Find the best non-toxic mattress brands that won’t off-gas toxic chemicals in this non-toxic mattress shopping guide. Learn which organic and natural materials are best, and which eco-friendly certifications to look for. Plus discover the best brands, including affordable non-toxic mattresses.
If you are reading this post I’m going to guess it’s for one of two reasons (or both).
- You have a really old mattress and you would like to replace it with something comfortable, high-quality and eco-friendly.
- You’re concerned with toxic chemicals in mattresses and want to make sure the next mattress you buy for yourself or someone in your family is as safe and non-toxic as possible.
And if you’re like me, you are overwhelmed by the extremely confusing and promotional mattress industry. You need facts but you don’t want to do research until you’re blue in the face.
Worry not! I’ve done a ton of research on the best non-toxic mattress brands for you. This includes the affordable non-toxic mattresses, as well as the most luxurious, organic mattresses available! I hope it helps!
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Table of Contents
Why You Need a Non-Toxic Mattress
Are mattresses really toxic? This is a question I have been asked many times. Here’s the deal – conventional mattresses are made with synthetic, petroleum-based foam, treated with chemical flame retardants, assembled using formaldehyde producing adhesives and covered in polyester or PVC vinyl.
While you are sleeping, those mattresses are off-gassing toxic fumes for you to breathe.
Those fumes are linked to negative health effects like cancer, reproductive problems and impaired brain functioning. This is not what we want happening while we are sleeping! A safe, non-toxic mattress is the first step to a non-toxic bedroom and a healthy night’s sleep!
Best Non-Toxic Mattress Materials
While doing my research, I was surprised to find how many different types of non-toxic mattresses and natural & organic materials for mattresses are available. There’s something for everyone, which is part of what makes it so confusing!
Whether you prefer the firmness of steel coils or the luxury of pure foam; natural latex or eco-friendly foam; certifications for sustainability or low VOCs – there is a mattress that is perfect for you. It’s just a matter of understanding the facts and finding the non-toxic mattress brand that is the best fit for you!
Here is a basic overview of the materials used in a non-toxic mattress:
Natural Latex
Natural latex is a popular alternative to traditional memory foam. Like memory foam, it is very supportive and provides cushion for pressure points. Unlike some memory foam, natural latex has good temperature regulation and is resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew. Keep in mind that some people are allergic to latex.
Natural latex is made with the liquid extracted from the Hevea-Brasilienis tree, or rubber tree. The trees are tapped in a similar way to maple trees being tapped for their syrup. The process of harvesting natural latex is highly sustainable and does not result in the death of the tree.
First, the latex is thickened and turned into foam, and then it is baked in a mold and cured (sort of like baking a cake!) There are two primary types of natural latex – Dunlop and Talalay. The Dunlop process results in a more dense foam and the Talalay process creates a lighter foam. Most natural latex is Dunlop but some companies use Talalay or a mix of both. Production of Dunlop latex is said to be more eco-friendly than Talalay latex.
The best brands use latex that is certified organic by GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) and some brands use OEKO-Tex certification for non-organic latex.
[Looking for a crib mattress? I’ve got an entire post about the best organic crib mattress brands!]
Organic Cotton
A good non-toxic mattress will be covered in certified organic cotton instead of polyester or conventional cotton. The gold standard is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified because it ensures the organic status of textiles every step of the way, from farming to finished product.
Organic Wool
Wool is used in non-toxic mattresses as a chemical-free flame retardant. Wool does not easily ignite and meets Federal flammability standards. Wool also provides breathability and moisture-wicking properties. The best brands use organic wool that has been certified by GOTS.
Low VOC Memory Foam or Eco Foam
Be aware of a type of traditional memory foam that is marketed as low-VOC or Eco Foam. This foam is traditional polyurethane foam that has been certified by CertiPUR-US to be low VOC and made without the worst of the flame retardants (PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP – ”Tris”). However, it may contain some other flame retardants. This foam is also certified to be made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde and phthalates. (see next section for more info on the CertiPUR-US certification)
Eco Foam is low-VOC foam made with a minimum of 30% soy or corn oil as a substitute for part of the polyurethane. This makes it a bit more eco-friendly than traditional foam.
