The Best Non Toxic Mattresses

This post will review the best non-toxic mattresses and mattress brands including organic mattresses that are made without flame retardants, formaldehyde or phthalates and that don't emit VOCs. This review includes mattresses for babies, children and adults including affordable mattress options.

Mattresses are something we all use to sleep on every night. And not only is it important to find a mattress that is supportive and comfortable, but since you are spending so many hours in bed each day, it's also very important that the mattress you are using be made with safe, non-toxic materials and ingredients.

Unfortunately, when it comes to mattresses, there is very little regulation or oversight when it comes to them. This means that brands can make claims about their mattresses being safe, non-toxic or organic, when that may not be true.

When it comes to the term "organic" this is really only regulated when it comes to food and agriculture products, so the term “organic” doesn’t hold a lot of weight in the mattress industry. Now, there are some truly organic mattress brands out there and I have spent many hours researching this topic to come up with a list of the safest non toxic mattress brands so please keep reading to see which mattress brands are the safest to consider purchasing.

Why you should choose a non-toxic mattress:

Before we get into the best non toxic mattress brands, or harmful chemical free mattresses, I thought it was important for you to understand why it is so important to choose a non-toxic mattress, and the health risks associated with conventional mattresses.

Conventional mattresses have been referred to as “100 pounds of toxic chemicals” and that’s a great way to describe them. From the petroleum-based polyurethane foam to the dangerous adhesives and flame retardants that are often used, the conventional mattress industry can make a pretty toxic product.

Studies have shown that polyurethane foam mattresses can emit formaldehyde and a range of VOCs and semi-VOCs, including phthalates, isocyanates, and flame retardants (for more of the studies done in this area please refer to the reference section at the end of this post). If you aren't familiar with the health risks associated with these various chemicals, and why you want to avoid them, I have reviewed them below.

Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and it may also cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, as well as skin sensitization. Formaldehyde emissions can be found in the fabrics, adhesives, and foams that are used to make mattresses. It off-gasses from the adhesives used and the petroleum-based polyurethane foam. Hence you want to be sure to find a mattress that is formaldehyde free.

Flame Retardants

Flame retardants are full of harmful chemicals and toxic chemicals including endocrine disruptors and possible carcinogens. Unfortunately, many mattresses are coated in flame retardants and these chemicals off-gas for a long time after the mattress is manufactured, so you would be exposed to these chemicals for quite a bit of time after your purchase.

The reason why some mattresses are coated in flame retardants is that the polyurethane foam used to make foam or memory foam mattresses is very flammable. Polyurethane foam is often referred to as “gasoline” by firefighters because it’s made of petroleum and catches fire very quickly, so if you have a conventional foam mattress, fires can be more of a problem. This is the reason why they have to add chemical flame retardants to the mattress to protect you. In other words, non-toxic mattresses cannot be memory foam mattresses because memory foam mattresses always require flame retardant chemicals - to put it more simply, non-toxic memory foam mattresses don't exist.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds or VOCs have many known health risks including but not limited to headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, cancers and central nervous system problems. I have talked extensively about the health risks of VOCs before in my post about the toxicity of candles so be sure to refer to that post for more information if you are interested.

There are currently no federal regulations in the United States regarding VOC levels in memory foam mattress products, while the European Union Commission established specific emissions limits for individual VOCs in 2014.

Mattress Certifications

If you are shopping for an organic mattress or non-toxic mattress, you will likely come across various mattress certifications and it's important for you to understand what they mean. Remember, when you hear terms like “natural,” “organic,” and “sustainable,” when it comes to mattresses, these terms are unregulated. Just because you see the word “organic” doesn’t mean that you won’t find fire retardants, toxic adhesives, or polyurethane foam in that mattress.

Some brands may use polyurethane foam and toxic adhesives and then put organic cotton on top, so it can be confusing. But there are some certifications to look for that can make some of this easier. 

GOTS Certified (Global Organic Textile Standard)

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification is the gold standard of the organic mattress industry. They certify mattresses, but they also separately certify individual materials like cotton and wool fabrics. GOTS certification mandates that the cotton or wool contents are USDA certified. They also determine how products are processed and manufactured and what chemicals can be used during that process. Finally, they also determine what other types of materials can be used in the product that is not organic such as steel coils and zippers. This certification also restricts some fire retardants, but not all of them.

Now, there are a couple important things you need to know when looking at GOTS certifications. When you see the GOTS symbol, make sure the company’s name is on the certification. Some companies have been found to be using one of their supplier’s certification and passing it off as their own (how shady is that?!).

It’s also possible some parts of the mattress could be GOTS certified organic, while the rest of the mattress is not. The best organic mattresses will be entirely GOTS organic.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certification is a standard for organic latex and finished latex foam. This standard also determines what other types of processing and materials can be used. The product has to maintain a minimum of 95% certified organic raw material of the total weight of the product in order to qualify for GOLS certification.

