Best Eco-Friendly Mattress of 2023

With growing concerns over the health of the planet, consumers are looking for “greener” products with less environmental impact. From household cleaners to light bulbs and clothing, people are seeking out healthier and more natural items. Many mattress companies are working hard to create eco-friendly options to accommodate this demand.

To help you find a mattress that is both natural and supportive, we will introduce you to eight of the best eco-friendly mattresses on the market. To take the guesswork out of shopping, we also include a buyer’s guide to help you better understand the materials and certifications that come with an eco-safe mattress.

Best Eco-Friendly Mattresses

Latex mattresses tend to set the standard when it comes to eco-friendly mattresses, and it’s difficult to top all that the Amerisleep Organica offers as a low-priced latex hybrid. Its materials have been certified by multiple organizations, and its latex foam layers and buoyant pocketed coils work in tandem to establish a highly responsive mattress. When this adaptability is paired with its versatile feel, the Organica can suit most single sleepers and couples alike.

The Amerisleep Organica ships free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The surface feels not unlike a luxurious pillow top mattress, and the organic cotton fabric that figuratively greets a sleeper when they first lie down provides a pleasantly cool, soft feel that lasts throughout the night. Overall, we rank the Amerisleep Organica as a medium mattress, so it should feel neither too soft nor too firm when you stretch out on its surface.

Inside the Mattress

The surface of the Organica is organic cotton fabric, certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Underneath it is an inch of organic wool, deepening the heat- and moisture-wicking capabilities of the cotton cover while also providing a natural flame barrier.

There are two layers of latex layers inside the mattress, serving as the comfort and transition layers. The comfort layer is 2 inches of Talalay latex with a soft, conforming feel followed by an inch of firmer latex to keep sleepers from bowing too far into their bed.

The support core of the Organica consists of 8-inch pocketed coils resting on a foundation of wool. The coils along the side establish a firmer feel, creating edge support that can make it easier to slide out of bed, particularly if you have a medical condition that hampers movement such as arthritis.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattresses Without Fiberglass

Memory foam offers sleepers superior comfort and weightless support. It hugs the curves of the body to relieve stress and pain as you rest. However, most memory foam contains only petroleum-based oils, which are not safe for you or the environment. Amerisleep’s AS3 is the only memory foam mattress to make this list because it features a plant-based foam.

Amerisleep’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond Bio-Pur®. They also use an environmentally safe manufacturing method and eco-friendly shipping processes to reduce their carbon footprint. Plus, Amerisleep mattresses are made here in the USA.

To ensure their mattresses are safe for sleepers, the foam layers are certified by CertiPUR-US® as low in VOCs. They also use an all-natural compound made with Silica for fire resistance.

Each Amerisleep mattress comes with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

How Lying Down Feels

The AS3 is Amerisleep’s most popular mattress because it features a medium firmness and is perfect for the majority of sleep styles—including back, side, and combination sleepers. The transition layer beneath the Bio-Pur® layer features HIVE® technology, establishing a more responsive surface.

Inside the Mattress

Unlike most memory foam mattresses, Amerisleep doesn’t rely on 100 percent petroleum-based oils. To create their proprietary plant-based foam, Bio-Pur®, Amerisleep replaces a portion of petroleum oil with vegetable-based oil. This foam creates a cleaner, safer, and less toxic mattress that is better for you and the planet.

Two common complaints regarding most memory foam mattresses are their tendency to trap heat and their lack of responsiveness. Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® solves both of these issues. Its advanced open-cell structure allows for more air to circulate throughout the mattress–so you never wake due to overheating. Bio-Pur® also has a quicker response time so you can move comfortably on the bed, without feeling stuck.

The middle layer of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology offers the perfect combination of comfort and support and helps to keep your spine in a neutral position as you sleep. Cutouts in the transition foam establish five support zones so the surface feels soft and firm as needed. The Bio-Core® base provides additional support and ensures the mattress won’t sag over time.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Reviews

Those looking for an eco-friendly and toxin-free mattress should check out the Nolah Natural 11. This 11-inch-thick mattress features all-natural Talalay latex and breathable textiles to keep you cool and comfortable without exposing you to a bunch of petroleum products and chemical-based flame retardants.

