Those new to latex beds often wonder how to to tell synthetics and blends apart from natural latex mattresses. Attempting to unravel the mystery of what qualifies as a certified natural latex mattress can be difficult without knowing how and where to conduct research. Many consumers are not aware of the existence of independent certification agencies or where to find them. Instead, they may rely only on a company’s claim that their products are certified natural or organic. Learn more about the evaluation process and how to determine who sells certified natural latex mattresses.Who certifies natural latex mattresses?While a majority of companies work to be ethical and honest with consumers, some may bend the facts or obscure information about what they sell. This can be especially true in the mattress industry, as manufacturers are allowed to keep information on materials and additives under wraps under the premise of trade secrets. Perhaps the best way for consumers to get unbiased information is to consult third party certification bodies. These organizations exist to test products and offer their seal of approval, so consumers have a standardized way to compare products. When it comes to searching for natural latex mattresses, the primary certification you will want to be familiar with is the Oeko-Tex 100 standard. Keep reading to learn more about this certification and others that can help you uncover natural latex mattresses.Oeko-Tex Oeko-Tex Association is an independent, third-party product review board. Oeko-tex© is a system that is used to evaluate textile products throughout their production stages. It is well-known in Europe, however people are less familiar with the Oeko-tex labeling in the United States. The products that are granted use of the label have met strict adherence to guidelines governing dangerous and harmful chemicals. They also have health safeguards in place and include safe work practices as part of the criteria. The criteria for meeting their approval means a product is free of any banned or controlled substance, substances being considered for banning or thought to be harmful, and following guidelines on health protection.Oeko-Tex uses four different categories to classify products based on its intended use. Thus a coat for an adult will have different requirements than a baby bed or pajamas. The Oeko-tex© Standard 100 certification means that every single component meets the standards that have been set for the entire product. Thread, buttons and metal zippers as well as the printing are all included.Textiles considered for this standard:Product Class I – This includes bedding and clothing for children aged 0-3 years. It is the most stringent classification.Product Class II – This is for textiles and bedding that touch the skin, including undergarments.Product Class III – This group of items includes coats, stuffings and other textiles that do not actually come into contact with bare skin.Product Class IV – The group includes curtains and textiles used in furnishings, floor coverings and mattresses.To apply for Oeko-Tex 100 certification, natural latex mattresses must meet the following:No heavy metals.No pesticides or chlorinated phenols.Strictly limited levels of phthalates, organic tin compounds, colorants, benzene and toluene.No more than trace amounts of formaldehyde.Must have a skin friendly ph level.Free from chloro-organic carriers.No biologically active finishes.No allergenic dye-stuffs and dye stuffs that form carcinogenic arylamines of the MAK-groups III A1 and III A2.Companies that carry this certification in the U.S. recognize the importance of consumer health issues. Natural latex mattresses are already known for being hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, mold and mildew resistant, and for being inhospitable to dust mites. The addition of the Oeko-tex© label to natural latex mattresses helps consumers ensure they are getting a safe and healthy product. In North America, the only entity to currently hold Oeko-Tex 100 certification for latex mattresses is Latex International, a prominent manufacturer of latex goods. Their materials are used by several latex mattress retailers.Organic CertificationOrganic certification is guaranteed by different bodies depending on the type of product. When it comes to claims of organic goods, you always to ask WHO is certifying the product and what their credentials are and WHAT exactly is being certified.Latex foam is not recognized as a certifiable organic product by the USDA. The latex product and farms that produce latex trees may be certified organic, but this certification does not extend to the end products. One body, the Control Union, published their Global Organic Latex Standard last year, which includes mattresses prepared from 95% organic raw materialsTextiles, or fabrics, can be certified organic by a number of organizations. Here are a few of the most trusted organic certification bodies for textiles (i.e. cotton and wool):GOTS – Global Organic Textile StandardUSDA – United States Department of Agriculture.Oregon TilthFrequently Asked QuestionsIs latex good to sleep on?Yes, a natural latex mattress can be an excellent choice of bed. The material contours to the body, relieving pressure points that might have built up into aches and pains. Latex resists mold, dust mites, and other allergens, which is excellent if you live in a warm climate or tend to suffer from allergy symptoms. Plus, a certified latex mattress can be up to 100 percent natural, so you can fall asleep knowing you did your part for the environment.Do you flip a latex mattress?No, you shouldn’t flip a latex mattress because of its top-to-bottom construction. A latex mattress has its supportive layer on the bottom and its comfort layer on top, and flipping the bed usually means