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

Organic mattress brands make big promises. We're told that natural fibers are more breathable, more durable, and more sustainable than synthetic strands – which is supposed to justify the increase in price.

As the resident Sleep Editor at Homes & Gardens, I believe that the best mattress should be good for your body and for the environment. That's why I've assembled an expert panel of mattress manufacturers and sleep scientists to break down the bedding buzzwords and explain what 'organic' actually means. I've spent hours sorting through our buying guides to bring you the best organic mattresses, independently accredited by environmental organizations.

Still, some shoppers harbor doubts as to the actual eco-friendliness of so-called organic mattresses. They're wary of 'greenwashing', a practice which the National Resources Defence 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? How to spot greenwashing

Before we begin, it always helps to define our terms. I asked Mike Handelsman, CEO and Owner of the textiles company FoamOrder what it means for a mattress to be organic.

Mike explains that, 'In the mattress industry, the word "organic" refers to materials such as cotton and latex that are grown and processed without synthetic chemicals or pesticides.'

'An organic mattress is defined by its materials and production process,' Mike continues. 'You want to see certified organic cotton for covers, and natural latex that's harvested without synthetic chemicals. In an organic mattress, every component is chosen for its purity and sustainability, ensuring that no harmful chemicals or additives are used.'

'The term "organic" becomes reliable when it's backed up by certifications,' says Mike, citing USDA Organic and GOTS as examples. 'If you don't see these terms on the product listing, ask. If the answer contains nothing of substance, then it's fake – the so-called "organic" mattress is a hoax.'

I asked Simon Weigh, mattress tester and expert at Bed Factory Direct, to clear up the confusion. Simon says that 'some brands will use the term "organic" as a buzzword for additional sales, rather than using it for the right reasons. "Organic" isn't a protected term in the mattress industry like it is in the food industry, which allows many brands and companies to mislabel their mattresses.'

'If there are any synthetic materials used on the mattress at all, then technically it isn't 100% organic and should not be labeled as such,' Simon continues. 'More needs to be done in the industry to stop false labeling.'

Simon's advice for consumers: 'understanding what actually constitutes an organic mattress will help you make more informed choices on your purchase journey.'

To aid your search, I've combed through our back catalog of reviews to bring you the best organic mattress for every budget. These mattresses are accredited by independent environmental bodies, including OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, and EWG.

Given that 'organic' is not a protected term in the mattress industry, it's all too easy for a brand to position themselves as 'eco-friendly, 'natural', or 'green' without any specific organic certifications. This is a practice known as greenwashing.

To help you cut through the noise, 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.' Rather than relying on badges and graphics beneath a product listing, you can reverse-search for mattress brands via the organization's website.
• 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 $1,000 on an organic mattress. Much cheaper, and I start to wonder where they're cutting corners.

FAQs

Are organic mattresses worth it?

If you're keen to minimize your impact on the planet, an organic mattress is the only option. Natural materials, including cotton, wool, and latex, are far more durable, breathable and sustainable than synthetic substances, such as polyfoams.

As a general rule, organic mattresses are more expensive, but I think it's worth the enhanced comfort and peace of mind.

I'd recommend an organic mattress for hot sleepers as well as eco-conscious shoppers and anybody who wants to spend once and spend well on a mattress.

Where can I buy an organic mattress?

Not many of the best places to buy a mattress sell organic mattresses, so you'll have to do your research before you buy. For custom comfort, try PlushBeds, where you get to choose the height, thickness, and firmness of your organic latex mattress. If you're buying on a budget, I suggest Earthfoam: theirs is the only organic mattress I've seen listed for less than $1,200 for a Queen. Avocado makes a Vegan mattress for anyone who wants to avoid animal products, including wool.

In summary, the idea of an organic mattress is not a hoax: it is possible to buy a mattress filled with materials that are grown and processed naturally, without synthetic chemicals or pesticides. However, these mattresses can be hard to find, since "organic" is not a protected term in the mattress industry: any brand can use it.

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