Innerspring Coils
Many companies use metal innerspring coils to provide firmness and spring to a mattress. Most springs are fabric encased (sometimes called pocket springs) to help evenly distribute weight and reduce motion-transfer. Recycled metal coils are nice to see as well. A non-toxic innerspring mattress will also be made with organic cotton and wool and may or may not include natural latex.
Adhesives
The best natural and organic mattress brands do not use any chemical adhesives in the assembly process. Some brands may use a minimal amount.
Natural & Organic Mattress Certifications
In a category as confusing as mattresses, third-party certifications are an important guide to the safety, quality and eco-friendly attributes of a mattress.
Let’s take a closer look at the mattress certifications:
GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard
Internationally recognized organic standard for textiles including fabric used in clothes, home textiles, yarns, and in this case both the cotton and wool used in mattresses. GOTS ensures the organic status of textiles every step of the way – from the harvesting of raw materials to the processing, manufacturing and labeling of finished products. Known as the toughest organic textile standard.
Note: GOTS & GOLS certifications cover three levels – the factory, materials used, and finished product. Ideally both the factory and the finished product will be certified. You may have to do some digging on the company website to find this out.
GOLS – Global Organic Latex Standard
This standard monitors the natural rubber used to make organic latex and ensures that everything from the rubber plantation, to the manufacturing plant to the final product are in compliance with the standard. To be GOLS certified, a finished product must contain at least 95% certified organic raw material.
When you see the MADESAFE label you know it has met rigorous standards to make sure it does not harm human health, animals or the environment. All certified products are screened for known behavioral toxins, carcinogens, developmental toxins, endocrine disruptors, flame retardants, heavy metals, neurotoxins, high risk pesticides, reproductive toxins, toxic solvents, or harmful VOCs. Only a few mattress brands have met these strict standards.
An international, third-party certification program that tests for more than one hundred harmful substances, including formaldehyde, banned colorants and heavy metals.
This certification looks at air quality standards and assures that products designed for use in indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits. Gold certification considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals, such as children and the elderly.
An independent certification agency based in Germany that tests for pollutants and emissions. Products are evaluated for formaldehyde, VOCS (volatile organic compounds), heavy metals, pesticides, phthalates, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
CertiPUR-US is a certification for conventional polyurethane foam that ensures that it is low-VOC. It is free from the worst flame retardants (PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP- “Tris”) but not all flame retardants – so keep in mind that some chemical flame retardants may still be used. CertiPUR foam is also free from ozone depleters, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals and phthalates. NOTE: This certification was developed by an association of foam manufacturers so it’s not perfect, but could be safer than traditional polyurethane foam.
Non-Toxic Mattress Brands
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure
Note: All of these mattress brands are free from the worst chemical flame retardants – this is a key distinction between these mattresses and conventional mattress brands. The materials used for flame retardant properties vary by brand and include wool (which is naturally flame retardant) or a flame retardant “sock” that completely covers that mattress.
We purchased a Naturepedic mattress many years ago and have loved every night’s sleep on it! If someone asked me – What is the best non-toxic mattress? I would answer Naturepedic! We also have a Happsy organic mattress and a Zen Haven mattress in our kid’s rooms and they are both extremely comfortable mattresses! My best recommendation for an affordable non-toxic mattress would be My Green Mattress because they offer the lowest price point while still being very high quality.
Happsy Organic Mattress
Best Non-Toxic Mattress Choices
Gold stars go to these mattress brands that have GOTS finished product certifications and/or factory certifications, as well as MADESAFE certification. They use no chemical adhesives and are completely chemical free mattresses. They are the best organic mattress brands you can find!
Naturepedic
- Materials used: Organic latex, organic wool, organic cotton, PLA batting (from starchy plants), stainless steel coils, no chemical adhesives used.
