The 11 Best Organic Mattresses for the Sweetest Dreams in 2022

Laurie Budgar
Best Mattresses
Best Mattresses

The best organic mattress for a sound slumber

We spend a third of our lives sleeping (or trying to), so it only makes sense that we’d want to catch those Z’s on a mattress made without harmful chemicals. More and more people concerned about sustainable manufacturing practices are saying goodbye to traditional mattresses and hunting down the best organic mattress instead.

Any textile products that claim to be organic must meet rigorous standards. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a USDA-recognized program that certifies mattresses and other textile-based consumer products as organic. To achieve organic certification, GOTS requires a product to contain at least 95 percent organic fibers. That means materials such as cotton and wool must be grown or raised on organic farms without the use of pesticides. But that’s not all.

“GOTS has strict criteria, which [specify] allowable and prohibited substances, [such as] dyes, finishes, and flame retardants,” explains Lori Wyman, a spokeswoman for the organization. The absence of chemical flame retardants often means the cover is removable and easy to clean. “Additionally,” Wyman says, “the springs or zippers must not contain heavy metals, and the packaging may not contain PVC plastic.” The Environmental Working Group notes that the best mattresses also have low-VOC certifications and no added fragrances or antimicrobials.

Because of these standards for organic and nontoxic mattresses, polyurethane foams common in nonorganic memory foam beds also are not allowed. Most organic manufacturers use latex instead, which is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Latex, which is a renewable material made from the sap of rubber trees, is naturally breathable and cooling, and it naturally repels dust mites and mold. It also offers the bounce and responsiveness many consumers look for in a mattress.

What to look for when buying an organic mattress

As with any mattress purchase, the first thing to consider is what kind of sleeper you are. Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back? Side sleepers tend to prefer a softer mattress that cushions common pressure points, like the hips and shoulders. Back and stomach sleepers require more support, often found in firmer mattresses. The good news is that organic mattress brands like Avocado Green offer mattresses of different firmness levels.

It’s also important to understand that some mattresses contain organic materials (and promote that fact) but don’t meet GOTS’ criteria for the entire product to be considered organic. These are more accurately classified as “natural” instead of organic. One of the main factors that affects whether a mattress meets the “95 percent organic” marker is the choice of latex. Broadly speaking, there are two types of latex: Dunlop and Talalay.

Technically, only Dunlop latex can be considered organic. Talalay starts as natural latex, but manufacturers add resins and other chemicals. While Talalay latex is still far healthier than most petrochemical foams, mattresses that use it can’t be strictly considered organic. On the other hand, some consumers find that Talalay offers better pressure relief and breathability. Dunlop latex tends to be springier and more durable.

People looking for the best organic mattress may also be concerned with labor and environmental practices. To check whether a product meets fair labor standards and environmental requirements, look for the certifications below.

Green Certification Stickers
Green Certification Stickers

  • Eco Institut: This European organization certifies that a product meets strict requirements on pollutants and emissions.

  • Fairtrade America: Certifies producers that adhere to a blend of social, environmental, and economic principles that promote sustainable development.

  • Forest Stewardship Council: Certifies that products are environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and made with products from responsibly managed forests.

  • Greenguard Gold: This certification ensures a product meets UL’s highest standard for low emissions, VOCs, and pollutants.

  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100: This stamp indicates that every component of a product has been tested and found to be free of harmful substances like formaldehyde, chemical flame retardants, colorants, and allergenic dyes.

How we chose the best organic mattress

We used a combination of expert analysis and hundreds of consumer reviews to determine the best organic mattress for different sleeping priorities. Comfort, durability, ease of setup, and a host of other features factored into our decisions, so you can rest assured our choices speak to your sleep needs. While the best mattress is always a personal choice, you can’t go wrong with any of the organic mattresses below. Top it all off with a lightweight comforter, cooling blanket, or cooling weighted blanket to ensure an optimal night’s sleep.

Best overall: Nest Certified Organic Hybrid Latex

Best for babies and kids: Naturepedic Classic Seamless Lightweight Two-Stage Crib Mattress

Best for back pain: Avocado Green

Best for back sleepers: My Green Mattress Natural Escape

Best cooling: Spindle Organic Latex

Best for couples: OMI OrganicPedic Duo

Best customizable: Naturepedic EOS Organic Latex Mattress

Best plush: Avocado Organic Luxury Plush

Best for side sleepers: OMI OrganicPedic Cascade

Best value: Happsy Organic Mattress

Best mattress topper: Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper

The post The 11 Best Organic Mattresses for the Sweetest Dreams in 2022 appeared first on Reader's Digest.

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