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You know that “new mattress” smell when you unwrap your mattress for the first time? Unfortunately, that’s the smell of chemicals off-gassing into your bedroom. Many conventional mattresses are made with materials that contain unhealthy chemicals like formaldehyde, flame retardants, forever chemicals (PFAS), and phthalates, all of which have been linked to major health issues. For a healthier night’s sleep, opt for a non-toxic and organic mattress next time you replace your old mattress.
Organic and non-toxic mattresses can be just as comfortable as the conventional ones you find in the store. Plus, some organic mattress companies have cut out the middle man and offer their mattresses at competitive prices (often with generous return policies and long warranties, too). Some non-toxic mattresses are made out of fully organic and eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and natural latex made from the sap of rubber trees.
Here’s a quick look at the problem with conventional mattresses, followed by our top picks for the best organic mattresses available today.
The Problem with Conventional Mattresses
Conventional mattresses are often made with materials that can be hazardous to your health. Specifically, they may include the following ingredients:
- Formaldehyde: Formaldehyde is found in the foams (such as memory foam) of some conventional mattresses and can off-gas fumes that cause allergies, eye irritation, and respiratory problems. In fact, formaldehyde is known to off-gas from new mattresses for long periods of time.
- Flame retardants: Several flame retardant chemicals that have been used to make mattresses less flammable, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been linked to serious health effects, including hormone disruption, cancer, and developmental and reproductive issues.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): The chemicals in synthetic mattress materials can emit VOCs. Prolonged exposure to VOCs at high levels may contribute to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health concerns, especially in children.
- Phthalates: Phthalates are often used as plasticizers to soften mattress materials. However, they’ve been linked to hormone disruption, developmental issues, and adverse effects on reproductive health.
By choosing a non-toxic or organic mattress, you can avoid these unhealthy chemicals in your bedroom and reduce the risk of respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and long-term health effects that can come with prolonged exposure to these toxins.
Labels to Look for When Buying a Non-Toxic Mattress
There are a few well-known certifications when choosing a non-toxic mattress or other eco-friendly product for your home. Each of these certifications help show consumers that a product is free of the harmful chemicals that you don’t want to sleep on every night.
The mattress you choose doesn’t have to have all of these certifications, but it should have at least one (and the more of these certifications, the better). The certifications to look for on organic and non-toxic mattresses include:
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- CertiPUR
- GOTS
- GOLS
- Greenguard
For more information about these certifications, check out the final section of this article. For now, let’s dive into our top picks for non-toxic mattresses.
11 Best Organic and Non-Toxic Mattresses for a Great Night’s Sleep
Here are some of the best non-toxic and organic mattresses you can find today, all made from eco-friendly materials that will ensure you get a healthy and comfortable night’s sleep.
1. Avocado Mattresses (from $699)
- GOTS and GOLS organic certified materials
- Greenguard Gold
- MadeSafe Certified
- Fair Trade Certified
- Climate Neutral Certified
Avocado offers comfortable and relatively affordable organic mattresses that prioritize sustainability and also don’t break the bank. They’re an eco-conscious company that has earned the gold standard GOTS certification for their products and production processes.
Avocado’s most affordable mattress is the Eco Organic Mattress (starting at $699 for a twin), which is made in L.A. from pocketed coils, GOLS-certified organic latex from sustainable farms, and layers of GOTS certified organic cotton and wool.
Avocado’s mattresses contain zero chemical flame retardants, fiberglass, or polyurethane foams. They have even attained the coveted MadeSafe non-toxic seal of approval. What’s more, they come with a generous 100-night sleep trial with a full refund if you aren’t happy with your mattress.
Avocado also makes one of our favorite organic crib mattresses if you’ve got a little one who needs a healthy, comfy mattress for their non-toxic crib.
2. Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress (from $699)
- GOTS and GOLS Certified materials
- Produced in GOTS certified facility
8. Naturepedic Organic Mattresses (from $1,999)
As promised, here are some more details on the most important certifications you’ll want to see on any non-toxic mattress you’re thinking of purchasing:
OEKO-TEX Standard 100
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a widely recognized certification for textiles and other materials. This certification proves that the mattress is free from harmful substances, such as heavy metals, formaldehyde, pesticides, and phthalates.
CertiPUR
CertiPUR is a certification program for foam products, including mattresses. This certification shows that mattresses are made without formaldehyde, heavy metals, ozone-depleting substances, PBDEs, or certain flame retardants. It also sets limits for VOC emissions.
GOTS Certified (Global Organic Textile Standard)
The GOTS certification shows that mattresses are made with organic and non-toxic materials. GOTS certification applies to textile products made from organic fibers. It prohibits the use of harmful chemicals, such as synthetic pesticides, dyes containing heavy metals, formaldehyde, and certain flame retardants in materials and manufacturing.
GOLS Certified (Global Organic Latex Standard)
GOLS certification ensures that latex-based materials, which many mattresses contain, meet organic and sustainable production standards. This certification guarantees that at least 95% of the latex used is sourced from organic rubber trees and prohibits the use of harmful chemicals in the product’s manufacturing. GOLS certification also encourages environmental responsibility, fair labor practices, and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Greenguard
Greenguard certification focuses on indoor air quality and is applicable to various products, such as paint. This certification sets limits for VOC emissions, ensuring that products don’t release harmful chemicals into the indoor air. It also restricts the use of phthalates, formaldehyde, and other harmful substances.
Rest Easy on a Non-Toxic and Eco-Friendly Mattress
We all spend many hours a night sleeping, so it makes sense that the surface we’re resting on should be as healthy and non-toxic as possible. A non-toxic mattress made of eco-friendly and organic materials will leave your bedroom free of VOCs and other unhealthy chemicals that off-gas from traditional mattresses. Plus, it’s a greener choice for the planet.
For more healthy (and comfy) options as you sleep, check out our favorite non-toxic mattress toppers. While you’re at it, check out our top picks for non-toxic couches and sofas without flame retardants.