Not all mattress materials are created equal. But which ones are best?
If you’ve ever wondered what materials go into making the best organic mattress, you’re in the right place. At Happsy, we believe a great night’s sleep starts with the right mattress, and the right mattress starts with the right materials. From GOTS certified organic cotton to glueless encased coils, let's dive into what makes an organic mattress not only comfortable but also health- and eco-friendly.
What makes a great mattress material?
Choosing the best organic mattress involves considering the mattress’s materials from several different angles: health, sustainability, certifications and, most of all, comfort. Let’s break down what each of those means.
Health
There are a lot of undisclosed toxic chemicals and questionable materials that go into conventional mattresses. Polyurethane foam. Fiberglass. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Formaldehyde. Phthalates. Pesticides. Boric acid. Antimony. Vinyl. PVC. Isocyanates. Melamine resin. Decabromodiphenyl Oxide (Deca). Perfluorinated compounds (PFAs). Benzene. Lead. Arsenic. Chlorinated Tris (TDCPP). VOCs. And the list doesn’t end there.
The best mattresses opt for certified organic materials instead that minimize your exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides and synthetic additives, promoting better indoor air quality and overall health.
Sustainability
The best organic mattresses don’t just help you dream of a better world – they help you dream for a better world. Natural, certified organic materials and organic approved materials are more renewable than conventional mattress materials made from petrochemicals and more planet-friendly. Certified organic crops are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers prohibited by the Global Organic Textile Standard – the gold standard for health, safety and sustainability in the organic sphere. Natural fibers are more biodegradable than synthetic materials, too, reducing long-term landfill waste and environmental impact. Plus, organic farming practices promote soil health, reduce water usage and support biodiversity.
Certifications
Certifications ensure that when a company makes environmental or health claims about their products and the materials in those products, they can back those claims up. These reputable third parties specifically look at materials:
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures that the raw materials like cotton or wool are at least 70% organic and meet stringent environmental and social criteria throughout the supply chain.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) latex is made from at least 95% certified organic raw material and adheres to social and environmental regulations.
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) ensures that raw wood materials are sourced from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
There are other certifications that look at the finished product as a whole (including GOTS) that you should consider, too, such as EWG VERIFIED®, MADE SAFE®, GREENGUARD® Gold and U/L Formaldehyde Free. Check out Happsy’s certifications here.
Comfort
Your comfort matters most. Because if a mattress – no matter how healthy its materials are – isn’t comfortable, you’re not going to sleep on it. The best organic mattress materials provide excellent support and pressure relief, conforming to the body's shape while maintaining proper spinal alignment. This reduces pressure points and the risk of developing aches and pains – like memory foam, but without the toxic chemicals! Mattress materials should also be breathable and moisture wicking to help regulate body temperature for your best night’s sleep, unlike synthetic petroleum-based materials that trap heat.
What are the best organic mattress materials?
Drumroll, please! Top performers in health, sustainability, certifications and comfort, here are the materials that the best organic mattresses are made of.
Organic cotton
Organic cotton is a cornerstone of any great organic mattress. Unlike conventional cotton, which is treated with harsh pesticides, organic cotton is grown without these harmful chemicals per the Global Organic Textile Standard. This makes it not only better for the environment but also safer for you. Organic cotton is naturally soft and breathable, making it an ideal material for a mattress cover and quilted layers. It ensures a healthier sleep environment by reducing your exposure to allergens, irritants and toxins while providing a comfortable and cozy sleep surface.
Organic Wool
Organic wool is another excellent material used in the best organic mattresses. It is naturally flame-resistant, eliminating the need for chemical flame retardants. Wool is also incredibly effective at regulating temperature and wicking moisture, helping to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter and contributing to a dry and comfortable sleeping environment year reound. Furthermore, certified organic wool is harvested from sheep raised in humane conditions, ensuring animal welfare and environmental responsibility.
GOTS-approved latex
GOTS-approved latex is a superior choice for an organic mattress. Made from the sap of rubber trees, this natural latex is highly durable, resilient and supportive. It provides excellent pressure relief and conforms to your body’s contours without the need for synthetic additives. Its elasticity and responsiveness make it an ideal material for those seeking a balance of support and comfort in their mattress – no polyurethane foam necessary.
Glueless encased coils
Glueless encased coils are a standout feature in many top-tier organic mattresses. These mattress coils are individually wrapped in fabric, allowing them to move independently and provide targeted support to different areas of your body. This design minimizes motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by your partner’s movements during the night. Happsy’s proprietary glueless construction eliminates the need for harmful adhesives, reducing chemical exposure and off-gassing. Encased coils also promote airflow within the mattress, helping to maintain a cool sleeping temperature.
Happsy’s Organic Mattress is made from organic cotton fabric, organic wool batting, organic cotton filling, a two-inch layer of GOTS-approved latex and an eight-inches layer of encased coils – all of which come together perfectly for your best night’s sleep. Now that you understand all that goes into making the best organic mattress, you may find you have a deeper appreciation for your mattress, and if you choose Happsy, a deeper sleep, too.
Want to learn more about what goes into making the best organic mattresses? Head to the Organic Mattress 101 tab on our blog.
I love it!
Feels like I’m sleeping on a five-star hotel mattress … but better. So far no valleys or anything. Glad we invested!
Chelsea W. — Verified buyer
SHOP