What is an Organic Mattress?

What is an organic Mattress?

It may seem slightly unusual to see a mattress referred to as 'organic' however the organic cotton, wool, Merino wool, coconut fibre and natural latex used in our organic mattresses collection has tremendous health, environmental and comfort benefits.

All of our organic mattresses are entirely free from chemical pesticides, fertilisers or any other artificial components. These chemicals can be harmful to your heath, as well as the environment. The chemicals in non-organic cottons and wools can cause discomfort to those with sensitive skin or any skin conditions. Organic mattresses can't improve your skin, but they can help to ensure you sleep in the most pure and clean environment possible.

Cotton plants, sprayed with chemical stabilisers and fertilisers, are among the thirstiest plants on the planet. It takes six pints of water to for one single plant to grow one single cotton bud, whilst a cotton plantation can essentially wipe out an entire local eco-system. The organic cotton used in our organic mattresses requires half the water of its non-organic brother and, as a result, can grow side by side with other plants.

Our Organic and 100% Natural Latex Mattresses

We are proud to offer high quality natural latex mattresses from Abaca, who are based in Wales and Prolana, who are based in Germany. A Natural latex is the closest natural alternative to memory foam, in terms of its luxurious feel and bodily support. However, unlike petroleum based memory foam, natural latex is not made using artificial chemicals. Natural latex is simply the frothed

-up sap of the rubber tree, expertly baked into a mattress. Natural latex, along with organic wool, has fantastic temperature and moisture regulating qualities; A common complaint with memory foam is that it is incredibly prone to overheating

As well as natural latex mattresses, 4 Living offer pocket sprung mattresses, coconut fibre children's mattresses and combinations of springs or coconut fibre and latex. Some people prefer, and have become accustomed, to pocket sprung mattresses but would like an organic alternative or perhaps a touch more luxury. A mattress which is half pocket sprung and half natural latex will provide a good balance between a bit of a bounce and a supportive mattress.

Your Perfect Mattress

Abaca provide us with soil association certified organic mattresses made with natural latex and organic cotton and organic welsh wool. Prolana specialise in making organic mattresses for different body types and preferences.

Everyone has different preferences, body types and budgets; so why should everyone have the same type of mattress? Our organic mattress are specifically engineered to suit all kinds of sleepers. Whether you sleep on your side, front and back, or a combination of the three; 4 Living's range of organic mattresses will include something to suit you.

Our organic mattresses will usually come with the option of a soft, medium or firm firmness, and your choice will depend on your preference and body type. Every mattress has a slightly different feel to it, just like every person has a different preference. We are proud to offer a mattress which has two seperate halves, and enables

An organic mattress for side sleepers mattress has a slight depression in the shoulder area, which enables better spinal alignment and blood flow. A mattress for front and back sleepers will have good all-round support when there are multiple points of contact. This attention to detail enables you to make the investment in a high quality mattress with the knowledge that it's perfectly suited to you. 

4 Living offer a extensive range of organic mattresses, including natural latex and organic pocket sprung mattresses. All of their mattresses are a healthy alternative to conventional mattresses, as well as providing a level of comfort to rival any non-organic mattresses.

Natural Latex Mattresses - Our Top 3 Reasons to go Organic

What are natural latex mattresses? How can a mattress be organic? You’re probably used to organic fruit, vegetables and coffee, but how can a mattress be organic? Well, just like your organic groceries, a mattress is made up of entirely organic ingredients. Some of the ingredients used in natural latex mattresses include cotton, wool, coir (coconut fibre). These materials are all accredited with the same certifications as organic food. There are, however, plenty of mattresses out there which claim to be organic but actually have non-organic components. Be sure to look out for the Soil Association and Global Organic Textile Association emblems when purchasing a natural mattress.

Sometimes viewed as more expensive alternative, organic mattresses are actually a fantastic investment, as they can carry warranties of up to 30 years. Natural latex mattresses are the most common non-synthetic mattresses; they are essentially the natural alternative to memory foam. Where as petroleum based memory foam contains numerous chemical ingredients, natural latex mattresses are simply the sap of a rubber tree, frothed up and baked (with immense precision) into a mattress. Natural latex provides all of the luxury you would expect from memory foam, without a single artificial, chemical ingredient.

