Short Summary
When it comes to choosing a mattress, many people now consider more than just comfort—they’re thinking about the materials used and how they impact health and the environment. With more awareness around eco-friendly options, organic and natural mattresses have become popular choices. But what sets them apart? In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and compare two top eco-friendly options: Saatva Latex Hybrid and Awara Natural Hybrid.
What Makes a Mattress Organic?
Organic mattresses are made with materials that have been certified organic, meaning they’re produced without synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Certifications like Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) cover every part of the production process to ensure eco-friendly and fair practices. This certification isn’t only about chemical-free materials but also about supporting better working conditions and sustainable farming.
Key Benefits of Organic Mattresses
- Pure Materials: Organic mattresses use certified organic cotton, wool, or latex. These certifications, like GOTS and GOLS, set high standards to ensure materials are free from synthetic chemicals and truly organic.
- Healthier Sleep: Organic mattresses are free from toxic chemicals, reducing exposure to allergens and irritants, which is especially helpful for those with sensitivities. Plus, they don’t produce off-gassing (the release of chemical fumes) that’s common in traditional mattresses.
- Eco-Friendly Practices: Organic mattresses come from farms and factories that prioritize soil health, clean water, and support for natural ecosystems, creating a positive impact from production to delivery.
What Is a Natural Mattress?
Natural mattresses also use materials like cotton, wool, or latex, though they aren’t always fully certified as organic. Because “natural” is a broader term, these mattresses may include some synthetic components or undergo limited chemical processing. It’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer to confirm exactly what materials are used and how they’re processed.
Benefits of Natural Mattresses
- Budget-Friendly: Natural mattresses are often more affordable than organic options. This balance between quality materials and lower cost makes them a great pick for budget-conscious shoppers, and they may be easier to replace when needed.
- Comfort and Choice: Many natural materials still provide good airflow and comfort, even if they aren’t certified organic. Since “natural” mattresses aren’t bound by as many restrictions, manufacturers can create a wider range of designs to suit different comfort needs.
- Eco Elements: While natural mattresses might not meet organic certification, they still focus on using more sustainable materials than synthetic options, helping reduce their environmental impact.
Comparing Organic and Natural Mattresses
Both organic and natural mattresses are healthier, eco-conscious alternatives to conventional options. However, they differ in terms of materials, certifications, and overall environmental impact. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed choice.
Certification and Standards
Organic mattresses go through rigorous certification processes. Certifications like GOTS and GOLS verify that materials and production methods meet strict environmental standards, offering transparency and reassurance to consumers.
Natural mattresses may not come with these certifications. Since there’s no third-party verification, it’s important to ask about the materials and production methods used, so you know what you’re buying.
Material Purity
Organic mattresses guarantee that materials are free from synthetic additives, while natural mattresses might mix natural and synthetic parts. For those with sensitivities, knowing that a mattress is certified organic may provide extra peace of mind.
Price Considerations
Organic mattresses typically cost more because of certification expenses and higher-quality materials. This investment reflects a commitment to sustainable farming and fair labor. Natural mattresses, however, are usually more budget-friendly, providing some eco-friendly benefits at a lower price point, ideal for those who want a balance of cost and quality.
Saatva Latex Hybrid vs. Awara Natural Hybrid: Which One Fits You?
Saatva and Awara offer eco-friendly mattresses with unique features to suit different sleep styles. Here’s a closer look to help you find the right one.
Saatva Latex Hybrid: Comfort and Extra Support
The Saatva Latex Hybrid combines organic cotton, wool, and certified latex to deliver a comfortable, medium-firm feel. It’s a great choice for those who need extra support, especially those with back pain. Saatva is committed to the environment by donating returned mattresses instead of recycling them.
Saatva Key Features
- Materials: Organic cotton, wool, and certified latex
- Feel: Medium-firm with added lumbar support for spinal alignment
- Edge Support: Reinforced edges for durability
- Trial and Warranty: 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty (with a $99 return fee)
Awara Natural Hybrid: Firm Support with an Environmental Focus
The Awara Natural Hybrid offers a firmer feel, making it a good choice for back or stomach sleepers. Made with natural latex, cotton, and wool, this mattress has a simple, sustainable design. Awara also plants 10 trees for every mattress sold, supporting global reforestation efforts.