In addition to offering all-natural comfort, the Natural boasts a lower carbon footprint than other mattresses. It produces less toxic waste and greenhouse gas to manufacture. And its foams and textiles are biodegradable to boot!

The Nolah Natural comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.  The sleep trial can be removed before checking out if shoppers want to save a little more on an eco-friendly mattress.

How Lying Down Feels

The Natural is a medium to medium-firm mattress. So it’s perfect for back sleepers because it offers the correct mix of support and cushioning to protect the lumbar area from pain. This lightly firm offering is also a fantastic fit for heavier sleepers because it offers a sufficient lift to fight sinkage and maintain buoyancy.

This latex hybrid has two main things going for it: it’s breathable and responsive. Talalay latex is springier than memory foam and lighter than Dunlop latex. That means this latex mattress has a much faster response time than memory foam, but it’s much more contouring and pressure-relieving than denser a Dunlop latex mattress.

The breathable latex also works with equally breathable wool and cotton layers to keep cool air moving around your body and wick away moisture. So no more night sweats for those who choose this mattress!

Inside the Mattress

The Natural starts off with an organic cotton cover certified under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The GOTS certification means you’ll never have to worry about synthetic fibers or ingredients in your textiles. GOTS cotton is just cotton. This makes it perfect for those who don’t like synthetic fibers.

Underneath the organic cotton cover rests a wool fire barrier. In addition to protecting you from fire without the use of potentially harmful chemicals, the breathable wool also helps regulate the temperature of the mattress and offers additional pressure relief.

There are two Talalay latex layers between the wool and the coils. The comfort layer is made of plush and pressure-relieving latex to alleviate pressure points and offer support. The next layer is made of firmer and more durable Talalay latex. This latex helps increase the buoyancy of the mattress as well as protect you from the pocketed coils.

The HDMaxTM Tri-ZoneTM coils offer 25 percent more support than regular coil systems. That means the Natural is a highly supportive mattress made to keep you lifted onto the sleep surface. The combination of plush latex and ultra-supportive coils creates an amazing feel that offers the perfect balance of comfort and support.

SEE ALSO: Nolah Mattress Review

Aside from its organic construction, the Spindle mattress offers shoppers the unparalleled ability to pick and choose their bed’s feel by simply switching up the internal layers. Just unzip the cotton mattress cover and re-arrange the layers until you find the feel that is right for you.

The Spindle Mattress ships free and comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Because the mattress has a highly changeable feel, it’s challenging to describe how it feels to stretch out on the mattress. Some owners may set up a softer feel, others a firmer one. What is consistent is the pleasantly cool feel that the latex foam, wool, and cotton materials provide, along with the gentle bit of cushion offered by the cotton cover and the wool barrier.

Inside the Mattress

The cotton fabric cover that encases the mattress is made with GOTS-certified organic fibers and woven into a circular knit pattern. Underneath it is GOTS-certified and Oeko Tex-certified organic wool batting, carded in California. Both of these materials ensure a cool, dry surface and the wool layer provides flame protection.

The main layers of the mattress are three latex foam layers of varying feels, each one 3 inches thick. These layers are certified under the Global Latex Organic Standard, and they have also been hole-punched for better air circulation.

Many mattresses, whether they’re eco-friendly or not, only offer one feel. However, the Saatva Zenhaven pairs an all-latex design with flippable firmnesses. One side lets sleepers sink gently into a soft surface, while the reverse side offers firm, responsive support.

The Saatva Zenhaven ships free and comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Saatva does not ship their beds in a box like other brands. Instead, they will coordinate with customers to set up a delivery appointment at their convenience. Saatva’s delivery team will even remove your old mattress and foundation for free, if desired.

How Lying Down Feels

The Saatva Zenhaven offers two distinct feels, a plush side and a gentle firm side. The softer side offers a medium-soft feel, excellent for side sleepers and petite sleepers who want a touch more softness with their support. The gentle firm side is highly supportive, giving back and stomach sleepers a surface that keeps them on top of the bed.

Inside the Mattress

The mattress has largely the same construction whether you look at its soft side or firm side. The surface of each side consists of organic cotton, which has been treated with a botanical compound to create an antimicrobial mattress cover. In other words, it limits the growth of bacteria and mold.

