Organic Wool Mattress vs. Everything Else

Some companies try to mislead customers into thinking they are buying organic materials, but the terms “pure” and “natural” or “eco” or “all natural” or “100% natural” do not mean organic, although they may sound just as good. Unless materials are certified “organic”, they can still be processed with harsh chemicals, dyes and pesticides. For example, 30 percent of the world’s pesticides are used to grow cotton, and most sheets are bleached with chlorine.

Another trick of the trade to watch out for is a mattress label that says “organic cotton and wool”. Phrased this way, it implies that the mattress contains organic cotton and organic wool. However, if a mattress containing cotton and wool is completely organic, the most honest (and clearest) way to describe it is “organic cotton and organic wool.”

Organic wool

Organic wool means that the wool is free of all synthetic chemicals throughout the processing. The sheep are fed in organic pasture, the wool cleaning process involves no bleach or solvents of any kind, and the garneting and carding processes are done without chemical additives. Of all materials used to make mattress quilting, or casings, organic wool is by far the best. It is also the most expensive to produce. At Savvy Rest, we use only organic wool, and you can view the organic certificate here.

Why wool? Wool is comforting and comfortable to lie on. It is also a wonderful insulator, so your body can more naturally regulate your temperature during the night. You’ll sleep warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and you won’t feel hot or cold spots, so you’ll shift and turn less while you sleep. Wool is plush without “poofiness”, so even a light layer keeps you comfortable.

Each strand of wool has a coating of lanolin, which naturally repels dust mites. And microscopic scales on each strand create an arid environment that dust mites can’t live in. Some manufacturers say that sleeping on wool lowers a sleeper’s heart rate, but the research we’ve read does not support that claim, other than to indicate that most synthetics collect heat and sweat, which might elevate pulse.

Cotton Fiber vs. Cotton Fabric

It’s crucial to understand the difference between cotton fiber and cotton fabric because it will help you make an informed decision. Fibers are strands of material made from cotton, polyester, wool, or silk. Cotton fiber is used extensively in mattresses because cotton is very cheap to produce. Strands of fiber trap air (this is called loft), which can give a mattress a comfy feeling—at first.

But fiber always compresses over time. Ever sat down on an old futon? Mattresses containing cotton fiber, whether it’s grown organically or with pesticides, eventually become lumpy and hard. It’s not long before the mattress takes a body impression and you’re lying in a gully. That’s because the fiber attracts moisture, which causes it to pack down. It also attracts dust mites, mold, mildew and fungi—all of which promote allergies, asthma, and other respiratory problems. The bottom line is that cotton fiber has no redeeming quality in a mattress.

Cotton fabric, on the other hand, is simply a “sheet” of material that is woven or knitted from spun cotton thread (not fiber). Fabric does not compress at all, so organic cotton fabric is a very appropriate material for the outer layer of mattress casings and for bedding. It’s also soft, breathable and comfortable next to your skin.

Savvy Rest Mattress Quilting

Our quilted mattress casing is composed of 100% organic wool fiber quilted to 100% organic cotton fabric. It is removable, eco-dry-cleanable, and closes with a beautiful brass zipper.

Now that you know what to look for, we’re confident you’ll agree that the Savvy Rest is the best organic mattress available. If you find one better, let us know. We want to make ours as fine as it can possibly be.

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