Latex is having a moment. It’s breathable, bouncy, naturally supportive and skips all those toxic chemicals in memory foam (looking at you, chemical flame retardants) – what’s not to love? 

Well, here’s the catch: not all latex is created equal. Some versions are more “natural” in name than in practice, while others are quietly blended with synthetic ingredients. And it can be tough to tell what’s what – at least, it would be tough without GOLS.

What’s GOLS, you ask? GOLS stands for Global Organic Latex Standard, and it’s the real deal when it comes to clean, certified comfort. In this post, we’re breaking down what GOLS latex is, how it compares to other types of latex and why it’s the only kind we trust in Happsy mattresses, toppers and pillows.

Let’s start with the basics. Like we said, GOLS stands for Global Organic Latex Standard – an internationally recognized certification that ensures “organic” latex is truly organic, safe and responsibly produced per a strict set of standards.

To earn GOLS certification, latex must meet this criteria at every stage of the process:

• It starts at the source. The latex must come from rubber trees grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, following organic farming practices.
• It stays clean. The latex must be processed without harmful chemical additives like formaldehyde or flame retardants.
• It’s third-party tested. Certified facilities are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental standards.
• It’s traceable. Every step – from sap collection to foam production – is monitored to ensure integrity and transparency.

In short, GOLS latex is the real deal. Certifiably so.

Here’s where things can get squishy – literally and figuratively. You’ll see lots of mattresses advertising “natural latex” or even “organic latex,” but without certification, those claims don’t mean much.

Many so-called “natural” latex foams are actually blends, combining a small amount of natural latex with synthetic rubber made from petrochemicals. And “organic”? That label only holds weight if it’s backed by a certification like GOLS.

No certification = no oversight. That means companies can throw around feel-good language without proving how their latex was grown, processed or handled. GOLS, on the other hand, has strict standards that must be met (and retested!) to stay certified.

So if you’re wondering whether GOLS latex is better than uncertified latex? The short answer: yes. The long answer: yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes yes. 

When it comes to sleep, what’s inside your mattress matters just as much as how it feels. GOLS-certified latex helps keep your sleep space as healthy as it is comfortable.

Because it’s made without synthetic rubber or harsh chemical additives, GOLS latex is naturally low in harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – the airborne chemicals that can pollute your indoor air and irritate sensitive systems. That means less off-gassing, fewer allergens and a cleaner breathing environment in your bedroom. You know, the place where your face is pressed up against your mattress for a third of your life.

Natural latex is also naturally resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew, making it a great option for anyone with allergies or respiratory concerns. (Not latex allergies though – in case that needed to be said.)

In short: GOLS latex helps create a healthier sleep environment, so you can rest easier – literally.

GOLS-certified latex doesn’t just feel good – it does good. By requiring organic farming practices and responsible production methods, GOLS helps protect the planet every step of the way.

That starts with the rubber trees themselves, which are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This keeps harmful chemicals out of the soil, water and local ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and long-term soil health.

Then there’s the processing. GOLS-certified latex must be manufactured in facilities that meet strict environmental standards, with limits on emissions, wastewater and waste. That means less pollution and more accountability.

Even the supply chain is cleaner: GOLS tracks latex from farm to factory to finished product, so you can feel confident that you really know what you’re sleeping on.

A mattress that supports your body and the planet? That’s a win-win.

At Happsy, we don’t believe in cutting corners, especially when it comes to what goes into your mattress. That’s why we use GOLS-certified organic latex in every Happsy mattress, pillow and topper.

We love it for its contouring comfort and breathable bounce, but even more for what it doesn’t include: synthetic blends, questionable additives or greenwashing claims. With GOLS-certified latex, we know exactly where it comes from, how it’s made and that it meets the highest standards for health, sustainability and performance.

It’s all part of our commitment to safer sleep, made with materials you can trust and certifications that actually mean something. Because when you sleep on a Happsy, you’re never just getting organic. You’re getting certified organic.

When it comes to latex, labels can be confusing, but certifications cut through the noise. GOLS-certified latex is a better option. A verified better option, with organic farming, safe processing and full transparency baked in.

From healthier sleep to a healthier planet, choosing GOLS-certified latex is a simple way to make a smarter, more sustainable choice. And with Happsy, you don’t have to compromise on comfort to get it.