When you think about the fact that you spend one third of your life sleeping, don’t you want to be as clean as possible doing it? That’s why knowing what is the healthiest mattress to sleep on is worth its weight in gold (or cotton).
Using a mattress that’s free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and benzenes is the best kind of mattress money can buy. Phew, that was a mouthful! You don’t want these substances anywhere near you.
But it’s not enough to know what to avoid–you also want to know what to go after. This blog post covers everything you need to know about the healthiest organic mattresses available anywhere.
What Is the Healthiest Mattress?
The healthiest mattress is a completely certified organic mattress that’s made in a certified organic factory. This is the highest standard found anywhere with both mattresses and sleeping accessories for adults and children.
Pocketed Innerspring Mattresses
Pocketed innerspring mattresses are one of the healthiest mattress options out there. This type of mattress makes use of individual springs that make up the base of the bed, which then has additional layers of wool, cotton, or both added on top.
Discovering modern mattresses that make use of springs may not intuitively strike you as the eco-friendly option, but we can demonstrate how they are. Here are two points that make innerspring mattresses so healthy:
- They’re made out of steel. Steel is an alloy made out of iron and carbon, and iron is a naturally-occurring substance. When you go to sleep every night, you want to sleep on a supportive bed that offers the same experience 10 years from now as it does today. Steel springs are the foundation of what makes this possible.
- Steel is durable, yet environmentally sustainable. In fact, not only is steel one of the most reliable materials for mattress construction, it’s also the most recycled material in the world. Most people don’t realize how recyclable mattresses are, and beds that use individually pocketed innersprings are some of the most renewable beds on the planet.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are commonly chosen by individuals and families seeking to live a more Earth-friendly lifestyle. Beds made with latex are indeed eco-conscious and there are several reasons for that.
Here are the benefits of latex in your mattress:
- They pose no allergen concerns for most people. While latex is often viewed as an allergen, less than 1% of Americans even have a latex allergy* (and those who do are usually allergic to bananas and avocados). Latex is perhaps the cleanest, organically-occurring substance that’s malleable and supportive enough to be used in organic mattresses.
- Latex can be used in varying thicknesses. Most organic mattresses come with at least one layer of latex underneath the quilted top. That’s our approach too, but there are even more ways to take advantage of latex. Many people use mattress toppers, which adds a couple extra inches of latex to the mattress for unbeatable comfort and support.
- Latex is dust mite-resistant. Latex has a unique, dry, and porous structure that repels dust mites perfectly. These microscopic-sized creatures thrive in moist, dark environments, and latex is too dry to make it an appealing environment for them.
Hybrid Mattresses
So, what is the healthiest mattress to sleep on? Hybrid mattresses are the healthiest beds to sleep on. They provide the structural support your entire body needs while offering the comforting layers of latex and quilted cotton on top.
Here’s why hybrid mattresses aren’t just the best-built, but also the healthiest type of mattress:
- They combine the right proportions of wool, latex, and cotton. Your entire body needs an array of organic materials constructed in a comprehensive manner to offer maximum health and structural benefits. Hybrid mattresses combine industry-leading mattress engineering techniques with timeless comfort characteristics and aesthetic finishes.
- They’re made with hypoallergenic materials. 99% of people have zero latex allergy and out of the 1% who are sensitive to it, it’s usually just a contact allergy. Most individuals who thought they were allergic discover that they have no problems once they try latex mattresses and pillows. The structure of latex is mold-, mildew-, moisture-, and microbe-resistant, so you can sleep soundly and breathe deeply each night.
- They last longer, so you don’t need to clean them as often. Hybrid mattresses are the longest-lasting type of mattress build. They’re more supportive than spring-and-cotton-only mattresses and they’re more durable than latex-only mattresses. This means you don’t have to clean them as frequently because they’re easier to vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Healthiest Mattresses
Deciding which mattress to buy seems easy in theory but has real nuance to it. This may mean you have more questions than answers, especially after learning about the materials and processes that go into organic mattresses.
Have no fear, the answers are here. Check out these commonly asked questions about the healthiest mattresses (as well as toxic ones):
Which Mattresses Are Non-Toxic?
While it’s near impossible to round up every mattress brand that’s ever existed, there are specific principles to keep in mind to narrow your search. Non-toxic mattresses include those that are certified organic and made with naturally-occurring substances or materials.
Outside of that, unfortunately, many mattress brands leverage toxic flame retardants. All mattresses must pass industry-standard flame retardancy tests, and organic wool is one of the only natural materials that is inherently flame-retardant.
How Do I Find a Non-Toxic Mattress?
Finding a non-toxic mattress is a matter of deciding on your purchasing standards and also knowing what to look for. Here are a few tips to make your non-toxic mattress shopping go much more smoothly:
- Decide on your budget
- Familiarize yourself with industry-specific mattress certifications
- Review the company’s materials and product details
- Look for a company that’s transparent about their work
- Reach out to the company if you have any questions
What Should I Look for In a Healthy Mattress?
A quality mattress will cost you at least a few hundred dollars, and depending on your needs, a few thousand dollars. Here are the factors to look for in the healthiest mattresses:
- Industry-leading certifications. Every organic mattress maker worth their salt is GOTS, GOLS, Made Safe, and GREENGUARD certified at a bare minimum.
- At least 95% certified organic materials. Any mattress that’s worth your money is as organic as possible. Consumer goods regulatory bodies will only sign off on a mattress if 95% or more of its total materials are certifiably organic.
- A company that’s committed to their best. Mattress brands that stand behind their products display this everywhere. Everything from their page content and blog posts to their FAQs and product descriptions has valuable, up-to-date information about why their products are the best.
- A proper finish. Many mattress manufacturers these days finish their products as quickly and cheaply as possible so they can sell a greater number of them. Healthy, organic mattress companies that take pride in what they do never sacrifice quality for convenience.
Which Foam Is Least Toxic?
When it comes to foams made from naturally-occurring substances like latex, the least toxic is Dunlop latex. This is for several reasons.
One, Dunlop latex is certifiably organic. Two, Dunlop latex doesn’t use any fillers, additives, or extra ingredients. Three, Dunlop latex goes through a thorough heating, cleaning, and washing process that ensures the products manufacturers receive are as pure as possible.
How Toxic Is a Memory Foam Mattress?
Memory foam mattresses–which aren’t always made with natural substances like latex–often have harmful substances in them. These compounds include naphthalene, formaldehydes, and benzenes.
Ready for a mattress that solves all of your concerns without breaking a sweat? We offer the world’s best hybrid organic mattresses for the entire family. Shop now and contact us here if you have any questions!