Why buy a different type of mattress though? Do the organic components compromise on comfort?
Here are our 3 reasons to go organic when buying a new mattress:

1. ORGANIC COTTON
We’re all familiar with cotton. As you read this, you’re probably wearing at least one item of clothing which is made from cotton. The vast majority of cotton is non-organic, which means it has been sprayed with chemical pesticides and insecticides and, in some cases, other chemicals which speed up the growth process. A natural mattress provides an opportunity to make the right choice when it comes to health and to the environment.

A normal non-organic cotton plantation is an extremely thirsty thing indeed. For one cotton bud to grow, a tremendous SIX pints of water are required. That’s nearly as much as doctors recommend we should be drinking in day! The cotton plants aren’t necessarily taking water away from us though; they are depriving their surrounding environment of the water needed. From small plants to animals, the water and nutrient consumption of non-organic cotton can destroy entire eco-systems. Organic cotton is grown in an environment free from chemical pesticides, insecticides, or growth enhancers. As a result, organic cotton uses up to half the amount of water, and is able to grow healthily alongside other plants. 

2. SPECIALIST MATTRESSES
Organic mattresses don’t have the monopoly on comfort, but what they do have is the unique balance between supportive comfort and organic. You may not have thought about it before, but you sleep in a certain way every, every night. You might be a side sleeper, you might sleep on your front and back, or you might never settle in any position; however you sleep, it will be consistent. You can by organic mattresses which specifically cater to your needs, and give you the optimum support for your sleeping style. A mattress for people who sleep on their front and back will have a stable and secure feel, which will spread your weight across multiple contact points on the mattress. The benefit of this weight distribution is that no part of your back (or front) will ever be under unnecessary pressure. A mattress for a ‘side sleeper’ will have some kind of depression in the shoulder area; allowing for optimum spinal alignment and blood circulation in the shoulder. From the growth of the cotton, creating of the latex, or manufacturing of the spring, an organic mattress represents tremendous attention to health and to detail.


3.  ALLERGIES/SENSITIVE SKIN
An astonishing 25% of the world’s pesticides are used on cotton plants, with one undiluted spoonful of these chemicals being enough to kill and adult. Obviously that is a bleak and dramatic view of it, but these chemicals surely can’t be good for you. Many people have allergies to cotton and aren’t aware that what they’re actually allergic to are the fertilisers, pesticides and other various chemical agents used in the growth process. With a natural mattress, a once uncomfortable and awkward problem can help you to achieve that ever elusive good night’s sleep.

If you aren’t allergic but do, however, suffer from dry skin and eczema, you will love a mattress which uses organic wool. Eczema is a condition which causes dryness and irritation of the skin, and can be particularly uncomfortable in hot and sweaty conditions. Although associated with hats and gloves, organic wool is actually tremendously effective and regulating moisture and temperature. A layer of luxurious organic wool, will help to keep you cool at night, as well as wicking small moisture particles and drying them before they can really be noticed. All of this keeps the skin at a comfortable temperature and will help to avoid the overheated night’s sleep that eczema sufferers so dread.

4 Living are a proud retailer of natural latex mattresses, based in East Sussex between Eastbourne and Lewes. All of their mattresses are certified as organic by the Soil Association or the Global Textile Standard. Their natural latex mattresses are available for you to try, and their team of experts are on hand to answer any questions.

Organic Mattresses - The Benefits

An organic mattress provides all the comfort and luxury of an ordinary mattress, along with numerous other health and environmental benefits. Organic mattresses represent a refreshing and new way of looking at your health and well-being, as opposed to ordinary mattresses. You may not be aware of just how many potentially harmful chemicals are actually in an everyday mattress. Avoiding these hazards, achieving a relaxing night’s sleep and helping the environment can all be achieved with an organic mattress.

Whether you’re young old, employed, self-employed or unemployed, a comfortable and relaxing bed will energise and rejuvenate you. We spend approximately a third of our entire lifetime asleep. The quality of that sleep and what we inhale during that sleep, play a big part in determining how much energy we have to enjoy the other two thirds. 

An organic mattress can do a lot for you when it comes to your health. From the spinal support of natural latex, to the temperature regulating qualities of organic wool, organic mattresses have some extremely beneficial properties. All of the chemicals sprayed onto non organic cotton crops can be avoided, as can the synthetic chemicals used in the production of petroleum based memory foam. 

