Why Certifications Matter: GOTS, GOLS, and GREENGUARD Explained

Shopping for a new mattress made without any chemicals can be overwhelming, especially when you get into the industry certifications that matter.  The organic mattress industry is full of marketing buzzwords like "eco-friendly", "natural", and "non-toxic". But, for many of our customers with chemical sensitivities and allergies, industry certifications matter.  Here's what the most important ones actually mean.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

GOTS is the gold standard for organic fabrics. If a mattress cover or bedding is GOTS-certified, it means the cotton, wool, or other fibers were grown organically (no synthetic pesticides or GMOs) and processed without any harmful chemicals. GOTS also covers fair labor practices and environmental impact throughout the entire supply chain. When you see GOTS certification, you're getting organic materials that were handled responsibly from farm to finished product.

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)

GOLS is the equivalent certification for natural latex. It certifies that the latex foam is made from at least 95% certified organic raw material (rubber tree sap) and processed without harmful chemicals. GOLS-certified latex is tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. Not all "natural latex" is organic.  GOLS certification is proof that it is.

GREENGUARD Gold

GREENGUARD Gold tests for emissions and chemical off-gassing. Products with GREENGUARD Gold certification meet some of the strictest standards for low chemical emissions, making them safe for sensitive populations like children, pregnant women, and people with asthma or allergies. If a mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, it won't pollute your indoor air with Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

These certifications cost money and require rigorous testing, which is why cheaper mattresses don't have them. If a company claims their mattress is "organic", it should have these certifications.  If a company claims that a mattress is "natural" or "non-toxic" (meaning it's not certified organic), ask to see what materials are in the mattress.

At The Organic Bedroom, we carry organic mattress brands that use certified organic materials throughout their mattresses.  We also carry several other brands that are "natural", (made with natural materials, but not certified).  Give us a call or stop by The Organic Bedroom's showroom to learn more!

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