What’s the Difference Between Natural and Organic Mattresses?

“Natural” might sound reassuring, but the term has no legal or regulated definition. Any brand can use it — even if their mattress contains synthetic foams, chemical adhesives, or treated fabrics. Without independent verification, there’s no way to confirm whether a “natural” mattress is truly safe, sustainable, or responsibly made.

This lack of oversight means that “natural” often becomes a marketing word rather than a meaningful standard — leaving consumers to assume purity where none is required.

To be genuinely organic, a mattress must be GOTS certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) — the world’s leading standard for organic textiles (including mattresses), recognized by the USDA’s National Organic Program. Simply put: If it’s not GOTS certified, it’s not organic.

GOTS certification audits the entire supply chain, from farm to factory, ensuring every step meets strict criteria for organic materials, worker welfare, and environmental responsibility. It’s the only certification that verifies the finished mattress, not just individual ingredients.

You may see GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) on latex foam. While this confirms the latex is made with at least 95% certified organic raw material, it doesn’t certify the full mattress. GOLS only matters when the latex is used within a GOTS-certified product — otherwise, there’s no comprehensive audit or verification.

Supporting standards such as OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, MADE SAFE®, GREENGUARD Gold, and EWG VERIFIED® offer extra assurance of low chemical emissions and non-toxic materials — but none replace GOTS as the global benchmark for truly organic certification.

Many brands and review sites use “natural” and “organic” interchangeably — often to drive sales by associating with certified organic products without meeting the same rigorous standards.

This confusion benefits marketers, not consumers. “Natural” materials may sound eco-friendly, but aren’t verified. Many include blended foams, adhesives, or chemical treatments that would never pass organic certification. Only GOTS-certified organic mattresses are independently audited for purity, sustainability, and ethical production.

Understanding this difference helps you cut through greenwashing and make a truly informed, responsible choice.

When selecting an organic mattress, be cautious of misleading “natural” claims. Look for the GOTS logo on the finished product, not just the materials. Check the GOTS public database if you’re unsure. It’s your proof of integrity, health, and sustainability — from the farm to your bedroom.

No. “Natural” has no legal definition, whereas “organic” requires third-party GOTS certification, which verifies every step of production — from raw materials to finished products.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world’s most trusted certification for organic textiles, ensuring strict limits on chemicals, ethical labor practices, and environmental responsibility.

Look for the GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) logo — and make sure it applies to the entire finished mattress, not just individual materials. This certification is your proof that the mattress has been independently verified from farm to factory for organic integrity, ethical production, and environmental responsibility.

If a product only lists material-level certifications (like “organic cotton” or “GOLS latex”) but doesn’t display the GOTS label for the finished product, it’s not a certified organic mattress. You can confirm a brand’s certification status on the GOTS public database.

No. “Natural latex” simply means the foam is made from the sap of rubber trees — but it says nothing about how the trees were grown, how the latex was processed, or whether any synthetic fillers or chemical additives were used.

To be organic, the latex must be GOLS-certified and used within a GOTS-certified organic mattress. Without GOTS certification on the finished product, there’s no independent audit or verification of purity, sustainability, or worker welfare — no matter what the label claims.

No. These certifications only cover specific materials or safety criteria. Only the GOTS certification applies to the entire finished mattress.