You've probably heard the terms “natural'' and ''organic'' when shopping for a new mattress. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. This article discusses some of the key differences (and similarities) between a natural and an organic mattress, hoping you'll choose the right one for you or your loved one next time you go mattress shopping.
But first things first, let's define a natural and an organic mattress.
What is a Natural Mattress?
A natural mattress is a kind of mattress that derives from natural materials, such as plants and animals.
What is an Organic Mattress?
An organic mattress is a natural mattress made with non-toxic materials. In other words, the mattress contains certified organic materials.
What are the Key Differences Between a Natural and an Organic Mattress?
So, there you have it - the first major difference between these two types of mattresses is that a natural mattress derives from natural materials, such as plants and animals. On the other hand, an organic mattress is a natural mattress made of organic raw materials that do not contain harmful materials.
Another major difference is that organic mattresses are held to a higher standard than natural mattresses during the manufacturing process. This is because when a mattress is declared organic, it is expected to contain materials raised and processed organically. For example, the mattress should not contain chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful materials.
Conversely, natural mattresses are not usually held to the same high standard. However, this does not necessarily mean that natural mattresses are of poor quality. Instead, since they contain natural materials, there's usually no need to make them ''safer'', or ''more natural'' by avoiding chemicals. Therefore, they are typically considered safe by default; thus no need to prove their safety.
This further explains why organic mattresses usually require a lot of certifications to prove that they are actually organic. For example, the Global Organic Textile Standard defines the requirements for ensuring the organic status of certain products, including mattresses. Therefore, for a mattress to be declared organic, it should have a GOTS certification, meaning it meets all the requirements of an organic mattress.
In addition, an organic mattress may need an OEKO-TEX certification to prove that it contains non-hazardous materials. Other forms of certifications that may be required to prove the safety of a mattress include:
- CertiPUR-US certification to prove that the mattress is free of heavy metals and formaldehyde
- Volatile Organic Compound certification to certify that the mattress has low VOC emissions
- Global Organic Latex Standard to confirm that the mattress contains organic latex
Safety aside, the USDA Organic certification helps prove that a mattress meets the organic standards set by the US Department of Agriculture.
It is also important to note that just because a mattress is natural doesn't necessarily mean it shouldn't have any certifications. On the contrary, a natural mattress might need the following certifications:
eco-INSTITUT
A mattress with the eco-INSTITUT label has a low risk for pollution and emissions.
Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX
Both organic and natural mattresses might require this label to prove that they have been tested and confirmed to be free from harmful materials.
GREENGUARD Gold
A mattress with a GREENGUARD Gold certification is usually free from third-party chemical emissions. As a result, such a mattress helps minimize indoor air pollution and chemical exposure.
Another key difference between the two mattresses is the price. Generally, organic mattresses are more expensive than natural latex mattresses.
This is because it is much more difficult for a mattress to attain organic status. As discussed earlier, organic mattresses must meet strict requirements to earn their organic certifications. On the other hand, natural latex mattresses only need to contain (mostly) natural materials.
Organic mattresses usually have a more ''bouncy'' feeling than their natural counterparts. This is because most organic mattresses contain natural latex, known for its bounciness. As a result, organic mattresses are ideal for sleepers who tend to switch positions frequently while in bed. On the other hand, since natural mattresses don't necessarily contain latex, they are less bouncy.
Are There Any Similarities Between Natural and Organic Mattresses?
Yes, natural mattresses and organic mattresses share several similarities, as discussed below.
Both are Eco-Friendly
Natural mattresses and organic mattresses contain non-toxic chemicals, or eco-friendly materials. If you are an eco-conscious sleeper, investing in either of these two mattresses is a great way to save the planet, and live a clean lifestyle.
Both are Safe
In addition, both mattresses contain safe materials, which are void of potentially harmful substances, making them non-toxic mattresses. They are great options for allergy-prone sleepers. So, if you or your loved one struggles with allergic reactions, especially at night, you may need to invest in an organic, or natural mattress.