MADE SAFE Certification

MADE SAFE certifies that products are not made with cancer-causing or hormone-disrupting chemicals. The standard from this organization is very strict. If a mattress has achieved MADE SAFE certification that means the materials in that mattress have been reviewed by scientists and experts to ensure they do not contain harmful ingredients, off-gas dangerous chemicals, or create by-products that could impact human health.

OCS 100 Organic Cotton Standard

The Organic Exchange Certification Program tracks the organic material from the source to finished product. This certification gives you more piece of mind that the product contains what it says it contains. However, they only certify the organic cotton or wool components of the mattress, not the entire thing. They act like more of a tracking system so this certification isn’t as strong as the GOTS certification and a product cannot contain both GOTS and OCS 100 Organic Cotton logos on the product so you are better off to look for the GOTS label instead.

Greenguard Gold Certification

GreenGuard was recently acquired by Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and has changed the parameters of their certification. Green Guard is an air quality environmental testing company. They look at the off-gassing of specific contaminants. However with their recent acquisition, they no longer use the lowest emission “Select” category and now use a less strict “Gold” category instead. They are no longer testing for flame retardants, PFAS chemicals, phthalates, or microbes. They do test for about 350 common VOCs and will certify the entire mattress or any of the components instead.

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certification

The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification is a European certification that ensures textiles are free from certain harmful substances like allergenic dyes, bisphenols, heavy metals, and formaldehyde.

 CertiPUR-US^® Certified Foam

If you see this certification I recommend avoiding that mattress. The CertiPUR-US^® name and logo are registered trademarks of the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Inc., which is a business league founded by polyurethane foam producers. They state that this certification was created by the foam industry in close collaboration with environmentalists, chemists, and research scientists, but any changes to the certification program can only be made with the consent of its board of directors, and their tax filings indicate that all of their board members are involved with the polyurethane foam industry. In other words, they are creating a standard for themselves. That is why I personally do not trust this certification.

Other things to be aware of:

When it comes to shopping for mattresses there are a few other things you need to be aware of. Some brands have started doing some really sketchy things to try and imply that their products are safe and non-toxic, when they are not. Specifically, some companies are still using flame retardants, polyurethane foam and adhesives and using confusing terms to try and imply that they are not.

Some companies are using what they call “flame barriers” to try and trick you. Don't be confused, flame barriers are still fire retardant chemicals. As well, some companies have been known to put organic cotton covers over polyurethane foam. These brands are using clever marketing tactics to try and imply their products are safe, when they aren't. It's very frustrating.

Your best bet when it comes to shopping for a safe mattress is to look for the MADE SAFE certification. If a mattress is certified as MADE SAFE I would be comfortable purchasing it.

Now that we have reviewed why mattresses can be toxic and what certifications to look for and avoid, let's review the best non-toxic mattresses on the market.

The Best Non Toxic Mattresses

The mattress sold by these companies are GOTS certified and each certification is relevant to all the materials in the mattress. Each certification relates to the factory that produces the mattress, and not just any of the suppliers. As well, these companies meet the highest standards of non-toxicity and sustainability practices. Many of these mattresses are MADE SAFE certified as well.

This means that these mattresses are made without fire retardants, and without VOCs, so you know they are safe for you and your family. As well, this list includes mattresses of all sizes - everything from non toxic crib mattresses to non toxic twin mattresses to non toxic king mattresses. I have also tried to include a variety of brands so that there are affordable options here, no matter what your budget. I have listed the mattress brands below in alphabetical order.

Avocado Green Mattress

Avocado Green Mattress is a well known mattress brand. Their mattresses are all GOTS certified. They use organic cotton and organic wool that is GOTS certified and the latex they use is GOLS certified. They also use responsibly sourced wool. They make a variety of mattresses including some hybrid mattresses that are made with coils and you have the option of getting a pillow top or not on many of their mattresses.

Avocado Green Mattress is also the world's first mattress brand to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and in 2020, they became carbon negative, off-setting more carbon than they generate.

Avocado makes crib mattresses, kids mattresses and adult mattresses. They also make a vegan mattress that is made without wool. Avocado also offers a 100-night trial, and a 10-25-year warranty on their mattresses. Their mattresses range in price from $699 to $6198 depending the model and size of mattress. They also make the most affordable non-toxic mattress on the market, being their Avocado Eco Organic Mattress.

