We get it. Online mattress shopping can be a headache. Not only are you purchasing a bed sight unseen; you also need to sift through industry jargon and certifications.
You might be wondering, “What certifications should I look for in a mattress?” Well, like many things in the bedding industry, the answer depends on your personal preferences. To help make the process easier, we’ll detail the most common mattress certifications and awards. Whether you want to purchase a 100% organic mattress or an eco-friendly foam bed, we’ll help you pinpoint the certifications to look out for.
Organic Mattress Certifications
Many mattresses are eco-friendly, but few are certified organic. If you’re searching for a bed that’s made with high-quality materials, you’ll need to understand the fine print. Here are the most common organic mattress certifications.
USDA Organic
Through the National Organic Program (NOP), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) determines what qualifies agricultural products as “organic.” In order for a mattress to receive the USDA Organic seal, it must contain 95% organic fiber.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
GOTS is a third-party organization that is authorized by the NOP to certify organic materials.
GOTS-certified mattresses contain at least 95% organic fibers. To ensure these products meet the highest standards, GOTS analyzes and certifies the entire supply chain. In the United States, there are only five GOTS-certified mattress factories.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
In order for a mattress to be GOLS-certified, it must contain at least 95% organic raw material. GOLS tracks the latex foam through the supply chain and ensures it’s free from harmful chemicals and fillers.
It’s important to note: Only Dunlop latex mattresses can be GOLS-certified. Talalay latex can be all-natural, but because of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process, it cannot be certified organic.
Organic Content Standard
If you see a mattress that meets the Organic Content Standard, that means the bed contains organic materials that are grown and processed according to USDA standards.
However, just because you see this seal on a product does not mean it is 100% organic. It’s important to look closely, because there are two similar Organic Content Standard certifications mattresses can obtain. Mattresses that have an Organic 100 seal contain 100% organic materials. Those with Organic Blended seals have lower levels of organic materials.
It’s also important to note that, unlike GOTS and GOLS, the Organic Content Standard does not analyze the chemicals that may be added to mattresses later on in the manufacturing process. Most of the time, these chemicals come in the form of dyes and finishes.
Other Eco-Friendly Mattress Certifications
Just because a mattress isn’t organic doesn’t necessarily mean it is harmful to the earth. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, keep your eye out for the following certifications:
CertiPUR-US®
Many of the best memory foam mattresses are CertiPUR-US® certified, which means they are free of harmful chemicals and materials. Some of the elements CertiPUR-US® searches for are: ozone depleting chemicals, flame retardants, formaldehyde, mercury, and lead. All CertiPUR-US® certified products also have low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
GREENGUARD GOLD
The GREENGUARD Certification Program is one of the most thorough in the world. In order to receive this certification, products must have low VOC emissions. Some of our favorite products with the GREENGUARD GOLD seal are the Birch mattress and Avocado Green mattress.
OEKO-TEX®
If a mattress has an OEKO-TEX® seal, you know it’s undergone rigorous testing. Everything, from the thread to the foam, has been tested for harmful materials. If you’re looking for a non-toxic mattress, look for an OEKO-TEX® certification.
Wool Integrity NZ Certified
Many organic mattresses, such as the Birch, contain New Zealand wool. If you see a Wool Integrity NZ certification, that means the mattress contains wool that has been ethically sourced and manufactured.
Rainforest Alliance Certified
Rainforest Alliance Certified mattresses, such as the Awara, are made from sustainable materials. In order for a mattress to earn this certification, it must be produced ethically and follow economically sustainable practices.
FAQs
For more information, read on!
What certifications should an organic natural latex mattress have?
Organic natural latex mattresses should have a Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications. If you see this, you can rest easy knowing the bed is made from 95% organic latex and textiles.
What certification means a mattress is hypoallergenic?
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic mattress, look for a CertiPUR-US® certification. This ensures the mattress is nontoxic and made without harmful materials.
Are latex mattresses organic?
Not all latex mattresses can be certified organic. Dunlop latex is the only type of latex that can earn an organic certification. Talalay latex can be all-natural, but it cannot be organic because of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process.