Both Provide Excellent Support and More
Organic and natural mattresses offer excellent support, comfort, and pressure relief. These are some of the most important things you need to look for in a good mattress.
Organic vs Natural Mattress: Which One is the Right for Me?
When shopping for a mattress, the fact that you intend to choose between a natural and an organic one means you already know how important it is to sleep on eco-friendly mattresses. Organic mattresses and natural mattresses both come with various benefits traditional mattresses do not provide. However, the choice of mattress will depend on your personal needs as a sleeper.
Let's put things into perspective:
What Kind of Sleeper are You?
An organic mattress could be a better option if you are the kind of sleeper who tends to switch positions frequently throughout the night. This is because organic mattresses, especially those that contain latex, have better motion isolation.
What is Your Budget?
The amount of money you are willing to spend on a mattress will also determine whether you should opt for an organic mattress, or a natural mattress. As discussed earlier, natural mattresses are usually cheaper than organic mattresses.
To put things into perspective, the twin 2-Sided Natural Latex Mattress from Latex For Less is cheaper than the twin organic latex mattress from the same manufacturer. We will review the natural latex mattress and organic mattress from Latex For Less shortly.
Do You Struggle with Nighttime Sweating?
Sleepers who struggle with nighttime sweating tend to be particular when choosing the right mattress. In most cases, organic mattresses are ideal for hot sleepers. These mattresses are known for their temperature regulation characteristics, keeping the sleeper warm during cold nights, and cool during hot nights.
On the other hand, a natural mattress might be ideal if you don't struggle with nighttime sweating. This doesn't necessarily mean that the mattress sleeps hot — an organic latex mattress is just better at temperature regulation.
What is Your Ideal Firmness Level for a Mattress?
Natural mattresses and organic mattresses come with different firmness levels. For example, the natural latex mattress from Latex For Less comes with two firmness levels.
On the other hand, the organic latex mattress from the same manufacturer comes with three firmness levels. Therefore, your preferred firmness level will determine the right mattress for you.
About the Latex For Less Natural Latex and Organic Mattresses
Latex For Less sells both natural latex and organic mattresses because of their numerous benefits to the sleeper, including containing certified organic materials. Here's a quick review of the two most common organic and natural latex mattresses from this famous American mattress manufacturer:
This award-winning mattress comes with 12 inches of certified organic latex. For this reason, this eco friendly mattress is known for its comfort, buoyancy, motion transfer, temperature regulation, and pressure relief. This is the perfect mattress for a hot sleeper because it keeps them cool during hot nights, and warm during cold nights.
The mattress also comes in nine different sizes of two heights: the nine and 12-inch versions.
In addition, the organic latex mattress from Latex For Less contains nature's finest ingredients — certified organic cotton, certified organic latex, and natural wool. As a result, this mattress is perfect for eco-conscious sleepers.
But that's not all.
The organic latex mattress from Latex For Less comes with:
- an ultra-soft organic cotton cover for the ultimate comfort
- a natural wool fire barrier to protect the sleeper
- a GOLS-certified organic latex (Global Organic Latex Standard) comfort layer for added comfort
- and a GOLS-certified organic latex mattress core for improved support
The 2-Sided Natural Latex Mattress by Latex for Less is what you need if you want to experience numerous sleep benefits at an affordable price. Consisting of natural latex, this mattress comes with two firmness levels, giving you the best of both worlds. It is also made with ultra-soft organic cotton and pure, organic wool to give you and your loved ones unforgettable nights of peaceful sleep.
Like its organic counterpart, the natural latex mattress also comes in nine different sizes and two heights, allowing you to choose what works best for you or your beloved.
About Latex For Less Mattresses
Whether you choose the organic mattress, or the natural latex mattress from Latex For Less, you can rest easy, knowing that you made the right decision for healthy sleep. The quality of these mattresses aside, Latex For Less offers many other benefits to individuals looking for the ideal mattress.