All of the mattresses made by Avocado are GOTS certified and they have many mattress options for you to pick from including:

• Luxury organic crib mattress
• Eco organic crib mattress - this mattress is also MADESAFE certified.
• Organic crib mattress
• Avocado green mattress
• Eco organic mattress - this one is also MADESAFE certified.
• Eco organic kids mattress - also MADESAFE certified.
• Latex mattress
• Avocado vegan mattress

Happsy

Happsy mattresses are fully GOTS certified. All the materials and ingredients they use meet the GOTS organic and non-toxic standard. Happsy only uses GOTS certified and approved cotton, wool and latex. They don't used any adhesives because everything that is attached is hand sewn, clipped or heat sealed. And besides being safe, the Happsy mattresses are also comfortable. Their mattress provides excellent support, contours to your body, and helps dissipate heat for a more comfortable sleep. These mattresses are great for side sleepers, back sleepers or stomach sleepers.

The Happsy mattress ships compressed in a box for convenient delivery and handling. Their mattress ranges in price from $899-$2198 depending on the size of mattress and your topper option so they are quite affordable compared to many other mattress brands on the market. Happy mattress was recognized as the “best organic bed-in-a-box” by Good Housekeeping magazine as well.

You can shop for Happy mattresses here.

Lifekind

Lifekind mattresses are made with GOLS certified latex, GOTS certified cotton and wool and they are GREENGUARD certified. Their organic mattresses are made to order and are made with the highest-quality, certified organic materials, with unique design features including dual-comfort options, sculpted surfaces, floating pillow tops, support for adjustable bases and more. Their mattresses are made in USA and have a 20-year limited warranty and 90-day comfort guarantee.

Lifekind mattresses range in price from $2400-$8000 and they make different styles of mattresses including latex mattresses and spring mattresses. They are great for every type of sleeper - whether you are a side sleeper, back sleeper or stomach sleeper.

Mettabed

Metta Bed makes natural mattress and certified organic bedding, which are handmade to order in the USA. Metta Bed is sold through Lifekind and ranges in price from $1299-$2099. These mattresses are GOLS, GOTS and Greenguard certified.

My Green Mattress

My Green Mattress makes organic mattresses with a goal of making their mattresses safe, affordable, comfortable and sustainable. My Green Mattress offers GOTS certified mattresses as well as GOLS, MADESAFE and Greenguard certified mattress options.

The My Green Mattresses that are both GOTS and MADESAFE certified include:

• Emily organic crib mattress
• Kiwi bunk mattress
• Kiwi mattress
• Kiwi mattress - 2 sided
• Natural escape mattress

My Green Mattresses range in price from $749-$2099 so they do offer some great affordable options. They also offer a 20 year warranty, and a 30 day sleep trial.

Their Natural Escape mattress is a hybrid mattress that is made with organic latex and innerspring to give superior lumbar support, proper spinal alignment, and key pressure point relief. Their Kiwi Organic mattress is made with up to 1,140 individually pocketed coils and layers of GOLS Certified Organic Latex. It is then finished with a temperature regulating, breathable GOTS Certified Organic Wool and Cotton quilted cover. 

Naturepedic

Naturepedic mattresses are GOTS certified mattress from start to finish. All the ingredients used to make their mattresses meet the GOTS organic and non-toxic standard. Naturepedic only uses GOTS certified and approved cotton, wool and latex. This brand also sells mattresses for babies and children. They use no adhesives because everything that is attached is hand sewn, clipped or heat sealed.

Naturepedic is a family run businesses and their mattresses are MADE SAFE and GOTS certified. Their adult mattresses range in price from $1999-$9999 depending on the type and specifications you prefer.

You can shop for Naturpedic mattresses here.

OMI (Organic Mattress Incorporated)

Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI®) is one of America’s first manufacturers of certified organic mattresses and bedding that was founded in 2003. They are a full-circle environmental company committed to the health and welfare of our planet and people.

In 2008, OMI was the first mattress manufacturer in America to offer a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic mattress. In 2013 they became the first to offer mattresses certified by the Global Organic Latex (GOLS) standard and then in 2015, an OMI organic mattress was the first to achieve GREENGUARD Gold certification. They are also committed to sustainability and focus on raw material traceability, sustainable farming and harvesting, responsible social and environmental practices, fair labor and more.

OMI makes non toxic crib mattresses, youth mattresses, adult mattresses, custom mattresses and even beds for pets! Their mattress range in price from $3499-$11,199.

Savvy Rest

Savvy Rest makes organic mattresses that are made with layers of soft, medium or firm natural latex foam rubber, in a wide range of custom combinations. They have the ability to customize individual mattresses or mattresses for couples. The core components of their mattresses are layers of natural Dunlop or Talalay latex foam. The casings are made with certified organic cotton with certified organic wool. They use no chemical flame retardants, pesticides, bleaches, dyes or other toxic finishes.

