Two Keys to Buying an Affordable Non-Toxic Mattress

Has it occurred to you that you spend a third of your life on a mattress? It makes sense to find a non-toxic mattress then, doesn’t it? Before I knew anything about this subject, I used to think a mattress made with natural materials was good enough. Then I discovered that the best way to know whether a mattress is truly non-toxic is to check to see if it has Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. But the question arises: Is a GOTS-certified organic mattress even affordable? The great news is that it is possible to find a budget-friendly, GOTS-certified, organic mattress! 

In this post, you will learn two keys to buying an affordable non-toxic mattress. You will also learn about an affordable GOTS-certified organic mattress available on the market. Also, you will find out why GOTS is the only certification that proves that the mattress is organic, and what other certificates a mattress company may present to you trying to convince you that their products are GOTS-certified organic when they may not be. Watch out!

Two Keys To Buying An Affordable Non-Toxic Mattress

First off, buying a non-toxic mattress was one of the things I did to improve my health and surroundings. To clarify, I have been diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases and have recovered from one of them. I believe that the changes I’ve made in my life and at home have contributed to the recovery. If you are interested, you can learn about my journey to health in my posts Can Breast Implants Cause Autoimmune Diseases and My Health Update After Explant Surgery.

Having done extensive research in the mattress industry, I’ve come to the conclusion that a truly non-toxic mattress is one that is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Hence, GOTS certification is key number one. Key number two is actually knowing the mattress brand you are considering and trusting it.

Let’s talk about these two keys to purchasing an affordable non-toxic mattress.

Key # 1: GOTS Certification

For starters, how can you make sure that a mattress is non-toxic? One way is just trusting the word of the mattress company that describes their mattresses as “non-toxic.” Another way is to trust an independent third-party verifying agency such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).

Specifically, GOTS is the leading standard that defines strict world-wide recognized requirements for organic textiles. They even include reviewing how the raw materials are harvested and whether the mattresses manufacturing is socially responsible. To know if the company holds GOTS certification, type the company’s name into the GOTS certified suppliers database. 

With this certification comes assurance that all the mattress components adhere to the highest standards available in the industry. Namely, GOTS verifies that the foam, cotton, and wool adhere to their standards. In other words, a mattress with polyurethane foam would not be eligible for GOTS certification. Instead, it should use GOTS-approved natural latex foam made from rubber trees (Dunlop or Talalay latex). Plus, cotton and wool should be GOTS-certified organic, too.

flammability tests

Additionally, GOTS verifies that the mattress has passed the government flammability tests using the safest flame-retardant materials or substances. Usually, it is wool because it has natural flame-retardant properties.  (Learn more about flame retardants in mattresses in my post about fiberglass-free mattresses.)

manufacturing facilities

In addition to certifying mattresses, GOTS certifies manufacturing facilities. Thus, a GOTS-certified organic mattress is made in a GOTS-certified facility by default. Why is this significant? Because it prevents potential cross contamination with toxic materials that could occur if “organic” and “conventional” mattresses (with polyurethane foam) were manufactured in the same facility that is not GOTS-certified.

It is important to note that the entire mattress should have an organic certificate, not just its components, such as cotton or wool. The main reason for this is that you want to be certain you are buying a truly non-toxic mattress without potentially harmful additives. (Read my post to learn how a mattress can be really organic.)

Beware that some certificates that companies present as “GOTS certificates” are really not GOTS certificates that certify their mattresses. Read on to see how this might be so.

A Certificate Of Compliance Is Not Mattress GOTS Certification

When I contacted companies requesting certificates proving that their mattresses were organic, some of them gave me a document called a “Certificate of Compliance.” While you may see the word “GOTS” somewhere in such a certificate, it is not the same as GOTS certification given to the mattress as a whole. Here is why.

First, a Certificate of Compliance (or “Supplier Certificate”) reflects the supplier’s name rather than the mattress company’s name, because it is GOTS-certification given to the supplier, and not to your mattress company. Second, it reflects the materials that the supplier provided for this company.

