Everyone knows that organic food is better for you and the environment. And you probably have no problem buying organic household cleaners or other consumables. But what about your bedroom, where you spend one-third of your life? Could an organic mattress really make that big of a difference to your health and quality of life?
Yes, it could. Organic mattresses are made with certified organic, natural materials like wool, latex, and cotton. They’re durable, sustainable, hypoallergenic, free of toxic chemicals, and naturally flame retardant. Plus, organic mattresses are well-constructed with quality natural materials to help regulate your body temperature throughout the night, as well as providing you with the orthopaedic support you need to rest comfortably.
Organic Mattresses Are Hypoallergenic
If you or anyone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma, an organic mattress is a sound investment in your family’s respiratory health. Natural latex, which is made from the sap of the rubber tree, is a great option for sleepers with respiratory issues, including allergies. For sleepers allergic to latex, organic wool and cotton mattresses are an option.
That’s because the pesticides and toxic chemicals used to produce conventional mattress materials, as well as in the mattress manufacturing process itself, can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, and other respiratory problems. The materials in organic mattresses are produced without those toxic chemicals. Furthermore, your organic mattress and mattress base will most likely be made without dyes, bleach, or metals that can cause respiratory and skin inflammation. Organic materials are naturally resistant to mold, mildew, bacterial growth, and dust mites. The fibers in wool and cotton breathe easily, releasing moisture, and wool fibers have natural anti-bacterial properties.
They’re Naturally Flame-Retardant and Free of Toxic Chemicals
As of 2007, all mattresses manufactured in the United States are required to adhere to federal non-flammability standards. For conventional mattress manufacturers, that means spraying the mattress with chemicals to keep it from catching on fire as quickly as it otherwise might – without such chemical intervention, the synthetic materials used in conventional mattresses might catch fire so quickly that you wouldn’t have time to escape if you dropped a lit candle on the bed or fell asleep with a smoldering cigarette in your hand.
But it’s come to light recently that some of the chemicals used to treat mattresses in this manner are toxic – so toxic that their risks outweigh their benefits. Fortunately, organic mattresses are made from naturally flame-retardant materials, so they can meet federal non-flammability standards more easily, and without the need to soak them in dangerous chemicals first.
Organic mattresses also don’t off-gas toxic chemicals into your home during their first weeks of use. Conventionally produced mattresses release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your indoor air. VOCs lower your indoor air quality, and can have a range of negative health effects, including:
- Upper respiratory irritation
- Eye irritation
- Liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage
- Headaches, nausea, and loss of motor control
- Cancer
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Labored breathing
Buying an organic mattress will keep countless VOCs out of your indoor air, and could prevent serious health problems down the road.
Your Organic Mattress Might Last Longer than a Traditional Mattress
A good, high-end, conventional inner-spring mattress will last about ten years, with a conventional latex or foam mattress lasting a little longer. But most organic mattresses are made with the best materials, so they’re more durable than conventional mattresses. Organic wool fibers are so durable that they can be stretched by half against their length when they are wet, and one-third against their length when dry, and still bounce back. Organic cotton is also extremely durable. A high-quality, organic latex mattress could last as long as 20 years.
You’ll Sleep Better on an Organic Mattress
Organic inner-spring and foam mattresses are usually produced by high-end mattress manufacturers, and you’ll find that they’re among the softest, plushest, and most comfortable mattresses on the market. An organic mattress will provide the support necessary to relieve painful pressure points, and allow you to sleep comfortably all night long.
If you’re looking to eliminate dangerous chemicals from your life, and do your part to save the environment, then you need to buy an organic mattress. The difference in price is worth the increase comfort, durability, and health benefits of sleeping on a hypoallergenic, sustainable bed. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
