Healthy Sleeping – How to Choose an Organic Mattress

Organic mattresses – you can sleep green? Indeed! You know that good sleep is important to our health, but have you thought about the materials you’re sleeping on? You spend a large portion of your time in bed. Why not make it healthier by using organic mattresses and linens?

Because organic mattresses are typically more expensive than conventional mattresses, you’ll want to do your homework before buying a mattress online or from a brick and mortar store.

A quick internet search will reveal the diversity of opinions around what constitutes “organic,” “pure” and “natural” mattresses. Organic fibers are not regulated in the same way that, for example, the FDA regulates organic foods—so getting a truly organic product takes a little bit of research.

Why Buy an Organic Mattress?

People choose natural organic bedding and mattresses either for health reasons or to decrease their environmental impact, or for both these reasons. The chemicals and synthetics used in conventional bedding, inhaled or absorbed through your skin while you sleep, can cause allergies or chemical sensitivities in some people.

How to Choose an Organic Mattress

Following are some questions to consider when shopping for a natural organic mattress:

• Does the manufacturer use glues, plastics, dyes, flame-retardants, chemicals or synthetics? All parts of an organic mattress should be free of these treatments. Look for pure organic cotton and other natural fibers, including wool, hemp, bamboo, silk and natural latex made from rubber trees.
• What is the mattress company’s return or exchange policy? What is the warranty?
• Does the mattress require a slat frame bed or a box spring? It can vary depending on the mattress.

Conventional sheets, blankets, pillows and mattresses are often treated with chemicals that repel stains, water or wrinkles, and much bedding is died with synthetic dies. If you choose to buy an organic mattress, make your bed as natural as possible and buy organic pillows and bedding, too. Choose an organic cover that protects the mattress from dust mites and other microorganisms.

You spend much of your time in bed—so it makes sense to invest in a bed that is safe and environmentally friendly. An organic mattress is an ideal way to carry your green living efforts throughout all 24 hours of your day.

Guest Bio: Nathan Joynt works with Gaiam.com a leading health and wellness solutions company.Photo via Flickr

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