Next is GOTS-certified organic New Zealand wool, a material that promotes coolness and dry sleep while also providing an antimicrobial fire barrier. All Saatva mattresses avoid using fiberglass by relying on wool and thistle.

Then comes hypoallergenic latex that offers five zones of targeted support, including specialized back support, along with pinholes that increase the material’s ventilation capabilities. This layer is the one that primarily determines whether the side feels soft or firm.

The supportive core of the mattress is two durable natural latex layers, a responsive and buoyant support system.

SEE ALSO: Best Tempur-Pedic Mattress Alternatives

The Birch Natural Mattress from Helix Sleep can suit many different types of sleepers, but we primarily recommend it for back sleepers seeking a “firm but not too-firm” mattress.

There’s also an upgraded version of the Birch Natural Mattress known as the Birch Luxe Natural Mattress, which adds organic cashmere for more comfort and cushion. The Luxe model also features targeted lumbar support, excellent for back sleepers who want to deter morning stiffness and aches.

The Birch mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

While select side and stomach sleepers can enjoy the supportive yet conforming feel of the lightly-firm Birch mattress, back sleepers tend to draw the most joy from a medium-firm mattress. The feel supports the spine in a neutral position, yet conforms to the back’s inward and outward curves for full-body pressure relief.

Side sleepers who do want to experience the Birch mattress can try softening it up with a mattress topper.

Inside the Mattress

The Birch mattress has an organic cotton cover fabric, certified by GOTS. The Birch’s mattress cover was woven to offer a slight stretch and breathable comfort, pulling excess heat away from sleepers.

Underneath the cotton cover is a layer of fire-retardant organic wool with natural rayon fibers. A second layer of organic wool underneath, known as Birch Wool, is solely focused on cushion and temperature regulation. The wool fibers are highly elastic and retain their shape even as they lightly conform to the sleeper.

The main comfort layer is pressure-relieving Talalay latex, providing adaptable cushion and support. The latex inside the Birch mattress is eco-INSTITUT certified, which means a third-party organization tested the material and found no emissions or VOCS present.

The core of the Birch hybrid is a series of motion-isolating pocketed coils, providing extra bounce while also contouring to and cradling a sleeper’s body. The coils that form the mattress’s perimeter are reinforced for resilient edge support.

The base of the Birch mattress is a second layer of fire retardant wool/rayon.

Couples may struggle to find a mattress that feels comfortable to both partners. Many find they most enjoy a medium or medium-firm mattress that can support a range of sleeping styles, and Brooklyn Bedding’s Bloom Hybrid is available in both options. The thicker Luxe model has a slightly firmer feel, but both options are engineered to suit as many sleepers as possible.

The Brooklyn Bedding Bloom Hybrid comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

How the Bloom Hybrid will feel underneath your body depends on which model you select. The thinner 11-inch Bloom Hybrid offers a medium feel, while the thicker 14-inch model has a medium-firm feel. Both options are designed to accommodate all sleepers, whether they’re sleeping alone or with a partner, but many will prefer one feel over another.

Inside the Mattress

Regardless of which mattress thickness you choose, the construction of the Bloom Hybrid remains largely the same, with the lower profile 11-inch model featuring thinner layers than the luxe 14-inch option.

The surface of the Bloom Hybrid is a quilted organic cotton cover with underlying wool sourced from New Zealand, creating a gently plush top that hugs sleepers’ bodies.

Next is a layer of Talalay latex, either 1.5 inches thick in the 11-inch Bloom or 3 inches . The 11-inch Bloom has a layer of high-density transition foam to create more compressive support and to keep sleepers from bottoming out on the coils, while the 14-inch hybrid relies entirely on the responsiveness of its Talalay latex comfort layer.

The core of the hybrid is pocketed coils, with the number and thickness depending on which height option you choose. The final layer is a high-density foam base that structures coils and limits sagging.

One of the best eco-friendly hybrid mattresses is the JoyBed LXP. This 12-inch mattress is free of harsh chemicals and instead contains plant-based fibers, cotton, and pocketed coils.

The JoyBed LXP comes with free shipping, a 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

With the JoyBed LXP, you have the choice between medium-plush or medium-firm. JoyBed recommends the medium-plush for back and side sleepers, and the medium-firm for back and stomach sleepers.

