How to Buy an Organic Mattress

An organic mattress contains only certified organic, nontoxic, pesticide-free materials such as cotton, wool and natural latex rubber. Pesticides and chemical processing create pollution in the air, soil and water. Choosing organic products can limit your ecological footprint, and since humans spend more time in bed than most anywhere else, buying a safe, chemical-free and environmentally friendly bed can be an attractive choice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose an organic material you want your mattress to be made of. An organic innerspring mattress is a more affordable bed, while an organic natural latex-core mattress is a more durable and toxin-free bed. Natural latex is breathable and very supportive, and is made from rubber trees.

2. Organic beds come in a variety of thicknesses and layers. Opt for several latex layers of differing hardness. Use a softer top layer for a supportive but plush sleeping surface.

3. Find a bed with a built-in wool pad, wool fill, or upper wool layer. Wool absorbs moisture, and has natural antibacterial and flame-resistant properties. Organic wool ensures the wool is pesticide-free and was produced humanely.

4. Ensure the manufacture of the bed uses no glues, plastics, dyes, flame-retardants, chemicals or synthetics.

5. Select a wool puddle pad style mattress pad or a cotton-wool combination mattress pad to protect your organic mattress investment.

6. Shop around. Many websites claim to offer the lowest prices on organic mattresses. Call local mattress stores to find retailers that offer free shipping charges from online sales.

Tips & Warnings

• Some states require treatment with flame retardant for all mattresses. While "vegan" mattresses are available without wool, the naturally flame-retardant wool layer is mandatory in organic mattresses in some areas. Mattresses including wool don't require additional chemical retardants.
• Ensure you use the correct style bed frame for your mattress. Some organic latex-core mattresses require a slat or flat frame platform bed. Many organic innerspring mattresses require a box spring. Check with your mattress retailer and read manufacturer directions and guidelines before you purchase a bed frame.

Resources

• Land and Sky has organic and natural beds and mattresses.
• Research Pure Rest Organics for organic mattresses and bedding.
• Shop LifeKind for organic mattresses, beds and home products.