Are you sleeping on toxic chemicals? You probably wouldn’t think so. But it turns out that many conventional mattresses are made with compounds that have been linked to cancer, like formaldehyde and fire retardants. A better, safer, more natural alternative can be found in an organic or natural latex mattress protected by organic cotton that also uses wool for fire safety. Perhaps the best manufacturer is PlushBeds, which is why I invited them to sponsor this post.
First, What is a Natural Latex Mattress Made From?
100% Natural latex begins as a milky liquid that’s derived from ‘tapping’ live rubber trees that grow in tropical climates around the world. Natural latex is collected the same way maple trees are tapped for their syrup. The trees are not harmed and they provide a sustainable resource for latex. After it’s collected, the liquid latex is washed carefully and whipped into a natural latex foam that eventually becomes the mattress.
NOTE: Many latex mattresses use synthetic latex made from petrochemical products (oil, petroleum byproducts). Before you buy, read the label to be sure what you’re getting is a natural, botanically-based product.
What Else is Involved?
Mattress Case – Ideally, your mattress case should be made from certified organic cotton and 100% wool. Wool provides both a natural fire barrier and additional padding. Plus, its natural insulation and wicking properties keep you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Frame – Look for a wood frame, ideally one sourced from a sustainably managed forest. Avoid plastic.
Washable Mattress Protector – Mattress protectors are essential because that’s how you keep your mattress clean. You can’t wash an entire mattress, but you can toss the mattress protector in the laundry. By the way, you can easily spot clean your mattress with a few drops of natural liquid detergent mixed with water.
Look for Certifications Before You Buy
You know that here at Big Green Purse, we like to shine the spotlight on companies whose green claims have been backed up independently by third-party certification. That way, we can all get what we’re paying for, and the companies don’t get away with greenwashing (i.e., saying they’re green, but barely scratching the surface, if at all).
PlushBeds has secured several important certifications that I’d like to see every mattress manufacturer qualify for. They include:
GreenGuard Gold Certification – Through rigorous testing, UL Environment certifies that these mattresses meet some of the world’s most rigorous, third-party chemical emissions standards, with strict low emission limits for over 360 volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. By being certified at the Gold level, PlushBeds mattresses are beneficial for sensitive individuals such as children and the elderly. The mattresses get reviewed quarterly to maintain this seal of approval.
Global Organic Latex Standard and the Global Organic Textile Standard – These independent standards back up the company’s organic claims.
FSC – FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. Companies that display the FSC logo have been verified for using wood, paper, and forest products that have been sourced from sustainably-managed forests.
What Does An Organic or Natural Latex Mattress Cost?
I put this question directly to PlushBeds, because, with everything they had to offer, I thought it could be too expensive. Here’s what they had to say. “While buying organic materials does cost more than synthetic materials, the cost is mitigated by the fact that customers are buying direct from the manufacturer when they buy from PlushBeds. In most cases, when consumers walk into a local mattress store & see a mattress for $2,000, it’s typically a $1,000 mattress with a $1,000 markup. The mattress store is not being deceptive in anyway, it’s just the added cost in the retail distribution process; it covers their commissions, overhead, etc. By buying directly from the manufacturer, customers can buy higher quality materials without experiencing a substantial increase in cost. We’d like to think of it as customers getting more mattress for their money.”
Non-Toxic Mattress Checklist
Before you buy any mattress, make sure it does NOT contain the following:
Bonus: Not every company goes the extra mile when it comes to being green. In the case of PlushBeds, they offer a $1,000 scholarship to a student seeking an “eco degree” in a variety of relevant majors, including environmental planningand management, biorenewable systems, biodiversity, and environmental studies.
The company also runs its website “carbon neutral” by making annual green donations equal in scope to their approximate carbon footprint.
At some point in time, all of us need to get a new mattress. When the time is ripe for you, consider a natural latex mattress. You’ll sleep more soundly – and more safely, too.
PlushBeds is currently offering the following discounts to the Big Green Purse community.
$1,200 off all latex mattresses
Each purchase of a latex mattress also includes:
2 free organic latex pillows
Free Egyptian sheet set
Free mattress protector
(a $376 value for the 3 free gifts)
$600 off all memory foam mattresses
Each purchase of a memory foam mattress also includes:
2 free organic latex pillows
Free Egyptian sheet set
Free mattress protector
(a $376 value for the 3 free gifts)
Every adjustable bed purchase includes a free 10 year extended warranty (valued at $349), as well as free white glove delivery (a $299 value). Sold tax free with free shipping, 100 night comfort exchange; 100 night money back guarantee.
