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Natural Mattress

Benefits of an Organic Mattress

Recent Customer Testimonial - "My husband and I were looking for a mattress made completely of natural, non-toxic materials that would inhibit as much motion transfer as possible. On a bit of a leap of faith, we purchased a king-sized extra-firm rubber mattress and a split slat foundation for it. We loved it immediately. A year later, we still love it. The only downside seems to be that hotel stays are no longer as comfortable as they used to be, by comparison!" MORE

Filled with polyurethane-foam-stuffed padding, a [conventional] mattress off-gas air-polluting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Fire-retardant chemicals (PBDEs) are also applied, the entire class of which Environment Canada considers toxic. Finally, box spring frames made of plywood or particleboard often contain off-gassing formaldehyde - Adria Vasil, Author of "Ecoholic"

Benefits of an Organic Mattress

Healthy -No synthetic materials are used, so no off-gassing of chemicals. This provides cleaner air to breathe while you sleep.

Hygienic - Anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic and dust-mite resistant (better for people with asthma, allergies or sensitivities).

Safe - Wool acts as a natural fire retardant (also no off-gassing of fire retardant chemicals as common with conventional mattresses).

Durable - Not exposed to weakening chemicals, an Organic mattress will last many years, with proper care.

Environmentally Friendly - Rubber is a renewable resource (Rubber Mattresses). Organic Wool is made without hormones or pesticides. Organic Cotton uses no synthetic fertilizers or harmful pesticides.

Comfortable - A high-quality natural mattress promotes a potentially sounder sleep. In one study, it was found that people tossed and turned less when sleeping on natural wool.

Did you know? Wool regulates body temperature – keeps you warm when it is cold and cool when it is warm. Wool absorbs moisture – it is able to absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture. And there are pockets in the wool that trap heat and let the air circulate near your body. In this way, your body temperature is regulated.

Watch our Organic Mattress Video Demo

Virtual Organic Mattress Video demonstration

If Ontario based, we suggest one of these organic mattress resellers with retail locations to physically test their mattresses prior to purchase.

Since we are 100% online, here is a virtual mattress demonstration:

BTW if you're uncertain about why you should consider an organic mattress, please start with this article.
 
The first video gives an Overview of the Organic Lifestyle exclusive mattresses - these are certified organic and made in Canada. Available from crib to king size.
We asked 2 friends, Tash and Megan, to give us their perspective. These are their own candid opinions and we hope you get a sense and comfort level of the quality of these products to allow you to make an informed decision.
 
Megan's take on Natural Rubber Mattress
Megan's take on the Innerspring Mattress
Recommendation: Since the innerspring mattress is too firm for Megan, we recommend she sticks with the rubber mattress.
 
 Tash's take on the Mattress and Topper combination
Recommendation: Since the innerspring is generally more firm than the medium rubber mattress, we'd recommend mattress and topper combination to provide the "cloud-like" feel.
This next video talks about the other mattress we carry - Naturepedic - these mattress provide waterproof option using a food grade plastic (so less VOCs compared to conventional plastic) and made in USA.
We've complied a chart comparing the 3 different types of mattresses we carry. This will allow you to make your decision based on allergies, pricing, waterproofing concerns.
Discussion on Pricing consideration
 Keep in mind, all mattresses are made to order, so there is an approx 3-4 week turnaround. Our price includes residential shipping.
Summary
If you'd describe yourself as someone who'd like "Semi-firm" mattress - you probably like the medium firm rubber mattress, similar to Megan.
If you like "firm-extra" or "supportive", you have 2 options - innerspring or the extra-firm rubber mattress (extra firm was not demo'd in videos but firmness is very similar to innerspring according to our average customer)
If you like "sleeping on a cloud" - we'd suggest either rubber or innerspring mattress but with a wool topper or pillowtop, like Tash.

Organic Lifestyle Exclusive Mattress & Pillow Certifications

Raw Material [Click link to see certificate] Independent certifying body Why is this better?
Premium Eco wool   At this time very little Organic wool is available on the market; almost no organic wool is grown in the United States for instance

Our Premium Eco Wool is a blend of seven different types of wool varying from fine to coarse in order to create the most ideal wool fiber for use in bedding.

Eco Wool is produced to the highest standards on local North American farms; some of these standards are beyond those specified for organic materials.

