A mattress pad can be a great addition to your organic mattress. It can be a thin protective sheet or a thicker material that can protect your bed from dust mites and stains. The best mattress pads are made of wool, which is preferred for its ability to wick away moisture to regulate your body temperature and for its natural flame resistance. When choosing a wool mattress pad, certain factors and features must be considered to make sure that you are purchasing an authentic product. Here are some of the features you should look for in a high-quality wool mattress pad:
- Make sure it is certified organic – Organic wool can only be certified if its production can meet federal standards, which include the prohibition of genetic engineering, use of synthetic hormones, and synthetic pesticides. Moreover, forage and livestock feed must be certified organic, too, and livestock health must be assured through good management and cultural practices. This means sheep must not be treated with pesticides and that they can graze freely.
- Make sure it has not been treated with flame retardants and other chemicals – A high-quality wool mattress pad is free of toxic and harmful chemicals that have been linked to neurological and developmental disorders, fertility issues, and some types of cancers. Wool is naturally flame retardant, so it does not cause flames to spread in case it catches fire (and the flame is easier to put out). Moreover, the mattress pad should not be treated with pesticides to kill dust mites and other insects because wool already naturally repels them.
- Look for corner straps – A wool mattress pad for regular sized beds will come with corner straps to keep it in place. These features may be absent in smaller versions for cribs.
