Organic Cotton

Cotton is a remarkable material and with the numerous advantages that come with it, it’s no wonder that it’s popular in furniture, bedding, clothing, health and beauty supplies, and many other products on the market today.

Benefits of Cotton

Cotton’s texture is delightful to have against bare skin and its breathability makes clothing and bedding very comfortable. Despite its soft feel, the fibers provide excellent strength. Cotton is highly durable so it remains in good condition for longer than many other materials. And, unlike synthetic materials, cotton does not cause static electricity and it will not pill over time. For individuals with allergies, cotton is the ideal choice. The material itself is hypoallergenic and doesn’t cause any sort of irritation to skin. It’s also a great option for asthmatics as it does not negatively impact breathing or airways.

Why choose organic cotton?

While the above characteristics are the same across all types of cotton, organic cotton in particular is very environmentally friendly. Cotton is one of the most widely grown crops in the world so it’s important to consider the impact that growing it has on the earth.
Additionally, the more natural methods used are healthier for the farmers growing it as well as for the individuals using the final products. When organic cotton is used in the products you have in your home, you can feel confident that it was grown without exposure to dangerous chemicals. Organic cotton farms go through certification by third-party organizations to ensure the procedures, materials, and crops all meet necessary standards. This regulation results in ecologically responsible farms that produce high quality cotton.

Differences between conventional and organic cotton

Seeds
Conventionally farmed cotton often uses GMO seeds that have been treated with insecticides or fungicides before they’re even planted. Organic cotton uses non-GMO seeds that are not sprayed with any chemicals.

Growing Methods
Monoculture is common on conventional cotton farms. This means that a single crop is planted over a large area and is grown year after year. Unfortunately, monoculture can deplete the soil of nutrients and make the crop more vulnerable to pests and weeds. Farmers then use pesticides, insecticides, and synthetic fertilizers to resolve the problems that have arisen. Many of the chemicals used on these farms are classified as highly toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency and can be harmful to the earth and the people exposed to them. In fact, thousands of farmers die every year due to health problems caused by these types of chemicals.

On the other hand, organic cotton farming uses crop rotation to keep the soil healthy and fertile. Periodically changing the type of crop grown encourages a natural balance in the field making synthetic fertilizers unnecessary. Instead of insecticides and pesticides, specific species of plants and insects are strategically introduced to discourage the growth of weeds and to draw unwanted pests away from the cotton plants. By implementing the use of these natural methods, the local environment is minimally impacted and the crop is not tainted with toxins.

Harvesting
Before harvesting the cotton, a process called defoliation must take place. During defoliation the cotton plants shed their leaves which makes the white, fluffy part of the plant more easily accessible. Conventional cotton farms spray the crop with chemicals to induce defoliation when they determine the crop to be mature. On organic farms, defoliation is either prompted by managing the water supply or happens naturally when the weather becomes cooler.

Processing
Not surprisingly, the methods of processing cotton tend to correspond with the way the cotton was grown. Conventional cotton uses toxic waxes and synthetic compounds to stabilize and finish cotton products. Chlorine bleach is used to whiten and dyes containing sulfur and heavy metals are applied for colored products. Organic cotton is stabilized using structural methods or simple cornstarch and is then finished with soda ash. Peroxide is used to whiten cotton more safely and dyes used are from natural sources with minimal sulfur or metals in them.

Try A Mattress with Organic Cotton!

While clothes may be the most obvious use for this material, there are many ways it’s used. Medical supplies, beauty products, and furniture can all be made using organic cotton. These products have the softness and durability of conventional cotton but are free from harmful chemicals.

Like other furnishings, mattresses benefit greatly from all of the qualities of organic cotton. Some mattresses, like the ones sold at AmoreBeds.com, have tops made out of exceptional organic cotton fabric that offers superb breathability and durability. The advantages that organic cotton brings to the design helps ensure a better night’s sleep.

Be sure to take a look at the remarkable mattresses at AmoreBeds.com if you’re interested in a product that is not only wonderfully comfortable but high performing and affordable as well.

4 Comments. Leave new

  • Is the cover made of cotton only or mixed with other materials?

    Reply
  • Would the natural hybrid with the topper work with an adjustable bed?
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Amore Beds Support
      August 29, 2023 9:28 am

      Yes, all our mattresses are designed with adjustable bases in mind where our mattresses reduce the strain on the motors allowing for a longer lasting base and mattress.

      Reply

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