When you think about the word “organic,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably food. Rightfully so! But while it is certainly important to watch what we put into our bodies, it is equally as important to be mindful of the materials we expose onto our bodies. This is why Kathy Kuo Home is an advocate for organic mattresses. People spend around one third of their lives in bed, so one simple and effective step we can all take to live a healthier life is to switch to an organic mattress.
Why An Organic Mattress? Is It Actually Healthier?
The short answer is: yes, organic mattresses are substantially healthier for you than a standard mattress. You buy organic groceries because you wouldn’t consume food coated in chemical pesticide residues, so why would you surround your body with unnecessary exposure to chemicals at night? Between synthetic latex, foam, and fire retardants, most mattresses you’ll find on the market (in-store and online) are rife with harmful chemicals and additives that have adverse effects on not only your sleep, but your overall health and wellbeing.
P.S. the words “eco-friendly” and “green” are not the same as organic. Watch out for these misleading buzzwords, especially with hip and trendy online mattress brands. Many of these mattresses still contain harmful chemicals. For example, “soy” or “plant-based” foam mattresses are actually made of at least 80% petroleum/chemical-based substances, and “bamboo” fabrics are typically made using environmentally toxic chemicals with no trace of the bamboo plant in the finished product. Many of these “eco” materials may sound good, but they are not really natural.
How Do I Know If A Mattress Is Truly Organic?
Organic mattresses are made using ethically sourced, natural materials (renewable whenever possible) and fair labor practices. In an organic mattress, you should expect to find the following:
- Certified organic cotton – Better for your health than unnatural foam, organic cotton is grown in the US with no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or GMOs
- Certified organic wool – In addition to its natural fire retardant properties, organic wool wicks away moisture and effectively regulates temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Organic latex – Sourced from eco-friendly farms committed to protecting our planet’s forests, organic latex is made by tapping sap from rubber trees and transforming it into luxurious foam.
- Steel innersprings – Providing sturdy, contoured support and reduced motion transfer, steel innersprings avoid any health or allergy concerns of other inorganic materials. These durable steel coils are also encased in organic cotton for more pressure point relieving comfort and movement isolation.
If you’re better with pictures than with words, simply just make sure you find these certifications before you spend money on a mattress:
What’s So Bad About Non-Organic Mattresses?
It’s easy to say words like “organic” are full of hype. You may be thinking, what’s in my mattress that’s actually so harmful? We don’t believe in the scare method. You should buy an organic mattress for the comfort and health benefits, but we do understand that some people want to learn more about what they’re avoiding. Here’s a list of materials that you definitely don’t want in a mattress:
- No polyurethane/memory foam filling – Organic cotton is a superior material and naturally non-flammable, so you also won’t find any of the harmful fire retardant chemicals used to treat synthetic foam mattresses.
- No soybean or bio-based foam
- No Vinyl/PVC
- No Per-fluorinated Chemicals (PFCs)
- No antibacterial biocides
- No synthetic latex rubber
- No harmful glues or adhesives
- No GMO cotton (or any other GMO fibers)
- No shoddy insulator pads
Are Organic Mattresses Comfortable?
The key thing to remember is that all of those materials are from nature! In addition to construction that enables maximum back support and spinal alignment, the natural materials used are actually in harmony with our bodies. Would you rather sleep on a pile of chemicals (literally) or be surrounded by the finest organic materials Mother Nature has to offer? Would your immune system rather be fighting foreign chemicals while you sleep or healing itself instead? The answer is obvious.
Organic Mattresses Are Most Important For Kids
Toxic chemicals in our environment have been linked to an increase in childhood disorders and ailments. As such, organic mattresses are especially important for kids’ beds and cribs. After all, our kids spend even more time in bed than we do, typically 10-14 hours on average for babies and toddlers between sleeping and playing. Organic mattresses, mattress toppers, and changing pads are not only free of harmful chemicals and potential allergens, they are also extremely durable, practical, and easy to clean. No wonder they’re already used in hospitals across the US! In addition to everything found in an adult-sized organic mattress, our kids’ mattresses feature the following:
- Food grade polyethylene waterproofing: Derived from non-GMO sugarcane, this material is so pure you can actually eat on it. Without any chemical additives, you can expect surfaces that are easy to clean, highly stain resistant, and which act as a barrier to dust mites and other allergens.
- Non-GMO, plant-based PLA: A safer alternative to petroleum derivatives, this natural material wicks away moisture and provides added comfort for your kids.
- No fire retardant chemicals (there’s no need for them because of the superior, naturally fire resistant materials!)
- No latex, coir, soy, or wool: Our kids’ organic mattresses are truly hypoallergenic!
- Lightweight design, so changing sheets is a cinch!
Feeling inspired? In addition to being a source for beautiful high quality furnishings and decor, Kathy Kuo Home has a team of professional interior designers that are ready to assist with all of your interior design needs. Our services provide multiple layout and design options that fit your style and budget for any room. You will work with a team of designers and project managers to help you love where you live.
Call (888) 908-3486 or email designs@kathykuohome.com today to get started!