In other words, all a Certificate of Compliance does is state that the supplier provided the mattress company with some materials, for example, with GOTS-certified organic cotton. That’s it. I mean the mere fact that the supplier delivered GOTS-certified organic cotton to the mattress company does not make their mattresses GOTS-certified organic.

In addition, it does not even guarantee that this very GOTS-certified organic cotton was actually used in the mattress you are thinking of buying. This can be verified only by an independent, third-party certifying agency such as GOTS. After examining the mattress, GOTS will issue a GOTS certificate to the entire mattress, which will indicate that the mattress complies with GOTS standards.

A Transaction Certificate Is Not Mattress GOTS Certification 

As I mentioned above, when I contacted companies requesting certificates proving that their mattresses were organic, some of them would give me a Certificate of Compliance, while others would provide me with a Transaction Certificate. Although you may see the word “GOTS” somewhere on the Transaction Certificate, it is not the same as GOTS certification given to the mattress.

Basically, a Transaction Certificate indicates that certain materials were moved from point A to point B on a certain date. For instance, it may say that GOTS-certified organic cotton was shipped from, say, Oklahoma to California in May 2023. If a mattress company presents you with this certificate, it wants you to assume that somehow this GOTS-certified organic cotton ended up in the mattress you consider purchasing from them. To me, this logic seems too far-fetched, and the Transaction Certificate falls short of demonstrating that the mattress itself is GOTS-certified, or even that its components are.

The nice thing is that you do not need to get this information from the company whose mattress you are considering. Instead, go to the GOTS website and check there.

OEKO-Tex Certificate Is Not Mattress GOTS Certification 

Commonly, companies trying to sell you a mattress may claim that the latex in their mattress is certified by OEKO-Tex 100. Yet, this fact does not put them on the same footing with GOTS certification.

For your information, OEKO-Tex 100 addresses the presence of 100 toxic substances by limiting or eliminating their use in the mattress production process. You may think that 100 chemicals are a lot! Nowadays, however, the number of chemicals to avoid in products is much larger, but OEKO-Tex 100 focuses only on 100 of them. While it is a nice start and better than nothing, you want your mattress to be certified by GOTS because it looks into all the materials, not just the latex foam. Plus, OEKO-Tex 100 does not prove that the latex is organic or even that it is made without synthetic additives.

To sum up, without a verified GOTS certification, you cannot be certain you are buying a truly non-toxic mattress.

Key # 2: Know And Trust The Company You Are Buying From

In light of the recent lawsuit against Avocado Green Mattress company, I emphasize the importance of trusting the company you are buying from.

My number one trusted company is Naturepedic, founded by Barry Cik, who is also its technical director. I have had numerous interviews with Barry, who is always open to any question and has never withheld any information from me. His commitment to execution and sustainable organic practices makes me respect his vision and integrity. Thus, in our house, we have Naturepedic GOTS-certified organic mattresses in every bedroom. (You can learn more about Naturepedic mattress models here.)

The good news is that Naturepedic has a sister company called “Happsy” that was created specially to fit a tight budget. In my opinion, Happsy can be the affordable non-toxic mattress you are looking for. This is what you need to know about Happsy:

• I trust Happsy as much as I trust Naturepedic.
• Happsy Mattresses are GOTS-certified organic as to the entire mattress.
• They come only in medium firmness.
• Happsy mattresses are very budget-friendly for GOTS-certified organic mattresses.

Let’s talk about each of these points.

Happsy Is Trustworthy

As I stated above, Happsy is a sister company of Naturepedic founded by technical director Barry Cik. Through my numerous interviews with Barry, I’ve come to know him as a person of integrity, transparency, and commitment to the vision and sustainable organic practices. That’s why I trust him and Happsy.

While Happsy provides a GOTS-certified organic budget-friendly mattress option, the quality of the materials hasn’t been sacrificed. You will be able to see and feel the quality with which it is made. Plus, both Naturepedic and Happsy mattresses are made in the USA.    

