“People often ask me, ‘why should I sleep on an organic mattress?’” says Diane DiLeo, of Organic Mattress Haven in Vero Beach. DiLeo says the answer is simple: it’s better for your health.

According to DiLeo, non-organic mattresses contain polyurethane foam, which is derived from petrochemicals. “These chemicals emit volatile organic compounds that have been shown to cause respiratory problems as well as skin irritation. Non-organic mattresses sometimes contain formaldehyde in adhesives, which is known to cause allergy related issues,” she says. “Even the non-organic cotton in mattresses contains pesticides. In addition, required by law flame-retardant material contains chemicals that are believed to cause cancer and nervous system disorders.”

True organic mattresses (not “green-washed”) are available in the marketplace. These mattresses contain GOTS certified upholstery, such as organic cotton. The fire-retardant layer is usually hypo-allergenic sheep wool and the support materials usually contain latex. There are organic cotton and wool mattresses available, too. Organic mattresses cost about the same as famous name brand memory foam mattresses.

DiLeo says, “Latex is a material that is cooler to sleep on than memory foam, has a two-way support, and contours to the body for comfortable and supportive sleep. It is also 300 times more resistant to dust mites, another worry for allergy sufferers.”

The Organic Mattress Haven, 2501 27th Ave, #F-1A, Vero Beach. 772-226-5019. OrganicMattressHaven.com.