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What Are The Best Organic Latex Mattress Brands?
Now that my daughter will be turning 3 soon, we have decided to buy her a bigger bed. She is a toddler so she can still use her current crib mattress with a toddler bed frame. However, I wanted a bigger bed that provides more space for her to sleep on. My husband and I are also thinking about replacing our mattresses in the near future so I decided to research more on organic mattresses. Since I have already done research on how mattresses can be toxic, I have already known that most mattresses contain polyurethane foam which is very harmful to our health. I have also found that organic latex is one of the most non toxic mattress materials available so I wanted to find more about it. In this post, I share with you what to look for when buying an organic latex mattress and what organic latex mattresses are available.
How Mattresses Can Be Toxic
Mattresses can contain harmful petrochemicals and flame retardants. Most foam mattresses contain polyurethane foam. I have written how harmful polyurethane foam is in my several posts so I wont write it again in this post. If you are interested, how mattresses can be toxic, please read my other post, ‘Non Toxic Mattress Guide – Chemical-Free, Organic Mattress‘. Toxic petrochemicals, flame retardant chemicals, and solvent-based glue can all off gas harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can affect our health negatively.
Why Choose Natural Latex
Natural latex is one of the most non toxic core options available for a mattress. Natural latex is made with hevea milk from the rubber tree called Hevea brasiliensis. All natural latex goes through vulcanization, foaming and curing process to turn the liquid rubber into a solid form. About 90-95% of rubber is mixed with 5-10% natural materials such as sulphur, zinc oxide and fatty acids for vulcanization, foaming and curing process. After being baked and washed, the finished latex core contains about 96-98% natural latex. 2-4% is remaining residuals of materials from vulcanization. All ingredients are natural. Since no synthetic ingredients are added, it doesn’t off gas harmful chemicals.
Natural latex is also hypoallergenic, mold and mite-resistant and naturally antimicrobial. It is also 100% biodegradable. In addition, natural latex is naturally fire resistant which means there is no need to add harmful flame retardant chemicals. If natural latex is certified organic, no synthetic and artificial fertilizers are used for the plants. Latex material is also very durable. A latex mattress will last longer than mattresses made with other types of materials. It is also comfortable and relieves pressure points for your body during sleeping. It also does not transfer motions from side to side (motion isolation) which means you won’t wake up the other person when you get in and out of bed.
What To Look For When Buying An Organic Latex Mattress
Natural Latex VS Synthetic Latex VS Blended Latex
Latex in the mattress can be made with natural latex, synthetic latex or combination of both. While natural latex comes from the rubber tree called Hevea brasiliensis synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals. Synthetic latex is commonly made of SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) which is derived from styrene and butadiene. Styrene is a derivative of benzene and is a known carcinogen. 1,3 butadiene is also a known carcinogen. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified 1,3 butadiene as carcinogenic in humans by inhalation. Petrochemicals produce toxic emissions of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air we breathe in. Since synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals, synthetic latex mattresses often do not meet the chemical emissions standards set by Greenguard or Oeko-Tex. Therefore, synthetic latex or a blend of synthetic and natural latex should be avoided since synthetic latex can be just as harmful as other chemical emitting foam mattresses. When you buy a latex mattresses, find out if the mattress is made with natural latex, synthetic latex or a blend of both. A manufacturer may say their mattress is made of latex but it may be made of a blend of synthetic latex and natural latex. Most often synthetic portion of latex is much larger than natural portion (70% synthetic and 30% natural for example). It is much cheaper for a manufacturer to produce a blended latex mattress than an all natural latex mattress. Also, blended latex is less durable than natural latex so it will not last as long as natural latex. A blended mattress may be called as a ‘100% latex mattress’, ‘made with 100% latex, ‘contains natural latex’, ‘natural latex’ which are all different from an all natural latex mattress. A latex material should be all natural. All natural latex does not off gas harmful chemicals into the air.