The wool we use in the quilting process is shorn from sheep that have grazed only in pastures free from pesticides and herbicides. The wool is washed without detergents, chemicals, chlorine or bleach – just hot water and soap. The wool fibre produced retains 1 – 2% lanolin oil; a completely natural dust-mite repellent.

The benefits: Absorbent, resilient in form and shape, dust mite resistant.  Thermo-regulating properties mean you are cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It is a natural renewable resource that’s fire retardant and most importantly, comfortable.
Organic rubber tested by Eco-Institut for Purity and certified by GOLS
We use the Dunlop system to produce the purest latex-foam for our mattresses. This process involves only air, natural soap and vulcanization agents, which are used to ensure the foam keeps its form.

Natural rubber has other attributes important in mattress manufacture; the Hevea sap contains an antibacterial substance, which is a natural dust-mite repellent, and, at the end of the mattress life cycle, the rubber breaks down because it is a natural biodegradable substance.

Organic rubber tested for purity with Eco-Institute and we guarantee that the organic rubber sap is from certified organic farms (certified by Global Organic Latex Standard / Control Union)
Organic cotton certifications
Cotton grown in industrialized countries is saturated with pesticides and herbicides and absorbs all the chemicals that modern fertilizers deposit in the soil. Machine picked, it is full of impurities, oil, leaves and dirt.

The cotton we use is cultivated and hand picked in the traditional co-operative manner that has been followed for centuries. It is grown organically without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or defoliants to fertilize the crop, control plant growth or fight pests. No synthetic chemicals are used to strip the leaves in preparation for the harvest or during the manufacturing process. Hand picking ensures that it is the cleanest, purest most resilient cotton fiber available.

All the cotton used in our batting, filling and fabrics is this clean, pure, organic product. It is woven to very high standards into the finest, softest fabrics.
Fairtrade certification   We carry select brands that are Fairtrade certified.

We list the Fairtrade information at the product level.

Here is an example (scroll towards bottom)
    These certifications have been provided to the manufacturer by the respective certifying body and detail the the types of tests performed. There are multiple levels of testing that can be performed but our takeaway is that its been independently tested by an internationally recognized certifying body. Even though some of these reports may not be up to date, rest assured the manufacturer continues to get updated certifications. With all the greenwashing in the market, they work diligently to uphold the high quality of their products and most importantly, their reputation.

Top Organic Mattress related Questions asked by our Customers

Discover answers to top organic mattress questions at Organic Lifestyle. Elevate your sleep with natural mattresses. Explore FAQs on pesticides, off-gassing, chemicals, and allergies. Choose wellness with our organic products.

 
 

 

1) Is natural rubber the same as latex?

 

Latex is the raw material, the white protective sap of the rubber tree.
The sap consists of a white dispersion of rubber, water, proteins, sugar, ash, dirt and other impurities.
 
Natural Rubber (NR) is a component of the latex sap.
Rubber is the product which remains after the latex dried out.
 
However, most of us use the words "latex" and "rubber" interchangeably thus the confusion.
 
2) My daughter has severe eczema and we are never sure the cause and I am worried about potential allergic reaction to latex/ wool in mattresses. What are your thoughts on this? At the same time, I want to get her a natural mattress.

 

If you are concerned with wool / latex related allergies, one option is to consider Naturepedic's 2 for 1 Ultra mattresses - made with innerspring coils and with organic cotton, they are Greenguard certified but contain food grade polyethylene to provide waterproof layer - if you want a completely organic option, try our Organic Lifestyle Exclusive mattresses - they do contain organic wool (as it acts as a natural fire retardant) - however, we could provide test natural rubber with organic cotton samples that your daughter could place under her arm and sleep with overnight to gauge her sensitivity to the mattress itself.
 
There are pros and cons with the 3 types of mattresses we carry.
Here is a link to a comparison chart that might be useful to see the differences and allowing you to make a decision based on what is important to you.
 
3) If we buy the foundation with the mattress, does it need to be elevated above the ground or is the foundation on the ground ok? What about if I have a PLATFORM bed??

 

It depends on the mattress. If it's the natural rubber mattress, then you will need to ensure that the rubber mattress is elevated from the ground and thus, can properly ventilate to reduce the mildew / air stagnation with the open rubber cells. We recommend a slat foundation (each slat about 2" apart) on top of the bedframe or on the floor, so that the mattress could breath thro' the side of the foundation.  If you have a platform bed, you can drill holes the size of a loonie to ensure ventilation.  Standard is 7" slat foundation but 4" foundation is available upon request.
 
