The Best Non-Toxic Mattress Brands for Worry Free Sleep

Discover the best non-toxic mattress brands for your budget, ranging from luxury organic mattresses to affordable options. We’ll show you which eco-friendly materials and certifications to look for, so you can be assured that your mattress won’t be off-gassing toxic chemicals while you sleep. 

If you are reading this post I’m going to guess it’s for one of two reasons (or both).

1. You have a really old mattress and you would like to replace it with a new mattress that is comfortable, high-quality and eco-friendly.
2. 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 and mattress companies for you. This includes the affordable non-toxic mattresses, as well as the most luxurious, organic mattresses available! I hope you find this list of non toxic mattress recommendations helpful!

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I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure

Why You Need a Non-Toxic Mattress

Are mattresses really toxic? What makes a mattress toxic? These are questions I have been asked many times. Here’s the deal – conventional mattresses are made with synthetic materials and petroleum-based foam that is treated with flame- retardant chemicals, 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 adverse 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 great night’s sleep!

What Is A Non-Toxic Mattress Made Of?

What is the healthiest material for a mattress? That’s the million dollar question! 

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 natural and non-toxic materials used in a healthy 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 rubber 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. Natural 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 or pocketed coils) 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, and especially organic certifications, are an important guide to the safety, quality and eco-friendly attributes of a mattress. 

Let’s take a closer look at the natural 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: The GOTS certification & GOLS certification both 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.

MADESAFE

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.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 

An international, third-party certification program that tests for more than one hundred harmful substances, including formaldehyde, banned colorants and heavy metals.

GreenGuard Gold

The GreenGuard Gold 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.

eco-INSTITUT 

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 

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

We purchased a Naturepedic mattress many years ago and have loved every night’s sleep on it! So 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 recommendation for the most affordable non-toxic mattress would be My Green Mattress or Avocado because they offer the lowest price points while still being 100% safe mattresses and very high quality.

I decided to break down my mattress recommendations into three parts: My very TOP picks, some next best choices, and some options for those of you who prefer a memory foam mattress but want a safer version. 

Note: All of the mattress brands listed in this post are free from the worst chemical flame retardants. This is a key distinction between these safe mattresses and conventional mattress brands. The materials used for flame retardant properties vary by brand and include wool (which is naturally flame retardant), a flame retardant “sock” that completely covers that mattress, or in some cases less toxic chemical flame retardants (that are certified low-VOC) are used. 

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, and are made in the U.S.

If you want a mattress without flame retardants or chemical adhesives and that is a completely chemical free mattress, this is the section to shop from. These are THE BEST organic and natural mattresses 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: Naturepedic’s mattress options vary from a basic organic innerspring mattress to a hybrid luxury mattresses made with natural latex and wrapped coils.
• Note: We bought a mattress that is most similar to the Naturepedic Chorus mattress and still love it! (the exact model we have is no longer available)
• Naturepedic is 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
• Sleep trial & warranty: 100 night sleep trial, 25 year limited warranty
• Where to buy: Naturepedic stores, specialty retailers and online
• Shop Naturepedic Use code mindfulmomma15 for 15% off your order!

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 made with natural latex foam, 8″ pocketed springs, organic wool batting and an organic cotton cover. Comes compressed for easy delivery. 
• Entry price Queen size: $1399
• Certifications: GOLS latex, GOTS cotton and wool, MADESAFE Certified
• Sleep trial & warranty: 120 night sleep trial, 20 year limited warranty
• Where to buy:  Online
• Recognized as the “best organic bed-in-a-box” by Good Housekeeping
• My son loves his organic twin mattress from Happsy! Read my full Happsy mattress review here
• Shop Happsy Get $225 off with code Mindful225 at checkout.