Dunlop VS Talalay
When you look for a latex mattress, you will find two types of latex core: dunlop or talalay. Once latex is collected from the sap of a rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis), latex is processed to make latex foam for a mattress. This process can be done in two ways: dunlop or talalay. Typically, dunlop latex is heavier and denser than talalay latex so it is generally firmer. Talalay, on the other hand, has luxurious feel and is softer. Talalay goes through extra two steps of vacuum sealing and flash freezing of latex. These two extra steps make talalay latex have more uniform consistency and feel more bouncy and softer. The extra steps also make talalay latex cost more than dunlop latex. Dunlop, on the other hand, is more environmentally friendly and has less environmental impact since it has less processing steps.
Dunlop latex can be produced 100% naturally and most dunlop mattresses on the market are natural. However, talalay latex can not be produced 100% naturally and it often requires some synthetic ingredients to be made. The percentage of synthetic ingredients used is often more than the amount allowed by Global Organic Latex Standard Certification (GOLS). That means talalay latex can contain harmful chemicals. Talalay latex in the market is often synthetic or a blend of synthetic and natural latex. The more synthetic latex is mixed in, the cheaper the mattress would be. If talalay latex is used for a mattress, be sure it is natural and certified. Some natural talalay latex is Cradle to Cradle Gold certified. Cradle To Cradle Gold tests for VOC (off-gassing) and exposure to mutagens, carcinogens, and reproductive toxins of a product. GOLS organic certified latex is most likely to be dunlop latex.
Organic VS Natural Latex
Organic latex and natural latex is both all natural so then why should one choose organic latex over natural latex? The most credible organic certification for latex is a certification by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). First, to be certified by GOLS, natural rubber should be from certified organic plantations (USDA NOP or EU). NOP regulations cover all aspects of food production, processing, delivery and retail sale. A USDA Organic seal ensures raw, fresh, and processed products contain at least 95% organic ingredients. Therefore, GOLS certified latex mattress contains more than 95% of certified organic raw material. When a mattress company says their mattress is made of 100% natural latex, it does not have this assurance since it is not certified. With GOLS certified latex, you will be sure that organic latex is not a blend of natural latex and synthetic latex. GOLS regulation also prohibits any use of chemicals in the plantation including the soil. All trees must be grown in soil where no chemical fertilisers were used for at least four years. Trees must be grown in farms that are free of pesticides. No harmful chemicals can be used in the production process so that they can contaminate the mattress. Therefore, you can ensure organic latex doesn’t contain any pesticides, herbicides or harmful chemicals. In addition, GOLS certified products must follow GOLS mandatory social and environmental regulations so that products are sourced and produced using methods that are sustainable and responsible.
Organic Natural Latex Mattress With Inner Springs
You will come across some natural latex mattresses (including organic latex mattresses) that contain natural latex and inner springs together as a part of a mattress. You will find mattresses combined with inner springs are usually cheaper than all natural latex mattresses. Steel coils are non toxic, however, some researchers say coils in a mattress can be harmful by acting as a radiation antenna. Coils supposedly attract and amplify harmful frequencies from FM radio and T.V. Researchers say the electromagnetic field of a spring mattress together with a box spring could be causing an increased risk of cancer. On the other hand, there are many people who are skeptical and reject the idea that coils in mattresses are harmful. It seems that more research is needed about this. Therefore, it is up to you to decide if you feel comfortable with coil mattresses.
Non Toxic, Organic Mattress Certifications
You can avoid harmful materials and chemicals in the mattresses by choosing a mattress with organic, non toxic materials. One way to be sure of this is to find a mattress with reputable certifications for its organic materials and no harmful chemical emissions. Highly regarded and valued certifications are Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), and Oeko-Tex Standard 100. These certifications test materials used in the products as well as finished products for harmful chemicals. With these certifications, you can verify that the materials and mattress do not contain harmful chemicals such as flame retardant chemicals, pesticides, etc. Let’s take a look at these certifications.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS certification covers processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading and distribution of all textiles. According to GOTS, their certification is to ensure the organic status of textiles from harvesting of the raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing all the way to labelling in order to provide credible assurance to the consumer. Organic fibre production is not directly covered by the GOTS certification since GOTS does not set standards for organic fibre cultivation itself. Agencies such as USDA Organic certifies cultivation organic fibers. GOTS accepts raw materials that are certified by these recognized standards. Organic fiber A textile product carrying the GOTS label grade ‘organic’ must contain a minimum of 95% certified organic fibres and a product with the label grade ‘made with organic’ must contain a minimum of 70% certified organic fibres. No toxic heavy metals, formaldehyde, aromatic solvents, functional nano particles, genetically modified organisms (GMO) and their enzymes, azo dyes, chlorine bleaching, discharge printing methods using aromatic solvents and plastisol printing methods using phthalates and PVC, PVC containing packaging materials are allowed in GOTS certified materials and products.