sleeping on a stiffer surface and flattening the top layer.However, many latex mattress have removable covers, so you can rearrange the latex layers within. If you have a latex mattress designed like this, you can flip each layer or just the top one to even out wear and tear.Is latex better than memory foam?Latex does have a few advantages over memory foam. It’s a far more eco-friendly and durable material, and often keeps cooler better than traditional memory foam. Still, latex has some drawbacks, the most significant being how much a natural latex mattress can cost.Both latex and memory foam have different feels, with latex providing a more buoyant lift while memory foam cradles a sleeper’s body. Which feels better is a matter of personal preference.Why does my latex mattress smell?Your latex mattress may have an initial chemical smell if it contains synthetic or blended latex. A certified natural latex mattress may have a slightly sweet smell from its materials, which many people actually find pleasant. If the smell does bother you, a mattress protector should provide an excellent barrier.How long will a latex mattress last?Natural latex mattresses have been known to last 15 to even 20 years. This is because latex is a durable, buoyant material that resists sagging, remaining quick to snap back into shape even after years of use. Some latex mattresses are designed so that you can replace individual layers as they wear out, preventing you from having to buy a new mattress.Get resources for better sleepSign up for sleep health education, expert tips, and the latest and greatest mattress sales. Email See Privacy PolicyWho Sells Certified Natural Latex Mattresses?Previously, we compared latex mattress brands and here is a recap of our findings with certification details added.Latex Mattress CompanyType of LatexVOC/Chemical Certified?Organic CertificationsStarting Price (queen)Astrabeds (All)Organic DunlopYes, Eco InstitutOCS-Certified Cotton, CU/GOLS-Certified Latex1,799Flobeds (Organic Collection)Natural TalalayYes, Oeko Tex 100Texas Organic Cotton Marketing Cooperative Certified Cotton1,999Habitat Furnishings (Natural Collection)Natural Dunlop Core / Talalay TopNo Mention on SiteOptional upgrade to OTCO/GOTS-Certified Cotton Cover1,399Life Kind (All)Organic Dunlop / Natural TalalayYes, Oeko Tex 100/GreenGuardOTCO-Certified Cotton, CU/GOLS-Certified Latex2,495Sleep EZ (Organic Collection)Natural Dunlop / TalalayYes, Oeko Tex 100GOTS-Certified Cotton1,495Of the brands we looked at, most mentioned Oeko-Tex 100 or Eco-Institut certifications (meaning the whole mattresses or the foams are tested for VOCs/toxic chemicals) and provided the name of the body that certifies their cotton covers (if organic). Most are using natural latex, though Astrabeds and Lifekind also use or include certified organic latex foam. Of the two organic collections, Astrabeds 100% natural latex mattresses offer the best value, starting at $1799 compared to $1999 and $2495 for the other two organic lines (not including sales/promos). Among simply natural beds, Habitat offers similar values starting at $1349.We hope this introductory guide to natural latex beds makes your research process a little simpler and less confusing. The primary takeaway is that when searching for certified natural latex mattresses, you want to start by considering what the mattresses are composed of and what entities can support the retailer’s claims.About the author Bennett CarringtonIf you’re looking for a mattress recommendation, Bennett Carrington can help. Bennett is Best Mattress Brand’s in-house mattress expert. He’s curated dozens of “best mattress” articles with buying tips for sleepers with a wide range of needs. Whether you’re plagued with back pain or suffering from night sweats, Bennett’s guides can steer you toward the most comfortable mattress for your unique needs. In addition to writing for Best Mattress Brand, Bennett is also a grad student pursuing a degree in English Literature. Find more articles by Bennett CommentsLeave a comment amy long October 27, 2016 at 1:52 am ReplyMy husband and I would like to see and try a latex mattress. We live in Orlando, FL. Is there a showroom where we can see and lay on one? Also, my husband is 6’2″ and 300 pounds. How will latex hold up in this situation? Hopefully you can give us some insight. Thank you! Ty October 3, 2018 at 3:41 pm ReplyI live in Denver. Is there an outlet that sells latex mattresses in my area? LaNell Barrett April 13, 2021 at 5:54 pm ReplyI sold my Fl condo furnished, and the only thing I miss (besides Naples) is my latex mattress. Loved it. I weigh in the low 120s, but have a curved spine not corrected when a child…no mattress has been as good fot that. Or for sleeping cool! Will buy another when I sell again, and hope to find another store that carries them. Try them out. Leave a comment Cancel replyLeave a CommentYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Name Email I agree to the Privacy Policy of this website. Δ
amy long October 27, 2016 at 1:52 am ReplyMy husband and I would like to see and try a latex mattress. We live in Orlando, FL. Is there a showroom where we can see and lay on one? Also, my husband is 6’2″ and 300 pounds. How will latex hold up in this situation? Hopefully you can give us some insight. Thank you!
Ty October 3, 2018 at 3:41 pm ReplyI live in Denver. Is there an outlet that sells latex mattresses in my area?
LaNell Barrett April 13, 2021 at 5:54 pm ReplyI sold my Fl condo furnished, and the only thing I miss (besides Naples) is my latex mattress. Loved it. I weigh in the low 120s, but have a curved spine not corrected when a child…no mattress has been as good fot that. Or for sleeping cool! Will buy another when I sell again, and hope to find another store that carries them. Try them out.