Why Buy An Organic Mattress?

Benefits of organic mattresses

The many advantages of organic mattresses include:

• Better for your health: Traditional mattresses are made from polyurethane foam derived from petroleum that can emit volatile organic compounds; the EPA and OSHA have linked these same chemicals to respiratory infection and other health ailments. Some foam mattresses are also treated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as a fire retardant, which worries scientists who study nervous system impairment in animals exposed to the chemicals. The outside cover of a mattress may be vinyl softened with chemical phthalates, which have been identified in human tissue and are under investigation as potential carcinogens. Even some of the fillers are cause for concern, given that most cotton is grown using insecticides, fungicides and chemical fertilizers and the sheep providing wool filling graze on land that has been chemically fertilized as well. Again, there is no evidence that humans are adversely affected by low-level exposure to any of the manufacturing chemicals used in standard mattresses, but some customers may find they have better peace of mind knowing that these potential health hazards are simply not present in their sleep surfaces.
• Hypoallergenic: Dust mite allergy and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome sufferers can find reprieve by choosing a 100% organic mattress, which lacks pigments, dyes, bleaches, metals, pesticides and chemical toxins. Natural rubber mattresses are also naturally anti-microbial, mold-resistant, hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant. Wool fibers contain natural self-cleaning scales and ventilation systems that eliminate moisture and do not allow damp conditions that enable microbes and pests to fester. Not surprisingly, organic mattresses are a top choice for asthma sufferers.
• Cooler Temperature: Natural wool is often referred to as “nature’s air conditioning,” and is a much cooler sleep surface than synthetic plastic. Wool fibers create a lining of still, dry air next to the skin that lets your body hold in heat when it’s cold and evaporate sweat when it’s warm. Porous wool fiber cells can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture through its pores — without feeling damp – and efficiently evaporate moisture before it’s stored. Research shows a cooler night’s sleep is linked with less tossing-and-turning at night and better REM sleep that leaves people feeling more refreshed in the morning.
• Eco-Friendly: When an organic mattress has reached the end of its lifespan, it will eventually biodegrade in a landfill – unlike synthetic mattresses, which may remain there forever. Natural latex is harvested by tapping the milk of the rubber tree, which can be collected up to 180 days per year. Each tree heals one hour after material harvesting and provides enough milk to make one mattress per year. Organic wool is obtained from free-ranging sheep — without the use of hormones, antibiotics or pesticides.
• Naturally Flame Resistant: Mattresses made with organic latex and wool do not require the use of flame retardant chemicals because the keratin protein in wool coupled with its moisture-absorbing ability makes it a difficult material to ignite. Wool’s protective lanolin coating is another natural deterrent to combustion.
• Durability: Organic latex mattresses can be stretched up to 50% when wet and 30% when dry, bouncing back to original form with ease. Furthermore, organic wool can be bent 20,000 times without breaking, making it more resistant to tears or compression. High quality organic mattresses have been known to last 10 to 20 years without any diminish in comfort.
• Comfort: The “organic” label itself doesn’t necessarily imply comfort, but latex beds in general are widely considered some of the most comfortable mattresses on the market. The supportive sleep surface material naturally conforms to the body to minimize pressure points and provide even circulation.

Who makes organic mattresses?

There are many organic mattress brands on the market, but a few of our favorites include:

• OMI Naturals – Naturepedic mattresses makes both latex and inner spring mattresses with Dunlop latex, organic cotton, organic wool and other certified organic materials. They have one latex bed and seven spring models varying in firmness levels.
• OMI OrganicPedic – Organicpedic mattresses come in latex and innerspring mattresses made with Dunlop latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. Consumers may choose from eight latex bed or two innerspring models with variable firmness levels.

Other top brands are committed to manufacturing healthier mattresses, but are not certified organic. For instance, all Simmons BeautyRest mattresses have a CertiPUR-US seal, which means:

• The flexible polyurethane foam has been rigorously tested and certified to meet low-VOC emissions standards.
• They are made without phthalates, ozone depleters, mercury or other heavy metals, formaldehyde or PBDEs.

Similarly, Englander offers eco-friendly, soy-based visco and/or natural latex derived from environmentally responsible sources. Their Nature’s Finest® mattresses:

• Are made from 100% pure, natural latex foam core that is completely petroleum-free
• Covered with organic cotton and natural bamboo fibers upon request
• Created with portions of foam cushioning made from renewable soy-based materials
• Promise to be both hypo-allergenic and odor-free.

Where to buy organic mattresses in Portland, OR

Mattress World Northwest is a great place to begin your eco-friendly and organic mattress search. We offer several of the leading brands and a full staff of highly trained, knowledgeable Sleep Specialists who are happy to answer the most complex questions regarding organic labeling and manufacturing. We’re happy to let you test out multiple floor models that match your high standards for firmness and cushioning, while also meeting discerning criteria for health and environmental friendliness. Stop by one of our mattress stores in Portland Oregon to learn more and feel the difference an organic mattress can make.