Given the overwhelming number of choices on the mattress market, it can be difficult to know which one is best for us. The arguments highlighting the many qualities of a mattress—both in terms of comfort and health benefits—are certainly ingenious. So much so that we sometimes end up doubting our own needs (which are usually quite simple) and ultimately opt for a product made with the latest “cutting-edge” technologies. If you’re still unsure about which level of comfort to choose, there’s one selling point that never fails to win people over: the organic mattress.
Organic products are enjoying enormous success, first and foremost in the food sector: entire aisles and stores are dedicated to them. But this trend is also gradually spreading to other everyday products. This is a selling point that reassures consumers, as for many it’s a guarantee of a healthy, eco-friendly, and even ethicalproduct… A label that encompasses other equally virtuous labels. So,is a mattress with an “organic” label a guarantee of quality? It’s not as straightforward as it seems, and that’s what we’ll explore in this article.
What is an organic mattress?
Before discussing organic mattresses, we’d first like to clarify what an organic product is. To be able to label a product as organic, it is essential to obtain a corresponding certification, such as: the Organic Agriculture label ( AB label), the Euroleaf label (a European Union label that also covers organic agriculture), or GOTS for organic cotton used in textiles. These certifications attest that the certified organic components were grown without the use of toxic substances.
With that in mind, it’s therefore possible to filter out all memory foam mattresses or synthetic mattresses made from petroleum-based materials. In these cases, of course, we know they can’t be organic mattresses. That leaves the others, made from natural materials—either grown or sourced from livestock—such as wool, cotton, aloe vera, or latex, which are the most common. In these cases, various certifications attest to their health benefits, including organic farming labels.
Yes, but there’s a problem: a mattress isn’t made of just one material or substance. There’s what’s called the “core” or “center,” which forms the very heart of the mattress. For this part alone, there are very often several materials used in its construction. Added to that is the cover, consisting of its ticking and the filling. We therefore have a finished product madeup of various components from different sources. The term “organic” can thus be misused if even a single component of the mattress is certified organic. But then, to be sure of a healthy product, shouldn’t we take a broader look at the product itself, its manufacturing process, and its degree of naturalness? Is “natural”—which we find everywhere—really so different from “organic”?
The Difference Between Organic and Natural Mattresses
A natural product is made from materials derived from nature. It goes without saying, but it’s worth reiterating this obvious point. As with “organic,” the term “natural” is widely used because it’s a powerful selling point for attracting customers. Let’s be honest: it’s rare for a mattress to be 100% natural in its entire composition. But it’s only natural for brands to highlight the positive aspects of their mattress models. However, upon closer inspection—specifically looking at the manufacturing process, the components, their origin, and whether or not they’ve been treated, dyed, or bleached—we realize that the “natural” aspect is much less prevalent than it seems.
In fact, mattresses undergo various treatments, such as anti-dust mite, antibacterial, fungicidal, and flame-retardant treatments. These treatments have been criticized for being sources of endocrine disruptors (see article on indoor pollution). Organic labels may also be mistaken for a guarantee of naturalness since they relate to agriculture. Just like other certifications that don’t use the term “organic” but attest to the absence of toxic substances in the mattress. We’ll look at some of these a little later. Thus, the difference between the terms “organic” and “natural” is rather vague, since both aim to promote qualities that are healthy for the body, the home, and the environment.
For the most discerning and demanding among us, this distinction can be problematic. It would then be necessary to conduct in-depth comparisons between the various so-called “organic” or “natural” mattresses to identify any potential issues. One final factor can help tip the scales in favor of one product over another: its environmental impact.
Is an organic mattress necessarily eco-friendly?
As mentioned earlier, an organic mattress is rarely entirely organic—from the core to the cover. That said, can it still be eco-friendly? Here again, there are nuances. First of all, the definition of what is eco-friendly is broad. To clarify matters when it comes to mattresses, we’ve defined eco-friendliness based on four key criteria: - the degree to which its composition is natural,
- the environmental impact of its production, including its carbon footprint,
- any processing or treatment it may have undergone that could release VOCs
- and its ability to be recycled or disposed of without causing pollution at the end of its life
Regarding the first point, you can check the labels and certifications listed, in addition to the ingredients (if there are no strange or unfamiliar terms, that’s usually a good sign).
As for the second point, it all depends on how transparent the brand is about its manufacturing process. But it overlaps in part with the first point regarding natural or organic products, which exclude the use of pesticides and respect biodiversity. On the other hand, when it comes to the carbon footprint, it’s more complex, because you need to know where the raw materials come from and where the products are manufactured. By extension, this provides insight into the third point—how the products are manufactured and any treatments they may undergo. Finally, while we usually only think about this when it’s time to replace our mattress, the end-of-life of a mattress is also a factor to consider.
And for good reason: mattresses are a major source of pollution.A mattress made from recyclable or biodegradable materials is a key criterion for being considered eco-friendly. Claims about organic, natural, or eco-responsibility should therefore be taken with a grain of salt. An organic mattress isn’t necessarily the most eco-friendly or the healthiest—even if it indicates that at least a certain percentage of its materials are grown without toxic chemicals. To get a clearer picture, other certifications serve as additional indicators, but are they enough?
Are certifications enough to guarantee quality?
To certify a product’s natural qualities, there are also certifications that cover additional aspects, such as the ethical and environmental considerations involved in the manufacturing process.
For example, for natural latex, there are several certifications, such as QUL —a German certification for 100% natural latex grown without pesticides and containing no preservatives or other VOCs. The Eurolatex certification also guarantees the use of 100% natural latex grown in accordance with fair working conditions for those involved in the supply chain. Finally, Eco-Institut certification guarantees that the latex foam is free of substances and emissions that are harmful to health.
These certifications are just as rigorous as organic certifications. They are just as reliable. It is therefore important to ensure that they apply to the majority of the mattress, and not just a small percentage of its composition. To illustrate how the terms “organic mattress” or “natural mattress” can be misused, the example of latex is telling. A mattress cannot be made of 100% natural latex, because it requires chemical vulcanizing agents to transform liquid latex into foam, which account for at least 3% of the composition. The maximum possible percentage of latex is 97%. Did you know that it’s permitted to label a mattress as “100% natural latex” if the core contains at least 85% natural latex?
So, between a mattress made of 85% natural latex and one made of 97% natural latex, would you be able to tell the difference? Yes, but only by digging into the technical specifications or by asking the brand. Not everyone does that. As a result, the marketing claims surrounding “organic” or “natural” mattresses are, unfortunately, overused.
The key to choosing the right natural mattress is to prioritize materials of natural origin with a simple composition —such as 100% latex or wool. These materials are generally untreated because they are naturally dust-mite-resistant, antibacterial, and flame-retardant.You should also check the composition of the cover and its filling. Find out where the mattress is manufactured to minimize your carbon footprint and ensure that workers are treated fairly. Finally, look into the various certifications associated with the product.
From a practical standpoint, a cover that can be removed and washed separately from the core is a significant advantage.
Feel free to ask the brands questions through their communication channels for more details.
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