GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) are the gold standards, but other certifications—like Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100—also indicate that the materials are safer than conventional fibers.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): This certification guarantees that textiles are made from organic fibers and that the entire production process, from farming to manufacturing, meets high environmental criteria.
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard): This certification is similar to GOTS, but focuses specifically on latex. It ensures that the latex is organic and that the production process is eco-friendly and socially responsible.
- Greenguard Gold: A Greenguard Gold certification means that the mattress has been tested and found to have low chemical emissions, making it safer for indoor use.
- CertiPUR-US: This certification ensures that any foam used in the mattress is made without harmful chemicals and meets specific performance standards. You don’t see this too often in organic mattresses since most of them use latex in place of polyfoams.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100: An Oeko-Tex Standard 100 seal means the mattress has been tested for harmful substances and is considered safe for human health. It helps ensure that no toxic chemicals are present in the materials.
What You Should Look for in an Organic Mattress
When shopping for an organic mattress, materials and certifications should be top of mind since this is what ensures a mattress is really organic. But like with any other mattress purchase, you should also consider firmness, temperature regulation, and price.
Certifications
Certifications are essential to ensuring your organic mattress is actually organic. Look for GOLS or GOTS certifications, which are the gold standard. If you want a natural mattress but don’t mind if it’s totally organic, look for Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US, and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certifications. Remember that a mattress itself can’t be certified—only its materials. Dig into each material individually to find a mattress that has a number of certifications you’re comfortable with.
Materials
Organic mattresses are usually made with some combination of the following four materials: latex, wool, cotton, and recycled steel coils. These materials are natural and non-toxic. Plus, natural latex is renewable (it’s made from rubber tree sap) and is highly resistant to dust and mites. While every component of a mattress may not have an organic certification, looking for these materials makes it more likely that it’s non-toxic.
Firmness
Most organic mattresses are made with latex, which is typically medium-firm to firm. If you need a softer mattress, look for additional comfort materials or features like a pillow-top or additional wool layers for extra padding.
Temperature Regulation
Because most organic mattresses are made with latex, they’re usually more breathable than memory foam mattresses. But that doesn’t automatically mean they’re great at regulating temperature. If you’re a hot sleeper, look for additional cooling materials like a breathable organic cotton cover and a coil base. Wool layers also help regulate temperature, cooling you down in the summer and insulating you in the winter. You may also want to check if the latex foams are perforated to allow for more airflow.
Price
Organic mattresses aren’t always more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but they can be. We estimate that the average organic mattress costs around $2,000 for a queen size, compared with $1,400-ish for a similar mattress made with standard materials like polyfoam. Figure out your budget before you start shopping and stay within it. Keep in mind that latex is typically more durable than memory foam, so while the upfront investment may be slightly more, the mattress will likely last longer.
Benefits of an Organic Mattress
Organic mattresses are better for you than mattresses made with harmful materials and chemicals, and they have less of a negative impact on the environment, too, since they’re often made with more easily biodegradable materials like cotton and wool.