Are Organic Mattresses Worth The Money? Pros Vs. Cons

Organic mattresses are an eco-friendly, healthier alternative to traditional mattresses. But are they worth the price? Many people who have tried organic mattresses say they sleep better and wake up refreshed. 

Organic mattress companies also tout their products as more durable than traditional ones. 

However, there is no scientific evidence that supports these claims. The best way to know if you want to spend the extra money on an organic mattress is by researching! 

This article will explore both sides of the argument so you can decide based on what’s right for you!

So is the extra price justified?

Suppose you want to sleep on a toxin-free mattress. It doesn’t irritate your skin or cause allergies, allows you to sleep cooler, is more environmentally friendly, lasts longer, generates less odor (VOCs), and is better for sensitive sleepers such as children and the elderly, an organic mattress is well worth the money.

However, while organic mattresses are more expensive, they also come with several disadvantages beyond the price alone. So I advise that you read this post from beginning to end to obtain a clearer picture of the advantages and drawbacks of organic mattresses so that you can make an educated purchase choice.

Because many of the mattresses on my list are also appropriate for the front, back, and combination sleepers – including couples, those with back discomfort, hip and shoulder discomfort, and others seeking to sleep cool – they’re perfect for side sleepers.

Are Organic Mattresses Worth the Money?

Organic mattresses are more expensive than non-organic ones because they use organic materials. 

Organic cotton and other organically grown fabrics do not have harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or allergies to those who sleep on them. 

They also contain no flame retardants, which many people dislike as it gives off a strong chemical smell when burnt during fire emergencies. Organic mattresses are also beneficial as they promote a healthier lifestyle for those who sleep on them.

Organic mattress companies such as Eco Terra Mattress and Plushbeds produce organic mattresses that are more expensive than non-organic ones because of the materials used to make them (read our Plushbeds Mattress Review Here).

These should not put you off, though, as these products will last longer and be more comfortable. The materials used in organic mattresses are also better for the environment, which is an essential factor to consider when purchasing.

When you buy an organic mattress, you can feel safe knowing that no harmful chemicals are used in its production. You will also enjoy a good night’s sleep on your organic mattress, knowing that you are absorbing no harmful chemicals through your skin.

Organic mattresses are worth the money because they use organic materials, which will last longer and be more comfortable to sleep on. Organic companies such as Naturepedic produce products that can also promote a healthier lifestyle for those who sleep on them but should not put you.

Organic mattresses are more costly to produce since it takes longer, more effort, and greater expense to make the mattress in a way that its components can be certified as organic by recognized bodies such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

Because organic mattresses are on a spectrum rather than entirely organic, pricing may differ greatly.

Many online retailers and manufacturers sell GOLS-certified latex foam layers (no springs, memory foam, or poly-foam), a non-toxic fire barrier composed of wool, cotton, or thistle, and no chemical adhesives to keep the mattress together.

A hybrid spring-latex mattress is an example of a semi-organic mattress, which combines organic and non-organic materials in the comfort layers. Steel springs are used for the support core of a hybrid spring-latex mattress, while GOLS-certified latex makes up the upper comfort layers.

Non-organic mattresses do not include organic substances and are often constructed of poly-foam.

The less organic the mattress is, the more affordable it will be – but you won’t typically get all the advantages mentioned below if you buy a mostly organic mattress.

Consider the following advantages and disadvantages to help you determine whether an organic mattress is worth the extra money for you.

Benefits

It is about an organic mattress on a spectrum rather than following a dual “organic” vs. “non-organic” approach.

As a result, the more natural components your mattress has, the greater the impact of the advantages listed below will be.

1: Fewer Toxins – Better For Your Health

Write about how an organic mattress will expose you to fewer toxins

One of the main benefits of organic mattresses is that they contain fewer toxins than traditional mattresses. 

This is because organic mattresses are made with natural materials, such as cotton and wool, which do not release harmful chemicals when you sleep on them.

Organic mattresses also do not contain any flame retardants, which many people dislike because they can harm your health. Flame retardants are often used in non-organic mattresses to make them safer, but this is not necessary because organic mattresses are less likely to catch fire.