Happsy Mattresses Are GOTS-Certified Organic

To make sure that Happsy holds a GOTS certification, type its name into the GOTS certified suppliers database. Specifically, the GOTS certification means that every Happsy mattress is made:

• in a GOTS-certified facility
• with GOTS-certified organic cotton
• with GOTS-certified organic wool
• with GOTS-approved natural latex foam
• without polyurethane foam
• without toxic materials and any flame-retardant chemicals.

For additional comfort, Happsy uses an innerspring system. If you are worried about EMFs, read what I think about this topic in my post Best Organic Mattress. In short, innerspring mattresses should be fine for people without electric sensitivity.

Importantly, Happsy uses wool to pass the Federal smolder test and does not use harmful flame retardants. If you would like to know what flame retardants can be used in a mattress, refer to my blog posts Are Organic Mattresses Worth It? and Fiberglass-Free Mattress: Everything You Need To Know!.

Happsy Mattresses Come In Medium Firmness

For a comfortable night’s sleep, Happsy mattresses feature a hybrid design by combining latex with pocket springs. Specifically, latex helps body contouring and cradling pressure relief, and pocket springs provide support. The latex-spring combination is aimed at reducing motion transfer across the bed so as not to disturb your partner.

Additionally, due to a broader range of movement, the pocket spring system allows the mattress to provide back support and postural alignment as well as conform to any body type and sleeping position. The coils are formulated from high carbon-content upcycled steel.

Further, Happsy mattresses boast they are designed to breathe. What contributes to that is cooling latex with airflow channels, a pocket coil system, and layers of moisture-wicking wool.

All in all, the Happsy mattress features 2” of latex and 8” of pocketed coils wrapped in lightweight polypropylene fabric, making the mattress 10″ thick. The comfort level is “medium,” but you can create a plusher option with a Happsy organic mattress topper. Thus, the topper adds an extra 2″ of soft latex and should be especially good for side sleepers (depending on your body type).

Keep in mind, though, that some of my clients end up needing a softer mattress than they originally thought. The good news is that Happsy has a 120-sleep trial return policy without any cost to you.

If you are looking for a mattress without latex, please check out my blog post Latex-Free Organic Mattress Brands.

Happsy Mattresses Are Affordable Non-Toxic Mattresses

As I’ve mentioned, Happsy non-toxic mattresses are sold online only, and this is one reason that makes them affordable (another reason is that they come in medium firmness only). Namely, the online selling method allows them to avoid retail costs and expenses. Their 120-sleep trial return policy and company-paid return shipping seem like a great deal.

The prices range from $899 (for a Twin) to $1,699 (for a Cal King). For a GOTS-certified organic mattress, these prices are great! Additionally, you are welcome to use my generous discount code. Shop for Happsy with my generous discount code found here!

To compare, the price range for an Avocado Green Mattress (read about the lawsuit) in medium firmness is $1,799 – $3,299. The price range for Birch mattresses in medium firmness is $1,592 – $3,748. And the price for My Green Mattress in medium firmness ranges between $1,099 and $2,099.

Conclusion About The Happsy Affordable Mattress 

In My Opinion, The Happsy Mattress Is The Most Affordable Non-Toxic Mattress Available On The Market Today That Also Owns A GOTS Certification For The Entire Mattress.

To sum up, shopping for a non-toxic mattress requires some research. To take a shortcut, just type the mattress brand’s name into the GOTS certified suppliers database. Make sure that the model of the mattress you consider buying is in the GOTS database, too. If yes, you can have peace of mind that the mattress you are about to buy is safe and non-toxic.

Personally, I have been sleeping on the Naturepedic organic mattress and find it very comfortable. The great news is that Naturepedic created an affordable non-toxic mattress and branded it “Happsy.” The quality of the materials is the same, and the GOTS certification is present. 

You cannot lie down on it before buying, though, because they sell online only. Actually, online sales and medium firmness are what makes Happsy mattresses so affordable. Moreover, as my blog reader, you can make it even more affordable by using a generous discount. Shop for Happsy with my generous discount code you can find here!

For my opinions on My Green Mattress, Latex For Less, Plush Beds, Avocado, Eco Terra, Birch, Awara, OMI, and Essentia, refer to my blog post Are Organic Mattresses Worth It?.

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