Online mattress shopping is more intense than it’s ever been in the sense that you have hundreds of options, but reliable info is harder than ever to find. As people who love high-quality mattresses ourselves, we know the feeling. We compiled all of our research and insights about mattresses here and continue to update this post as we gather more information.
This blog post is your ultimate guide to organic mattresses and will reduce your research time to almost zero. Without further ado, dive into these neatly organized content sections to get your questions answered and find the mattress that’s perfect for you.
What Materials are Organic Mattresses Made With?
Organic mattresses are significantly different from their conventional counterparts due to their materials. Substances like organic wool, organic cotton, and organic latex make them more durable, cleaner, and more comfortable. Check out the sections and blog posts below to learn more about the materials organic mattresses are made with and why they matter.
Organic Wool Mattresses
An organic wool mattress is a mattress made with certified organic wool as an insulative and supportive layer. It comes from sheep and is still simple to source, clean, and ship.
There are several reasons wool is a popular choice for organic mattress manufacturers. Here are the most important:
- Wool is a certifiably organic product. Since wool comes from sheep and is therefore a naturally-occurring material, it can be certified as organic. Factors that determine whether wool is organic include the conditions sheep are grown and cared for in as well as the lack of harmful chemicals used to clean and process the wool.
- Wool is naturally flame retardant. Since wool has high water and nitrogen content, it requires a significant strength and volume of flame to come anywhere near catching fire. Wool passes Underwriter Laboratories’ (UL) flame retardancy tests meaning mattresses that use wool are safe for use under a broad range of circumstances.
- Wool is durable and flexible throughout a range of temperatures. One reason wool offers so much warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer is because it’s naturally occurring. That means air has an easier time passing through its fibers, unlike synthetic fibers which are much more densely packed together.
Organic Latex In Mattresses
When it comes to latex in mattresses, organic is the smartest way to go. Organic latex is, of course, 100% natural latex with the added benefit of no risk from stealth additives that reduce durability over time. Farming of organic rubber trees goes above and beyond to achieve GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification. Plantations are segregated and maintained without the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides. Frequent inspection and monitoring are required. Thus, when it comes to mattresses, it is important to insist on organic latex. Its uniquely luxurious feel and exceptional postural support with zero health risks from off-gassing are unparalleled in the industry. Another plus of organic latex is that it’s hypoallergenic with anti-microbial properties that make it resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew. When it comes to mattresses, it is extremely important to settle only for latex that is GOLS certified.
Bamboo In Mattresses
Many mattress companies are selling mattresses that they call eco-friendly because they contain bamboo fibers. The problem is that by the time the original form of the bamboo is made into a fiber, it has gone through extensive processing with toxic chemicals, making the production of it clearly synthetic.
Materials that Consumers Should be Looking for in a Natural Mattress:
- Organic cotton, wool and natural latex made from the rubber tree are the top three materials of choice for a natural mattress as they come from natural sources that are not highly processed.
- A truly natural mattress doesn’t have non-natural fibers blended with the natural ones that are used. Sometimes companies will mix their wool, cotton or latex with other fibers, such as polyester or something other than natural materials. Make sure to ask the dealer you are purchasing from about this.
- The materials a mattress is made from should have an accredited certification. For instance, organic cotton should be GOTS certified.
What May Be Lurking In Your Child’s Mattress
What, exactly is your child spending one-third of his life on? Mother Jones asked the “What’s in your mattress?” question after a couple slept on their new memory foam mattress.
First, they noticed a strong, acrid odor. “My nose and my lungs were miserable,” said one. The other felt nauseated the two nights she slept on the mattress. After the one who is chemically sensitive had an asthma attack, they returned the mattress.
“The stench lingered,” they reported. Polyurethane foam has been the toxic material of choice since the ’60s. These mattresses contain petroleum-based material that emits compounds that can cause lung and skin irritations. Formaldehyde is also used, and it has been linked to allergies, asthma, and cancers of the lung, nose, and throat.
Add pesticides and flame-retardant chemicals, which can cause nervous system problems and cancers, the mattress becomes a toxic brew you would not want your child within a mile of. In 2005, Walter Bader, author of Toxic Bedrooms, sent several mattresses to a lab. Their findings were that the memory foam model emitted 61 chemicals including benzene and naphthalene that are known to cause cancer.
Fire resistance is an important safety feature for your child’s mattress, and laws require that all mattresses sold in the United States be able to withstand 30 minutes of open-flame exposure. We use eco-friendly, organic wool as the natural flame barrier in our mattresses.