USDA Organic
USDA Organic certified products contain 95% or more certified organic ingredients and contents. They are free of chemical fertilizers, dyes, pesticides, solvents, GMO or irradiation. The rest 5% should be ingredients or additives that are approved by USDA Organic. USDA Organic agriculture regulation includes avoiding use of synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering, and maintaining or enhancing soil and water quality; conserving wetlands, woodlands, and wildlife.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certifies organic latex and finished latex foam globally. To achieve GOLS certification, a product must contain more than 95% of certified organic raw material. Also, rubber plantations, processing units and the final retailer are certified according to the standard. GOLS set limits for harmful substances & chemical emissions, and requires testing of the final product.
Oeko-TEX Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex
Oeko-TEX Standard 100 tests for more than 100 harmful chemicals on raw, semi-finished, and finished textile products at all processing levels, as well as accessory materials used.
Non Toxic, Organic Latex Mattress
Here are some non toxic, organic all natural latex mattresses. Non Toxic mattresses will usually have GOTS certified organic cotton in the outer casing. They use GOTS certified organic wool as a fire retardant barrier. Some mattress manufacturers offer Vegan mattresses without wool and any flame retardant chemicals. Non Toxic, organic latex mattress will contain all natural latex from pure rubber tree sap without any synthetic latex or chemicals. Organic latex is certified by GOLS. These mattresses are all made in USA. Let’s take a look!
All Natural Organic Latex Mattresses
Savvy Rest – Organic Latex Mattress
Mattress Name: Serenity, Tranquility, Unity Pillowtop
Tranquility is made of 6″ of natural latex which is ideal for children and small adults
Tranquility Materials
Fabric Case: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses GOTS-certified organic wool batting as a natural flame barrier.
Core: They carry both dunlop and/or talalay natural latex core. You can choose layer 1 and 2 for dunlop, talalay or combination of both. Natural dunlop’s processing is GOLS certified. Natural talalay latex is Cradle To Cradle Gold certified. Cradle To Cradle Gold measures a health impact, level of material re-use, water stewardship, and social fairness of the material.
Other Materials: GOTS-certified organic wool batting
Certification: USDA certified dunlop plantations, Talalay latex Cradle To Cradle Gold certified, dunlop latex manufactured in a GOTS-certified facility, GOTS certified organic cotton and wool
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
PlushBeds – Organic Latex Mattress
Mattress Name: Botanical Bliss, Natural Bliss (Wool-free)
The Euro Materials
Fabric Case: GOTS certified organic cotton cover
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses GOTS-certified organic wool as a natural flame barrier.
Core: 100% Organic GOLS certified Dunlop latex
Other Materials: GOTS-certified organic wool
Certification: Their organic wool and cotton is GOTS certified. Latex is GOLS certified. Also, latex, wool and cotton are also USDA organic certified. Their mattresses are also Oeko-TEX certified, Greenguard Gold certified, FSC certified, eco-INSTITUT certified and Control Union certified.
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
Soaring Heart – Organic Latex Mattress
Mattress Name: Organic Latex Mattress (The Linden Collection)
Materials
Fabric Case: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
Core: a single 6″ deep piece of 100% GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex
Other Materials: wrapped in organic cotton canvas and organic felted wool
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses GOTS-certified organic wool as a natural flame barrier.
Certification: GOTS certified organic cotton and wool, GOLS certified latex, USDA organic certified, Seattle Made Certified
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
Lifekind – Organic Latex Mattress
Mattress Name: The Euro, The Euro Soft Top, The Lassen Plush, The Duet, The Trio
The Euro Materials
Fabric Case: double-stitched quilted cover of GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses GOTS-certified organic wool as a natural flame barrier.
Core: 6″ of certified organic natural rubber latex
Other Materials: GOTS-certified organic wool and cottons
Certification: Their organic wool and cotton is GOTS certified. Finished mattress certified to GOLS. Their mattresses are also GreenGuard Gold certified.
