How to Choose a Non-Toxic Mattress (Step-by-Step Guide)
Overwhelmed by mattress options? This guide breaks down how to choose a non-toxic mattress, including the safest materials, certifications, and what really matters.
Buying a non-toxic mattress can feel overwhelming—especially when every brand claims to be “natural,” “organic,” or “chemical-free.”
The truth is, not all mattresses labeled organic are actually non-toxic.
This step-by-step guide will help you understand what really matters—so you can confidently choose a safe, non-toxic mattress that fits your needs, without getting lost in greenwashing or marketing claims.
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Step 1: Focus on the Materials First
First, let’s talk about what’s wrong with most conventional mattresses you’ll find on the market today.
The materials inside a mattress have the biggest impact on how safe (and comfortable) it is.
Look for mattresses made with:
- Natural latex – a durable, supportive alternative to memory foam
- Organic cotton – used in covers instead of synthetic fabrics
- Organic wool – acts as a natural flame barrier
- Steel coils – often used in hybrid mattresses for support
These materials are commonly used in higher-quality non-toxic mattresses because they avoid many of the synthetic chemicals found in conventional beds.
For a deeper breakdown of materials and what to look for, see my guide to the best non-toxic mattresses.
Step 2: Understand Mattress Types
Non-toxic mattresses typically fall into a few main categories:
- Latex mattresses – made primarily from natural latex, known for durability and breathability
- Innerspring mattresses – coil-based support with natural padding layers
- Hybrid mattresses – a combination of coils and latex (the most common option)
Each type has a different feel, so choosing the right one comes down to comfort preferences as well as materials.
Learn more about harmful chemicals in mattresses here.
Step 3: Choose the Right Firmness for Your Sleep Style
Comfort matters just as much as materials.
- Side sleepers usually need a slightly softer mattress for pressure relief
- Back sleepers do best with medium-firm support
- Stomach sleepers typically need a firmer surface to maintain alignment
If you’re not sure, a medium-firm hybrid mattress is often a safe starting point.
Step 4: Look for Meaningful Certifications
Certifications can help cut through marketing claims and verify that a mattress meets certain standards.
Some of the most helpful certifications include:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – for organic fabrics
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) – for organic latex
- MADE SAFE® – screens for harmful chemicals
- OEKO-TEX® – tests for harmful substances
While no certification is perfect, they can provide extra reassurance that materials have been independently evaluated.
Learn more in my guide to non-toxic mattress certifications.
Step 5: Set a Realistic Budget
Non-toxic mattresses tend to cost more than conventional options—but there’s still a wide range.
- Budget-friendly: around $1,000–$1,500
- Mid-range: $1,500–$2,500
- Premium/luxury: $2,500+
In general, you’re paying for higher-quality materials and safer construction.
Step 6: Check the Trial Period and Warranty
Since you can’t always test a mattress in person, a good return policy is essential.
Look for:
- Sleep trials (90–365 nights is common)
- Easy returns or exchanges
- Warranty coverage (typically 10–25 years)
This gives you time to make sure the mattress works for your body.
Step 7: Decide Where to Buy (Online vs. In-Store)
Many non-toxic mattress brands are sold online, often with generous trial periods.
If possible, visiting a local natural mattress store can help you:
- test different firmness levels
- compare materials in person
But buying online is often more convenient—and still a great option if the brand offers a solid return policy.
Looking for a crib mattress? I’ve got an entire post about the best organic crib mattresses!
Final Thoughts: Start with What Matters Most
Choosing a non-toxic mattress doesn’t have to be complicated.
Focus on:
- safer materials
- the right comfort level
- trusted certifications
Once you understand those basics, it becomes much easier to narrow down your options.
When you’re ready to compare specific brands, check out my guide to the best non-toxic mattresses for a full breakdown of top-rated options.
Are you in the market for an organic mattress? What are your most important criteria?
Do you know, is Temperpedic that bad?
Great post, Micaela! So glad you have a good, local option. Great summary of what to look for in a mattress. I’m going to add a link to this post in my bed post. This is one of the toughest issues people deal with b/c of the cost.
I found, when looking for an organic mattress, that it was challenging to find a retail store to touch and feel the mattresses. After much searching, I finally found a local shop where we could test out the beds before buying. I’m glad you had the same option. Your criteria are very helpful-buying bedding is overwhelming in general. Unfortunately organic bedding can be cost prohibitive. Hopefully with more consumer demand the price will come down over time.
Hi Lisa – it is my understanding that Temperpedic mattresses are made from polyurethane foam – which unfortunately is highly flammable and must be treated with flame retardant chemicals.
Thanks Besty. I agree – deciding on a mattress is a tough decision to make. I had a hard time spending the money but justified it knowing it was an investment in our health!
Lori – good point – not everyone has a local store that carries natural mattresses. While you can certainly buy one online, it would be tough not to test it out first. Let's hope that prices come down – so more people can afford safe mattresses!
We went on this journey in the spring, looking for a mattress for our toddler. I thought I knew it all and by the end of it I realized that no one knows it all. You have to ask, “Is this latex mattress 100% natural, chemical-free, free of petroleum, and non-blended? And is it made with the Talalay process?” Eventually with went with the Natura Starlight Organic for our toddler and the Naturepedic for our newborn. Luckily for us, the store Wildflower in Austin had mattresses to try out. If you don’t have a store to try out Naturepedic, your shipping is free. My write-up of everything is here, if you don’t mind me posting: http://therobynnest.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/my-head-is-going-to-explode/
Great article! After researching mattresses for our children, I knew I needed to make a different choice for us when it was time to upgrade. Since I, too, live in Austin I will head to Wildflower. Thank you, TheRobynNest!