Awara Key Features
- Materials: Certified natural latex, organic cotton, and wool
- Feel: Firm, ideal for stomach and back sleepers
- Support Structure: Sturdy base for lasting comfort
- Trial and Warranty: 365-night trial with a forever warranty and free returns
- Environmental Contribution: Awara’s tree-planting initiative supports environmental restoration
Saatva vs. Awara: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Saatva Latex Hybrid | Awara Natural Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Level | Medium-firm; ideal for back pain relief | Firm; best for back and stomach sleepers |
| Materials | Organic cotton, wool, and latex | Organic latex, cotton, and wool |
| Support Features | Added lumbar support for spinal alignment | Firm structure for full-body support |
| Edge Support | Reinforced edges for stability | Decent, though less sturdy |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime (with $99 return fee) | Forever (free returns) |
| Eco-Friendly Effort | Donates returned mattresses | Plants 10 trees per mattress sold |
Which Mattress Should You Choose?
- Choose Saatva if you prefer a medium-firm feel with targeted back support, especially if you have back pain. Saatva’s reinforced edges and eco-friendly return policy make it a great choice for anyone seeking comfort and sustainability.
- Choose Awara if you want a firmer feel and support for environmental projects like tree planting. Awara’s firm design is perfect for back and stomach sleepers looking for reliable support.
Conclusion: Organic or Natural—Which Mattress Is Right for You?
Both organic and natural mattresses offer healthier, eco-friendly options compared to conventional choices. Organic mattresses provide peace of mind with certified, high-quality materials, which is ideal for those with sensitivities or strong environmental concerns. Natural mattresses, meanwhile, offer similar comfort at a more affordable price, though they may include non-organic elements.
Ultimately, your choice between Saatva and Awara—or organic and natural mattresses—depends on what matters most to you, whether it’s comfort, budget, or environmental impact. Both Saatva and Awara support a healthier, more sustainable sleep experience, so you can feel good about your decision for a restful, eco-friendly night’s sleep.
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FAQ
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How Do Online Mattress Stores Work?Online mattress stores and sites work very similarly to most other online stores. They allow you to browse through the products on offer, usually including mattresses, bed frames, and other sleeping accessories, choosing the right product for you and selecting from various sizes and types to fit your bed and meet your needs. When you're ready to make a purchase, you can simply add the items to your shopping cart and check out, paying with a variety of payment methods, making use of any discount codes you might have, and then getting the mattress and any other products shipped directly to your door in a box, ready to be opened up and unrolled.
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What If I Don’t Like the Mattress?That's not a problem when you choose the best mattress brands! A mattress is a big investment, after all, and can have a huge impact on your sleep quality and your life in general, so many of the best mattress brands understand that you might not be totally satisfied and might want to return or switch out your chosen mattress for another model. For this reason, many mattress companies will offer 'Sleep Trials', ranging from 30 nights up to 365 nights, depending on the brand you choose. These sleep trials allow you to test out the mattress for a set period of time and then decide whether or not you'd like to keep it or send it back to the company for a full refund.
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How to Choose the Right Mattress Online?Choosing the right mattress online can feel like quite a challenge, especially since there are just so many different mattress makers out there nowadays and such a vast variety of mattress models too. Fortunately, we're here to help make the process a lot easier for you. Our expert reviews and comparisons can give you the info you need to make the right choice, helping you quickly and easily learn about the features, pros, cons, firmness levels, and other key aspects of each mattress from leading brands. Read through our reviews to get started and remember to pay close attention to the factors that matter the most to you. If you have back problems, for example, you'll want to find a mattress that offers strong pressure relief, or if you plan to share the mattress with a partner, you'll want to focus on things like motion isolation.
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Is it Safe to Buy a Mattress Online?Many people can worry about buying products like mattresses online, concerned about the possibility of scammers, low quality products, or impossible refund and return policies. However, as long as you choose a trusted brand and make sure you buy from official, reputable sites, you won't have to worry about a thing. The best mattress makes go to great lengths to secure their sites and offer plenty of protection for their customers, keeping your payment details safe and giving you a full warranty, allowing you to return the mattress for a refund if you aren't totally satisfied. Many of them will even let you test out the mattress for a set period of time too before deciding whether or not you want to keep it.