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
All Natural Latex And Coil Inner Spring Mattresses
Naturepedic – Organic Latex Mattress With Inner Springs
Mattress Name: Serenade, EOS (3″ latex), Halcyon, Vegan EOS Trilux (No wool)
Materials
Fabric Case: USDA certified organic cotton
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses organic wool batting as a natural flame barrier.
Core: Built with supportive encased coils and a layer of 2″ organic latex. Finished latex foam is certified to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). There are also 8″ of coils in the core. The larger coils are also individually wrapped in GOTS-approved fabric.
Other Materials: U.S. grown and certified organic cotton as filling
Plant-based, non-GMO, PLA comfort layer
Organic wool batting
Certification: Their individual materials certified organic. Also, finished mattresses are certified to the organic and non-toxic Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). All Naturepedic mattresses meet the organic and non-toxic standards of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and/or the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). All Naturepedic products are GREENGUARD® Gold certified for chemical emission. They are also verified non-GMO. In addition, they are also OCS100 Organic Content Standard, Formaldehyde Free Verified, Made Safe, Green America, FSC certified.
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
Avocado Mattress – Organic Mattress With Inner Springs
Mattress Name: Avocado Green Mattress, Vegan Mattress (No Wool)
Materials
Fabric Case: GOTS certified organic cotton
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses organic wool batting as a natural flame barrier.
Core: 3″ of 100% GOLS organic certified latex and 1441 pocketed support coils.
Other Materials: GOTS organic certified wool
Certification: They use GOTS certified organic cotton and wool. Their organic cotton and wool has received STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®: Class 1 certification. Latex is GOLS certified and eco-INSTITUT® certified. Their mattresses are Greenguard Gold certified and MADE SAFE® Non-Toxic Certified.
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
Avocado Mattress now also offer an organic latex mattress (without springs). It is 100% organic certified, non-toxic, and biodegradable. It is made of 9 inches of organic latex, plus organic cotton and organic wool. There is also a vegan version of organic latex mattress (no springs). It is vegan certified, PETA-approved.
My Green Mattress – Organic Mattress With Inner Springs
Mattress Name: Natural Escape
Materials
Fabric Case: GOTS certified organic cotton
Flame Retardant Use: No. It uses natural wool as a Oeko-TEX certified natural flame barrier.
Core: 3″ of GOLS organic certified dunlop latex and 8″ of pocketed coils.
Other Materials: Oeko-TEX certified Natural American Eco-Wool
Certification: Organic cotton is GOTS certified. 100% natural dunlop latex is GOLS and Oeko-TEX certified. Natural wool is also Oeko-Tex certified. Their mattresses are Greenguard Gold certified.
Size: in sizes from twin to California King
Made in: USA
Final Thoughts
All of these organic mattresses contain organic latex with reputable certifications on their materials. Although all of the organic latex mattresses with coils are great mattresses, I do prefer mattresses without any inner springs. I do love Soaring Heart and Savvy Rest, however, they can be pricy. PlushBeds seems to be a more affordable option among organic latex mattresses without coils I listed above. These mattresses carry size from twin to California king. Therefore, I could get a twin or double size mattress for my toddler which she can use it for a while. If you want a wool-free mattress, Natural Bliss mattress from PlushBeds, Vegan Mattress from Avocado and Vegan EOS Trilux mattress from Naturepedic use no wool without using chemical retardants. We spend a lot of time in bed. Therefore, your choice of a mattress is important. Avoid mattresses that pollute your bedroom with toxic chemicals. A good organic mattress will be a great option for your bedroom air quality and your health.
If you are interested, how mattresses can be toxic, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Mattress Guide – Chemical-Free, Organic Mattress‘.
If you are interested in non toxic, solid wood platform bed frames, please read my post ‘Solid Wood Bed Frame – What To Look For When Buying A Solid Wood Platform Bed‘.
If you are interested in non toxic cookware, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Cookware Guide – What Is The Healthiest And Safest Cookware?‘
For non toxic sofa companies that you can shop from, please read my post, ‘Non Toxic Sofa Guide – Which Sofa Brand Is Non Toxic?‘
Read my post ‘Non Toxic Dinnerware – Which Dinnerware Is Lead-Free?‘ to see how dinnerware can be toxic and what non toxic dinnerwear is available.
