You sip organic tea before bed and wake up to organic milk on your cereal. But what about the hours in between? An organic mattress can benefit your health and the environment--and give you the restful night of sleep you've always dreamed of.
How can your mattress affect your health? The foam in many synthetic mattresses is derived from petrochemicals prone to combustion, so conventional mattresses are coated with even more chemicals that act as fire retardants (though mattresses made since 2005 do not likely contain the highly toxic PBDEs). Over time these chemicals, along with those emitted as the polyurethane foam itself breaks down, can off-gas into the air you breathe.
Most organic mattresses, however, are one of two varieties: natural rubber, or the coil innerspring mattress, which is made of metal coils surrounded by natural wool and organic cotton (like varieties found at Chicago's Bower Natural Bedding). Neither type will off-gas chemicals, and natural wool is inherently flame retardant.
There are more benefits: Conventional mattresses can harbor dust mites that trigger asthma and allergies, but the pesky mites simply cannot survive in rubber or wool. Natural rubber is anti-microbial, hypoallergenic and mold- and mildew-resistant. And natural wool also wicks away body moisture as you sleep (don't worry, it'll evaporate during the day), helping you maintain a comfy body temp even on humid nights.
Last but not least, materials like organic cotton are earth-friendlier. Natural rubber is harvested by tapping the milk of the rubber tree (a process that trees heal from within an hour). And organic wool comes from shorn sheep raised and fed without pesticides or hormones--all of which should help you sleep easier.
See the EWG's recommendations for organic mattresses here. Not ready to spring for a new mattress? Check out local Bean Products for an organic, dust-mite-proof mattress pad or visit the Kushtush online sleep shop for a wide selection of organic, fair trade bedding and accessories.
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