Are organic mattresses a hoax? What you need to know about greenwashing

Organic mattress brands claim to solve every issue in the mattress industry: filled with natural fibers, their beds are more breathable, more durable, and more sustainable than your average synthetic mattress. If we all believed that this were true, then I imagine that most of us would want an organic mattress, but some shoppers harbor niggling doubts as to the actual eco-friendliness of so-called organic mattresses.

In amongst all the marketing jargon of the mattress industry, it can be hard for eco-conscious shoppers to tell the difference between the real deal and a real fake. I spoke to mattress testers and certified sleep experts to work out what makes a mattress organic, as well as mattress buying tips and tricks to know.

As H&G's specialist sleep writer, I believe that the best mattress is good for your body and for the environment. That's why it's so important not to be taken in by 'greenwashing', which the National Resources Defense Council defines as 'false or misleading statements about the environmental benefits of a product or practice'. If you're missold a mattress, and you end up with an inorganic product, then you've paid a lot of money for a mattress that doesn't meet your needs.

Are organic mattresses a hoax?

The short answer is, no, the idea of an organic mattress is not a hoax. It is possible to buy the best organic mattress in an organic factory with a sustainable supply chain. Still, with so much malpractice in the mattress industry, it's more important than ever to do your research before you buy.

What is an organic mattress?

Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. I asked fellow mattress tester Derek Hales (Editor-in-Chief at NapLab, the sleep testing platform) to explain what makes a mattress organic, and what that word means in the mattress industry.

Derek says that 'organic mattresses use organic materials in their construction. Latex is the material most commonly used. Additionally, the mattress cover and comfort layers might be made from organic cotton, wool, or rubber.'

If something is 'organic', that means it relates to or is derived from living matter. In the context of mattresses, that means a mattress is made from natural materials, rather than artificial or man-made materials. You won't find any synthetic foams in an organic mattress, though you might find a metal spring unit at the base of the bed.

How to tell if a mattress is organic

Derek clarifies that 'the word 'organic' is meaningless without a certification to back it up. The US Department of Agriculture states that any textile that includes organic material must be certified by a third party under the National Organic Program in order to be sold as organic.' In this instance, a mattress counts as a textile, so it is subject to this law.

Which third party certifies a product all depends on the materials it contains. Since your average organic mattress is topped with wool and cotton, you'll read a lot about the Global Organic Textile Standard, or GOTS. If a mattress is GOTS certified, that means it is filled with 100% organic fibers. Then, there's the Global Organic Latex Standard, which certifies products made from natural rubber latex.

If a mattress is certified GREENGUARD Gold, that means it's independently assessed for low chemical emissions to reduce indoor air pollution. Fairtrade ensures decent working conditions and fair pay for the people who make your mattress.

Any organic mattress worth its salt is accredited by at least some of these standards. You should see proof as part of the product listing or printed on the mattress label: each organization has a particular seal of approval.

How to spot a fake

In your search for an organic mattress, I'd encourage you to avoid mattresses labeled as 'eco-friendly', 'natural', or 'green' without specific organic certifications. These are not protected terms, which means that any mattress brand can use them, regardless of their organic accreditation.

With so many mattress brands on the market, it can be hard to spot a genuinely organic mattress. That's why I asked sleep scientist Susan Miller (Sleep Technician at Sleep Mattress HQ) to share her top tips and tricks when shopping for an organic mattress.

• Check certifications: Susan emphasizes that 'genuine organic mattresses will carry certifications from recognized organizations.'
• Read the label: 'The materials used in organic mattresses should be clearly disclosed on he website, and definitely on the label,' says Susan. 'Legitimate manufacturers will have transparent labeling. Look for specific details about organic fibers, such as organic cotton, wool, or latex, and ensure that these materials are backed by appropriate certifications.'
• Research the manufacturer: Susan encourages shoppers to 'find out how the brand manufactures and manages its supply chain. In every stage of the production cycle, genuine organic mattress manufacturers prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness. They might partner with organic farms, use eco-conscious packaging, or employ ethical labor practices.'
• Do a smell test: This one works best in person. 'The materials used in organic mattresses typically produce a natural scent,' Susan explains. 'A mattress that emits strong chemical odors or smells artificial may contain synthetic or even toxic materials.'
• Check the price tag: Susan says that 'organic mattresses are often more expensive, due to the higher cost of organic materials and certification processes.' As a mattress tester and a professional price tracker, I wouldn't spend any less than a $1,000 and expect to get a good-quality organic mattress out of it.

Organic mattress FAQs

Why should I buy an organic mattress?

If you care about the environment, then your best bet is to buy an organic mattress. Look out for certifications from GOLS, GOTS, GREENGUARD, Fair Trade, and the eco-INSTITUT to make sure you're buying from brands that source sustainably, manufacture responsibly, and treat their workers fairly.

Your average organic mattress is filled with natural latex and topped with organic cotton and wool. These natural fibers are far more breathable than foams and springs, which makes an organic mattress a better option for hot sleepers and summer nights.

Latex is supple and responsive, made to bear your weight, then spring back into shape. Latex feels firmer than memory foam, but it provides similar pressure relief, and the firmer surface helps to keep your spine aligned.

Are organic mattresses worth it?

I think so, yes. An organic mattress is better for your body and for the environment than a cheap synthetic substitute. I'd be prepared to save up and spend a few thousand dollars on an organic mattress in exchange for the enhanced breathability and durability you get from natural fibers.

It helps to think of a mattress as an investment you're making for cleaner, deeper sleep, night after night. With proper care, a latex mattress can last as long as 20 years. That means you're spending a few thousand dollars now to save spending more on cheaper beds that wear out in a few years, only to end up in landfill.

So, the idea of an organic mattress is not a hoax, because 'organic' is a protected term and may only be applied to mattresses produced under specific conditions. 'Natural' and 'non-toxic', however, are not protected terms: any brand can use these terms to describe their mattresses without fear of repercussion, regardless of the materials and manufacturing processes used to make the mattress.

If you're keen to shop sustainably, make sure to look past the marketing jargon surrounding the mattress to inspect its eco-credentials. You're looking for terms such as GOLS latex, GOTS wool or cotton, and badges from organizations such as GREENGUARD and Fair Trade.