What does GOTS certified organic mean?

GOTS is short for the Global Organic Textile Standard. It is the gold standard 3rd party certification for organic fabrics made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, and others. Fabric with the GOTS-certified organic label means that at least 95% of the starting fibers are certified organic, and ensures that the fabric remains healthy throughout the entire manufacturing process. This means the dyes and other chemicals used are safer for human and ecological health than standard fabric processing methods. No harmful finishes may be added to the final product.

What is OEKO TEX?

OEKO TEX certification applies to the finished product only, and is for both natural and synthetic textiles. Organic fibers, as well as man-made fabrics like polyester can both qualify, depending on what chemicals, and how much of them, are left in the final product. It does allow for some harmful chemicals, but in much lower quantities than are used in standard textile processing. It bans flame retardants in almost all cases, with exceptions for requirements like being added to clothing for fire fighting). You can see their limits and rules, which are updated annually, here.

What are the best cooling comforters for hot sleepers?

My theory is that hot sleepers are just using the wrong bedding! In particular, too much polyester can trap heat, since it is plastic and not breathable. Any natural fiber including organic cotton comforter, TENCEL, TENCEL blends, silk, or down are the best types of bed comforters for hot sleepers, and you may even find that you don’t “sleep hot” after all. Watch a 1 minute video explanation here.

Are organic comforters worth it?

Yes, for two main reasons.

First, making fabric, including sheets, is a surprisingly chemically-intensive process. For natural sheets, if the fibers are grown conventionally, pesticides and fertilizers are used. Synthetic sheets (polyester, microfiber, etc) come from petroleum. Acids, scouring chemicals, and other processing agents used to wash fibers. Fiber-strengthening chemicals are aded to turn the fibers into sheets of fabric. Detergents, solvents, bleaches, acids, and enzymes are used to remove chemicals from previous steps, make the fabrics lighter, or prepare them to accept dyes in the next step. Pigments, binders, plasticizers, PVC, and other polymers (plastics) are used in this step, to make the dyes stick to the surface of the fabric. Finally, chemical treatments are added to make the fabric perform a certain way. Formaldehyde resins offer wrinkle-resistance, other resins work for anti-pilling, PFAS for stain-resistance, polyglycols for anti-pilling, acrylates or PVC with plasticizers for protective coatings, and flame retardants for fire resistance. Read more about this process and fabric in general in my Textile Rating Guide.

Second, organic fibers support better sleep. Polyester and microfiber are plastic, and trap heat and moisture, leading to frequent waking and unrestful sleep.

What is Tencel? What is Rayon? What is Viscose?

All three are semi-synthetic, plant-based polymer fabrics. Tencel is a brand of rayon. With viscose, the cellulose starting material comes from wood pulp. For rayon, it comes from cellulose that comes from other plants— eucalyptus, bamboo, soy, or cotton. Tencel is eucalyptus-specific. With all three, the cellulose is extracted and a solvent is added to make it liquid, then it’s re-formed into fibers. It requires less pesticides and water than conventional cotton production and is certainly better for people and the planet than a petroleum-based fabric, but still isn’t as healthy as a truly natural fabric from a material perspective. However, it is very breathable and has good moisture-wicking properties, so can support healthy sleep, which is healthy in itself. These products generally earn an OK! rating from me.

Why don’t you recommend recycled polyester comforters?

Recycled polyester is typically sourced from plastic water bottles. These water bottles may have been made with plastic additives including BPA, heavy metals, and antimony— and may have been made decades ago or in countries with less strict regulations. While it is great to remove plastic water bottles from the ocean, I don’t recommend snuggling up with these products.