Why You Should Go Green With Your Mattress and the Top Certifications
To Look For
Most people know that it's important to limit exposure to chemicals, which explains the rise in organic food, clean cosmetics, and even non-toxic home cleaning products. While using these products can contribute to a healthier lifestyle, there are a myriad of options and green claims on the market. This is particularly true when searching for an optimal sleep surface. Most Americans do, after all, spend a third of their lives sleeping.
Luckily, deciphering what makes a mattress eco-friendly isn’t something you have to lose sleep over (pun intended). Below are some of the most significant eco certifications to identify when mattress shopping.
CertiPUR-US
An independent lab tests products made with foam to ensure they meet precise specifications for performance, emissions, and durability. They are also guaranteed to be made without dangerous materials such as flame retardants, ozone-depleting substances, and formaldehyde. All of our non-latex foams are CertiPUR-US certified.
OEKO-Tex Class I
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX is a globally recognized, independent testing certification that assures there's no use of harmful substances in raw textiles as well as all materials used during the manufacturing process. All of our Talalay latex foams are certified as OEKO-Tex Class I.
Rainforest Alliance
All products that are Rainforest Alliance Certified use materials from farms and forests that comply with strict requirements regarding social, environmental, and economic stability. These standards are focused on protecting both natural resources as well as the workers and their communities. All of the 100% natural latex found in the EcoSleep mattress is Rainforest Alliance certified.
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Forest Management Certification
This certifies that all materials and products are extracted from forests that follow a strict set of guidelines that protect the health and future of forests. All of the 100 percent natural latex found in the EcoSleep mattress is FSC® certified.
Global Organic Textile Certified (GOTS)
This is the gold standard for verifying that textiles are made from organic fibers. A textile has to have a minimum of 70 percent organic fibers, and all chemicals used must meet specific environmental and toxicology criteria to receive this certification.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
This is a set of guidelines that regulates harmful substances and emissions for latex materials. The latex must be made of more than 95 percent of certified organic raw material to be GOLS certified.
Wool Integrity New Zealand
This program certifies that New Zealand wool is not only ethically produced, but that every step in the supply chain follows a set of sustainable, ethical guidelines.
Now that you know more about certifications, it’s time to weigh your options.
If you’re in the market for a better night’s sleep that is eco-friendly, begin by looking at the principal components of the mattress—the foam layers and core. At the present time, only latex guarantees a naturally cultivated sleep experience. That’s because 100 percent natural latex is derived from the sap of the rubber tree and undergoes rigorous testing for both durability and sustainability. Latex has another distinct advantage in that the foam can be molded into a variety of densities for the most customizable firmness levels in the industry.
Recently, a handful of companies have also developed eco-friendly hybrid mattresses. A hybrid combines two very different sleep systems—coupling foam layers with an innerspring to increase support while decreasing motion transfer between sleep partners. The most elite hybrid mattresses use individually pocketed springs to ensure the mattress reacts independently to each sleeper.
When shopping for a hybrid mattress, look for coils that are both recyclable and non-toxic. The easiest way to determine if the innerspring of a hybrid mattress is made of safe materials is to examine the overall certifications. If a mattress meets California’s stringent Proposition 65 standards, you can be assured its components are safe.
One of our top recommendations for a more natural sleep experience is the EcoSleep. The mattress has all natural layers made of 100% Natural Talalay Latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. It is GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS Certified, ensuring the use of safe materials that are ethically sourced..
Of course, comfort and support are still as essential as a healthy sleep surface: the EcoSleep offers a universal medium feel, making it a great option for all sleep positions.
One of the added benefits of choosing an eco-friendly mattress is your contribution to lowering your carbon footprint. Brooklyn Bedding strives for zero waste at its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where 99 percent of all materials are recycled.
With a sustainable sleep solution, you'll be able to sleep more soundly—and breathe easier.