If it's innerspring mattress, ventilation of the foundation is not required. However, we recommend that you rotate the mattress per care instructions and monitor for any potential development of mildew.
 
Summary:
Path of least worry (zero/reduced potential exposure to latex/wool allergy) and not concerned about potential off-gassing of food-grade waterproof plastic - Recommend Naturepedic

If concerned over plastic in the bed - go with Organic Lifestyle's innerspring mattress.

If you have dust-mite allergy concerns - consider rubber mattress; you can always buy a shredded rubber pillow first if really concerned about potential reaction.

 
4) What's the difference between the twin and twin XL sizes? Does one size fit better with twin beds in general?

 

Twin XL is 5" longer than twin mattresses.
  • Twin XL is 39" x 80"
  • Twin is 39" x 75"

 Customers typically by one or the other depending on their existing bedframes eg., bunk beds, crib / toddler converter beds etc.

  
We sell bed linens for both Twin and Twin XL. However, Twin sizes are much more easily available.

 

What is a mattress topper and can I use it with my existing mattress?

 

A topper (aka pillowtop) is made out of the same material as our mattresses. [Details]. The main difference is that the topper is 2-4" thick versus the mattress is 6" thick.

 

Some reasons why Customers buy a topper:
1. To provide additional comfort to the mattress, making it feel even softer - eg., the wool topper and natural rubber mattress combination has been described by many as "sleeping on a cloud". BTW in this combination, you are sleeping on approx 8" of "cloud"
 
 
 
2. Adds height - helps to relieve pressure points and align the spine by allowing your shoulders and hips to sink in = ideal sleeping position

 

3. To essentially provide an organic barrier between themselves and their existing (typically non-organic) mattress - they can rest assured at night knowing that they are sleeping directly on an organic topper. This is also a cost effective option.

 

4. If you're already purchased a topper and ready to upgrade to a new organic mattress, you can always use your topper as a spare bed for the cottage, camping or on top of your new mattress (see #1).
 
 
PBDE's are likely not found in mattresses manufactured after 2005 - so why get an organic mattress?
Question you need to ask is - what they are replacing PBDEs with?
Usually, they are replacing PBDEs with another chemical based fire retardants that are part of the same chemical grouping where little/ no long term studies exist to say whether it's harmful or not. Keep in mind, it's much cheaper to use a chemical base fire retardant than it is use the natural fire retardant properties of wool or organic cotton (like we do)

Which fire standards (USA) apply to any mattress (organic, non-organic) used by consumers?
Residential mattresses are subject to two federal flammability standards administered by the CPSC. These standards are codified in the code of federal regulations at 16 C.F.R. Parts 1632 and 1633, and are commonly called Parts 1632 and 1633

How do US mattress manufacturers meet these standards?
 
The largest amount of fuel in most mattresses is the upholstery material inside a mattress which provides the consumer with comfort and support. The upholstery material is typically made of natural or synthetic fibers, latex foam and polyurethane foam, or various combinations of those different materials, all of which can burn. The upholstery materials also often contain steel innersprings, which are not combustible.

To meet these standards, manufacturers protect the combustible upholstery materials from being ignited.

In the case of Part 1632, manufacturers enclose the interior upholstery materials with materials that do not allow smoldering cigarettes to burn through the finished mattress surface to the interior materials. Most U.S. mattress manufacturers meet the standard by using an outer fabric made from various conventional fibers (for example, polyester, polyolefin, wool, silk) that will resist ignition from a smoldering cigarette.

To meet the more demanding requirements of Part 1633, the mattress industry urged CPSC to adopt performance criteria that would not require manufacturers to use fire-retardant foam. As a result, manufacturers meet the performance requirements using fabric or fiber barriers to protect the interior foam and other material from igniting. The barriers are designed to block either heat, oxygen or both from reaching the upholstery material that the barriers encase. 

These barriers may be in the form of woven or knit fabrics, or non-woven fiber pads. They may either be sewn into the mattress between the ticking cover and the interior upholstery material, or be part of the outer fabric cover. The barriers are made from a variety of natural and synthetic fibers that have been tested extensively and used safely for decades in a variety of fire protection and other applications. 
 
At Organic Lifestyle, we use natural wool or organic cotton based outer fabrics. 
 
