By now the majority of us are aware of our impact on the environment and have made plenty of small changes to be more eco-friendly, from buying reusable water bottles to being more considerate of the products we buy and dispose of.

However, green living is not just exclusive to the daytime. There are endless opportunities to make simple changes at bedtime that will not only benefit the environment but also your health and wellbeing - it's a win-win!

On average, we spend around one-third of our lives in bed either sleeping or attempting to get some shut-eye. Seeing as this accounts for a substantial amount of our time, it is a great place to focus our efforts and make our bedtime routines more eco-friendly whilst also reaping the benefits of a good night's sleep.

Implementing eco-friendly measures into your nighttime routine needn't be complicated. In this article, we will cover what to look for when choosing an eco-friendly mattress, the experts' pick for the best natural mattress of 2022, and plenty of tips that will help you create a better sleep routine to benefit yourself and the planet.

Can I get an eco-friendly mattress?

With more individuals conscious of their impact on the environment than ever before, companies have taken heed of this and produced plenty of sustainable alternatives for products we regularly use, including eco-friendly mattresses.

What to consider when choosing an eco-friendly mattress

When looking at organic mattresses, there are a few things to take into consideration before you commit to a purchase. Here are some key factors to focus on:

Organic and Natural Materials

It should go without saying that a truly green mattress is made of materials that are natural and do not negatively affect the environment, but it is often hard to know exactly what to look for when choosing an eco-friendly option.

There are many materials such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic wool and cotton, and organic latex which are responsibly sourced and produced to reduce the impact on the environment. If you want to go a step further, pair your mattress with a sustainable base made out of woods like oak or birch. Mattress bases should properly support you and your mattress to provide the perfect conditions for a good night's sleep. Investing in a solid base will also reduce the need to replace it regularly.

Longevity

Another thing to consider is the longevity of the mattress you are purchasing so that you will not impact the environment negatively by adding to waste by frequently needing to replace it. The typical lifetime of a mattress is 7-10 years, therefore picking a better quality mattress that can be recycled at the end of its use will greatly reduce your environmental impact — plus you will save money in the long term.

What is the best eco-friendly mattress?

A newly conducted study by sleep experts at SFGATE has revealed the best natural mattress to be the Organica by Amerisleep. The study compiled a list of the best mattresses based on factors such as mattress type, sleep position, and materials. The Organica triumphed as the best option for those looking for an organic mattress.

What is the Organica made of?

The Organica is made up of several layers which are:

• Natural Dunlop Latex
• Pocketed Coil Unit
• Natural Talalay Latex
• New Zealand Joma Wool®
• GOTS Certified Organic Cotton

The mattress is comprised of a 1" base layer of Natural Dunlop Latex followed by an 8" pocketed coil system, 3" of Talalay Latex, and a 1" layer of New Zealand Joma Wool®. These are housed within a woven and knitted cover made from GOTS Organic Cotton.

The various components within the mattress have different purposes and utilize the properties of the materials used.

Natural Dunlop Latex

Liquid latex is sourced from rubber trees and aerated and molded to form a block of natural latex. Organic Dunlop Latex is characteristically soft and springs back to its original shape in a short space of time, unlike memory foam. It is also particularly durable meaning it does not need replacing frequently.

Pocketed Coil Unit

The coil system is designed to provide targeted support for the user and isolate motion throughout the mattress for a more rested sleep. It is important that your mattress properly supports your spine to reduce the potential for back pain and discomfort. Furthermore, isolating motion within the mattress will likely help you get a better night's sleep if you find your sleep disrupted by your partner tossing and turning throughout the night.

Natural Talalay Latex

Natural Talalay Latex is made using liquid latex that is vacuum expanded into a mold. Talalay Latex is lighter and bouncier than Dunlop Latex and also has a more consistent texture throughout, making it feel more luxurious.

New Zealand Joma Wool®:

Sourced from New Zealand, Joma Wool® is organic wool that has been crimped in a specific way during the manufacturing process to add beneficial properties. Crimping the wool results in a 40-50% increase in volume without any extra weight being added, and the ability to return to its original shape after continued pressure has been applied. Within the mattress, the layer of Joma Wool® acts as a natural fire barrier.

GOTS Certified Organic Cotton:

The cotton used in the Organica has been certified, meaning it supports cotton farmers in addition to having a reduced impact on the environment. Utilizing the natural properties of organic cotton, the woven exterior of the mattress is soft and breathable, ventilating the mattress to prevent the user from overheating.