- Flame retardants: Wool and PLA
- Options: Vary from basic organic innerspring to luxury mattresses made with natural latex
- Note: We bought the organic innerspring mattress from Naturepedic years ago and still love it! (No longer available in Queen – Twin & Full size only)
- Also known for their organic crib mattresses
- Entry price Queen size: $1999
- Certifications: GOLS latex, GOTS cotton and wool, Greenguard Gold for emissions, MADESAFE Certified
- Where to buy: Naturepedic stores, specialty retailers and online
- Shop Naturepedic
Happsy
- Materials used: Organic latex, organic wool batting, organic cotton fabric, breathable pocketed springs, no glues or adhesives used
- Flame retardants: Naturally flame retardant wool
- Options: Bed-in-a-box style mattress with pocket springs. Comes compressed for easy delivery.
- Entry price Queen size: $1399
- Certifications: GOLS latex, GOTS cotton and wool, MADESAFE Certified
- Where to buy: Online
- Recognized as the “best organic bed-in-a-box” by Good Housekeeping
- Read my full Happsy mattress review
- Shop Happsy Get $225 off with code Mindful225 at checkout.
Avocado Mattress
Avocado
- Materials used: Organic Dunlop latex, organic wool and organic cotton, recycled steel innerspring, no chemical adhesives used.
- Flame retardants: Untreated organic wool and natural hydrated silica
- Options: Natural latex mattress with pocketed support coils. Available with or without pillow-top. Latex only mattress also available.
- Entry price Queen size: $1399
- Certifications: GOTS cotton & wool, GOLS latex, MADESAFE Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 1oo for latex, GREENGUARD Gold for emissions
- Where to buy: Online
- Shop Avocado Use code MINDFULMOMMA for $200 off the new Avocado latex mattress.
Zen Haven Mattress
Next Best Non-Toxic Mattress Choices
These brands may not have quite as many certifications, and may use some non-toxic chemical adhesives or bonding agents, but are still highly recommended.
My Green Mattress
- Materials used: Organic Dunlop latex, organic cotton, eco wool, some models have coils
- Flame retardants: Wool
- Options: Variety of options – some with springs, some without
- Entry price Queen size: $1049
- Certifications: GOLS and OEKO-Tex for latex, GOTS cotton and wool, entire factory is GOLS & GOTS certified, Greenguard Gold for emissions
- Where to buy: Online
- Shop My Green Mattress Use code mindful2021 for $125 off a mattress (twin or larger), and 15% off the Emily Crib and accessories.
Zen Haven
- Materials used: Talalay latex (not certified organic), organic New Zealand wool, organic cotton, non-toxic natural bonding agent used to fuse latex foam layers
- Flame retardants: Wool
- Options: Latex mattress without coils. Available in either Gentle Firm or Luxury Plus
- Note: We have the Luxury Plus mattress from Zen Haven and it is nothing short of amazing!
- Entry price Queen size: $2399
- Certifications: Latex certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GOTS for cotton and wool
- Where to buy: Online
- Shop Zen Haven
Sleep on Latex
- Materials used: Natural latex, organic New Zealand wool, organic cotton
- Flame retardants: Wool
- Options: Latex mattress (no springs) in a couple height and firmness options.
- Entry price Queen size: $799
- Certifications: Latex certified by Oeko-Tex and Eco-INSTITUT, GOTS for cotton and wool, Greenguard Gold for emissions
- Where to buy: Online
- Shop Sleep on Latex
Savvy Rest
- Materials used: Natural latex (both Talalay & Dunlop), organic wool, organic cotton, recycled steel springs in some models
- Flame retardants: Wool
- Options: A variety of options all made with latex. Very customizable.