What is Certi-PUR? eg., We are considering a new Tempur-pedic Rhapsody foam mattress which has this certificatiom which claims there are no PBDE's, no formaldehyde, low VOC emissions, no prohibited phthalates , etc. I have noticed that the Certi-PUR certification is provided by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam so there may be an inherent bias in their certification process.
 
I think you answered your own question :) But it comes down to synthetic vs organic mattress - why would you spend the same money or more on something synthetic when you can get something certified organic and have peace of mind knowing its as toxic free?

Go back to Organic Mattress section

Organic Mattress Comparison Chart

We have different certified organic mattress options based on our customer's needs but deciding which option can be difficult.

We hope this presents the important factors that you need to take into account to make an informed decision on what's important to you - potential allergy concerns, waterproofing vs exposure to plastic and/or price.

  Naturepedic's Waterproof 2in1 Ultra Kids / crib mattress Naturepedic's Quilted Innerspring Kids / Crib Mattress Organic Lifestyle's Crib Innerspring Mattress - essential, premium version Organic Lifestyle's Crib rubber latex mattress
POSITIONING Built-in options for bed wetters Good for bunk bed; No latex rubber or wool Our highest quality innerspring; Made in Canada Made in Canada, non-innerspring alternative, dustmite resistant (hypoallergenic)
         
Outer Surface Top Side:
Organic Cotton Fabric with Clear Food Grade Polyethylene Coating

Bottom Side:
Quilted Organic 
Cotton Fabric

2 sided version -

Organic Cotton Quilted Fabric all around.

1 sided version -

Top: Organic Cotton Quilted Fabric

Bottom: Just a flat surface, it's not meant to be slept on and the mattress cannot be flipped

 Quilted Organic 
Cotton Fabric		 Quilted Organic 
Cotton Fabric
Non-Toxic Fire Protection Use materials such as organic cotton fabric, organic cotton batting, plant-based non-GMO PLA batting, and steel innersprings in place of memory foam, other forms of polyurethane foam and synthetic fabrics that have much higher fuel loads. 

These materials tend to smolder instead of bursting into flames with very high heat release. This unique and innovative approach provides a simple and elegant solution that meets all US Federal and State flammability standards without the need for any fire retardant chemicals or flame retardant barriers. 

What’s In a Naturepedic Organic Mattress?
Use materials such as organic cotton fabric, organic cotton batting, plant-based non-GMO PLA batting, and steel innersprings in place of memory foam, other forms of polyurethane foam and synthetic fabrics that have much higher fuel loads.

These materials tend to smolder instead of bursting into flames with very high heat release. This unique and innovative approach provides a simple and elegant solution that meets all US Federal and State flammability standards without the need for any fire retardant chemicals or flame retardant barriers. 

What’s In a Naturepedic Organic Mattress?		 Organic Wool acts as a natural fire retardant Organic Wool acts as a natural fire retardant
Medium - Firm Support FIRM support via Innerspring coils FIRM support via Innerspring coils
 FIRM support via Innerspring coils MEDIUM support via Natural rubber core
Slat Foundation Available Yes Yes Yes Yes
Waterproof? Yes, waterproof Food-Grade Polyethylene on one side. No, Requires Add-Ons like mattress pads No, Requires Add-Ons like mattress pads No, Requires Add-Ons like mattress pads
Contains Plastic Yes, Food-Grade Polyethylene that provides waterproofing None None None
         
Dust Mite Safe? Yes, contains barrier cover on Top and Side. No No Yes, as Natural Rubber isn't a good food source for dust-mites.
Latex / Rubber Allergy Concerns No Rubber No Rubber No Rubber Indirect Rubber exposure
Wool Allergy Concerns No Wool No Wool Contains Wool Indirect Wool exposure
Vinyl / PVC Concerns None None None None
Polyurethane Foam Concerns No No No No
         
Toxic Chemicals exposure
(phthalates, biocides, PBDEs, pesticides etc.)		 None None None None
         
Certification GOTS
Greenguard		 GOTS
Greenguard		 GOTS GOTS
Country of Manufacture (affects shipping) USA USA Canada Canada
Warranty 20 year 20 year 10 year 10 year

Back to Organic Mattress Page

More Articles...

  1. Naturepedic - non-toxic medical grade waterproofing
  2. What’s In a Naturepedic Organic Mattress?
  3. Why Choose a Naturepedic Latex-free Mattress?
  4. Tufted Innerspring Mattress
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