Buying a new mattress fills most people with conflicting feelings: Excitement at the idea of owning a new mattress that will help them get a good green night’s sleep; and dread at the idea of having to navigate the myriad choices of mattresses on the market today.
It gets even more complicated when consumers seek out green mattress options, choosing organic materials to sleep on as opposed to harmful ones filled with dubious toxins. And, as many know, organic mattresses tend to come with a hefty price tag so it’s important to do your homework and know exactly what you’re buying before handing over your credit card.
Here are some things to consider when shopping for an organic mattress to ensure you’re getting the highest quality:
Is Whole Mattress Organic?
Unless you read the fine print and do some major research, you may end up thinking you’re buying an organic mattress only to find out a month later only one component is organic. Manufacturers can label their mattress “organic” but that does not in any way mean the entire thing is organic.
Knowing that buying organic is really “in” right now, some manufacturers will try to game the system and put a big sticker on there claiming their product is exactly that, but read the fine print and you’re likely to see the filler is made from organic materials, but the glues and fire retardant sprays are still very much toxic.
Lesson here? Read the ENTIRE label.
Where do Manufacturers get Their Materials from?
Manufacturers of truly, 100% organic mattresses are very transparent. They list everything about their products not only on the mattress itself but also on their website. Be very wary of mattress companies who don’t publish this information.
Something else to consider before making a judgment call – much of the green movement has to do with sourcing locally to not only cut down on pollution caused by international transport but also to support local growers. This is a wonderful idea.
There are, however, certain natural products that can only be sourced overseas, such as natural latex. This fact should be taken into consideration when making a purchasing decision.
Has the Manufacturer Been Certified as Organic?
Most organic mattress manufacturers will display an organic certification label somewhere on their website. If you don’t see one, it doesn’t hurt to email or calls the company and inquire about their certification.
Something else to bear in mind, certain organic materials can be labeled as organic, while others, even if actually organic, can only be labeled as “natural.” This is why shopping organic can sometimes cause unnecessary headaches. The reason for this labeling confusion is that organic certifications must come from independent 3rd-party entities. Since these do not yet exist for latex or memory foam, they can only be labeled “natural.” But rest assured latex that is labeled “natural” means it has been sourced from a rubber tree and not made synthetically in a lab somewhere.
Check the Return Policy and Warranty
This last consideration goes for both organic and regular mattresses. Be sure to go with a mattress that has a generous return policy. Nowadays it’s hard to throw a stone without hitting a product without a return policy but, depending on which company you buy from, you might come across one that doesn’t offer it.
If this happens, move on to the next. In this day and age there simply isn’t any reason to purchase something without a safety net, especially a mattress. You may lay on a mattress on the showroom floor for 5 minutes and think, “This is the one,” but until you take it home and actually try to sleep on it for consecutive nights, you won’t really know for sure. So, look for at least a 30-day refund policy.
Also, ask what exactly the warranty covers as it can get a little confusing during checkout. There are basically two types of warranties: full and pro-rated.
A full warranty means that should anything happen to the mattress you would get the WHOLE price for the covered time.
A pro-rated warranty means you receive proportionally less over a specific period of time. Doesn’t sound too attractive, but the advantage of these warranties is that they typically cover a longer period of time so in the long run, you will be covered.
Both warranties have their advantages and disadvantages, so be sure you know what your specific needs are and what the manufacturer offers.
It goes without saying that buying organic is a smart choice for consumers. And although it can have its confusing moments, you shouldn’t have any trouble as long as you do your homework and ask the right questions.
Here’s to a greener night’s sleep!
About the Author
James is your friendly neighborhood content writer here at the Green Living Blog. With a passion for all things sustainable, he’s your go-to guru for everything eco-friendly. Armed with a treasure trove of wisdom about sustainable living, recycling, and environmentally conscious practices, James is on a mission. He’s here to make sure you not only protect your family but also keep Mother Earth smiling. 😊🌎 When he’s not busy sharing eco-friendly insights, James can often be found teaching his cat that compost bins make the purr-fect hideaway. 🐱♻️ Join James on his quest to uncover the secrets of defeating wasteful habits while leaving the lightest footprint on our precious planet’s ecosystem.