Switching mattresses isn’t the first swap that people make when working towards a more toxin free life, but maybe it should be.
On average we spend 8 hours a day in bed. That’s one-third of our day. Even scarier - that’s one-third of our lives!
With traditional mattresses, that time is spent laying on and breathing in:
Chemical flame retardants - mattresses sold and made in the US must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) flame retardant standards. By the way, organic wool is naturally flame resistant.
Pesticides - The materials used in mattresses are grown with pesticides.
Volatile organic compounds - often found in the polyurethane in mattresses.
Tapping natural latex from a rubber tree.
So what should you look for when shopping for a healthier mattress?
Look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or for mattresses that contain latex with the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) seal.
Not quite as good GOTS or GOLS is the Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This standard sets limits for VOC emissions and prohibits the use of flame retardants and dyes but doesn’t require any organic materials to be used.
Watch out when you see claims that a mattress is “organic” or “natural” without a GOTS or GOLS seal. In many cases these mattresses may include some certified organic materials, but the rest of it is uses conventional materials.
When choosing a mattress with these standards and made by companies with an earth-friendly focus, you're not only getting a healthy product for your family, you can also rest easy knowing your mattress was made with an eco-conscious focus that benefits the planet.
Where can you find an organic mattress?
The mattress I’ve been looking at getting is from Holy Lamb Organics. Nope, I haven’t bought it quite yet, because a mattress is a big investment. And, let’s be honest, I’ve had a new mattress on my list for quite some time and I keep prioritizing other expenses.
No, I’m not getting paid to promote Holy Lamb or their products, but here’s why I will buy our new mattress from them:
They are local company that makes hand-made products right here in Washington.
They use natural latex which is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and resistant to water, dust mites, bacteria, fungus, mold, mildew, bedbugs and other allergens.
Holy Lamb products are sustainable, biodegradable, and use materials grown without pesticides
Holy Lamb was kind enough to give my readers a special discount. You can get 15% off Holy Lamb products, including mattresses (excludes custom and clearance), with the code healthysleep15 at the flagship store in Olympia or at olympiabedstore.com
Thanks Holy Lamb!