What's so special about the Organica?

The Organica has been designed with carefully selected natural and organic materials, meaning it does not emit harmful chemicals. Additionally, the materials used have been certified by the following:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) - ensures the fabric is made from at least 70% organic natural fibers and meets the requirements across the production, packaging, and distribution to be classified as an environmentally friendly product.
• OEKO-TEX® - the wool and latex used within the mattress are labeled OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 meaning they have been thoroughly tested and been declared harmless for human health.
• The Rainforest Alliance - the latex is approved by the Rainforest Alliance which means that purchases of the mattress support sustainable agriculture and local farmers.
• eco-INSTITUT - the latex used within the Organica has also received an eco-INSTITUT-label. This means it is a low-emission and low-pollutant product that has been tested for volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Additionally, the Organica has been designed so that it does not need to be flipped or rotated during its lifespan. It comes with a 20-year warranty, and for those who like to try before you buy, there is a trial period whereby you can test the mattress for 100 nights - if, after 30 nights you are not satisfied, you can return your mattress.

Overview

• Price: $1,199-$2,698 depending on the size
• Made with: Natural Talalay latex, GOTS Organic Cotton, Natural Dunlop Latex, Joma Wool
• Sizes available: Twin, Twin XL, Full (double), Queen, King, California King, Split King
• Recommended for: eco-conscious shoppers, those sensitive to synthetic materials
• Warranty: 20-year warranty and the option to have a 30 day trial period

Pros: The Organica is designed with eco-friendly materials which makes it an excellent option if you are looking to be more environmentally friendly. It is made with certified materials that emit fewer odors and no harmful substances -especially important if you have sensitivities to synthetic materials.

The Organica is a medium-firm mattress which makes it suitable for most sleeping styles.

Cons: The eco-friendly nature of the mattress makes it a little more expensive, with the high end of the price range reaching over $2,000. Additionally, the latex material used is heavy meaning it can be difficult to maneuver into place.

How to make your bedtime habits more eco-friendly

If you're feeling a little sleep deprived it can be hard to focus on other things such as sustainability. Thankfully though there are things you can do to ensure you get a better night's sleep whilst also making your bedtime routine more environmentally friendly.

Below are some key things to consider when improving your bedtime habits.

Pick eco-friendly pillows

Once you have chosen your organic mattress, the next step is to pair it with some eco-friendly pillows. The majority of pillows expose you to harmful chemicals for around 7 hours a night.

There are plenty of eco-friendly options for pillows made from safer materials such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified organic cotton, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) natural latex, recycled polyester, or responsibly sourced down. With so many options, you are sure to find the perfect eco-friendly pillows to suit your particular sleep style and preferences.

Choose eco-friendly bedding and sleepwear

After choosing your new mattress and pillows, consider some environmentally friendly bedding to add the finishing touches. There are plenty of companies that strive to supply organic and fair trade bedding for you to rest comfortably and sound in the knowledge that you have done your bit for the environment. Aim to choose bedding made from materials such as organic cotton which will keep you cool and is particularly breathable.

Another aspect of your bedtime sleep habits is sleepwear. Aside from classic organic cotton, there are materials like Tencel, bamboo, and linen which are all excellent options for eco-friendly sleepwear — you can always check the product label to see what it is made of if you are not sure.

Consider your lighting

Making your bedtime routine more eco-friendly can also be achieved by altering your existing surroundings. For example, embracing natural lighting and turning off your electronic devices before bed not only saves electricity but also reduces the amount of blue light you subject yourself to. Artificial light interferes with your circadian rhythm, stopping your body from responding to natural light and gearing down to go to sleep. This results in the inability to fall asleep or restless sleep when you eventually do drift off. For best results, try not to use your devices within the 2-3 hours before your bedtime.

Be mindful of room temperature

As mentioned, your bedroom temperature is a key factor when trying to get a good night's sleep. Keeping your room on the cooler side (preferably between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit) is recommended in order to get a comfortable night's sleep without overheating. Additionally, keeping your room cooler will reduce your environmental footprint.

What are some other mattresses recommended by sleep experts?

Depending on your sleep style or comfort preferences, you may find yourself looking for an alternative mattress to the Organica. Below are some other recommendations that are expert-approved: