Organic Mattresses: Health, Sustainability & Better Sleep Benefits

Choosing which new mattress to buy can be a bit overwhelming, with so many different options on the market and hundreds of labels and categories to sift through. Which one is the most beneficial for your health, and which will help you get the best night’s sleep? Luckily for you, that’s where we come in. Let’s dive into what an organic mattress is, and why you might want to opt for one…

What is an organic mattress?

What is an organic mattress, and why should you make the switch? An organic mattress is made from both natural and certified materials, meaning the components are free from harmful toxins and synthetic chemicals. This results in a healthier mattress, both for the environment and for your sleep. Choosing an organic mattress means your bed will be free from the often-harmful materials found in traditional mattresses, like polyurethane foam, flammable components, and harmful chemicals that may off-gas over time and release into the air — making the switch results in better, healthier bedtimes and a cleaner planet.

What are the health benefits of organic mattresses?

There are many health considerations when choosing a new mattress, so let’s get comfy and explore some of the health benefits of organic mattresses…

Chemical-free sleep environment

One thing you don’t want when you’re sleeping is to be surrounded by chemicals, and non-organic mattresses can contain plenty. On the other hand, an organic mattress is one that is free from these harmful chemicals, and doesn’t contain synthetic materials. They’re full of more natural components, like wool or bamboo, and tend to use natural materials for the cover too which aren’t treated with harsh chemicals.

Volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, are chemicals found within products like mattresses which can become vapours at room temperature – this means they linger in the air and can impact our health, in particular our respiratory health. Short term effects might include a sore throat or shortness of breath, while long term effects include bronchitis, lung disease and neurological issues. Organic mattresses don’t contain VOCs, making them a much healthier choice!

Allergy and asthma relief

Opting for this kind of mattress can have a positive impact on those suffering from asthma and allergies. With the lack of VOCs as mentioned above, respiratory health is significantly improved – and organic mattresses tend to be naturally resistant to allergens like dust mites and mildew. This means they’re generally better for allergy sufferers and those with asthma alike. Cover materials like wool, bamboo and organic cotton are generally hypoallergenic, adding further protection and comfort for a great night’s sleep.

Improved indoor air quality

Another health benefit is the way natural mattresses contribute to better indoor air quality – everything we’ve already mentioned helps to reduce the presence of toxins and allergens. The absence of chemical off-gassing, the use of natural as opposed to toxic flame retardants, and the prevention of allergens all help to ensure cleaner air for your bedroom and a healthier sleep all round.

Sustainability and environmental impact

Another huge benefit to going organic with your mattress is the improved impact on the environment. But how exactly do organic mattresses help with your effort to be sustainable?

Eco-friendly materials

First of all, organic options use much more eco-friendly materials than their traditional counterparts. This might include wool, organic cotton or bamboo. They are much better for the environment as they grow naturally with reduced water usage and no need for pesticides, and they tend to be much more renewable. This is a lot gentler on the planet, and gives organic mattresses the eco-friendly edge.

The carbon footprint

We might not even consider our mattresses as having a carbon footprint, but they absolutely do! Organic mattresses tend to have a much lower carbon footprint – from the sourcing of those eco-friendly materials to low-energy, cleaner manufacturing process and the use of sustainable, recyclable packaging, everything is a lot better for the environment. Taking into consideration the whole lifecycle of the mattress, we also need to think about when it’s no longer of use to us. Here at Panda we have our Circle-of-Life initiative, where we collect used mattresses (and other foam items) and dispose of them responsibly to ensure they don’t join the millions that end up in landfill every year. We break them down into core components, and either recycle or reuse these materials to ensure the product remains eco-friendly from production through to disposal.

Certifications and their importance

When shopping for an organic mattress, you might notice various certifications on websites or packaging. But what do they mean, and why are they worth noting? There are three main certifications you might see: GOTS, GOLS, and Greenguard. GOTS stands for the Global Organic Textile Standard and it covers the entire textile supply chain – it is one of the most recognised certifications for organic textiles. It ensures that products labelled ‘organic’ contain at least 85% organic fibres, are produced using sustainable farming methods, and use no harmful chemicals.

GOLS and Greenguard are other certifications to look out for. GOLS, the Global Organic Latex Standard, is the leading certificate for organic latex products – ensuring both sustainable and ethical production. The Greenguard certification, managed by UL Environment, focuses primarily on indoor air quality and ensures that products, including mattresses, meet stringent emissions standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful chemicals.

The presence of these certifications means you can be assured that the organic mattress you’re purchasing is genuine, rather than simply being labelled as such in a manner of greenwashing. This is important so you know exactly what you’re buying, and can feel safe as you sleep!

Comfort and durability

Two of the main factors you want in a mattress are comfort, so you feel nice and supported as you drift off, and durability so the purchase lasts for years to come! So how do organic mattresses hold up here?

