What is An Organic Mattress?
June 24th, 2009 | 
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An organic mattress is simply a mattress that is made from organic materials. They are popular due to the fact that no pesticides, dioxins, formaldehyde, fire retardant foams, or any other petrochemicals are used in their production.
Organic Mattress Materials
While many different mattress manufacturers use a variety of materials, there are some materials that are more frequently used by manufacturers of organic mattresses. The wool that is utilized to make an organic mattress is sheared from lambs both in New Zealand and France. Once removed, the wool is cleaned using a chemical free, non-toxic soap solution. Natural latex rubber is also used in conjunction with organic wool and cotton to make some mattresses, and this type of mattress is comparable to a regular mattress that utilizes memory foam or polyurethane foam. However, both the memory foam and polyurethane foam can be toxic and result in health complications, while natural latex rubber is completely safe, environmentally friendly, and provides a wonderful nights rest.
Who Buys Organic Mattresses?
While the organic mattress has quite a following, those with back and other orthopedic ailments, allergy sufferers, and those individuals who wish to use only eco-friendly items normally purchase it. It is also well known that lanolin, which is a component of sheep’s wool, is a natural dust mite repellent, making an organic mattress attractive to persons simply interested in a healthier sleeping surface.
Other Organic Items to Complement Your Mattress
There are a myriad of organic items that can be purchased and utilized along with an organic mattress. Some of these items include organic and pure wool comforters, organic cotton sheets, organic cotton blankets, organic latex mattress pads, organic wool pillows and pillow cases, as well as organically grown and made wool mattress toppers.
Chemicals to Avoid
When looking for an organic mattress, be sure to fully investigate what the mattress is made of before making a purchase. Just because a particular mattress is advertised as organic doesn’t mean that it actually is organic. Avoid purchasing any mattress that contains a chemical fire retardant, formaldehyde, synthetic or chemical foams, or any mattress that has been treated with a chemical odor reducer. Glues, plastics, and polyester materials should also be avoided.
An organic mattress will make not only a wise investment, but will also be a healthy choice when it comes to sleeping in a safe environment free of toxic chemicals and pollutants.
Christopher Smith
http://www.articlesbase.com/accessories-articles/what-is-an-organic-mattress-51681.html
Posted in Latex Foam Mattress
Is getting an organic mattress pad good enough for protection from mattress off-gassing chemicals?
Organic mattresses start at $1,700. Is buying a regular mattress and an organic mattress pad/topper good enough protection from the chemical off-gassing? Or is the only way to go completely organic?
The only real chemicals that outgas would be the glue and any solvents they used to clean the parts.
My mother has Multiple Chemical Syndrome, which means she has a severe reaction to almost any chemical smells. Needless to say, it's hard for her to go shopping, but from her experience, we've all learned that most things outgas on their own within 1-2 years. I also know from that experience that a topper wouldn't prevent anything on it from outgassing… it might actually make it take longer (because it doesn't get sufficient air on the top part that's covered), and you would still smell the fresh bed smells from the bottom (which isn't sealed off).
If you want to outgas a new bed faster, put it in a room with a good air purifier and leave it in there for a while… it should be mostly outgassed in a few months or so if it's an otherwise empty room. We once made the mistake of having a spare freezer in the room we were outgassing some furniture and the freezer started outgassing…. it stunk in their for months!
Anyway, if you're worried about the chemical odors, go for a smaller company or one that makes them in-house so you can specify you don't want too much glue or chemicals in it (which isn't an option in most areas)…. or just get a bed that's been in a non-smoking environment for a couple years. Good luck!
[edit]: Sorry, I should have clarified… the "air purifier" we used to help the outgassing was an ozone generator, and it does help to outgas faster. Our experience (both with and without it for identical items) and our research before buying it says so.
References :
Personal experience with a mother who is Chemically Sensitive
Hi Hogie. The first answer has some good information in it, but you cannot increase the rate of out-gassing of anything by use of a room purifier. The purifier does nothing to the mattress, it merely helps to remove the chemicals that are already in the air (if it is an appropriate type of purifier – most aren't).
I recently looked at new mattresses and also found that pure cotton/organic mattresses are expensive. I decided to go with a 100% organic cotton futon. This cost me about $600 vs. $1500 for the standard style of mattress. Futons are not for everyone, but I love mine.
Best wishes and good luck.
References :
No the pad will not be enough to prevent the mattress from off gassing or the chemicals invading your body.
if your mattress is more than 3 years old most/all the chemicals have already of gassed and it is not a problem but if you buy a new mattress and don't want chemical exposure than, yes, organic or all natural pars is the only way to go.
References :
If you are considering buying new mattress and getting an organic pad, there is no real sense to that. The new mattresses out there (except an organic one) are full of chemicals and off gas horribly.
What about just getting a simple low end organic mattress that you can build. There are several companies out there offering latex building mattresses that do not cost $1700 and you a build with your budget.
References :
anaturalhome.com
flobeds.com