Sleep is often talked about in terms of its impact on our health. But have you ever wondered what impact our sleep, and specifically our bedroom, has on our planet? While some materials and furnishings are harmful to nature, others can reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. So let’s take a look at how to lend a helping hand to nature.
Did you know that the annual carbon footprint per person in the Czech Republic is about 12 tonnes of CO₂? To some extent, the bedroom contributes to our carbon footprint, where we spend about a third of our lives, yet we overlook its ecological impact. Some synthetic foam mattresses, for example, represent a hidden environmental burden. Their production often has a high carbon footprint, and the manufacturing process and use of mattresses release formaldehyde and benzene, which can negatively affect indoor air quality and health.
We should also not forget climate change, which leads to higher night-time temperatures, making it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Some mattresses retain heat and can make sleeping conditions worse.
What does it lead to? The need to run the air conditioning, which in turn increases energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This vicious circle contributes to further warming and poorer sleep quality.
In terms of furnishings, the most important influence on the quality of sleep in the bedroom is the mattresswhich can mean the difference between a restful sleep and a sleepless night. As the above shows, the mattress is also usually the biggest environmental factor. A large percentage of foam mattresses made from synthetic materials release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microplastics, which are then released into the environment.
If you want to benefit the environment and your health, we recommend choosing mattresses that are ecological and health-safe, for example mattresses with certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which guarantee ecological and health safety.
At Materasso, our priority is not only to make our mattresses as comfortable and long-lasting as possible, but also to be environmentally friendly.
The sustainability of mattresses is due to the choice of materials and innovative approaches to their production. For example, some mattresses are made from foams containing natural castor oil. This is a renewable resource that replaces some of the traditional petroleum derivatives, reducing the ecological footprint of our products.
We join the individual layers of foam mattresses using ecological adhesives that are health-safe and meet the highest certification standards.
We incorporate natural materials such as coir, latex, cotton or linen into our mattresses. These materials are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and provide excellent breathability and moisture control. That is why they are also used to make mattresses for allergy sufferers.
Materasso mattresses are designed to last for many years without losing their properties. And what happens to them after they’ve outlived their usefulness? By using high quality natural materials, they are easily recyclable or biodegradable, minimising their impact on the environment at the end of their life.
Want to know more about our mattress materials? Read this article.
To make it even easier for you to choose a mattress that is made with the environment in mind, here are some tips:
This mattress is made of Biogreen foam containing the aforementioned natural castor oil. Its AIRSPRING foam core ensures orthopaedic support and high airiness. Also worth mentioning is the reversible cover with a cooling and warming side, thanks to which you can adapt the mattress to your needs.
The luxurious Natura hydrolatex latex mattress features seven anatomical zones that provide ideal support for the entire body. The core of this mattress consists of pocket springs encased in non-woven fabric, which together with the perforated hydrolatex foam ensure a comfortable and healthy sleep.
The specific feature of this mattress is the foam enriched with aloe vera extracts, which give it antibacterial effects and a pleasant scent. The mattress cover contains enzymes, minerals and amino acids that help cleanse and regenerate your skin while you sleep.
The core of the Neroli Air mattress is a combination of several high-quality foams. The top functional layer of the core consists of Neroli foam containing orange blossom essential oil, which is sought after for its soothing effects on the nervous system.
The epitome of luxury sleep is the Collagen Luxury foam mattress. What makes it special? Lavender foam with added lavender oil and COLLAGEN HR foam, which provide perfect spinal support, elimination of unwanted pressure and thermal comfort.
As well as choosing a quality mattress, you can also help support the environment by choosing bedding made from natural materials such as linen, cotton or silk, which offer excellent breathability and thermoregulating properties.
It is definitely worth investing in a good quality bed grate, which improves air circulation and prevents the accumulation of moisture and mould, thus extending the life of the mattress.
You will also please nature with a minimalist approach to furnishing your bedroom. Choose quality and timeless pieces of furniture and decoration. You can also bet on upcycling, the creative reuse of old items that not only saves money but also reduces waste and promotes sustainability. Replacing synthetic candles with aroma diffusers with natural essential oils or getting flowers that produce oxygen can be the next step.
Unfortunately, even the best quality mattresses don’t last forever. After a certain amount of time, every mattress needs to be replaced with a new one.
If the mattress is in good condition, you can donate it to charities or shelters that often use old mattresses as beds for animals. You can also use it at home, either as the aforementioned pet bed or as padding for garden furniture.
That the mattress is not used by you or your neighborhood and you don’t know where to throw the mattress away? The mattress is bulky waste and should end up in a collection yard where it is broken down into individual materials that can be recycled.
Your sleep can also be healthy and environmentally friendly. The first step is choosing the right mattress. Explore our collection of natural mattresses and choose one that is kind to both you and the planet.
Look for certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, or a natural materials label. How the mattress is made and what foams or adhesives were used are also important.
Even though a mattress may seem comfortable, over time it loses its orthopaedic properties and can negatively affect your sleep quality and health. In addition, old mattresses often contain materials that are not environmentally friendly.
Some mattresses made of natural materials are biodegradable, but most belong in a collection yard where they are broken down into individual components that can be recycled.
Yes, and often longer. High-quality natural materials have very good durability and, thanks to careful workmanship, remain functional for many years.
I’m sure. Natural materials such as coconut, cotton or latex are naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial, making them an ideal choice even for sensitive individuals.
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