Types of Organic Mattresses
Getting accessories for your mattress is just as important for your sleep as the mattress itself. You need clean, durable sheets, a supportive pillow, and perhaps a topper as well.
Keep reading for the best types of organic mattresses and recommendations on how to maximize your purchases.
Best Dorm Room Mattress Accessories
A dorm room mattress is typically twin XL size. This means that it is extra long, measuring 80 inches in length vs a standard twin mattress that measures 74 inches in length and 38 inches wide. Matching sleep accessories like mattress toppers, protectors, and sheets are available in twin xl size.
What is the best material for a dorm room mattress topper?
There are a few materials that can make a great dorm room mattress topper. The healthiest options include organic cotton, wool, and natural latex. These materials will add an extra layer of comfort to your mattress and are breathable and allergy friendly to help you get a deeper night’s sleep.
What Is a Hand-Tufted Mattress?
A hand-tufted mattress is a type of mattress that is made with a special tufting technique. The mattress is constructed by inserting individual tufting straps that are attached to long needles by hand through the mattress’s layers. This method is particularly important for certified organic mattresses since they don’t use harmful and ineffective materials like glue or zipper covers to keep the mattress together.
Hand-tufting secures the layers of the mattress and gives it a luxurious finished look and feel. Hand-tufting is a time-consuming process, so hand-tufted mattresses are often more expensive. My Green Mattress is the exception to that rule, with the most affordable organic hybrid mattresses on the market.
The hand-tufting technique is not new, either. In fact, it has been used for centuries to make mattresses, cushions, and rugs. Hand-tufted mattresses gained popularity in the early 20th century and have remained commonplace with superior quality mattresses ever since.
Advantages of Hand-Tufted Mattresses
Hand-tufted mattresses offer a number of benefits that make them the best choice for those looking for a luxurious sleeping experience without an over-the-top price tag. Some of the advantages of hand-tufted mattresses include:
- Durability: Hand-tufted mattresses are second-to-none when it comes to durability. In fact, hand-tufted mattresses last years longer than others, and we offer a 20-year limited warranty on all of ours. The meticulous process of hand tufting secures the layers of the mattress without fail or reliance on cheap glues, making them much less likely to separate or sag over time. Hand-tufted mattresses also lead to less landfill waste because they can last up to one and a half times longer than other builds.
- Comfort: Hand-tufted mattresses are known for their comfort. The manual insertion and tying of each pom-pom evenly distributes the mattress layers, which provides a more comfortable sleeping experience.
- Support: Hand-tufted mattresses are also known for their incredible support. The majority of hand-tufted mattresses are innerspring-based, just like our own. Individually pocketed coils that the tufts run parallel to offer the support that your neck, shoulders, back, and hips need without any part of your mattress feeling too stiff or too soft.
- Luxury: Hand-tufted mattresses are perhaps most known for their superior look and feel. The hand-tying process gives the mattress a unique aesthetic appeal that turns every night into a resort-like experience.
Benefits of Organic Mattresses
There are dozens of benefits of organic mattresses that most people don’t yet realize because other mattresses are more ubiquitous. If buying an organic mattress seems a little strange or out of your wheelhouse, don’t worry–we understand.
Buying an organic mattress actually aligns with popular and growing consumer desires, and we’re willing to bet that’s you if you’re reading this. Continue reading for the leading benefits of organic mattresses, including our own.
Invest In a Natural Mattress
If you’ve done some price comparisons, you will find that our costs are low compared to the companies using the same quality materials as we are. WHY? We are a family run business and we make and oversee all of our mattresses ourselves. We don’t have to account for paying someone else to oversee the production of our mattresses. We also only sell our mattresses ourselves, which means that we don’t have to pay a middleman to sell them for us. Because we own our own factory and equipment and order our materials in bulk directly from the suppliers, we are able to pass long our savings to the customer. We intentionally do not mark up our products with huge margins because we believe that a safe, healthy mattress should be available to all and not be a luxury purchase.
Why Organic Mattresses are Important
Since 2007, we’ve been making the best organic mattress that’s affordable for the entire family. Here are some of the leading qualities of our best organic mattresses:
- Industry-best coil count and spring support. Not only do we have a higher coil count than all of our competitors, we proprietarily designed them for superior support. Our mattress springs are individually pocketed to ensure zero motion transfer, which also creates a greater feeling of support across the entire bed.
- 100% certified organic latex, cotton, and wool. It’s no surprise that we work with some of the world’s best suppliers for our 100% organic cotton, latex, and wool. We want our customers to have nothing but the best and that means the highest material quality we can find, down to the last inch in our hand-cut panels.