- Entry price Queen size: $1599
- Certifications: GOTS organic for latex, cotton and wool, Certified B-Corp
- Where to buy: Savvy Rest stores, independent dealers or online
- Shop Savvy Rest
Another Option – Low VOC Eco Memory Foam
These mattresses are certified low VOC and the foam is part plant-based (about 30%) and part polyurethane (see my remarks about the CertiPUR-US certification in the materials section above). Some other organic and natural materials are also used in these mattresses. My personal preference would be for one of the more natural mattress brands listed above, but these could be good options if you are looking for an affordable non-toxic mattress.
Loom & Leaf
- Materials used: Eco foam made with at least 30% plant oil, non-toxic cooling gel, organic cotton
- Flame retardants: Natural thistle wood pulp and a small amount of polyester bonding agent, woven into a mesh
- Options: Foam mattress customized by comfort level
- Entry price Queen size: $1699
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Where to buy: Online
- Shop Loom & Leaf
Saatva
- Materials used: Eco foam made with at least 30% plant oil, recycled steel coils, organic cotton
- Flame retardants: Natural thistle wood pulp and a small amount of polyester bonding agent, woven into a mesh
- Options: Innerspring mattress with eco foam, customized for comfort level and height
- Entry price Queen size: $1299
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Where to buy: Online
- Shop Saatva
Your turn: What are you looking for in a non-toxic mattress?
Tonya says
Another brand is http://www.omimattress.com/.
Micaela says
Hadn’t heard of that one – thanks for the head’s up!
Erika says
Such an in-depth article! It’s appreciated. Who took those photos of the bed outdoors?
Micaela says
Ha! Those are brand photos – it seems to be a thing to show your bed outdoors!
Marisa says
Anyone know how Happsy mattresses compare?
Micaela says
I don’t know much about Happsy but a quick look at their website shows they use organic materials, which is great!
Jen says
What do you think of the cypress mattress by Brentwood? I can’t afford a naturpedic for my kids. Was looking at this as an alternative. I am concerned by the polyurethane foam. It is certipur rated. PleSe.let me know what you think.
Micaela says
Hi Jen – I had not heard of that brand but after taking a quick peek at it, it looks like a fine choice for a lower price point. Here’s what the Certipur website says: Certified foams are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor quality (less than 0.5 parts per million). The flexible polyurethane foam inside has been rigorously tested by an accredited laboratory to meet specific criteria for content and indoor emissions. Hope that helps!
argie shumway says
How do you feel about Brooklyn mattresses? I was looking at the Bloom and it sounded fine but not surr. Thank you for your reply! Argie Shumway
Micaela says
I was not familiar with this brand – but it looks like the Bloom version is sort of a hybrid – using some plant based foam and some traditional foam that is CertiPUR-US certified. I’d say if it fits your needs and budget, it’s probably a pretty good bet. The Avocado mattress might be even better though – it does not have any traditional foam and is even a bit less expensive!
Tim G says
Hello, IS Chattam and wells a safe mattress to buy? What is your opinion ? I also am assuming simmons beautyrest black is not a safe mattress?
Thank You?
Micaela says
I’m not familiar with those brands – sorry!
Maureen says
Hello
I’m searching for a new mattress for my 15 year old son. I need something affordable but non-toxic. I was considering Awara because they have a sale now. It is made with natural latex and coils. Has certifications. The same company makes Dream Cloud with is not listed as organic but has the CertiPur certification. It is $400 less. Add taxes to that and it is much more affordable. Do you have any thoughts or concerns on the Dream Cloud mattress?
Micaela says
I’m afraid I’m not familiar with either of those brands. The CertiPur certification eliminates a lot of the worst chemicals but isn’t quite a great as certified organic. Still, it’s better than a conventional mattress. I recommend getting the best quality and safest mattress that works in your budget.
Marian says
I just purchased a Happsy! Thank you for the recommendation and the coupon code! 🙂
Micaela says
Great to hear! Hope you love it! My son sure loves his Happsy!
Victoria Pharris says
Hi, my daughter is allergic to latex. Are my only choices the inner spring for her? Other than Certi-Pur. Thank you so much!!
Micaela says
Victoria – Yes I would recommend an innerspring mattress with organic cotton and wool!