Once you educate yourself on such matters, you cannot ignore the facts about how you are poisoning yourself with those toxins. Sometimes I wish I could.
Lisa, I would challenge you do your research on the matter of Tempurpedic and the like. The headaches, endocrine disruption, etc. all seem pretty bad to me. Of course, you need to decide the pros and cons for yourself. The chemicals have more profound effects on some than on others.
Hi Robyn – thanks so much for your insightful comments! Yes, the whole latex thing is tricky. I looked at Natura and was confused by all of the different choices and combinations of materials. I'm so glad that you found mattresses for your kids that you feel comfortable with!
Hi SAHMmelier – you are so right that once you educate yourself about the problems with conventional mattresses, it's hard to go back. Good luck with your mattress shopping at Wildflower!
Thanks for mentioning the Sustainable Furnishings Council Mary – it's a great resource!
The Sustainable Furnishings Council was formed many years ago to help people find the best of products nearest them.
I like that you listed a third party standard, GreenGuard, as one of the things to look for when making a decision.
I always love finding people’s personal exerts on buying an organic mattress. It can be a real process, what with all the researching and then shopping! Overall, it’s a pretty big purchase, so you want to make sure you’re happy and healthy in the end.
In regards to your “ultimate green mattress” – I’ve heard great things about the Savvy Rest Serenity organic mattress – http://www.savvyrest.com/products/organic-mattresses. It seems like the phrase “you get what you pay for” has never been more true!
Hi Lindsay – The Saavy Rest mattress wasn't in my budget, but lucky to those who can afford it! I'm sure it's awesome!
Great article! I recently decided on a Naturepedic for my son too. However, I also need a trundle and those are hard to find since they are shorter than a twin mattress. Would you ever buy a mattress that is GreenGuard certified, but not organic? I found one at PBK, but I’m not convinced it’s safe.
Hi Jodi – Good question- the GreenGuard certification helps because you know it has met certain criteria. I would recommend asking a lot of questions about the mattress you are considering. Is it 100% organic or partially organic? What type of flame retardant materials are used? Does it contain synthetic foam? I hope you enjoy your Naturepedic mattress for your son!
What about what happens to the old mattress? Do you know of an easy way to keep it out of the landfill? Companies that recycle them?
Theresa – Good question about recycling – it's an important part of the equation. Some mattress stores and manufacturers will take back old mattresses for recycling – ask about it when you visit the stores. Also you can check Earth911.com for recycling options in your zip code.
We also got a Queen innerspring from Naturepedic and Moss Envy. Did you have any issues having yours arrive undamaged? Ours took 3 deliveries to come undamaged, we were wondering if we just had bad luck, or if that typically happens with Naturepedic’s shipping. I just wrote a post about our experience and linked to your site too. http://theurbanhomestaed.blogspot.com/2012/05/why-we-chose-to-purchase-organic.html
Julie – What a bummer you had so much trouble getting your mattress delivered! We didn't have any trouble at all. Ryan & Tina at Moss Envy are awesome, aren't they? I hope you are getting a good night's sleep on you new mattress!
Micaela,
My name is Andy and I work for a company called The Natural Sleep Store. I think you wrote a really great post that touches on a lot of things that are important when researching a new mattress purchase. I had a question for you, we just started carrying Naturepedic and it sounds like from your post that you really like your mattress. We value consumer feedback more than anything else and since Naturepedic is brand new for us I was wondering if you could give me any other feedback about your mattress.
Thanks in advance for your time
–Andy
I agree with Andy Aust that you touch a lot of things that are important when researching a new matress purchase. We have our own store in the Netherlands and also want to introduce Naturepedic, maybe it’s an idea for a new article (your experiences with this brand?)
Good info to know! I didn’t know these were all things to consider when purchasing a new mattress!
What about a nector mattress ? Can you give me any info
Hi Barbara – I’m afraid I don’t know about that one yet! Thanks for the head’s up.
Hi, thanks so much for this post. Are you still satisfied with your naturepedic mattress? Thanks!
Yes! Our Naturepedic mattress has held up great! I highly recommend it!
Hi Micaela, did you notice odor from Naturapedic Mattress? Almost smells like spices? Not sure whether that’s the cotton smell, but I can definitely notice it in the room? Does that eventually disappear? Thank you!
No we didn’t notice any odor at all. You should contact the company and ask them about it for sure!
Hi are you still loving the naturepedic? What kind of boxspring do you use with this? We are looking for a full mattress for our 4 yr old! Please help. Any recommendations on exactly what mattress ..? They seem to have a few on naturepedic?! Also have you had a chance to checkout savvyrest yet? If so .. thoughts?! Great article.
Hi Haili – Yes, we still love our Naturpedic. Not sure what brand of boxspring we have but it’s not anything special. I did try a Savvyrest at a store and it seems very comfortable!
Have you heard of the Metta bed mattress? They are organic and use natural latex. Would they be good? Trying to decide between My Green Mattress and Metta bed. I like that Metta Bed uses latex instead of coils. Any thoughts would be very helpful!
I’ve never heard of Metta mattresses – there are so many new companies popping up! It sure looks like a good one to me – certified organic materials – and very affordable! I have a mattress with coils and love it – it is very substantial – but this type could be great too!
Hi there, I was wondering if you still like your mattress? I am looking at getting a Naturepedic used mattress that was bought in 2011. And I think your post dated back to 2011, and i would be interested in hearing if you still like your mattress? Thank you so much! Lily
Hi Lily – YES! We still love our Naturepedic mattress! It’s still in excellent shape – no concerns at all!
Hi ,
I’m looking to buy an organic non toxic mattress and just wanted to know which organic mattresses are made in the USA entirely.
Thank you,
Dawn
I know that Naturepedic, Happsy and My Green Mattress are made entirely in the USA. Hope that helps!