- Proprietary zone support for maximum sleeping comfort. At My Green Mattress we believe beds aren’t just rectangular objects you lay on; they ought to be remarkably comfortable everywhere your body needs the most support. That’s why we’ve designed our products to offer more support on the edge, shoulder, and lumbar zones of the bed while keeping the shoulder and foot regions lighter.
- Unbeatable product longevity. Another hallmark of our best organic mattresses are how long they last. Most mattresses last about eight to 10 years if you take good care of them. Some mattresses may last up to 15 years if they aren’t damaged. We offer a 20-year warranty on our organic mattresses, which is an industry-leading offer, too. How can we make such an offer? We use the highest quality materials, build a mattress the only way it should be built, and include rare enhancements like thorough quilted top stitching and hand-tufting.
Affordable Organic Mattress: How They’re Made
The most affordable organic mattress is our own, the Kiwi mattress. It starts at just $749 and is available in all sizes from twin to Cal-king. This is significantly cheaper than other organic mattresses on the market.
Wondering how we’re able to offer such a great price in the midst of high quality materials? Here’s an overview of how we make it happen:
- Sourcing excellent materials. After 15 years of making the most affordable organic mattress on the market, we’ve found the best suppliers a mattress company can hope to work with. We know that if we choose suppliers who source materials properly, our end product will be that much better.
- Perfecting our factory line. Our factory is certified organic too, which means we don’t use anything toxic or harmful to produce beds. Machines produce our springs and a few other components of our beds, and everything else is done by hand.
- Minimizing waste. When we’re taking raw materials and fashioning them into parts that eventually become completed mattresses, we recycle as many unused pieces as possible. This leads to the most eco-friendly process possible, given our supplies and manufacturing needs. We also train our employees to be as efficient as possible with their workflows to lower expenses and increase profits.
- Charging a reasonable price. As cool as it is to read about our materials and processes, at the end of the day most customers are only concerned about the price. We price our mattresses such that we never have to sacrifice quality while still making our products available to everyone. We also offer payment plans through Affirm so you can buy with greater payment flexibility while adhering to your personal values.
Best Mattresses for Various Health Needs
Purchasing the right mattress for your unique health needs depends on how much you know and what mattresses are available. We have the mattress part covered for you, but you still need the right knowledge.
We’ve compiled tips on finding the best mattress for different health needs. Check it out now:
Best Mattress for Back Issues
Do you have back issues? If so, you’re one of the eight percent of adults who experience chronic back pain.
No type of physical ailment is enjoyable, but back issues are some of the most annoying. You need your body to perform normal daily activities and it’s difficult to do that when movement equates to constant pain.
The issues compound when it’s time to rest. Trying to sleep with back issues is like trying to stay awake when it’s dark out–the two simply don’t go together.
The mattress you choose has a major impact on whether or not your back can feel at ease. This doesn’t mean all of your back pain disappears once you have a different mattress, but it can definitely help. Let’s look at the best mattress for back issues, regardless of your stage of life.
Best Mattress for Neck and Back Issues
The best mattress for neck and back issues is one that protects your neck and shoulders, cradles your lower back, and supports your entire body. It can be difficult to find a mattress that meets these needs without breaking the bank or searching for days on end.
In most cases, the best mattress for back issues is a hybrid mattress. This means it makes use of springs, latex, and cotton, unlike other mattresses that focus on just latex or just springs.
What’s more, it’s not strictly the mattress that’s supporting your neck and shoulders. After all, you sleep with sheets and a pillow, not just the mattress itself. That’s why you should always have a pillow that complements the supportive structure of your mattress, not just a pillow that looks good on its own.
We make a charcoal-infused organic latex pillow for this exact purpose. Our pillows are charcoal infused to reduce odors, regulate temperature, and offer an overall cleaner pillow.
Organic Mattresses for Children
Buying an organic mattress for your infant or child is just as important as the bed for your own health. Our company was build on the need for mattresses with zero toxins and healthier, longer-lasting materials like organic latex and cotton.
There’s plenty to be aware of when making decisions for your child’s health. Keep reading for our insights on organic mattresses for your kids.
The Ugly Truth Behind Toxic Crib Mattresses
When parents put their babies down to sleep, they expect that their children are sleeping safe and sound. Unfortunately, a major study conducted by the University of Texas in Austin found that this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
In fact, what they did find is that most crib mattresses are a significant source of chemicals in an infant’s environment. The researchers studied samples of polyurethane foam and polyester foam padding from 20 new and old crib mattresses, the same type of foam padding often found in mainstream adult mattresses as well.
