You’ve heard of organic vegetables and organic milk, but what on earth is an organic mattress? Is it really healthier? 

Well, quite simply, yes. Organic vegetables are healthier because they do not have chemical pesticide residues. Organic milk is healthier because it comes from cows that are not given artificial chemical hormones. Likewise, organic crib mattresses do not have all the chemicals that regular crib mattresses have. 

But that’s just the beginning. Organic mattresses are made with organic and non-toxic materials instead of conventional and chemically questionable materials. Parents and physicians recommend organic crib mattresses as a way to avoid unnecessary exposure to these chemicals. 

What are the certification standards for an organic mattress? 

Organic mattresses, like all other certified products made with organic fiber and textiles, are certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The largest U.S. GOTS approved certifier is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO). 

In particular, the GOTS standard requires that all fiber and fabrics, with limited exceptions, must be made from certified materials that meet the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) standard and are processed in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). All other components (such as innersprings, fire protection, etc.) must meet stringent non-toxic standards. Naturepedic is an OTCO certified organic processor of fiber and textiles and is certified to manufacture organic mattresses and bedding.

Are mattresses labeled "eco" or "green" just as good? 

No. "Eco" and "green" are not regulated terms and can be misleading. For example, "plant derived" or "soybean" foam used in many "eco" mattress models are at least 80% petroleum/chemical based and are not really "made of soybeans." "Bamboo" fabric, also common in "eco" models, is 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" and are certainly not focused on eliminating harmful chemicals.

You’ve heard of organic vegetables and organic milk, but what on earth is an organic mattress? Is it really healthier? 

Well, quite simply, yes. Organic vegetables are healthier because they do not have chemical pesticide residues. Organic milk is healthier because it comes from cows that are not given artificial chemical hormones. Likewise, organic crib mattresses do not have all the chemicals that regular crib mattresses have. 

But that’s just the beginning. Organic mattresses are made with organic and non-toxic materials instead of conventional and chemically questionable materials. Parents and physicians recommend organic crib mattresses as a way to avoid unnecessary exposure to these chemicals. 

What are the certification standards for an organic mattress? 

Organic mattresses, like all other certified products made with organic fiber and textiles, are certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The largest U.S. GOTS approved certifier is Oregon Tilth Certified Organic (OTCO). 

In particular, the GOTS standard requires that all fiber and fabrics, with limited exceptions, must be made from certified materials that meet the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP) standard and are processed in accordance with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). All other components (such as innersprings, fire protection, etc.) must meet stringent non-toxic standards. Naturepedic is an OTCO certified organic processor of fiber and textiles and is certified to manufacture organic mattresses and bedding.

Are mattresses labeled "eco" or "green" just as good? 

No. "Eco" and "green" are not regulated terms and can be misleading. For example, "plant derived" or "soybean" foam used in many "eco" mattress models are at least 80% petroleum/chemical based and are not really "made of soybeans." "Bamboo" fabric, also common in "eco" models, is 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" and are certainly not focused on eliminating harmful chemicals.