While the majority seem to believe that mattresses labeled as organic aren't any different from natural latex, it isn't really the case.

In this post, we break down for you how organic latex is different from natural latex and what else you should keep in mind before you bring home one.

Read on!

What Is Natural Latex In The First Place?

Often envisioned as an eco-friendly solution (and, for that matter, healthier too), natural latex has coined a niche in comparison to its synthetic counterpart.

Certainly, no wonder, as an organic latex mattress is a storehouse of goodness.

For starters, it is super comfortable to sleep on, offers great support to your spine, is naturally hypoallergenic, thereby keeping bacteria and allergens away, and also regulates the temperature.

Simply put, natural latex, as the name suggests, is extracted from raw, adulterated latex extracted from rubber trees.

The process calls for no special preparation and does not involve the use of any harsh chemicals or pesticides. Just a few “tappings’’ help collect the rubber sap for harvesting. This is in stark contrast to synthetic latex, which uses petroleum and other chemicals for its production.

Now, when you have latex foam without any synthetic substances included, it is generally referred to as natural latex.

However, there’s a catch!

Although it is referred to as natural latex, it still uses curing agents like soap, for instance, to help facilitate raw latex turning into soft foam.

Notably, such substances are pretty different from fillers (and also harmful) which are otherwise used to extend the latex volume and keep it diluted.

Why use natural latex if it’s harmful?

Well, brushing everything aside, one of the main standout points of using natural latex is that it's a renewable resource. In other words, those rubber trees can be harvested time after time, unlike petroleum.

So, the first thing you need to do before buying an organic latex mattress is to check the label thoroughly.

While some brands will claim their product to be made of natural latex, in reality, only a fragment of it is natural and the rest is nothing but synthetic latex or, in some cases, polyurethane foam.

Understanding Organic Latex

Organic latex earns its label to be rightly called so as its production capacity does not involve the use of any pesticides.

What’s even more important is that the manufacturing standards are set, regulated, and monitored by a body known as the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). So, if you are wondering what is a GOLS-certified latex mattress, you’re now enlightened!

As a governing body, GOLS reportedly monitors the following that goes into producing an organic latex mattress:

  • Farming and fair trade practices

  • Wastewater treatment, and

  • Other social as well as environmental issues with the final product

Remember that a genuine seller of latex mattresses will always sell products with proper certifications. Just in case you cannot find the label for a so-called organic latex mattress, ask for it. If the seller can't provide one, it's better to skip buying the product.

When Buying An Organic Latex Mattress Do This, Not That

Do you easily get lost in a store when looking for an organic latex mattress?

Or maybe when you are scrolling past the feed and reels on Instagram and come across a product being advertised as cent percent organic latex, and you say to yourself, “Voila, this is it!”

Well, before you jump the gun and order one right away, here are a few things to keep in mind.

  • Don't blindly fall for any claim that calls a product to be 100% organic latex.

  • Remember, pure, organic latex can often be a hard find, and manufacturers are known to use fillers to bulk up the latex volume and thereby lower prices to lure customers.

  • The quality of mixed or adulterated latex will often suffer over time. So, always check for certifications, not only GOLS but also Oeko-Tex, Control Union, or LGA. Such certifications ensure it is a genuine organic latex mattress, free from any filler material.

Wrap Up

If you have been complaining of neck pains, body aches, disturbed sleep, and are prone to allergies, then know for sure that an organic latex mattress can help you to a great extent.

Plus, now that you know quite a bit about genuine, organic latex mattresses, you should have an edge in buying one.

However, there are several marketing monikers that you need to be aware of. Often, brands devise clever advertising strategies where they keep fiddling with the term “organic” to push in organic fabrics and not organic latex.

So, don't fall prey to flashy advertisements and alluring packaging.

Instead, look underneath for a certification label, as it doesn't come easily unless the product is 100 percent organic latex.

Have you used an organic latex mattress for your bed already?

What did you like about it? Did it help you with any problems you had with your sleep?

Let’s hang out in the comments below and share your thoughts.