The researchers found:
- New crib mattresses release about four times as many VOCs as old crib mattresses.
- Body heat increases emissions.
- Chemical emissions are strongest in the sleeping infant’s immediate breathing zone.
In a day and age where SIDS is prevalent and the cause is still unknown, it’s important to consider that their respiratory system, especially in newborns, is still developing and that breathing in harmful chemicals known to cause respiratory distress can play a roll in infant death. VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) have both short term and long term side effects, including “eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination and nausea, damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system, some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans” (EPA).
The researchers in the University of Texas study “identified more than 30 VOCs in the mattresses, including phenol, neodecanoic acid and linalool. The most abundant chemicals identified in the crib mattress foam, such as limonene (a chemical that gives products a lemon scent), are routinely found in many cleaning and consumer products” (UT News).
Best Mattresses for Various Bed Setups
You may use a box spring, platform bed, or adjustable bed. All of these are fine, but the type of sleep experience you crave depends on what mattress you use, too. We looked at the best mattresses for all kinds of bed setups–enjoy our research and findings below!
The Best Mattresses for Adjustable Beds
When choosing a mattress for your adjustable bed it is important to consider the flexibility and the durability of the mattress. Choosing a mattress made with organic and natural materials will give you the ultimate sleep experience. The following types of mattresses are most commonly used with an adjustable bed frame.
Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress made with a flexible pocketed coil innerspring and latex comfort layers is a great choice for an adjustable bed. With its combination of latex and innersprings, the mattress is flexible and can easily move and adjust to your desired sleeping or relaxing position.
All Latex Mattress
Spring-free, latex mattresses easily bend and return to their original shape without compromising the quality or construction of the mattress. Additionally, latex mattresses provide gentle support that can help alleviate joint and lower back pain. Latex mattresses are also hypoallergenic and eco friendly. A latex mattress combined with an adjustable bed is the perfect combination for both a comfortable and healthy sleep.
Latex-Free Mattress
Latex free mattresses made with pocketed coils and cotton and wool comfort layers are another great mattress choice for an adjustable bed base. People with a latex allergy will appreciate the comfort and breathability provided by natural materials like cotton and wool while the individually wrapped coils provide targeted support to keep your spine in proper alignment.
Best Mattress for Your Montessori Floor Bed
The concept of a floor bed was created by Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori. The Montessori method centers on a child’s innate ability to initiate her own learning within a prepared environment. A Montessori bed is simply a bed frame and mattress that is close to the floor without any restrictive railings allowing for the child to easily and safely move in and out of the bed by himself. Parents choose a floor bed for their child because it allows the child independence and ownership over their environment.
What are the benefits of having a Montessori bed?
A Montessori floor bed enables your child’s freedom of movement. Unlike a crib where a parent or caregiver decides on the child’s sleeping and waking patterns, a child who sleeps in a floor bed can go to bed when he’s tired and get up safely when necessary. A floor bed also allows for a parent to lay with their child to cuddle and read during their bedtime routine or to help the child fall back to sleep in the middle of the night. This type of bed encourages independence and confidence in toddlers and children, and facilitates easy access to the rest of the bedroom and its various elements.
Keeping Your Mattress In Great Condition
Investing in an organic hybrid mattress is a great decision and one you should benefit from for years to come. Mattresses need regular cleaning and care to offer maximum use. We compiled our best mattress maintenance and cleaning tips so you can have healthy, comfortable sleep for decades to come. Check these tips out now:
How to Choose the Right Organic Waterproof Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a thin, usually waterproof, cover that goes over your mattress and protects it from spills, dust, and other accidents. A mattress pad is a thicker layer of cushioning that goes on top of your mattress to make it more comfortable, it usually fits like a fitted sheet, and can be washed.. A mattress topper is an even thicker layer of cushioning made from foam, wool or latex that you can add to your mattress to make it feel more comfortable and plush.
What are the benefits of an organic cotton mattress protector?
When it comes to choosing a mattress protector, there are many different materials to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a natural product that is both comfortable and effective at protecting your mattress, then a waterproof organic cotton mattress protector is the way to go. These protectors are made from organic cotton that is grown without the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides and organic cotton is a breathable material that will keep you cool and comfortable while you sleep.
