I’d love to get a natural mattress, but I really can’t afford one. Is there a good alternative.

Yes, absolutely. Take a look at a natural latex mattress topper. You can keep you current mattress and place a mattress topper on top, attached with elastic straps.

What I would suggest is getting a topper that is made of two inches of natural latex (rubber that is not synthetic). You want one that is wrapped in pure wool and coveredwith a quilted organic cotton cover.

You will get most of the benefits of a natural mattress at a lower cost.

There are two reasons you want to make sure to get one with a wool layer. First, it’s very breathable, which means that you will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter; but more important, it is naturally fire-retardant and normally meets the stardards required by law for a mattress (be sure to ask). Natural Mattresses and toppers without the wool often require a doctor’s prescription.

On top of having a mattress topper that meets fire retardant standards, it is chemical free, which is one of the main reasons I would suggest buying a natural mattress. On top of that, the latex is repellent to dust mites, mildew, and mold.

Whether you want a natural mattress for the health benefits – being hypo-allergetic, non-chemical, and good for your back – the natural mattress topper is a good alternative.

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If you’ve ever wondered about how natural latex mattresses are made, check out this video. It’s a really fascinating look at how latex is harvested and processed, and they even show the manufacture of mattresses and pillows.

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But since our primary goal in having a mattress is to provide a good night’s sleep, a Natural Mattress is vital. A good Natural Mattress is constructed with latex rubber, cotton, and wool. When you first think about it, it sounds like a strange combination, especially the wool (it’s summer and the thought of wool isn’t too appealing). But hear me out.

Let’s start with the latex. Organic latex (not the synthetic kind) comes from a rubber tree. It is not filled with chemicals. For most people it’s hypoallergenic. This is important if you suffer from allergies. Latex is also resistant to dust mites mold, and mildew—sources of allergic reactions in addition to chemicals.

Latex also offers superb support, molding to the contour of your body, supporting weight distribution, and helping to relieve the pressure points and providing better circulation. Thus, you get a much more restful sleep.

Cotton and wool are naturally fire-retardant and do not need the chemicals found in conventional mattresses. This makes for a much safer sleeping environment. I’ll get into the chemicals that are used in another article, but it’s truly worrisome that we are exposing ourselves on a daily basis to such toxins.

Natural mattresses often include a layer of wool, often as a mattress pad, also called a topper. I know it sounds strange, but wool is very breathable. It transports moisture and naturally regulates your body’s temperature, both in the winter when it’s cold and even in the summer when it’s roasting

Cotton is also breathable and fire-retardant. You really want certified organic cotton, though, as it’s untreated with dyes, bleaches or chemicals that can irritate your skin.

If you have allergies, back problems, or just hate the idea of sleeping on a bed of chemicals, a Natural Mattress is a must have.

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