Specifically, Latex For Less guarantees the following, regardless of the kind of mattress you purchase from this popular American mattress manufacturer:
Extended Trial Periods
The company offers a generous sleep trial of a 120-night free trial period. If you are unhappy with the mattress, you can return it within the first 30 days of purchase, and you will receive a full refund.
Free Returns
Latex For Less will not charge you anything to return the mattress.
Extended Warranties
Because Latex For Less has confidence in the quality of our mattresses, we provide a 20-year warranty. This is also because our mattresses are designed to last.
Multi-Platform Mattress
It is frustrating to find the perfect mattress, only to realize that you might need a new bed to go with it. But, you should not be concerned about buying your mattress from Latex For Less. Our mattresses are designed to fit any space, offering convenience, and the chance to save more money. You just need to select the right size for your space.
FAQs
What is a Natural Latex Mattress?
The term ''natural latex mattress'' is used to describe a mattress that has been manufactured from the sap of a rubber tree. This mattress usually contains either Dunlop latex, or Talalay latex. In other words, a natural latex mattress is a kind of latex mattress created through a natural manufacturing process, and mostly contains natural materials.
What is Dunlop Latex?
A Dunlop latex derives from pure latex sap tapped under the bark of a rubber tree. This eco-friendly sap is then harvested, whipped into a froth, and poured into molds used to manufacture mattresses.
What is Talalay Latex?
Talalay latex is a newer form of latex, considered superior to Dunlop mattresses. This type of latex is usually created by pouring liquid latex into a mold, and expanding it before cooling.
What is an Organic Latex Mattress?
An organic latex mattress is a type of natural latex mattress with organic certification. As mentioned before, a natural latex mattress is a mattress that mostly contains natural materials, but an organic mattress is a natural mattress that does not contain any harmful materials or substances.
What is Synthetic Latex?
Synthetic latex is a term used to describe artificial latex. Synthetic latex usually derives from petroleum compounds known as Styrene and Butadiene to create Styrene-Butadiene rubber, also known as SBR. As a result, synthetic latex is usually less expensive than natural latex. Additionally, synthetic latex has a shorter lifespan than natural latex.
Can a Mattress be Natural and Organic at the Same Time?
Logically, a mattress can be natural and organic at the same time. This is because the word ''natural'', in this context, means that the mattress derives from natural materials.
And, when you add the word ''organic'' to the description, it means that the mattress contains natural materials that have been certified as organic. This means that the natural materials have been tested and proven safe from harmful chemicals and other additives.
However, from the marketing perspective, some manufacturers use these two terms to mislead consumers. Therefore, just because a mattress claims to be organic does not mean it is safe. In fact, some of these terms are used to lure consumers into buying mattresses.
For example, a mattress can be natural, but that does not mean it is natural. It may contain other mattress materials that are not considered natural. The same applies to organic mattresses.
How can I Tell that My Mattress is Natural or Organic?
The best way to tell whether a mattress is organic or natural is by checking for the certifications we discussed earlier. Mattresses with these labels are usually considered safe because they have been tried and tested by experts of independent certifying institutions. On the other hand, if a mattress claims to be natural or organic, but lacks these labels and certifications, this could be one of the different tactics mattress manufacturers use to increase sales.
The Bottom Line
The terms natural and organic are often used interchangeably by mattress manufacturers. However, these two terms differ in many different ways.
That said, the key difference between these two types of mattresses is that one (organic mattress) goes through a rigorous manufacturing and testing process. In contrast, the other (natural mattress) is not usually held to as high of a standard.
Because some manufacturers (and vendors) use these terms interchangeably, it is important to verify that their products are actually what they claim to be. One of the best ways to determine whether a mattress is organic or natural is by checking out the certifications we discussed earlier.
In addition, it is advisable to shop from reputable mattress brands like Latex For Less — we will never mislead you.
