Organic Mattresses Are a Thing, and Here Are 6 of the Best

Organic Mattresses Are a Thing, and Here Are 6 of the Best

It's a fact that we spend nearly one-third of our lives fast asleep in bed (and if you’re like me, even more time than that watching Selling Sunset from the comfort of my queen bed). So, besides being comfy, your mattress needs to be the ultimate safe space. Obvious, no? But regular mattresses usually contain materials like polyurethane foam (made from petroleum) and chemical flame retardants. Some research has even linked these chemicals to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues, according to Barry Bridges, a sleep science coach certified by the Spencer Institute.

Not in the mood for anything sus in your mattress? Now is the time to organic. Organic mattresses swap potentially icky materials with organic cotton, wool, and latex—making them a healthier choice for most people and a “game-changer for people with breathing problems, skin conditions, or allergies,” says Bridges. For example, if you struggle with eczema, he says that some materials in conventional mattresses could act as an irritant and cause a breakout. An organic mattress might make it possible for you to get a truly restful, itch-free sleep.

Another bonus: Organic mattresses are better for the environment, which is ~huge~ when you consider that the U.S. alone adds 18.2 million non-recyclable, non-biodegradable mattresses into landfills every year. Organic mattresses are mostly biodegradable, and their production processes have a “vastly smaller environmental impact” than the petroleum extraction needed to make conventional mattresses, Bridges says. Hooray for looking after Mama Earth!

Before you buy, beware: Companies can market their mattresses as “natural” and “eco-friendly” without actually backing up that claim. Bridges says to look for third-party organic certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) on the label to confirm that your mattress is legit.

So, if you’re a little skeeved out by the thought of nasty chemicals lingering in your mattress, read on for some certified organic (and certified dreamy) mattress recommendations...