Comparing Conventional to Organic Mattresses: Why Choose Organic?

Sleep is important — and our sleep environment is integral to that important process. As a consumer I know that I want a high quality product that fits my budget. The choice to go organic, it turns out, can be economical without sacrificing quality or sustainability. Exploring the options and comparing conventional to organic products will give you, as a conscientious consumer, some tools to help determine why an organic sleep experience is worth the investment — one that can save you money, help avoid hassles, and improve your health. A good place to start is by comparing conventional mattresses to organic mattresses.

Conventional Mattresses

Conventional mattresses last five years, maybe ten. These mattresses are made of petroleum-based, highly complex materials that require chemicals and processes that pollute the environment. More often than not, these processes yield a product that off-gasses — the emission of noxious gases into the air from the foam and plastics conventional mattresses are made of. Off-gassing is known to cause headaches and allergic reactions that can be very severe, as well as potentially causing other negative health effects not yet fully recognized scientifically. Additionally, conventional mattresses are often treated with chemicals to meet fire retardant standards set by the government. One of the most concerning things about flame retardants is that there is no mandate requiring manufacturers to list the chemicals used to meet these standards — so these unknown, volatile, and potentially damaging components simply become part of your bed. In short, conventional mattresses not only take a long time to decompose but the indoor air pollution they create provides a fairly toxic environment for sleep.

Natural and Organic Mattresses

Natural and organic mattresses can easily last twenty or more years. They are made with very few materials — most meeting organic certification standards — such as wool, cotton, and natural latex. To meet important fire retardant standards, most organic mattress manufacturers use wool as a natural flame retardant. Wool has benefits beyond fire resistance: it is dust mite resistant, antimicrobial, and mildew resistant, making it an ideal choice for allergy sufferers. Wool also helps regulate body heat and wicks away moisture. This wool barrier is quilted into an organic cotton encasement that covers the whole mattress.

Natural latex, organic cotton, and wool are all sustainable options that can be re-grown with minimal environmental impact. Both natural Dunlop and Talalay latex will biodegrade over time when exposed to UV light and extreme temperatures. What this means is that while your mattress layers are safely encased in their organic mattress casing they will easily last 20 years — but when exposed to outside elements they will decompose like any organic material. Choosing products with organic components is less harmful to the environment and to the consumer.

The Economics of Organic

Not only are organic products more ecologically sound — they can actually save the consumer money. An organic mattress purchased for two thousand dollars and lasting fifteen years or longer will save money, time, and hassle compared to purchasing three or more conventional mattresses at eight hundred dollars or more in the same time span. Conventional mattresses may be less expensive upfront, but in the long run organic choices are a better value all around. For a sound night's sleep, choosing organic sleep products will save resources, time, effort, and money while providing a more healthful sleeping environment.