Since you will be exposed to fewer toxins when you sleep on an organic mattress, your body will thank you. You may also feel more rested and energetic after sleeping on an organic mattress since you will absorb fewer toxins through your skin.

The most hazardous types of mattresses that you can purchase are low-quality poly-foam beds produced in countries where regulations aren’t as tight.

These contain toxic chemicals such as propylene oxide, toluene diisocyanate, styrene-butadiene, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), benzene, naphthalene, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and many more.

These chemicals can be released in small amounts from your mattress and inhaled via ‘off-gassing’ where VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are emitted shortly after unboxing (generating that ‘new’ chemical smell) and can continue to be produced over time – with body heat potentially accelerating the process.

You can avoid many of these harmful chemicals by choosing an organic mattress.

GOLS-certified organic latex mattresses are the best option if you prefer a natural, breathable fabric for your allergy-friendly bedding. 

Many of the pollutants present in artificial mattresses come from this petroleum-based foam.

Therefore, buying a GOLS-certified mattress is critical because it ensures that it has at least 95% certified organic content and isn’t filled with synthetic latex (styrene-butadiene).

If the mattress maker’s GOLS certification is still valid, you may check to see whether it is still valid and discover the precise composition of the bed.

Although the GOLS certificate is a good indicator, no single “organic” certification clearly distinguishes which mattresses are.

So you’ll need to look out for the presence of one or more of the certifications listed in the table below.

While these certifications are not exhaustive, they are the most important ones.

Ideally, you’ll want a “home run” in which all certificates are included in a latex and cotton mattress.

2: Good For Certain Allergies and Sensitive Skin

Write why organic mattresses will not cause allergies and help people with sensitive skins.

Another benefit of organic mattresses is that they are good for people with allergies or sensitive skin. This is because organic mattresses do not contain any synthetic materials, which can often cause allergic reactions.

Organic cotton and wool are natural materials that do not release harmful chemicals when you sleep on them, so they are ideal for people with allergies.

Most organic mattress companies use wool on the upper layers of their mattresses, which is an excellent material for people with allergies. It is hypoallergenic and can wick away moisture from your body, making you feel cool while you sleep.

Many people also prefer the feeling of cotton sheets over other fabrics because they are soft and breathable.

As a result, organic mattress companies often make their mattresses with natural materials that are good for people with allergies or sensitive skin.

As we said above, check the label on your new bedding before you purchase it!

If there is no information about where the cotton was grown or what type of wool it is made from, then assume it is not organic.

On the other hand, an organic cotton cover is less likely to irritate your skin because a polyester allergy (textile dermatitis) can cause rashes, hives, itching, and even more severe reactions like swelling and breathing difficulties, and chest discomfort.

Hevein protein IS in the final mattress and can aid if you have a dust mite allergy and organic latex works. Because Hevein protein has been found to have anti-microbial qualities that may assist in hindering dust mite survival in the mattress, as well as preventing mold development, which can assist in reducing the allergy

Remember that only 0.9 percent of the US population suffers from a latex allergy, but if you’re unsure, check with your doctor first to be tested for the specific proteins you’re sensitive to because anaphylaxis can kill you if you have a reaction to the latex.

3:Sleeps Cooler

Another benefit of organic mattresses is that they sleep cooler. Natural materials generally allow for better airflow within the mattress and prevent heat from building up in one spot during the night.

This means you can reduce your energy bills because you won’t need to use a heavy blanket or turn on an electric fan at night if it’s hot.

Organic cotton is also a good choice for people who overheat at night. Cotton is a natural fiber that absorbs moisture from your body, which can help you stay cool while you sleep [18].

Cotton covers are breathable and allow air to pass through, whilst the latex layers’ pinhole core expels the heated air inside the mattress and replaces it with cooler outside air to help you regulate your temperature as you move about during the night.

This is demonstrated in the video below.

4:Better for the Environment

Another benefit of organic mattresses is that they are better for the environment. Natural materials like cotton, wool, and latex break down quickly after you’re done using them [19], meaning there’s less waste in landfills.

Also, many synthetic chemicals used to make conventional bedding have been linked to cancer and other health problems [20], so you will be reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals when you purchase an organic mattress.

