5 Signs Your Mattress is Making You Sick (And What to Do About It)

We spend a third of our lives sleeping, yet many of us never question what we're sleeping on. Your mattress should be a place of rest and restoration, not a source of health problems. Here are five signs that your mattress might be working against you. 

1. You Wake Up Congested or Sneezing 

If mornings bring unexplained stuffiness, sneezing, or itchy eyes, your mattress could be harboring dust mites, their waste, or mold spores. Conventional mattresses create ideal conditions for these allergens to thrive, especially in humid climates. Over time, a typical mattress can accumulate millions of dust mites. 

Natural latex is inherently resistant to dust mites and mold. Its dense structure doesn't provide the environment these organisms need to survive, making it a simple solution for allergy sufferers.

2. That "New Mattress Smell" Won't Go Away

Off-gassing isn't just unpleasant, it's your mattress releasing volatile organic compounds, also know as VOC's. They are often found in synthetic foams, adhesives, and chemical treatments used in manufacturing. These can include formaldehyde, benzene, and other substances you wouldn't knowingly bring into your bedroom. Some people experience headaches, respiratory irritation, or nausea from prolonged exposure.

Organic latex mattresses made from natural materials don't off-gas harmful chemicals. What you smell is simply natural rubber. This has a mild, earthy scent that dissipates quickly and poses no health concern.

3. You're Sleeping Poorly Without Understanding Why

Restless sleep, frequent waking, or feeling unrested despite adequate sleep time can stem from your mattress. Chemical flame retardants that may be mandated in many conventional mattresses, have been linked to hormone disruption and nervous system effects. Your body might be reacting to these substances night after night without you realising it.

We believe in transparency. Natural latex is naturally fire-resistant. The materials used are a chemical-free solution that's been enjoyed for centuries. 

4. Your Synthetic Mattress is Over 7 Years Old

Even if your mattress looks fine, it's accumulated years of dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, and dust. Conventional mattresses break down over time, and their chemical treatments degrade, potentially releasing more compounds into your breathing space. The materials themselves may also deteriorate in ways that affect air quality. There are a lot of unknowns.

Quality matters more than complexity. A well-made latex mattress lasts 15-20 years while maintaining its purity and support. Fewer replacements means less environmental waste and better long-term value. 

5. You Experience Unexplained Skin Irritation

Waking with rashes, itching, or skin sensitivity can result from chemical treatments in mattress fabrics and foams. Many conventional mattresses use antimicrobial chemicals, stain treatments, and synthetic materials that contact your skin for hours each night.

Organic latex with natural, undyed cotton or wool covers eliminates these irritants. The materials are as we believe they should be, pure and uncomplicated.

A Different Approach

We don't believe in over-engineering sleep. The best mattress is one made from honest materials that work with your body, not against it. Natural latex, organic cotton, and wool have been used for generations because they work. There is no other marketing necessary.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's worth considering what you're sleeping on. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary, and that starts with the simplest, most essential element: a clean, natural place to rest.