What is an Organic Latex Mattress?
If purchasing a true organic latex mattress is important to you, you may need to learn more about certifications. There is a lot of misinformation about labeling and certifications out there. If you want an organic latex mattress, look for one that is GOTS and GOLS certified. You also need to pay attention to key aspects of these certifications. It is possible for a mattress to have these certifications but still not be fully organic.
What Makes Them Different?
What makes an organic mattress great is not just what it’s made of, but also what it is made without. An organic latex mattress is made without harmful chemicals or processes that are detrimental to the environment. These mattresses are not only good for those concerned about the environment but also prioritize your safety. The mattress must meet or exceed standards beyond those of its inorganic counterparts.
Understand the Difference
There are two different labels to look for if a mattress is organic: GOTS and GOLS.
GOTS Certification: GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard. To be GOTS certified, a textile must be made of at least 70% organic material. In addition to meeting this minimum standard, the textile must comply with other specifications. GOTS determines the standards for organic latex mattresses for each label.
GOLS Certification: The Global Organic Latex Standard, or GOLS, is similar to the GOTS certification. It focuses on the presence of organic latex within a product. Like GOTS, a minimum of 70% organic material is required to be certified, but with GOLS, this means 70% organic latex. There are several levels of GOLS certification. For example, if a product’s GOLS label states it is made with or contains organic latex, the minimum composition is 95% organic latex.
Summary
The two certifications, GOTS and GOLS, determine what makes a mattress 100 percent organic. There are different levels of GOLS, so it is important to read the entire label, not just the title. GOLS has two different labels: one for 70 percent organic latex and one for 95 percent organic latex.
