The Green Mattress Defined
“Eco” is a major concern these days, and that holds true for mattresses too. Made of natural and sustainable materials such as rubber/latex, organic wool, organic cotton, bamboo, and even hemp, these mattresses are eco-friendly to the core.Each material offers its own particular advantages:
Natural Rubber/Latex – This is the best eco-friendly choice for a foam core. Tapped from rubber trees, the sap is harvested without adversely affecting the tree, which even heals itself within an hour. Sustainable, resistant, and hypo-allergenic, natural rubber/latex offers excellent breathability that regulates temperature for increased comfort and prevents mould formation for increased wellness.
Organic Wool – Highly regarded for its incredible softness and insulating properties, wool is breathable and resistant to dust mites. It is also naturally fire-retardant, eliminating the need for chemical fire-retardant materials which are used in conventional mattresses.
Organic Cotton – Often paired with wool or natural latex, organic cotton is soft and breathable. Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, providing a chemical-free sleeping environment.
Bamboo – Naturally anti-microbial, bamboo is ideal for allergy sufferers. Most commonly used in bedding, comforters, and mattress pads because of its luxurious feel, bamboo can also be found in foam mattress cores.
Hemp – The firmest of eco-friendly mattresses, hemp is three times stronger than cotton and is naturally mould and mildew resistant.
Inner spring mattresses can also be organic. Look for a high percentage of recycled steel content and an organic wool/cotton wrapping.
Be aware that some companies claim to use eco-friendly washing techniques or simply wrap a conventional mattress core with an organic pad. These mattresses are not “all green.” If finding a truly green mattress matters to you, ensure that the entire mattress – and not just portions of it – is indeed ecological and organic.
If you’re not quite ready to invest in an organic mattress right away, you can easily get in the eco-game with an organic bed topper, sheets, and pillows. It’s a great start!