OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 means a textile has been laboratory-tested for a long list of harmful substances and passed the program’s limits. On bedding, it applies to the tested components such as the cover fabric, sheets, or filling. It is a safety certification about harmful chemicals in textiles, not an organic certification and not a whole-mattress seal.
What OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 tests
OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is an independent, international certification for textiles. Every component of a certified product, from the fabric to the thread and any coatings, is tested against limits for substances that can be harmful to health, including certain azo dyes, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other regulated chemicals. If every tested component passes, the product can carry the label.
What it does and does not tell you
- It does tell you the tested textile was screened for harmful substances and met safety limits, which is reassuring for anything against your skin like sheets, pillowcases, and mattress covers.
- It does not tell you the material is organic, natural, or sustainably produced. Those are different claims covered by GOTS.
- It does not certify the whole mattress. Coils, foams, and adhesives are outside its scope. Foam is covered by CertiPUR-US instead.
OEKO-TEX versus GOTS
People often confuse these. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 is about chemical safety, testing the finished textile for harmful substances. GOTS is about organic content and responsible processing, requiring a high percentage of certified organic fibers. A sheet can be OEKO-TEX certified without being organic. We compare them in GOTS vs OEKO-TEX.
For a full map of which seals matter, see our certifications explained guide, and choose sheets by fiber and weave with our cotton sheet types guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is OEKO-TEX the same as organic?
No. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 confirms a textile was tested for harmful substances. It says nothing about whether the fibers are organic. For organic, look for GOTS.
Does OEKO-TEX cover the whole mattress?
It covers the textile components that were tested and certified, such as the cover or sheets. It does not certify springs, foams, or the finished mattress as a whole.
How do I verify an OEKO-TEX label?
Genuine labels carry a certificate or check number that can be verified through the OEKO-TEX label-check tool on their website.