Inside the Mattress

The JoyBed LXP’s cover is a jacquard GOTS organic certified cotton. This fabric is breathable and is hand tufted to secure the mattress layers together.

Rather than using a harsh chemical flame retardant in their mattresses, JoyBed uses plant-based fibers made from potatoes! This plush, fibrous material protects your bed from flames but adds an extra layer of cushioning for you to enjoy.

Next is the mattress’s comfort layer made from hypoallergenic cotton. Cotton is a naturally breathable, soft, and long-lasting material, so it makes a great cushion for your body. Since the cotton is hypoallergenic, it won’t trap dirt and dust either.

Beneath the cotton layer is a layer of antimicrobial wool. This responsibly sourced wool is another flame barrier but also dissipates heat so you sleep peacefully year-round.

The JoyBed LXP has two types of steel coils. The first layer of coils are pocketed nano coils which provide deep pressure relief and cradle your curves. The second coil layer is pocketed support coils. The support coils support the spine while also helping the mattress last longer.

Since 2015, Avocado Green has been committed to bringing sleepers the safest mattress possible. Their founders wanted to create an organic latex mattress that was both comfortable and affordable. They use only non-toxic, natural, and organic fibers, plus the sustainability of their latex foam makes this bed truly eco-friendly.

Avocado mattresses are handmade in California and come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The Avocado Green is a hybrid mattress made with latex foam and innerspring coils—so you get the contouring of foam but a slight bounce from the spring coils. For a more luxury firm feel, you can opt to add a European-style topper to the mattress, giving the comfort layer a full 5 inches of plush latex foam.

Inside the Mattress

The cover features USDA cotton that is soft and breathable, while the comfort layer beneath features GOLS-certified organic latex. Beneath the comfort layer, the base of the Avocado Green features 1,414 pocketed spring coils. These coils are zoned to give comfort and support to 5 different areas.

There is no poly-foam or toxic fire retardants in this mattress. Instead, this mattress contains wool for fire resistance. They also offer a Vegan mattress with Silica instead of wool.

SEE ALSO: Avocado Green Mattress Review

The Plushbeds Botanical Bliss® mattress features 100 percent natural latex and is often recommended by chiropractors and orthopedic specialists for back pain relief. Unlike latrex hybrids, this all-latex organic mattress features a comfort layer and a base layer of latex foam.

How Lying Down Feels

Each layer features a different firmness to give sleepers the perfect blend of comfort and support. These layers are customizable, so if you prefer to sleep on the firmest layer, you can simply unzip the mattress and place this layer on top. The king and Cal king also offer a split layer option, which is perfect for couples with different firmness preferences.

Inside the Mattress

This bed features three layers: a GOTS certified organic cotton cover, 10 pounds of organic New Zealand Wool, and three layers of GOLS certified organic latex. The soft knit cover prevents heat from becoming trapped in the mattress, so you always stay cool and dry. The wool layer is used for additional temperature regulation and acts as a natural flame retardant.

Their organic latex is also Oeko-Tex Standard 100, GreenGuard Gold, and eco-Institut certified. These certifications guarantee the mattress has a low VOC rating and is free of heavy metals, chloroform, cyanide, and PBDE flame retardants. Each Plushbed comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: What Is an Organic Mattress?

The Naturepedic Serenade Organic Mattress is a hybrid mattress you can customize based on your comfort preference. Whether you choose the cushion firm or firm comfort level, you are sure to find great sleep on the Serenade Organic Mattress.

Naturepedic is also a part of 1% For the Planet—a group of corporations who donate 1 percent of their annual gross income from all crib and adult sleep accessory sales to an approved nonprofit organization working for environmental causes.

The Serenade Organic Mattress comes with a 90-day risk-free trial period and a 20-year limited warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

If you prefer more bounce, this hybrid model may work well for you. If you are a side sleeper, the extra layers in the pillowtop of the cushion firm can also help to comfort sensitive hips and shoulders. However, if you are a stomach sleeper, the firm option will help keep the spine in a neutral position.

Inside the Mattress

With a Naturepedic mattress, you can rest assured it is safe for you and your family. This mattress features all-natural GOLS latex, GOTS-certified cotton, and is GreenGuard Gold certified for low VOC emissions.