Natural materials and sleep quality

The quality of your sleep is so important. Organic, natural materials have a definite impact on sleep quality – natural latex provides excellent support and pressure relief, for example, while organic cotton mattress covers are incredibly breathable. Wool is super breathable too, and hypoallergenic for added health benefits! Synthetic materials don’t offer the same support and comfort, making for a much less enjoyable sleep.

Long-term durability

Organic mattresses tend to be a lot more durable than traditional ones; the materials, having not been chemically treated, are stronger and more long-lasting. Created from plants, for the most part, these natural materials have an innate strength and durability that allow them to maintain their comfort and support over time. This makes an organic mattress a fantastic investment into your sleep health!

Customer testimonials and expert reviews

Customers who have switched to organic mattresses mentioned feeling reassured by the use of natural materials such as latex, bamboo and wool, leading to better sleep quality and less irritation, particularly for those sensitive to chemicals. Many also appreciate the breathability and temperature control of an organic mattress too. Beyond comfort, several customers are motivated by the eco-friendliness of organic options. Knowing that these mattresses are crafted from sustainably sourced materials, without harmful chemicals, gives users peace of mind, not only for their health but for their environmental impact as well.

Experts, too, have highlighted many benefits of organic mattresses. From support and breathability to temperature regulation and optimum firmness levels, many experts and reviewers praise the comfort of these options. Longevity and sustainability are core durability aspects that experts attribute to natural mattresses on the market!

Ethical production and fair labour practices

When companies create organic products, they often also have an interest in keeping things ethical and fair. The two go hand in hand naturally, so let’s dive a little deeper into that…

Sustainable farming practices

Organic mattress production tends to support sustainable agriculture, because the materials used are natural and developed from renewable resources like bamboo and other plants. Farm workers and other labourers are treated fairly along the supply chain, which is vitally important within the industry, and the surrounding environment is protected thanks to the lack of pesticides involved in farming for organic material.

Transparent manufacturing processes

Look out for transparency – organic mattress manufacturers and companies will prioritise this when discussing how they source, produce and certify their products. We take this seriously here at Panda, which is why you can read our environmental policy and learn about everything we do for the planet.

Social responsibility

There is a broader social impact that comes into play when we choose organic products – it’s not just better for our health, but it allows us to support fair trade agreements and the use of ethical labour practices. The more we do so, the more this becomes the norm across various industries.

Understanding certifications and standards

As mentioned, there are various certifications to look out for when shopping for your new organic mattress. From GOTS to GOLS and OEKO-TEX®, another safe and sustainable certificate for the textile industry, there are plenty of relevant labels floating about. You can visit the individual websites for these certifying organisations to check authenticity, and ensure to shop with brands who are transparent. Third-party testing plays a role, too; look for expert media reviews and particularly what they have to say about the organic nature of these mattresses. The claims need to add up!

How to choose the right organic mattress for you

Choosing the perfect organic mattress relies mostly on knowing what type of mattress works for you, full stop. But how do you do that?

Assessing your sleep needs

First of all, think about factors like your sleeping position – are you a front, back or side sleeper? Most natural mattresses generally tend to work well for all positions, but it’s worth doing your research! Think about any health conditions that might impact the mattress you choose: asthma, back pain, allergies and so on. Preference comes into play, too: how firm do you want your mattress to be, and what materials do you have good experience with?

Budget considerations

Natural mattresses can be more expensive than synthetic, non-natural options. This is because it is more costly to use natural materials and have them certified, so it is definitely an investment into your health and the planet. Look out for sales and discount codes, as well as buy now, pay later options. It’s always worth spending more on a good night’s sleep, especially as these organic mattress options are more long-lasting and therefore work out more cost effective in the long run.

Top recommendations by category

There are so many organic mattresses on the market, claiming to be beneficial for back pain, for side sleepers, for those with allergies and so on. Do your research and look for something that ticks your boxes at a price you can afford. The Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress and Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro are both supportive, comfortable and incredibly sustainable mattresses, offering customers an organic mattress at two different price points.

Where to buy organic mattresses

An online search will bring up plenty of places to purchase an organic mattress. You can buy organic mattresses right here at PandaLondon.com, or shop with retailers such as Dunelm, Costco, and Amazon.

Why is an organic mattress worth the investment?

If you want to feel healthier, sleep better and do your bit for the planet, an organic mattress is the way to go. Better for allergies and respiratory health as well as contributing to cleaner air, the health benefits are almost endless. The impact on the planet is low, and organic mattress production supports fair trade agreements and ethical farming. Organic bedding is an easy, long-lasting switch to improve your lifestyle! Check out our Hybrid Bamboo Mattresses range to see if it’s something that will work for you…