Learn how to find the best non-toxic mattress brands including safe organic and natural materials, eco-friendly certifications, affordable non-toxic mattresses and more.
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 toxins 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 non-toxic mattress brands for you. This includes the most eco-friendly mattresses that are affordable, as well as the most luxurious mattresses available! I hope it helps!
Why You Need a Non-Toxic Mattress
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!
Read more about buying a mattress in my post about How to Buy a Non-Toxic, Organic Mattress.
RELATED: 4 Good Reasons to Buy Natural, Non-Toxic Products for Your Home & Life
Non-Toxic Mattresses 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 non-toxic mattresses:
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.
The best brands use latex that is certified organic by GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) and some brands use the eco-INSTITUTE certification.
Note: Read more about the certifications used in non-toxic mattresses in my How to Buy a Natural & Organic Mattress post.
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.
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.
CertiPUR-US is not a perfect solution and was created by an organization of polyurethane foam manufacturers, which is a red flag, but if you are convinced you want a memory foam mattress and can not afford an organic mattress, this might be a better solution than conventional memory 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
Non-Toxic Mattress Brands
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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 own both a Naturepedic Quilted Cotton Deluxe Mattress and a Zen Haven mattress at home and I can personally say they are both wonderful, high-quality, non-toxic mattresses!
Happsy Organic Mattress
Best Non-Toxic Mattress Choices
Gold stars go to these brands that have GOTS finished product certifications and/or MADESAFE certification and use no chemical adhesives.
Naturepedic
- Materials used: Natural 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!
- Entry price Queen size: $1600
- Certifications: GOLS latex, GOTS cotton and wool, Greenguard Gold for emissions, MADESAFE Certified
- Where to buy: Naturepedic stores, specialty retailers and online
- Learn more
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
- Learn more
Avocado
- Materials used: Dunlop latex, GOTS 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.
- Entry price Queen size: $1399
- Certifications: GOTS cotton & wool, eco-INSTITUT latex, GREENGUARD Gold for emissions (Note: Avocado is working on GOTS finished product certification, GOLS certification and MADESAFE certification – coming soon!)
- Where to buy: Online
- Learn more
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.
Zen Haven
- Materials used: Talalay latex, 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: $1899
- Certifications: Latex certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GOTS for cotton and wool
- Where to buy: Online
- Learn more
My Green Mattress
- Materials used: 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: $949
- Certifications: GOLS and EcoINSTITUT for latex, GOTS cotton and wool, Greenguard Gold for emissions
- Where to buy: Online
- Learn more
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
- Learn more
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: $1799
- Certifications: GOTS organic, Certified B-Corp
- Where to buy: Savvy Rest stores, independent dealers or online
- Learn more
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. 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 they fit better with your budget and personal needs.
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: $1299
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Where to buy: Online
- Learn more
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: $1350
- Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
- Where to buy: Online
- Learn more
Learn lots more in this post: How to Buy a Natural or Organic Mattress
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!