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Certified Organic vs. Natural Mattresses: What These Standards Really Mean for You

Learn how GOTS, GOLS, and other certifications work, what “natural” really means, and how brands like Avocado ensure true transparency, safety, and sustainability.

Mark Abrials avatar
Written by Mark Abrials
Updated over 3 weeks ago

Choosing between a certified organic and a natural mattress requires understanding what the certifications actually mean — and what they don’t. Certified organic mattresses are verified by rigorous third-party standards that audit materials, supply chains, chemical safety, and responsible manufacturing practices. “Natural” mattresses, meanwhile, rely on materials derived from nature but lack enforceable definitions and independent oversight.

As consumers focus more on health, sustainability, and transparency, these distinctions matter more than ever. This guide clearly explains what sets certified organic mattresses apart and how to avoid misleading or incomplete claims.

Understanding Certified Organic Mattresses

A true certified organic mattress is independently verified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) — the only internationally recognized standard that certifies the entire finished mattress. GOTS audits the full supply chain, from farm to factory, ensuring verified organic content, chemical safety, environmental responsibility, and social compliance.

According to Avocado’s Organic Mattress Shopping Guide: “GOTS … is the only recognized standard that certifies finished organic mattresses and audits the entire supply chain — from farm to factory.” This means that any brand claiming to sell an “organic mattress” must appear in the public GOTS database to substantiate that claim.

What GOTS Certification Requires

1. Verified Organic Fiber Content

GOTS has two label tiers:

  • “Organic” – 95%+ certified organic fiber

  • “Made With Organic Materials” – 70%+ certified organic fiber

These percentages apply to certified textiles (cotton, wool, etc.), not the entire mattress by weight. (Some components, such as the steel coils, considered required for functionality, are not included.)
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2. Full Chain-of-Custody Verification

GOTS audits:

  • Farming practices

  • Processing facilities

  • Warehouses

  • Cut-and-sew and assembly sites

  • Finished product labeling

This prevents greenwashing and ensures end-to-end integrity.
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3. Strict Chemical Restrictions

GOTS prohibits or restricts:

  • Hazardous processing chemicals

  • Formaldehyde

  • Chlorinated flame retardants

  • Certain solvents

  • Toxic adhesives (only approved low-impact adhesives permitted)

4. Environmental & Social Criteria

Facilities must meet:

  • Responsible wastewater treatment

  • Worker protections

  • Fair labor requirements

  • Limits on energy and chemical inputs

5. Annual Independent Audits

Certification must be audited and renewed every year.

What About GOLS?

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) applies ONLY to latex foam.

It verifies that latex contains 95%+ certified organic raw latex material

However:
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❌ GOLS does NOT:

  • Certify a finished mattress

  • Audit the full supply chain

  • Verify textiles, wool, cotton, or coils

  • Ensure factory compliance for assembly

Avocado’s Organic Mattress Shopping Guide explains: “GOLS … is a certification standard for organic latex foam, but it is being phased out. Use GOTS instead. If it is not GOTS, it is not certified organic.”

In modern organic mattress standards, GOLS is supplemental rather than defining.

What Defines a Natural Mattress?

“Natural” has no legally enforceable definition. A natural mattress may include materials derived from nature, but:

  • There is no required minimum natural content

  • Terms like “natural latex” can still involve synthetic additives

  • Cotton or wool may be from conventional farms using pesticides

  • Flame barriers may include chemical treatments

  • Claims are not independently verified

A natural mattress might contain:

  • Latex (not organic)

  • Wool treated with chemicals

  • Conventional cotton

  • Synthetic blends

  • Polyurethane foam under a natural layer

Because “natural” is unregulated, quality and safety vary widely.

Certified Organic vs. Natural: Key Differences

Category

Certified Organic Mattress (GOTS)

Natural Mattress

Applies to a full mattress?

✔ Yes — full product must be certified

✘ No

Chain-of-custody audits?

✔ Required (farm → factory → finished product)

✘ None

Chemical safety rules?

✔ Strictly regulated

❓ Varies widely

Environmental standards?

✔ Included

✘ Not required

Fair labor rules?