The latex they use is certified organic in two ways. The rubber tree plantations are certified organic according to USDA standards, and its processing is certified organic to the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).  They avoid cotton treated with pesticides and their mattress casings are made of unbleached, GOTS-certified organic cotton. They also offer aa 20 year warrantee on their mattresses.

Savvy Rest mattresses range in price from $2000-$4000.

Obasan

Obasan mattresses are GOTS and GOLS certified. All the materials they use in their mattresses are organic and they are committed to full transparency. Each mattress is handmade and they will tailor each mattress to your specific sleep needs. They use no flame retardants and their mattresses do not off gas harmful chemicals. They also treat their workers well and ensure a safe workplace for all their employees.

The Obasan mattresses range in price from $2000-$6000.

Other mattress brands that offer safe options:

In this section I share a number of brands that offer some safe mattress options, although in some cases the wording and language they use isn't as clear as the brands in the previous section, or some of their mattresses are GOTS certified, while others are not. That is why I put these mattresses in a separate section and did my best to outline which of their products I would recommend and why.

Brentwood Home

Brentwood Home makes a variety of products including mattresses. Their factory in Los Angeles is a GOTS certified organic facility, and they do label their products that are GOTS certified. They power their factory with renewable energy and are Climate Neutral Certified. They are also the only Fair Trade® certified mattress factory in the USA.

Brentwood Home offers a 1-year sleep trial, 25-year warranty, in-home delivery, and free shipping for their mattresses.

From what I can tell from their website, only some of their mattress are made with GOTS or GOLS certified materials. These include:

• Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress
• Juniper Kids Mattress
• Brentwood Hybrid Latex Mattress

I would personally not recommend their other mattresses without more information regarding their safety and certifications.

Plush Beds

Plush Beds offers a number of different mattress options and they have a few mattresses that are made with GOTS certified materials including:

• Organic bliss pillowtop mattress
• Organic Latex Mattress - The Botanical Bliss
• Vegan Mattress - The Natural Bliss

The Plus Beds mattresses range in price from $899 for a twin to $1509 for a king and their products are handmade in the USA. Now, what I could not clearly tell from their website is if any of their mattresses are fully GOTS certified. It is clear that some of the materials they use are, but the certificate they share does not specify so I am less inclined to recommend their mattresses at this time until I can get some clarity around this.

White Lotus Home

White Lotus Home makes a variety of products including mattresses, bedding, pillows, duvets and more. They offer a number of mattresses which are made with GOTS certified materials and they have a number of GOTS certified mattresses including:

• Organic cotton mattress
• Organic cotton boulder mattress
• Organic cotton and wool dreamton mattress
• Organic cotton and wool dreamton boulder mattress
• Organic cotton toddler mattresses
• Organic cotton crib mattress

Just note that not all of the mattresses made by White Lotus are GOTS certified or made with GOTS certified materials. Please stick with the mattresses in the above list if you are planning to buy a White Lotus mattress.

You can shop for White Lotus mattresses here.

Brands I can't recommend:

There are a number of other mattress brands on the market who claim to be using organic materials or safe, non-toxic materials, but don't actually have the certifications or certificates to back up these claims. As such I can't recommend these brands at this time. These brands include:

• Awara
• Babyletto
• Bear
• DreamCloud
• Luma
• Nectar
• Parachute

Of course it was not possible for me to review every single mattress brand on the market, but if you are shopping for a mattress on your own, to ensure it is safe you want to look for a mattress that a is GOTS certified and ideally MADESAFE certified as well. If a mattress has these certifications you should feel pretty comfortable that it is safe and non-toxic.

Frequently asked questions:

Other health info you will be interested in:

• The best non toxic cleaning products
• The best non toxic laundry detergents
• The best non toxic cookware
• The best non toxic bakeware
• The best non toxic toothpastes

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References:

1. Epigenetic alterations induced by genotoxic occupational and environmental human chemical carcinogens: A systematic literature review.
2. Environmental Determinants of Chronic Disease and Medical Approaches: Recognition, Avoidance, Supportive Therapy, and Detoxification.
3. Evaluation of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from memory foam mattresses and potential implications for consumer health risk.
4. Experimental assessment of exposure to gaseous pollutants from mattresses and pillows while asleep.
5. Risk assessment for consumer exposure to toluene diisocyanate (TDI) derived from polyurethane flexible foam.
6. Infant Exposure to Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds from Crib Mattresses.
7. Identification of Phthalate and Alternative Plasticizers, Flame Retardants, and Unreacted Isocyanates in Infant Crib Mattress Covers and Foam.
8. An Investigation into VOC Emissions from Polyurethane Flexible Foam Mattresses.
9. Human health risks of formaldehyde indoor levels: An issue of concern
10. Human health risk associated with brominated flame-retardants (BFRs)