What makes an
eco-friendly mattress
and why is going green
good for you?
We spend one-third of our lives sleeping on our mattresses. We obviously want (and deserve) a high level of comfort and support. But doesn't the earth deserve our support too? The search for a bed that’s not bad for the planet may not be your first thought when going green. But it’s more important than you may know. Read on to see how you can ensure your mattress is eco-friendly and what it can do for you (and Mother Nature).
Materials
The first stop on your quest for a mattress that will lower your carbon footprint is materials. You want to look for latex, which is the most natural option on the market. Derived from the sap of the rubber tree, no trees are forested or harmed in the process of cultivating latex. The nature-based content is also biodegradable.
Comfort wise, latex offers a unique buoyant quality that delivers superior pressure point relief. One of the most popular sustainable sleep solutions is the EcoSleep — combining 100 percent natural latex, organic cotton, organic wool, and individually encased coils for deeper compression support.
If you want a truly eco-friendly sleep experience, you should also look beyond the core layers of foam. Consider the cover, the closest material to your skin. Wool and cotton are great options for beautiful, breathable comfort that’s also hypoallergenic. In this regard, the EcoSleep is also superior, featuring a quilted top of 100 percent organic cotton followed by 100 percent organic EcoPlush Wool underneath.
In recent years, the state of California has strictly enforced Proposition 65, which requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Manufacturing
The next step in ensuring your eco-conscious sleep is to thoroughly investigate the manufacturer of your sleep products. Environmentally friendly manufacturing protects the planet from exploitation and conserves natural resources. A manufacturer should ultimately be striving for zero waste, adopting the three R’s of reduction, reuse and recycling in their facilities.
In addition, look for a company that manages production start to finish—the ultimate way to reduce waste is to keep the integration vertical. Brooklyn Bedding is still one of the only online mattress retailers to masterfully design, construct, and ship mattresses from its very own state-of-the-art factory in Phoenix, Arizona.
Why is it good for you?
So now that we’ve established why an eco-friendly mattress is good for the earth, let’s talk about what’s in it for you?
Latex is naturally anti-microbial and hypoallergenic. This is particularly important if you suffer from skin sensitivities or seasonal allergies. Latex is mold resistant, mildew resistant, and allergy-resistant, even for those with latex allergies!
The benefits of sleeping on wool are abundant as well. Studies show those that do sleep on wool have a lower heart rate, and more sound sleep in terms of REM duration. Like latex, wool is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, proving great for those with allergies. Wool is also extremely safe and free of harmful chemicals.
Cotton shares the same benefits as wool while boasting superior breathability—this makes it great at regulating temperature.
All of these materials and benefits, combined, can help you achieve ultimate peace of mind.
Certifications
Now that you have the 411 on materials, manufacturing and benefits, how can you determine if eco-friendly claims are legit? Start by looking for standard certifications. Because so many types of labels exist, we’ve made it easy for you to get educated on the best certifications for mattresses and other sleep products.
By doing all of your eco-conscious homework you’ll be sure to contribute to a healthier, happier, earth—and achieve a healthier, happier sleep!