✔ Required

✘ Not required

Marketing oversight?

✔ Claims must be substantiated

✘ Self-declared

The largest distinction is accountability: Certified organic mattresses are independently audited. Natural mattresses are not.

Why These Certifications Matter

Consumers increasingly evaluate mattresses based on:

  • Indoor air quality

  • Sensitivity to chemicals

  • Environmental impact

  • Transparency and trustworthiness

Certification helps ensure authenticity.

GOTS (for full mattress)

  • Organic fiber verification

  • Strict chemical prohibitions

  • Environmental + social compliance

  • Full supply-chain audits

  • Public database listing

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (for the safety of all components)

Tests every component for harmful substances.
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MADE SAFE® (for toxicological screening)

Screens materials against thousands of chemicals.
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GREENGUARD Gold (for VOC emissions)

Tests the finished mattress for extremely low chemical emissions.

EWG Verified® (for health criteria)

One of the strictest full-product safety standards.

Health & Environmental Benefits of Certified Organic Mattresses

1. Reduced Chemical Exposure

Certified organic mattresses avoid:

  • Certain flame retardants

  • Formaldehyde-based adhesives

  • Chlorinated solvents

  • Pesticide residues on textiles

  • PFAS/forever chemicals (not allowed under GOTS, MADE SAFE®, EWG Verified®)

2. Better Indoor Air Quality

GREENGUARD Gold ensures low VOC emissions — a major factor given how long we spend in bed.
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3. Responsible Processing

GOTS and MADE SAFE® require:

  • Controlled wastewater

  • Restricted chemical inputs

  • Worker protections

  • Supply-chain transparency

4. Renewable, Sustainable Materials

Organic latex, wool, cotton, and natural fibers offer durability, breathability, and reduced environmental impact.

How to Verify Organic Claims

To avoid greenwashing, ask:

✔ “Is the entire finished mattress certified under GOTS?”

A true organic mattress must appear in the public GOTS database.

✔ “Can you provide certification numbers or documentation?”

Reputable brands provide direct links.

✔ “Which components are certified — and which aren’t?”

Transparency is key.

✔ “Do you have certifications for the finished product?”

Look for:

  • GOTS (required for organic)

  • GREENGUARD Gold

  • MADE SAFE®

  • OEKO-TEX®

  • EWG Verified®

✔ “How is fire safety achieved?”

Organic brands typically use wool, not chemicals.

Cost Considerations

Certified organic mattresses cost more because of:

  • Organic farming

  • Supply-chain verification

  • Annual audits

  • Certified assembly facilities

  • Higher-quality natural materials

However, latex-based organic mattresses often last 10–15+ years, outlasting many conventional foam mattresses.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

  1. Is the mattress listed in the GOTS public database?

  2. What percentage of the textiles are certified organic?

  3. Is the latex certified under GOLS or other recognized material standards?

  4. How is the mattress assembled— by needle-tufting or by gluing layers?

  5. Do you use any polyurethane foam?

  6. How do you meet fire safety standards?

  7. What are your VOC emission certifications?

  8. Can I see a layer-by-layer cutaway?

  9. Are your facilities certified and audited yearly?

Avocado publishes all certification details, including facility certifications and supply-chain verification, reflecting industry-leading transparency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a certified organic mattress worth it?

Yes — especially if you prioritize transparency, chemical safety, or sustainability.
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Can a mattress be natural but not organic?

Yes. “Natural” is unregulated and does not guarantee organic farming or processing.
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Does GOTS certify latex?

No. GOTS certifies textiles and the finished mattress. Latex is certified separately under GOLS or other material standards.
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Do organic mattresses sleep cool?

Yes. Latex, wool, and cotton are naturally breathable. No gimmicky chemicals are needed. They are wonderful thermoregulating materials.
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How long does an organic mattress last?

High-quality latex mattresses can last up to 25 years.
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Is GOLS required for an organic mattress?

No. GOTS is the required standard for a finished organic mattress.
GOLS is optional and applies only to latex.
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Are organic mattresses available for kids and babies?

Yes — and ideal for kids and babies that are more susceptible to toxins.

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