If you want to find out which bottled water brands are safe, please read my post ‘Safe Bottled Water Guide: Which Bottled Water Brands Are Safe?‘
Can you tell me your thoughts on this mattress (https://www.zenhaven.com/eco-purity). It is all talalay latex and I have been looking at it for a while. I don’t want to spend that much on a mattress to find it is not nontoxic, because that is a huge first point in buying a mattress at this price point. I love the idea of talalay for its softness and bounce, as they say, but not if it’s a toxin worry. Thanks for your time!
Hi Marianne,
Talalay latex can have synthetic latex or ingredients mixed in. Therefore, it is not GOLS certified. There are Cradle to Cradle talalay latex mattresses available and they are often more expensive than non certified ones. Their website says their mattresses are made with 100% pure talalay latex. However, I have inquired Zenhaven if their mattresses are made really with 100% natural talalay and if not, what percentage of their talalay latex is natural. I will update you once I hear from them.
Thanks Isabelle!
No problem! 🙂
Hi Marianne,
Zenhaven company said the following,
There is nothing synthetic about our Talalay latex; it is 100% natural. The rubber sap itself is mixed with Carbon Dioxide to form it into the latex rubber. This process is done at Talalay Global, in Shelton, CT; our latex providers.
When I asked if they use any other chemicals or additives in vulcanization, they answered,
Only Carbon Dioxide is used to vulcanize the rubber sap into the latex foam.
However, if you read the explanation of Talalay process in Wikipedia
In the marketing of products such as beds that include “natural” latex foams created with the Talalay process, these products are sometimes characterised as ‘organic’ or as completely natural however there are different methods of producing Talalay that alter how natural the formula finishes. One compound called Styrene Butadyne Rubber is a form of synthetic latex used by Talalay Global and is mixed with the latex from the hevea tree to form the final Talalay product. Vita Talalay in the Netherlands still produces a Talalay product that is free of Styrene Butadyne and uses the latex from the hevea tree and the entire base.
I have inquired if Talalay Global uses styrene butadyne rubber with their natural latex to make a final latex foam. I will get back to you once I hear from them.
Hi Marianne,
Talalay Global said the following.
Thank you for your inquiry. Talalay latex mattresses are 100% Talalay. Our beds are made with water-based adhesives and contain 6 chemicals (acrylate resins, diphenyl diisocyanate, Phenol-melamine resins, Phenol-urea, Polyvinyl acetate and waxes styrene- butadiene copolymer) and 3 natural materials (fats, hevea brasiliensis milk, and water). The mix will vary by formulation. Our formulations are proprietary and cannot be disclosed.
Therefore, although they use 100% talalay latex, some chemicals including styrene-butadiene copolymer (synthetic latex) are used in the process of making the latex foam. Since formulation is proprietary, we don’t know how much of each chemical is used. Hope this helps!
Thank you so much for your hard work!
Have you ever came accross Obasan mattresses??
Do you think the Organic Latex mattresses are better than reg. mattresses.. considering they really are only 95% natural with Added compounds, chemicals for the vulcanization process or latex??
Hi Sarah,
Yes, actually I bought Obasan mattress for my daughter. It is great and my daughter loves it.
Obasan mattress latex is GOLS Organic certified dunlop latex. Dunlop can be processed 100% naturally. I do feel organic latex mattresses are better because many conventional mattresses can emit volatile organic compounds from harmful chemicals.
Hi Isabelle, did you end up with Obasan for your daughter’s twin bed? What brand did you end up getting for your own? I wonder if toddlers need a firmer mattress?
Hi Suzie,
I did buy Obasan mattress for my daughter and I love it. My daughter likes it too. The mattress is super comfortable. My husband and I haven’t upgraded our mattress yet but we are planning to upgrade it soon. I think babies require a firm mattress but a toddler’s mattress can be softer compared to a baby’s. The Obasan mattress we got her is about medium-firm. My daughter likes it. I tried sleeping on my daughter’s mattress and it felt very comfortable. Hope this helps!
I also have two of there mattresses but curious as to why the whole bed is not certified organic?
Hi Sarah,
Which company mattresses are you referring to?