4 Great Tips for Protecting Your Mattress
- Purchase an organic mattress protector. After going through the lengths of researching safe mattresses, you’ll want to make sure that the very top layer you’ll be sleeping on is also free of chemicals by making sure you purchase an organic protector. Mattress protectors help to prevent dust mites and bed bugs because they keep the inside of the mattress from accumulating human oils and skin flakes (this is what they eat). It also protects the bed from any bodily fluids, like sweat, and from accidental spills of liquids you may have near the bed. We here at My Green Mattress are working on releasing our own green mattress protector, which is slated for release the Summer of 2017. Join our mailing list so that you’re one of the first to hear when it’s released!
- If you purchased a double-sided mattress, make sure to flip it and rotate it every six to eight weeks or so to even out the wear and tear. If it’s not double sided, rotate it 180 degrees from head to foot every six weeks. Rotating helps promote more even wear, while not rotating it makes depressions and softening more likely. Marking this on a calendar is a good way to remember to do this.
- Don’t let the kids jump on the bed! Mattresses, foundations, and frames can all wear down more quickly from the extra pressure that jumping creates.
- Give it sunlight. Every so often, when there is a dry, sunny day, strip down the bed and open the windows, letting the sunlight in to air out the bed for several hours. According to a Kingston University Study, this helps prevent excess moisture both from sleepers and humidity. Direct sunlight also kills dust mites, thus why they thrive in dark places where they are safe.
DIY Mattress Freshening
- Start with washing all of the bedding including the mattress protector. In order to insure that any nasty germs are killed off, add about 10 drops of tea tree oil to your laundry detergent. Tea tree has been proven to kill off everything from the flu virus to MRSA!
- Vacuum the mattress in every crease and crevice with the upholstery attachment. This will get rid of any dead skin cells, dust and other debris that have made their way there.
- Mix some baking soda with 10 drops of tea tree oil and 10 drops of lavender oil. You can use a mason jar, shaking the mixture to combine the oils with the baking soda. Sprinkle the mixture over the bed and let it sit for a few hours. The baking soda will neutralize and odors and absorb any moisture. The oils will help to kill any germs on the surface of the mattress.
Cleaning Various Messes on Your Mattresses
Given that mattresses are only replaced every 10 to 20 years, you are likely to encounter at least one mattress emergency. Tossing a stained, soiled mattress to the curb is a two-person job, and then you may have to make special arrangements with the waste disposal company to cart it off.
You may be charged for the service. Aside from that, who wants to see another mattress sent off to a landfill? So, how can you get that soiled mattress cleaned up so that your family can sleep on it?
Reliable methods are different for each stain, but the common first step is most likely the one you have already taken: soak up all the liquid you can. Be sure to use old cloth towels or sponges. Do not use paper towels that can disintegrate, and do not scrub or wipe as this will spread the mess over a wider area and push it deeper into the fabric.
Many people do not know that the next best step is to vacuum the stained area. This removes all the dust and dirt that makes cleaning more difficult.
Now, use the best tools in your cleaning arsenal for the particular stain. For urine stains, mix three tablespoons of baking soda, one cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide, and a few drops of dish-washing detergent until the powder dissolves.
Pour into a spray bottle, spray the entire affected area, and let it sit for an hour. Cover the stain with baking soda and let it sit for eight to ten hours. Then, vacuum the treated area.
Tips for a Long-Lasting, Firm Mattress
Tip #1: Invest In a Quality Mattress Topper
If you want your mattress to live a long life, then one of the best things you can do is get an organic latex mattress topper. These handy coverlets go under your sheets, providing an extra layer of cushion between you and the mattress.
They add to your comfort level, but just as importantly they can protect your mattress from stains, extra wear, and other undesirable experiences. While you might have to replace your topper when it wears out, they are far less expensive than replacing a worn-out mattress, and you definitely get your money’s worth with these accessories.
Consider our Plush Latex Mattress Topper, which provides additional plushness and support and takes the immediate pressure off of your mattress, too. Check out all of our sleeping accessories here.
Tip #2: Wait As Long As You Can to Wash Your Sheets
When your sheets need washing–like after an accident or it’s been multiple weeks–you shouldn’t hesitate. However, the more you wash your sheets, the shorter their lifespan will be.
An easy way to extend the longevity of your sheets is to put the fitted sheet on a bed, then to put the flat sheet over that, tucking it in at the edges the same way you would a normal sheet. Then, if the flat sheet starts feeling less-than-fresh, you can either replace it with a cleaner one or just remove it and sleep right on the fitted sheet instead.
This spreads out the wear, and makes it so that you aren’t always washing the same, fitted sheet until it gets ragged. Use this technique for a long-lasting firm mattress every time.
Ready for the organic mattress you’re dreaming of? Shop our organic hybrid mattresses now and check out our amazing sleep accessories while you’re at it.
