latex is an effective barrier to dust mite allergen transfer and so it can help you sleep better! Dust mites are the #1 source of indoor allergens which may lead to sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. This latex provides the highest quality, most consistent, breathable and resilient comforting latex available in the world.
Non-Woven Organic Cotton Cover Breathe...deeply...it's, soft, high-quality 100% GOTS certified organic cotton. With unsurpassed non-restricted airflow, moisture absorption, breathability, and environmental safety, your Botanical Bliss latex mattress cover also provides more safety, environmental integrity and care because the cotton was grown without any dangerous pesticides or herbicides. Non-Woven mattress covers are softer, more breathable, more elastic, offer better moisture control, and provide better pressure relief than woven covers. 100% Pure Joma New Zealand Wool - No Chemical Flame Retardants Every Botanical Bliss is made in the USA with up to 10 pounds of natural Joma wool - over three times what competitors use - allowing your body to get to a comfortable sleeping temperature quicker and maintain it through the night. Our Joma New Zealand wool breathes more naturally than synthetic counterparts and creates a micro climate which assists in regulating body temperature and humidity, allowing your body to get to a comfortable sleeping temperature quicker and maintain it through the night.
Unlike most of our competitors, our entire mattress is GreenGuard Gold Certified as a low-emitting product. Through rigorous testing, UL Environment certifies our mattresses meet some of the world's most rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards with strict low emission limits for over 360 volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Our Mattresses get reviewed quarterly to maintain this seal of approval. By being certified at the Gold level, our mattresses are beneficial for sensitive individuals such as children and the elderly.A Company You Can Trust When you buy a natural latex mattress, you are making an investment in your sleep, your body's revitalization, and your health. Like any investment, it's wise to look at the reputation of the company you are considering buying from. Are they an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau? A company's past track record is a good indication of what you might expect should problems arise after you've made your purchase.
PlushBeds serves over 10,000 customers a year with a rock solid reputation and hundreds of readable reviews from verified customers. Allow us the opportunity to make you one of our loyal fans! View 3rd Party Reviews Where a 100 Night Risk Free trial is truly Risk Free Unlike other online retailers who boast they will "take the mattress back" within a certain time period, but fail to mention that it's up to you to ship it ($300-$600 average cost to ship a used mattress across the country), at PlushBeds, a risk free trial is truly risk free. From the day your mattress is delivered, you have 100 nights to fall in love with it. If after the first 30 days you decide that your new mattress is not for you, simply call us to arrange a pickup. We'll send our carriers to your house to pick up your mattress. Once we receive your mattress, a full refund of the purchase price will be refunded back to you. Please note white glove delivery fees or other shipping upgrades are not refundable.