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: The Avocado Green Mattress is a hybrid mattress made with 100% organic certified natural latex, wool and cotton, along with pocketed support coils. Available with or without pillow-top. A vegan latex only mattress is also available.
• Entry price Queen size: $1299 (Avocado’s new Eco Organic Mattress is one of the most affordable options I’ve seen in the organic mattress category – read more about the Eco Organic here.)
• Certifications: GOTS cotton & wool, GOLS latex, MADESAFE Certified, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for latex, wool and cotton, GREENGUARD Gold for emissions, Responsible Wool Standard certified wool 
• Sleep trial & warranty: Sleep trial varies (up to 1 year, $99 return fee), 10 to 25 year limited warranty, depending on mattress purchased
• Where to buy: Online
• Shop Avocado Mattress Use code MINDFULMOMMA for $100 off the Avocado Green Mattress, Vegan Mattress or Latex Mattress.

My Green Mattress

• Materials used: Organic Dunlop latex, organic cotton, eco wool, some models have coils
• Flame retardants: Wool
• Options: My Green Mattress specializes in hybrid mattresses made with both natural latex and pocketed coils. 
• Entry price Queen size: $1199 (Good Housekeeping named the updated Kiwi Mattress: Best Value Organic Mattress for 2023. Find out how the Kiwi Mattress compares to the competition.
• Certifications: GOLS and OEKO-Tex for latex, GOTS cotton and wool, entire factory is GOLS & GOTS certified, Greenguard Gold for emissions. MADESAFE Certified for the following: Kiwi Mattress, Natural Escape Mattress and Emily Organic Crib Mattress
• Sleep trial & warranty: 365 night sleep trial, 20 year limited warranty
• Where to buy: Online or showroom in LaGrange, IL
• My Green Mattress is a top choice for affordable non-toxic mattresses. Many people shop here for a non-toxic twin mattress, bunk bed mattresses and safe crib mattresses. We have an organic latex mattress topper from them and it adds an extra level of comfort to our older Naturepedic mattress.
• Shop My Green Mattress Use code MindfulMicaela for $25 off a mattress (twin or larger), and $20 off the Emily Organic Crib mattress.

Next Best Non-Toxic Mattress Choices

These mattress brands may not have quite as many certifications, and may use some non-toxic chemical adhesives or bonding agents, but are still highly recommended and are a good choice for a safe mattress.

Zen Haven

• Materials used: GOLS certified organic natural 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 or springs. 
• Note: We have the Zen Haven Natural Latex Mattress and it is nothing short of amazing! You can flip it from the Gentle Firm side to the Luxury Plus side of the mattress depending on what you prefer.
• Entry price Queen size: $2745
• Certifications: Latex certified by GOLS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GOTS for cotton and wool
• Sleep trial & warranty: 365 night sleep trial, lifetime limited warranty
• Where to buy: Online or select Saatva viewing rooms
• Shop Zen Haven

Brentwood Home

Note: Brentwood has a number of different types of mattresses, including memory foam mattresses. The mattress I’m looking at for this review is the Brentwood Hybrid Latex Mattress. 

• Materials used: Organic latex, wool, flax, cotton denim and a cover made from Recycled REPREVE® fabric.
• Flame retardants: Wool
• Options: Hybrid mattress with latex layers and up to 975 pocketed coils
• Entry price Queen size: $1499
• Certifications: GOLS for latex, GreenGuard Gold for emissions
• Sleep trial & warranty: 1 year mattress trial, 25 year limited warranty
• Where to buy: Online or select stores
• Shop Brentwood Home

Savvy Rest

• Materials used: Natural latex (both Talalay & Dunlop), organic wool, organic cotton, recycled steel springs or wrapped coils in some models
• Flame retardants: Wool
• Options: Savvy Rest offers the most customizable mattress I’ve seen. You can choose type of latex and softness or firmness of latex and add springs if desired. 
• Entry price Queen size: $1499
• Certifications: GOTS organic for latex, cotton and wool, Certified B-Corp
• Sleep trial & warranty: 90 day latex exchange but no returns, 20 year limited warranty
• Where to buy: Savvy Rest stores, independent dealers or online
• Shop Savvy Rest