A natural latex mattress can give you comfort, luxury and support, without the use of any potentially harmful chemicals. A common misconception with organic mattresses is that the organic production process somehow produces a less durable mattress with a shorter life. Wrong. Natural organic mattresses usually carry a manufacturer’s warranty of 15-25 years – which is often longer than the warranty you’ll get with a conventional mattress. 

Natural latex is simply the frothed up rubber from a rubber tree, baked into a mattress. This baked latex is moulded into the shape of the mattress and special holes are expertly drilled to alter the feel of the mattress. The fact the mattress is made of one main part makes it a much more solid investment in comparison to a memory foam mattress which might have multiple layers glued together (with synthetic, industrial glue). 

What Makes the Mattress Organic? 

  

An organic mattress refers to a mattress which has been made using no artificial chemicals and has components which all carry organic certifications (where possible). Latex, for example, doesn’t yet have an official organic certification, but it is not the same synthetic latex you would find in a lot of non-organic mattresses; it is a pure form of latex. When shopping for an organic mattress, be sure to look out for the ‘Soil Association Organic’ and ‘Global Organic Textile Standard’ marks. If a mattress doesn’t carry these marks, or similar certifications, then it’s likely that some non-organic components have been used.

There are multiple types of organic mattress, to suit all preferences and requirements. As well as natural latex, traditional pocket sprung mattress are also available in an organic reincarnation. Obviously there is no organic certification for springs, but the wool stuffing and cotton covering are all organically certified. Making an organic mattress is a more expensive process, creating an extremely high standard for organic mattresses. With the standards being generally very high, you can rest assured that the quality of the pocket springs will match the comfort of the organic components. 

An extremely popular material for organic mattresses is a fibre called coir. Coir is made from organically certified coconut fibre. The unique make-up of the fibre can create a firm and supportive mattress, which can breathe and stay cool naturally. Coir fibre is commonly coupled with natural latex to create a mattress with a different firmness on each side. This can be especially useful for younger children as their requirements may change as they grow. The fibre, like a good natural latex, is naturally hardwearing and is given a long warranty, so no need to worry about how long it will last. Another fantastic example of how a natural material can have the resilience, performance and shelf life of any artificial equivalent. 

Benefits of Organic Mattresses 

Both organic mattresses and organic bedding share the same benefit: no chemical pesticides or fertilisers have been used, so none of these potentially harmful chemicals can be breathed in. That's just a benefit of organic cotton. In comparison to some memory foam mattresses, in which literally hundreds of chemical ingredients are present, an organic mattress seems the obvious choice in terms of health. 

In recent years, we have become more and more accustomed to the short life which our possessions enjoy. We are more than happy to purchase replacement products as the old one becomes damaged, unwanted or out of fashion. A mattress doesn't have to be the same. The general thinking with mattresses, is that they have a certain life and then need replacing. Why can't a mattress be a long term purchase, which you don't need to worry about replacing? Organic mattresses will generally cost slightly more than the non-organic alternative, simply because of the cost of components and sourcing those components. A benefit of such high quality components, often sourced within Europe, is that they can last for many years (with 15-25 year warranties, depending on the mattress. An organic mattress is both a good investment and a fantastic way to avoid the modern 'throw away' culture. 

4 Living are one of the UK's most renowned retailers of high quality organic mattresses, natural latex mattresses and organic pocket sprung mattresses. Their standards are extremely high and every one of their mattresses has organic, natural components with all of the relevant certifications. Their commitment to organic mattresses and bedding is based upon their belief in a healthy and relaxing lifestyle. Their Sussex showroom has many different organic mattresses for you to try out, and their team of mattress experts will be more than happy to answer any queries you may have. 

What is an Organic Mattress?

Organic natural latex mattresses can provide a new level of health and wellbeing, simply not available with its non-organic brother. Whether you have particularly sensitive skin, allergies, back problems or problems with overheating, an organic mattress can help you achieve a peaceful night’s sleep. There are many types of organic mattresses, all with varying organic components and benefits. As well as having tremendous health benefits, organic natural latex mattresses boast a much more environmentally friendly and sustainable set of ingredients.

Organic Mattresses - click here to browse our full range of products.

What Makes an Organic Mattress Organic?



The definition of an organic mattress is a mattress which is made up entirely of organically certified components (where a certification exists). The popularity of organic mattresses had lead to some manufacturers selling a mattress as ‘organic’ when, in fact, not all of the components are organic. When shopping for a mattress (especially online) look out for the ‘Soil Association Organic’ and ‘Global Organic Textile Standard ‘ certification marks.


