The rampant use of harmful chemicals and industrial pollutants in our everyday lives is severely impacting our ecosystem. Air pollution and groundwater contamination are two major health hazards that are affecting our overall well-being.
Individuals adopting a sustainable lifestyle can overcome these threats whilst significantly curbing the large-scale environmental degradation of our surroundings.
Small initiatives such as purchasing organic, eco-friendly sleep systems such as a natural latex mattress can greatly contribute to the ongoing efforts of conservationists striving hard to reduce the ecological impact on Planet Earth.
What Is A Natural Latex Mattress?
An average individual requires 7-8 hours of sleep for leading a healthy existence. A natural latex mattress is a remarkable product that provides superior sleep comfort and durability as compared to the conventional memory foam or polyurethane foam mattresses.
Latex is an organic derivative that is manually extracted and processed from the sap of a rubber tree known as Hevea Brasiliensis. Manufacturers of organic latex mattresses or natural mattress toppers use this byproduct extensively.
However, it is advisable to purchase an organic latex mattress or natural latex mattress topper only from companies accredited with a GOLS certification.
What Are The Advantages Of Buying A Latex Mattress With A GOLS Certification?
An organic latex mattress is constructed from natural latex rubber, a renewable resource, thereby limiting the damage to our environment.
However, the initiative to take definitive steps to adopt a healthy lifestyle stands defeated if the latex products are not 100% organic. Numerous companies sell inferior latex products without obtaining a GOLS certification.
GOLS or Global Organic Latex Standard is a certification process that was established by an independent certification group known as the Control Union. The primary goal of this initiative is to set a worldwide benchmark for organic latex. To obtain a GOLS certification, latex mattress manufacturers have to strictly ensure that the natural latex is sourced from USDA certified organic rubber tree plantations that follow chemical and pesticide-free farming techniques.
The GOLS experts monitor the movement of the natural latex from the farm to the factories as their guidelines specify that 95% of the natural latex mattress and topper has to be manufactured using 100% organic latex. The companies have to get the requisite approval from the certifying agencies to use any additives or fillers for the remaining 5% and strict adherence to the quality aspect has to be accorded at all times. The use of synthetic fillers or compounds is not permitted as per the GOLS directive.
The GOLS certificate is awarded to the latex mattress manufacturer on following and achieving all the mandatory quality stipulations specified by the certification group such as:
- Safety protocol for factory workers.
- Stipulated work hours for the workforce.
- Proper conservation of natural earth resources.
Therefore, all latex product manufacturers have to strictly adhere to the set bedding certification standards such as GOLS to ensure that their latex products are safe and beneficial for the users.
Before making a purchase, it is imperative to always check if your natural latex mattress or latex mattress topper has a GOLS certificate label, as this will guarantee the authenticity of the product.
Currently, individuals increasingly prefer an organic latex mattress as the advantages of this 100% natural product far outweigh the attributes of memory foam alternatives available in the market.
The numerous advantages of using a GOLS certified organic latex mattress have been listed herewith:
- Comfort Factor:
A natural latex mattress provides ultimate comfort due to the inherent springiness of latex. Chiropractors, osteopaths, and physical therapists often recommend the use of an organic latex mattress to relieve backache as the product provides adequate cushioning and support for natural spine alignment.
In cases wherein two users use a double latex mattress, the natural resiliency of latex does not transmit movement to either side of the mattress, thereby guaranteeing a sound night’s sleep to either user.
- Safety Aspect:
An organic latex mattress is considered to be extremely safe as natural latex is non-toxic and does not contain any chemicals whatsoever. Organic latex products are also known to be naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and other pathogens that cause respiratory allergies. The zero-metal content in a latex mattress makes it a safer bet as compared to spring mattresses that are known to attract electromagnetic radiation.
- Breathability:
A natural latex mattress can be comfortably used in warm, humid areas round the year without any veritable cause for concern. The open cell structure of natural latex makes these mattresses hygienic due to the breathability factor. The free air circulation inside a natural latex mattress will keep you cool even during a warm night and will not let your sweat dampen the mattress in any way.
- Durability:
A latex mattress is known to last longer than other variants in the market, thereby making it the most favored, eco-friendly sleep system amongst users worldwide.
Always consider the above-mentioned factors and insist on buying a GOLS certified natural latex mattress or a latex mattress topper to live a happier and healthier existence.
