What Makes a Mattress Eco-Friendly?

An article published by The Guardian in 2020 reports that more than 18 million mattresses are thrown away each year in the US. Most of these mattresses are non-biodegradable, which has a negative impact on both the environment and human health.

At present, people are becoming more concerned about the environment. A large group of people is looking for environment-friendly products, including mattresses. While comfort and firmness are still the most important factors in purchasing a mattress, many people are prioritizing its eco-friendliness.

An eco-friendly mattress enhances sustainability by using natural and biodegradable resources. It reduces the use of harmful chemicals, lowering carbon footprints in the environment. Also, this type of mattress is more durable than any conventional mattress.

In the sections below, we’ll show you the major characteristics that make a mattress friendly to the environment.

3 Major Aspects to Ensure a Mattress is Eco-friendly

The eco-friendliness of a mattress depends on multiple aspects, like its material, certification, and biodegradability. Let’s understand the three aspects in depth.

1. Material of the Mattress

The materials used in a mattress mainly decide whether it is safe for the environment or not. Mattresses made with natural or organic materials, such as organic wool, cotton, and natural latex, are safe and friendly to the environment.

• Organic Wool

The wool used in an eco-friendly mattress is different from ordinary wool.

As we know, wool is a natural fiber that is collected from sheep. However, organic wool is different since it’s grown and processed without any chemical treatments. Sheep from which organic wool is sourced are raised in a low-stress environment without the use of hormone stimulants and antibiotics.

• Organic Cotton

The production process of organic cotton is different from conventional cotton. The cultivation of conventional cotton is associated with higher carbon dioxide emissions and water consumption than organic cotton.

Farmers cultivate organic cotton using a natural farming process and without employing harsh chemicals and pesticides. Therefore, mattresses made with this cotton are hypoallergenic and environmentally safe.

• Natural Latex

There are two types of latex: natural latex and synthetic latex.

Synthetic latex is derived from materials, such as petroleum, whereas natural latex is sourced from the sap of rubber trees. For eco-friendly mattresses, the natural latex used is harvested without pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

2. Mattress Certifications

Suppose you’ve found a mattress brand that claims their mattresses are made with organic materials. However, you cannot solely rely on verbal claims. The mattress manufacturer must provide verified documentation that supports their claim.

Eco-friendly or organic mattresses require some specific certificates to verify their material quality. They must undergo and pass rigorous quality-checking tests.

Here are some certificates that you can check before purchasing an eco-friendly mattress:

• Greenguard Gold

An organic mattress that has passed the Greenguard Gold test ensures that the mattress is associated with lower emissions of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

• OEKO-TEX Certification

An OEKO-TEX-certified mattress ensures that the mattress is free from harmful chemical substances that can impact the environment negatively.

• CertiPUR-US Certification

Mattresses that have passed CertiPUR-US tests ensure that they are free from ozone depleters, flame retardants, and heavy metals, like lead and mercury.

3. Biodegradability of the Mattress

Many conventional mattresses are made of non-biodegradable materials. After being used, these mattresses end up in landfills, emitting toxic gasses in the environment.

Mattresses crafted from non-toxic, organic materials are usually biodegradable. These mattresses decompose when exposed to microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi. In this way, mattresses made of natural materials decompose and return to the earth.

Why Should You Embrace an Organic Mattress?

A mattress that is safe for the environment, is indeed good for your health.

• Since these mattresses are made with natural materials, they do not compromise quality. The premium quality materials ensure enough comfort and coziness for sleepers.
• This type of mattress can distribute your body weight evenly, alleviating tension from your back, neck, and shoulders.
• Organic mattresses, like a natural latex mattress, are hypoallergenic. They prevent dust particles from accumulating within their layers.
• These mattresses are free from harmful chemicals, so there is less chance of skin allergies and rashes.
• These mattresses do not emit VOCs, safeguarding you from inhaling noxious gasses.
• Organic materials, like cotton, wool, and latex promote airflow through the mattress, keeping you cool during sleep.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to choosing a perfect mattress, the options are endless. However, it’s ideal to select a mattress that combines comfort with environmental and health benefits.

Unlike conventional mattresses, eco-friendly mattresses do not include synthetic materials and harsh chemicals in their manufacturing process. They do not cause any harm to the environment as well as the humans. Besides, these mattresses are biodegradable and recyclable.

Owing to their superior quality, an eco-friendly mattress might carry a little higher price tag than a conventional mattress. However, investing in an organic mattress can be your healthy and sustainable bedding option.