A mattress is, of course, made from different components, all of which need to have come from an organic source. Unlike the organic fruit and vegetables which you will find at your local supermarket, a mattress has many different components. It is important to know where each part of the mattress came from, in order to ensure quality and that it has gone through a completely organic manufacturing process.

The Benefits of an Organic Mattress

When it comes to mattresses, one the most common reasons people choose to go organic is to avoid the potentially harmful chemicals harboured by synthetic, non-organic mattresses. The main argument for organic food is that the chemical pesticides and insecticides used on the crops are not meant for human consumption, and could potentially harm your health further down the line. The cotton in a non-organic mattress is one of the most pesticide-heavy fabrics on the planet. Roughly 25% of all chemical pesticide is used on cotton.

An organic mattress doesn’t just have long-term health benefits; it gets to work right away. Many people who suffer from sensitive skin can find it incredibly difficult to buy mattresses and bedding, as they can contain chemicals and synthetic materials which irritate the skin. Anything from a small heat rash to serious eczema can be potentially soothed and rested with an organic mattress. The lack of synthetic fibres, chemical glues or pesticides, coupled with the heat and moisture regulating qualities of organic wool, can be a god-send for those with sensitive skin.

A problem you can encounter when shopping for a natural and healthy mattress is that there are specific chemical treatments which, at the time, might seem essential. There are organic alternatives to any chemical treatments for dust mites or treatments which ensure the mattress is fire retardant. The organic alternative to chemical dust mite treatment is neem anti allergy dust mite spray, which is made from natural neem oil.

A question which is frequently asked of organic mattresses is “how can they pass the fire safety tests without chemical fire treatment” Fire safety should be as big a concern as any, and organic wool is the perfect solution. Organic wool is naturally fire retardant which enables it pass all of the relevant fire safety tests without the use of a single chemical treatment.

Non-Organic Mattresses – The Organic Alternatives

 
Organic mattresses are the solution to many of the inherent issues and problems in non-organic mattresses. Although we’ve lived with them for years, non-organic mattresses can have multiple chemical components, as well being environmentally harmful, in comparison to organic mattresses.

As previously stated, approximately 25% of the world’s pesticide is used on cotton. These industrial chemical pesticides and fertilisers are being breathed in by anyone with non-organic cotton on their mattress. Organic cotton is grown using completely natural fertilisers, ensuring what you get is the purest, most natural form of cotton. Cotton is also an extremely thirsty crop, gulping up an astounding six pints of water in order to grow one cotton bud. This can destroy the habitat of local wildlife, as well as sucking all the nutrients out of the surrounding soil. The different methods and processes of organic cotton ensure that it uses far less water, which enables wildlife to thrive and other crops to grow alongside the cotton.

Synthetic, petroleum based memory foam is an extremely popular choice when it comes to mattresses. The volume of chemicals used to make petroleum memory foam, combined with the synthetic glue and non-organic fabrics can make for a pretty un-appealing mattress, once you know the facts. A natural alternative to memory foam would be an organic latex mattress. The comfort of natural latex is similar to memory foam as it has that kind of supportive comfort which you slightly sink into. The difference between synthetic  and natural latex mattress is that the natural alternative has had no chemical treatment of synthetic ingredients added. The resin is extracted straight from the rubber tree, frothed up and baked into a mattress. No funny business.

Memory foam, and other petroleum based mattress materials, is notorious for overheating and causing some uncomfortable nights. The organic wool used in a natural organic mattress, as well as being naturally fire retardant, has moisture and temperature regulating qualities. The make-up of natural alternatives also much more breathable than synthetic memory foam.

Buying an organic mattress can often put your mind at ease as a consumer. It is much easier to find out the origin of the different components to an organic mattress than it is with a synthetic mattress. The chain of accountability in the organic industry goes from the farmer, right down to the man or woman in the shop who sells you the mattress. Attention to detail is everything when it comes to organic mattresses.

4 Living

4 Living are a Sussex based retailer if organic mattresses and contemporary furniture. Their commitment to health and well-being is visible from their collection of organic mattresses and bedding, right through to their Feng Shui attitude to interior design. The mattresses in 4 Living’s organic mattress collection vary to suit the needs of different individuals. Their collection includes luxurious natural latex mattress, mattresses designed specifically for side-sleepers, pocket sprung mattresses with organic components and much more.

