We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site (at no cost to the buyer). See our for our list of comped products and affiliate programs. As the demand for mattresses with natural fibers increases, so does the diversity of the material combinations. There are a lot of benefits that come along with sleeping on natural fibers, but there is a higher price tag attached, as well. Not only is the cost of materials more; the manufacturing process is more extensive and therefore demands a higher retail price. Inner spring mattresses can be nicely replaced with organic cotton. This material is grown without the need of fertilizers, pesticides, or any other synthetic agricultural chemicals. What many do not know is that 25 percent of the planet’s cultivated land is filled with cotton and these crops use 16 percent of the world’s insecticides. This is more than any other crop. These chemicals pollute the air and bodies of water, decrease biodiversity, and irritate skin.
This is why organic cotton mattresses are such a popular pick with environmentalists. Organic cotton mattresses are durable and have an average lifespan of 15 years. They are safe for those with even the worst allergies. Unlike some mattresses that release toxic chemicals into the air, organic cotton doesn’t, making it an ideal option for anyone. There are a lot of things to love about wool. First, a lot of wool mattresses sold in America are actually made here. Sonoma County in Northern California is known for its “happy” sheep farms. Wool is cool in the summer yet works as a natural insulator in the winter to keep you comfortable year-round. It is also naturally fire retardant, so you don’t have to worry about additional chemicals being added to it. Wood contains lanolin, which bed bugs hate, and it is very resilient, thereby minimizing body impressions. This material is commonly paired with cotton. There are even companies that solely make handmade wool mattresses without metal, wood, latex, or foam.
Wool is naturally elastic. In fact, wood fibers can be stretched 30 percent when dry and 50 percent when wet and spring back to their original shape. Cotton fibers can typically be bent 3,000 times before breaking. Wool fibers can be bent right around 20,000 times. This natural elasticity allows the mattress to be supportive and springy without the need for metal cores. This material can absorb 30 percent of its weight in moisture, and the fact that it is a temperature regulator keeps you comfortable in all temperatures. It absorbs perspiration, so you stay dry, too. Wool resists flames and is self-extinguishing. Those looking for a 100 percent vegan mattress tend to turn to hemp. Hemp is a sustainable resource. It is a fast growing plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions without the need for chemicals. It has been cultivated for more than 12,000 years. Hemp is naturally mildew- and mold-resistant, and is three times stronger than cotton. A fully loaded hemp mattress tends to feel denser than innerspring mattresses.
The unique thing about coconut coir is that it provides a firm and buoyant feel. This material is hypoallergenic and promotes air circulation. Coconut coir fibers are moisture- and heat-resistant, naturally flame retardant, and moth-proof. Coconut coir is often paired with organic wood or cotton, or sometimes both. Mattresses of this material can’t be rolled. They do need to be rotated and flipped occasionally though. Natural latex is harvested in liquid form from rubber trees. If you opt for an organic option then those trees were grown with chemicals in a 100 percent sustainable forest. The latex is often filtered by hand. It is whipped with air to create a milkshake-like consistency in a centrifuge. It gets steam-cooked until it turns into a solid form and then it is rinsed with water multiple times. Natural beds made with latex are never treated with chemicals. Latex is durable and comfortable, and often paired with wool for its fire-retardant qualities. Latex is mold- and mildew-resistant and never has to be flipped.
For latex mattresses, back sleepers tend to prefer firmer support while side sleepers enjoy a softer feel. It adjusts to the contours of the body, providing support for proper spinal alignment. Like hemp, bamboo is a quickly renewed resource. In fact, it is the fastest growing plant in the world, making it a very eco-friendly option. These plants have been reported growing 35 inches in a 24-hour period, and its compressive strength is higher than brick, concrete, tensile, and wood. When used for mattresses, the bamboo is generally turned into a gel. Bamboo fiber absorbs and evaporates moisture, and its open cell structure allows for maximum air flow. It prevents heat buildup and has deodorizing properties. These mattresses are durable and often backed by a 20-year warranty. Be prepared to pay a pretty penny for one of these mattresses. The first thing to know is that horsehair and horsetail are very different. Horsehair fibers are very short. Horsetail is the longest natural fiber available.
It won’t lose its flexibility or break, and it is coveted for its inherent strength and springiness. Horsetail mattresses are often made by hand using traditional 19th century methods. Hairs are uncoiled and then lightly twisted into ropes. This time-consuming process produces floss-like fluff. Horsetail is significantly more expensive than horsehair due to the limited supply. Both options are steamed at an extremely high temperature to remove bacteria and proteins that commonly cause allergic reactions. Horsehair is often paired with wool and occasionally blended with organic cotton. Strengths and Weaknesses of Natural Fiber Mattresses One of the most obvious strengths in that natural fiber mattresses are typically eco-friendly. The vast majority are manufactured without chemicals, which is good news for you and the environment. They are generally naturally flame-retardant, durable, breathable, and resistant to mold, mildew, and pests. Plus, they are typically breathable and help keep your body cool and dry while you sleep.