Also, synthetic materials such as polyurethane and memory foam are petroleum-based, contributing significantly to global warming.

Chemicals from conventional mattresses can leach out into the environment and contaminate soil and water supplies, so it’s essential to consider your choices’ environmental impact when shopping for new bedding.

Organic cotton is also a good choice for people who overheat at night. Cotton is a natural fiber that absorbs moisture from your body, which can help you stay cool while you sleep.

5:Longer Lasting

Organic mattresses also tend to last longer than conventional mattresses. This is because they are made from natural materials, which are more durable and resistant to wear and tear than synthetic materials.

In addition, organic latex is a very resilient material that doesn’t lose its shape or firmness over time, so your mattress will continue to support you well over the years, even after thousands of uses.

Natural materials are often cheaper as a final benefit of organic mattresses because they use less energy and labor during production.

And more affordable options are available for those who want to start sleeping on an organic mattress but don’t have extra cash.

6:Less Odor

Write why organic mattresses do not have much odor like conventional mattresses.

Organic mattresses also have a lower risk of emitting unpleasant odors because natural materials aren’t treated with chemicals during production, so they tend to have less off-gassing.

Off-gassing releases potentially harmful chemical particles that can occur as soon as you take your mattress out of the packaging.

These particles can irritate your nose and throat, cause nausea or headaches, and trigger asthma attacks in some people.

Conventional mattresses are more likely to give off these odors because they contain harmful chemicals like phthalates that break down over time. 

These chemical particles seep into the air and settle on everything in your bedroom, so you inhale them every time you breathe.

In addition, natural latex is a good insulator that repels moisture and wicks away heat so your mattress doesn’t absorb as much sweat or body oils. This prevents bacteria from growing on the surface of your bedding, which helps reduce odors naturally over time [28].

Drawbacks

Before you buy an organic mattress, consider a few things.

1: Higher Cost

Organic mattresses cost more than non-organic mattresses and semi-organic mattresses.

A high-quality queen-sized organic mattress could cost anywhere from $2,000 to significantly more.

However, this expense may be justified based on the advantages mentioned previously.

2: Latex and Wool Allergies

Although organic mattresses are typically better for people with allergies than synthetic foams and non-organic components, an allergic reaction to an organic mattress is possible.

The two most serious concerns about organic mattresses are allergic reactions to latex and wool, both common components in organic mattresses.

Around 1% of the population is allergic to latex, which can induce life-threatening reactions to proteins present in natural latex. So one option is to get a mattress constructed of synthetic latex rather than natural latex.

However, synthetic latex is not organic and can contribute to VOC emissions – look for the CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and GREENGUARD certifications to ensure that VOCs are kept to acceptable levels and certain toxins are absent.

3: Green-Washing Claims

Finding a genuine organic mattress manufacturer is one of the most difficult aspects of shopping for one.

Because of the lack of regulations, terms like “organic,” “natural,” “green,” and “eco-friendly” can be misused to pressure you into purchasing a mattress that doesn’t comply with all of these criteria.

To combat these ‘green-washing’ claims, look for the USDA, GOLS, GOTS, and Arpico certifications to prove that the relevant components of the mattress are certified as organic.

If you find cleaning your mattress a hassle, consider purchasing an organic one. If you’re unsure if this is the case for you, my list of the top organic mattresses may help you save time and effort.

4: Less Choice

When you eliminate the green-washing manufacturers, there aren’t many organic mattresses to choose from. There are also a lot of false claims about organic mattresses out there. You’ll probably be forced to buy an organic mattress online because many brick-and-mortar stores don’t carry them.

So please look at my list of the top organic mattresses to find the best one for you.

Organic Mattresses Are Worth It

I think that it’s worth paying a bit more to buy an organic mattress.

Because organic mattresses are typically healthier for you due to their lack of pollutants and VOCs, they are less likely to induce an allergy reaction, sleep cooler, and last longer than non-organic mattresses.

If you want to avoid breathing in lung-fulls of hazardous chemicals each night and prevent common allergies, purchasing an organic mattress may be a smart idea.