Sleep on Latex

• Materials used: Natural latex, organic New Zealand wool, organic cotton
• Flame retardants: Wool
• Options: Sleep on Latex makes simple latex mattress (no springs) in a couple height and firmness options.
• Entry price Queen size: $999
• 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

Another Option – Low VOC Eco Memory Foam

These mattresses are certified low VOC and the memory foam is part plant-based (about 30%) and part polyurethane (see my remarks about the CertiPUR-US certification in the materials section above). Other organic and natural materials like organic cotton and wool are also used in these mattresses. 

My personal preference would be for one of the certified nontoxic mattresses listed above, but these could be a good option if you prefer memory foam or are looking for specific comfort options for stomach sleepers or different types of sleepers. 

Loom & Leaf

• Materials used: Eco foam made with at least 30% plant oil, non-toxic cooling gel, organic cotton cover
• Flame retardants: Natural thistle wood pulp and a small amount of polyester bonding agent, woven into a mesh
• Options: Premium memory foam mattress that can be customized by comfort level
• Entry price Queen size: $2070
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Sleep trial & warranty: 365 night sleep trial, lifetime limited warranty
• Where to buy: Online or select Saatva viewing rooms
• Shop Loom & Leaf

Saatva Classic

• 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: $1695
• Certifications: CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Sleep trial & warranty: 365 night sleep trial, lifetime limited warranty
• Where to buy: Online or select Saatva viewing rooms
• Shop Saatva

Mattress FAQ

What is the difference between memory foam and latex?

Memory foam is a form of traditional polyurethane foam that is made from petroleum products, whereas natural latex is made from the sap from rubber trees. Memory foam is known for its ability to mold to your body, although it tends to hold heat, so it may make you sleep hot. Latex provides supportive cushioning, and also has good temperature regulation, helping you sleep cool.  

What is the best organic crib mattress?

When buying a crib mattress, it’s extra important to get a chemical-free mattress, because a baby’s tiny body can not detox harmful chemicals. The top crib mattresses include Naturepedic’s Classic Crib Mattress and the Emily Crib Mattress from My Green Mattress. Learn more about the importance of organic crib mattresses on the blog.

What is the best organic twin mattress?

All of the mattress brands reviewed in this post offer twin size mattresses and any of them would be fine. If you are buying a mattress for a kid, I recommend the Happsy mattress. We have one for our son and he loves how super soft and comfortable it is.

What is the best organic mattress for side sleepers?

A side sleeper needs a mattress that conforms to their body and relieves pressure from the hips and shoulders. A hybrid mattress that has a base of pocketed coils and a top layer of latex tends to be a good fit for side sleepers. The Avocado Green Mattress and the Naturepedic Serenade mattress are both good choices.

What is the best organic mattress for back pain?

If you are experiencing back pain, a new mattress can be a huge help. Typically a hybrid mattress that is medium firm is a good bet because it provides support but has comforting cushioning as well. Naturepedic’s EOS mattresses are a great choice because they are customizable, and layers can be swapped out at any time. Even the right and left sides are independently configurable.

What is the best affordable organic mattress?

The cheapest non-toxic mattress reviewed in this post is a basic latex mattress from Sleep on Latex. Keep in mind, it’s a thinner mattress with no springs or support coils. For a little bit more money, I recommend going with the affordable organic mattresses from Avocado or My Green Mattress. The Avocado Eco Organic mattress has fewer support coils than the Avocado Green Mattress, but is made with all the same certified organic materials and has a medium firmness rating. The Kiwi Mattress from My Green Mattress is similar and has even more coils and a 20 year warranty.

What is the best luxury organic mattress?

If you are looking for a top-of-the-line, luxury organic mattress, check out the Naturepedic Halcyon mattress line that features high-end organic materials and superior craftsmanship.

Your turn: What are you looking for in a non-toxic mattress?