Natural vs. Synthetic Latex: Why GOLS Certification Matters? Home Improvement by Conner Short - November 1, 2023May 20, 2024 According to research studies, 1 out of 3 healthy adults complain of not getting enough sleep. While a minimum of 8-9 hours of sleep is recommended, most adults reportedly get no more than 6.8 hours on weekdays and 7.8 hours on weekends. On the other hand, people suffering from chronic sleep disorders like insomnia clock only 3-4 hours. And that’s dangerous. Multiple studies have shown prolonged sleep deprivation to be the precursor to cardiac issues, strokes, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and even strokes. If you are someone who wakes up feeling groggy and complains of headaches now and then, the chance is you aren’t resting well. And while there can be underlying medical reasons, you might want to look beneath your bed sheets. Yes, that’s where your latex mattress is. In many cases, an uncomfortable bed contributes to disturbed sleep, and the person usually gets body aches and joint pains from sleeping on it daily. Blame the synthetic compounds that go into making a mattress. However, spotting a natural, GOLS-certified mattress can be difficult. Here’s everything you need to know to differentiate between a synthetic and GOLS-certified latex mattress and bring home your ideal sleep companion. Understanding Natural Vs. Synthetic Latex Latex is another name given to the sap collected from rubber trees. Then after, it is processed in factories to make several rubber products. However, latex is also turned into foam products by a couple of processes known as Dunlop and Talalay. These days, synthetic foam has replaced these processes. However, with an increasing number of customers turning towards using sustainable products, the demand for natural latex is on the rise. Why Synthetic Latex Is Never A Good Choice For Mattresses? Synthetic latex uses harmful petrochemical products like Butadiene and Styrene, closely resembling plastic. So, why is the market flooded with synthetic latex bedding products? The answer is the cost. Producing synthetic latex products is way cheaper than natural latex. The same goes for mattresses. From quality to resiliency, a natural latex mattress beats synthetic versions on all grounds. From quality to resiliency, it packs a punch. A natural latex mattress is soft, comfortable, and doesn’t degrade easily. There’s no risk of being exposed to harmful carcinogens. A natural GOLS-certified latex mattress promises better sleep as it effortlessly adjusts to your body contour. Thus, it keeps body aches and chronic fatigue at bay. Unlike its synthetic counterpart, a natural latex mattress doesn’t trap heat. This, in turn, helps in sound sleep, especially if you live in a humid region. In terms of longevity, natural latex is also superior as it can seamlessly bounce back to its original shape. Thus, you will never have to think about replacing your mattress for years. How Do I Identify a Natural, GOLS-Certified Latex Mattress? It’s only natural to fall for marketing gimmicks where synthetic products are sold as natural latex. However, there are a few ways you can put a mattress through a test. Always Check For Certification Determining the authenticity of a GOLS-certified natural latex mattress starts with the label. GOLS certification is considered among the highest standards for organic latex mattresses. In essence, it speaks volumes about sustainable manufacturing. As an informed consumer, you must check the label on the mattress before you bring one home. Money Talks An original GOLS-certified latex mattress will invariably be priced higher than its synthetic versions. Often, the oil salesman at the store will push you towards buying a synthetic variety, pointing at the price difference. And while you think it’s a good deal to save you from overspending, you’re helping the sales guy earn a handsome commission. Although a natural latex mattress costs a bit more, the value it brings is worth every penny. The Smell Test While it’s not entirely reliable, the smell test may help you determine an authentic GOLS-certified latex mattress. Remember, a natural latex mattress always gives out a fresh, earthy smell, whereas synthetic ones have a distinct smell of chemicals. The Bend Test Another test to check the authenticity of a GOLS-certified latex mattress is the bend test, where you bend the foam in half. Watch closely. If the foam bends easily without any resistance, chances are you have an authentic product in your hands. This is because synthetic latex mattresses are a bit heavier than natural ones. Thus, it may not bend that easily and help you determine the good stuff. Bottom Line Undoubtedly, when it comes to choosing between a natural and synthetic latex mattress, the former wins the race. From quality to resiliency, a GOLS-certified latex mattress checks all boxes. The last thing you want to check in a natural latex mattress is whether it has any filler material. Regrettably, some manufacturers engage in the malpractice of stuffing synthetic latex alongside natural material to boost the quality. (You can still try the bending test here to figure out the odds). Luckily, some brands use a special label on their mattresses that reads”non-filler latex.” It is recommended that you stick to buying those to reap the goodness of natural latex. That way, you will never have to worry about quality or longevity. Banner Image by Slaapwijsheid.nl on Unsplash