Things To Consider When Buying an Organic Mattress

Buying an organic mattress is a great choice if you’re someone who actively tries to minimise your exposure to artificial chemicals, or who prefers to buy products which don’t harm the environment as part of their manufacture. But what exactly is an organic mattress, and how can you go about choosing one?

What is an Organic Mattress?

An organic mattress is essentially a mattress made of natural, organic certified materials such as cotton, coconut fibre (coir) or wool. Many also use natural latex for cushioning, as an alternative to pocket sprung designs. (There is no official organic certification for natural latex, but is distinct from synthetic alternative which can be toxic). Organic mattresses are great for those with sensitive skin or allergies, but shouldn’t be restricted to just those people. A cotton wrap or cover is usually a big part of an organic mattress. Roughly 25% (!) of the world’s insecticides and pesticides are used on cotton crops. Do you really want you or your children to breathe in these potentially harmful chemicals every night?

As well as the health benefits of avoiding the chemicals used to make artificial materials, there are environmental benefits. Unfortunately, there an awful lot of mattresses out there, which claim to be entirely organic but actually have synthetic, artificially made components. Memory foam is the ‘flavour of the month’ when it comes to mattresses, but an awful lot of potentially harmful chemicals are used to make just one mattress.

Organic Mattresses: Where to Start?

There are so many mattress retailers out there, selling so many mattress, with all of them trying to tell you that THEIR mattress is the best. Trying to find your ideal mattress can be an overwhelming task if you don’t know what to look for. In reality there is no one ‘best’ mattress as everyone is different! It’s unlikely that a 15 stone rugby player and an 8 stone 80 year old will have the same preference, and so there are special mattresses to cater for both sizes.

What Type of Sleeper am I?

It’s probably never occurred to you to assess what ‘type’ of sleeper you are, but it’s really important to know when you’re looking for a mattress. The ‘type’ of sleeper you are refers to how you sleep – i.e. do you sleep on your side, back, front or a combination? Once you know what kind of sleeper you are, you can start the process of finding the perfect organic mattress for you.

Organic Mattresses: Which is the Right One for Me?

As you explore the world of organic mattresses you will stumble upon dozens of different styles, all claiming to be beneficial in different ways. Where possible, visit the mattress showroom and give the mattress a good test (if you’re lucky the people in the mattress showroom will let you have a cup of cocoa to send you off!). If you have had back, neck or shoulder problems in the past, you should take this into account when choosing your mattress. Mattresses aren’t just comfortable slabs of latex or springs anymore. There are specific mattresses designed to give specific types of support, so you no longer have to suffer aches the aches and pains of a generic mattress.

Make sure that any mattress claiming to be made from organic components is able to provide the relevant certifications to prove so. Many mattresses which claim to be organic, actually have one or two non-organic, synthetic components. Another thing to look out for is the length of warranty. If an organic mattress comes with a 10-20 year warranty, you know that the manufacturer has 100% confidence in the quality and durability of its product. If a mattress retailer isn’t offering any kind of warranty, it might be a good idea to find out why.

If you sleep on your side, then it’s likely that your shoulder isn’t quite getting a healthy blood flow during the night. Lying on your side can also potentially mess with the alignment of your spine as it is not a natural resting position for the spine. Have no fear. There a special natural latex organic mattress which have a small channel drilled horizontally within the mattress, in the same area as the shoulder. This means that instead of one of your arms being awkwardly squashed by your torso, it is able to slightly sink into the mattress, giving you a far healthier blood flow and a healthier spinal alignment.

If you suffer from back aches and pains, a slightly firmer mattress might help distribute your weight and prevent too much pressure from being exerted on one particular area. Natural latex naturally moulds its surface to the shape you your body, which is how the pressure can be alleviated from specific areas of discomfort. If you have serious back issues, it may be advisable to consult a doctor before changing mattress, especially if the change is relatively drastic

4 Living is a retailer of high quality organic mattresses, with entirely natural and organic ingredients. Where possible every single millimetre of their mattress collection is organically certified. Their collection is even free of any chemical fire treatment, as every one of their mattresses has an organic wool wrap, which is naturally fire retardant. Their showroom features multiple organic natural latex and organic pocket sprung mattress, so why not drop by and give them a try. 4 Living’s mattress experts will answer any questions you have.