How “green” is your bed mattress? It might be surprising that the mattresses we sleep on each night generally have lots of possibly dangerous chemicals. While this is a problem to avoid all day, it’s especially tough when your body is trying to recharge and reboot for the next day. 

The good news? There’s the ultimate updated mattress selection guide to help you find a mattress that’s as eco-friendly as it is comfy. Let’s get to the top tips!

Go with natural materials

Nothing says eco-friendly more than natural materials. They’re not only comfy but also healthy. 

Here are some of the best natural materials to look for:

Bamboo 

Make sure to avoid the panda bear’s favorite food with artificial chemicals so manufacturers can weave it as a fiber. You can go with certified organic that washes out the chemicals. Sometimes the water is then recycled afterwards.  

Cotton (Organic) 

Did you know this fact? Cotton production requires 16% of the world’s total pesticide use. This can contaminate runoff/drinking water. When you pick cotton, make sure to go with the organic variety.  

One main drawback is that organic cotton needs the 70s-friendly fabric polyester, so it won’t wrinkle easily. You should also avoid high thread counts since artificial chemicals might strengthen them. 

Wool

A sheep’s hair can provide several benefits for eco-friendly mattresses. For example, it’s great for cool (and warm weather, fights off dust mites, and keeps it super-fluffy.

Prioritize eco-friendly materials and comfort

Comfort/Convenience  

It’s worth noting that organic materials shouldn’t just be convenient but also comfortable. You can pick products with organic materials like cotton, wool, and latex. However, if you’re not sleeping comfortably at the end of the day, then it’s not really worth it.

Truly Organic 

Make sure that the “organic” product actually meets the industry standards it’s supposedly certified for. That can include USDA Organic products that must have 95% organic materials. Research any claims about whether a mattress definitely has mostly organic materials.   

Search for certified organic materials

When shopping for eco-friendly mattresses featured in the ultimate mattress selection guide, make sure that it’s certified organic. The reason is that several terms like “green,” “natural,” and even “organic” can have different meanings. 

On the other hand, when you pick certified organic mattresses, it means the product meets industry standards set by organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Such products must meet strict standards before they get the term “certified organic” on the mattress label. 

Materials Standards  

Make sure that the particular materials you pick are certified organic based on particular industry guidelines. Some examples include: 

• Cotton  
• Wool
• Latex 

In some situations, materials are treated with artificial chemicals in the manufacturing process. However, if they’re not washed out, then the mattresses aren’t truly organic.  

One example of organic certification is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. This verifies that the natural fiber was grown organically and processed using sustainable practices. 

Know What “Natural” Materials Are  

It’s important to know what features to look for in a green mattress. They include ones like:

Non-Artificial  

Make sure to research some of the most common natural and artificial materials. For example, some like cotton and wool are more obviously natural, while others like latex might seem like a synthetic material.  

High Percentage of Natural Material 

This is critical for issues like organic certification. For example, a product isn’t USDA-certified organic unless the material is 95% organic. Besides ensuring you’re getting a truly natural mattress, it can also improve the look and feel of the bed mattress.  

High Sustainability 

Some plants like cotton and bamboo are super-sustainable. Did you know? Bamboo is one of the world’s fastest-growing plants. So when you pick mattresses made from bamboo, you’re already picking an eco-friendly material since it grows faster than several other plants.   

Never Sacrifice Comfort

OK, this is probably an obvious issue, but it’s more complicated than it might seem. Here are some other priorities “green” customers might focus on while neglecting comfort: 

Support 

There’s no question the mattress should provide good support for your back, head, feet, and so on. This is especially true in cases like you have health conditions. In those situations, it’ super-important to make sure a memory foam topper, for example, is offering the firm mattress you need for good support. 

Durability 

Besides a mattress being comfortable, you should also look for one that’s durable. Are they related? In a sense, they can be if the mattress is providing your back with all the support you need, for example. However, if the mattress is like sleeping on rocks, the durability factor won’t mean much.

Price 

If you’re on a shoestring budget, then this will definitely be an issue. That’s OK! Just make sure that even if the price is right, you still feel comfy when you lie down on the mattress for a good night’s sleep or power nap.

Summary

If you are looking for an eco-friendly mattress, there are several issues to take up including natural materials, production methods, and plant sustainability. This can also involve an ultimate mattress selection guide.

 

You may also like

5 Ways to Use Bamboo in Your Home

Plants You Should Place in Your Living Room and The Ones You Shouldn’t

Innovative Materials for a Net-Zero Energy Home

The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Home Decor