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Is There Such a Thing as a “Certified Natural Mattress”?

Learn why a ‘certified natural mattress’ doesn’t exist, which certifications actually matter (like GOTS), and how to judge organic and non-toxic mattresses.

Mark Abrials avatar
Written by Mark Abrials
Updated this week

Short answer: no.

There is no independent, regulated certification called “certified natural” in the mattress industry. Terms like natural, eco-friendly, green, or similar are marketing descriptors, not recognized or enforceable standards.

Understanding the difference between natural and organic — and knowing which certifications actually exist — can help you make a more informed, healthier choice.


Why “Certified Natural” Isn’t a Real Certification

The word “natural” is a marketing term. In the mattress industry:

  • There is no governing body that certifies a mattress as “natural.”

  • There are no standardized criteria for what “natural” must include or exclude

  • Products labeled “natural” may still contain synthetic foams, chemical flame retardants, or petroleum-based materials

As a result, phrases like “certified natural mattress” may sound official, but they do not refer to a legitimate third-party certification.

Is “natural” regulated in the mattress industry?

Is “natural” regulated in the mattress industry? No. “Natural” is not a regulated or certifiable term for mattresses and does not require third-party verification.


Natural vs. Organic: What’s the Difference?

Natural

  • Marketing or descriptive term

  • Not legally defined

  • Not independently certified

  • Can include synthetic or chemically processed materials

Organic

  • Regulated and standardized — and legally enforced

  • Requires independent third-party certification

  • Covers how materials are grown, processed, and handled

  • Must meet strict environmental and human-health criteria

If a mattress is truly organic, it must be certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which is recognized under the USDA’s National Organic Program for organic textiles. There are no other certifications that verify a finished organic mattress.

Is natural the same as organic?

No. “Natural” is a marketing term, while “organic” requires certification and compliance with strict standards.


Certifications That Do Exist for Mattresses

While “certified natural” is not real, credible certifications for organic, non-toxic, and low-emission mattresses do exist. These include:

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)

  • Applies to finished textile products, including mattresses

  • Requires at least 95% certified organic fibers for “organic” labeling; limited functional accessories (such as metal springs) are permitted

  • Prohibits many harmful chemicals

  • Covers strict environmental and social criteria throughout the manufacturing process

  • Reference the GOTS public database for certified brands.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

  • Tests finished products and every component for harmful substances

  • Focuses on human health and chemical safety

  • Class I is the most strict, designed for babies

  • Reference the OEKO® Label Check website.

MADE SAFE®

EWG VERIFIED®

  • One of the most stringent health-based standards

  • Requires full material disclosure and ongoing compliance

GREENGUARD Gold

  • Focuses on low chemical emissions for indoor air quality

  • Suitable for homes, schools, and healthcare environments

  • Find Greenguard Gold products on the UL Spot website

Each certification serves a different purpose — and none of them certify a mattress as simply “natural.”

Can a mattress be organic without GOTS certification?

No. Without GOTS certification, an “organic” claim may apply only to individual materials — not the finished mattress.


What About GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)?

GOLS is a component-level standard that applies only to organic latex foam. It does not certify finished mattresses or verify the full set of materials, manufacturing processes, or chemical inputs used in a completed product. There is no such thing as a GOLS-certified mattress.

Because of this, GOLS certification alone cannot support an “organic mattress” claim. To be considered a truly organic mattress, the finished product must be certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which is recognized under the USDA’s National Organic Program.

Some mattresses may include GOLS-certified latex as one component, but without GOTS certification, the mattress itself is not certified organic.

Does GOLS make a mattress organic?

No. GOLS applies only to latex components and cannot certify a finished mattress as organic. Only GOTS certifies a mattress as organic.


Why Certification Transparency Matters

Because mattress materials are layered and complex, broad claims without certification can be misleading. Responsible brands should clearly disclose:

  • Which materials are certified

  • Which certification applies (and by whom)

  • Whether the certification covers materials or the finished product

Vague terms like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” or “green” don’t provide that clarity on their own.

What should I look for on a mattress label?

Look for specific third-party certifications, not general marketing language.


What to Look for When Shopping for a Healthier Organic Mattress That You Can Trust

If health, safety, and sustainability matter to you, look for mattresses that:

  • List specific third-party certifications

  • Identify whether the mattress is certified organic, not just “made with natural materials.”

  • Provide transparency about all major components, not just one layer

A truly organic mattress doesn’t rely on buzzwords — it relies on verifiable standards.

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