With more consumers trying to live a sustainable lifestyle nowadays, many products, including mattresses, are organic. Conventional mattresses contain a lot of chemicals. You might even smell them if the mattress is new. Considering the amount of time you spend on your bed, it only makes sense to explore healthier alternatives. You protect your health and environment by choosing an organic mattress. While everyone has their own taste for picking mattresses, here is a simple guide to selecting an organic mattress.
Know Your Materials
Check the materials used in making the mattress. The most common eco-friendly materials are wool, latex, and cotton. Latex comes from rubber trees, and wool comes from sheep. Wool appears to be firmer compared to latex. So, if you are looking for something softer, natural latex is a good start. However, most individuals prefer a firmer surface to support their backs. Cotton is long-lasting and helps keep your body temperature in check as it is breathable. When you go to a showroom, try lying on all these types of mattresses. You will get a feel for each, then decide which one is right for you.
Look For Certifications
Certifications from regulating authorities can help you know whether you are buying an eco-friendly mattress. Such bodies inspect and test a product to see whether it meets the set international standards. One such body is the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Only products with at least 70% organic fibers are certified by GOTS. If the mattress you want to buy has been approved by such a regulating agency, then it is a good product.
Ensure It is 100% Natural Material
There are many mattress advertisements that say natural latex or natural wool. That does not mean that latex or wool are the primary materials in these mattresses. Some unscrupulous companies will advertise a product as eco-friendly, yet it only has as little as 10% of the natural material. For instance, a mattress may only have 10% wool and 90% synthetic. It is important to ask the right questions. When you go to the showroom, inquire about the percentage of the natural material. Go a step further and ask to see proof of the percentage. Some manufacturers sew a tag with such information on the mattress. Others may provide a brochure, and some will have information published online. Either way, it is good to know what you are buying.
Comfort And Convenience
Comfort and convenience matter too. Besides being eco-friendly, ensure that you get an affordable mattress that is comfortable. There are many comfortable green mattresses out there. You do not have to feel like you will be sacrificing comfort just because you are buying an eco-friendly mattress. Manufacturers of organic mattresses know that comfort is important, and so they produce mattresses with this in mind. In the showroom, try out a mattress for about 10 minutes. In addition, look for convenience in terms of durability. You do not want a mattress that will break down after a couple of years.
Sustainable Production
You can go a step further and check how a mattress is crafted. If buying green is very important to you, you will want to ensure that the mattress is produced sustainably with a minimum carbon footprint. For instance, if you are buying a latex mattress, ask whether the plantation the latex came from is being managed in a sustainable way. Most stores, especially online stores, highlight this information on their website. And if you are in a physical store, the attendant will not mind sharing this information.
Organic Content
A mattress containing organic content tells you that only environmentally friendly methods have been used in producing the raw materials. In short, there was no pesticide usage. This is an important factor for anyone that is buying an eco-friendly mattress due to concern for the environment. However, organic may not mean much to you if the primary reason that you are buying a green mattress is for your own health. In such cases, an all-natural mattress will suit your needs. You should know that small traces of pesticide can still be found in a material grown non-organically due to pesticide usage.
Ask About Care
As you shop for green mattresses, ask about care as well. You can make your mattress last by placing it on the right foundation. Natural materials need to breathe. So, a solid platform may not be the best choice. However, if you have this type of bed, make it a habit to air your mattress once in a while. In addition, cover your mattress with organic bedding. This includes the mattress protector, bedsheets, and even pillows. If you have decided to go organic, you might as well go all the way.
One mistake that people make is spending too little time searching for an organic mattress. Two minutes lying on a mattress is a short time for something so important. If you are buying online, call the company. You will find an expert on the line to answer any questions you have about organic mattresses.