Buyer’s Guide: Four Ways to Determine If Organic Mattresses Are Authentic

Simply slapping a sticker on a bed that says “organic” doesn’t mean it’s truly all organic. With the popularity of organic mattresses suppliers, manufacturers and authorized sellers alike advise consumers to be more cautious when shopping. Corporate greenwashing—a practice in which products are deceptively marketed as environmentally friendly—is more rampant nowadays as more people are looking to lead healthier lives.

Fortunately, it is not too hard to figure out if you know what to look for. Whether it’s for your own bed or for your child’s crib, here are four ways to determine if what you’re getting is indeed a real organic mattress.

Look Closely at the Materials Used

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn’t declare the finished product as organic. Rather, they rate the individual components used in production of a mattress based on stringent standards. To earn the right to be called organic, a mattress should have at least 95 percent organic materials. This is why its good practice to understand what really goes into a mattress. Look more closely at the list of materials included in the packaging.

Check the Product Certifications

An authentic organic mattress should also have the proper certifications from reputable organizations. These labels prove that materials used are renewable, sustainable and follow strict guidelines of cultivation and production. You can trust products bearing the acronyms or logos of these respected authorities: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), and USDA National Organic Program (NOP).

Keep an Eye Out for Specific Labels

Some certifications are more specific than the ones mentioned above. For instance, the Greenguard label means that the mattress passed testing for emission limits of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds. Other certifications can indicate that the product is free of chemicals like PBDE and other harmful flame retardants. Look up these labels if you want to address certain concerns.

Buy Only from Reputable Sellers

Unfortunately, organic mattresses aren’t considered a staple at the big box stores. You’ll have better luck at finding a high quality product at boutique style stores and specialty mattress shops, such as the Healthy Bed Store. Doing some research before you head out will certainly save you some time.

Shopping for truly organic mattress in Sacramento doesn’t have to be complicated. When in doubt, talk to knowledgeable staff at the mattress store. They should be willing to assist you with your purchase.

Sources:

How To Tell If Your Organic Crib Mattress Is Truly All Organic, Naturepedic.com

How To Buy An Organic Mattress, SleepingLikeALog.com