The quilted cover features organic cotton, wool, and pla (a high-performance synthetic fiber) for heat regulation and comfort. Beneath the cover is 2 inches of organic latex that contours to joints and muscles for pressure-free support. Supporting the comfort layer is an 8-inch innerspring base.

Nest Bedding offers a line of organic and all-natural sheets, blankets, and mattresses. If you are looking for a non-toxic mattress made only of latex foam, their Finch mattress is an excellent option. Customer reviews continually rate this bed as one of their favorites from Nest Bedding.

Nest Bedding also offers a lifetime renewal exchange on their mattress, a policy where sleepers can request a new comfort layer to renew their mattress’s feel, instead of investing the money in a new mattress that will require a lot more materials to produce. This makes the Finch mattress uniquely eco-friendly, as a choosing a new comfort layer is better for your wallet and minimizes waste.

Nest Bedding mattresses are handmade in California, and they also come with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night risk-free sleep trial.

How Lying Down Feels

Nest also allows you to customize the firmness level—giving you a choice between medium or firm. If you prefer side or combination sleeping, we suggest the medium firmness option. Couples can also go for an internal split king, allowing them to set up their side of the mattress as they prefer.

Inside the Mattress

The Finch Mattress includes two latex layers: a 6-inch and a 3-inch layer of Dunlop latex foam, both OEKO-TEX® certified. The latex foams are also preemptively aired out in Nest Bedding’s factory, to minimize any chances of a new mattress smell.

The cover fabric and comfort layer consists of cotton fabric and Joma Wool® with underlying Eco-Flex Quilting Foam, which is a treated poly-foam. This soft layer cushions the body and relieves pressure points.

SEE ALSO: Best Customizable Mattresses

Eco Terra partners with sustainable farmers and local craftsmen to bring customers an eco-friendly option at an affordable price. They believe a non-toxic, comfortable mattress should be available to all.

Eco Terra offers a 90-night sleep trial period to test out the mattress, a no-hassle return policy, plus a 15-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Shoppers can choose between a medium or medium-firm mattress when it comes to the Eco Terra, both of which are constructed to deliver comfort to varying sleep styles. Overall, we recommend the medium mattress as the one that’s more likely to suit different sleep positions and body types, though heavier sleepers and those who favor their stomachs or backs may sleep best on the medium-firm option.

Inside the Mattress

Eco Terra offers one mattress made with all-natural Talalay latex that is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified to be low in harmful VOCs. Above the foam layer is a stretch knit cover of GOTS-certified organic cotton that provides a soft, pesticide-free sleep surface. The cover wicks heat and moisture away from the body, so you always sleep cool.

For additional temperature regulation and fire protection, the sides of the mattress feature GOTS-certified organic wool. The base of the mattress features upcycled quantum steel coils to support body weight and prevent sinking. Each coil is encased in a non-toxic fabric to increase airflow and cushioning. The base is also reinforced for edge support to reduce motion transfer.

The team at My Green Mattress set out to create a safer bed for children who suffer from eczema and allergies. Over time, this mission grew into a line of mattresses with six different beds, including crib and bunk bed mattresses.

From their line-up, we recommend the Natural Escape Mattress because its medium-firm comfort level makes it suitable for most sleep positions. It’s excellent for children who need a supportive mattress, along with adults seeking an eco-friendly bed.

My Green Mattresses are also made in the US and hand-tufted to ensure quality. They include a 120-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

As we mentioned, the Natural Escape Mattress offers a medium-firm feel. This feel keeps smaller sleepers from sinking too far into the mattress and relieving pressure points, while heavier adult sleepers can stretch out on the mattress and feel comfortably supported.

Inside the Mattress

The Natural Escape is a hybrid bed, featuring 3-inches of all-natural, GOLS and OEKO-TEX certified, Dunlop latex. The base of this mattress houses 1,074 pocketed coils zoned to give firmer support to the lumbar and softer support to the hips and shoulders. The coils near the edge of the mattress are closer together to help reduce motion transfer, so you are less likely to feel your partner’s movements during the night.

The soft, quilted cover features GOTS-certified organic cotton with a wool layer underneath for natural fire resistance. This cover has button-tufted for a nice, finished look.

The coil springs in this mattress are also recyclable, and the latex layer is biodegradable—making disposal easy on the planet.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Sizes and Dimensions Guide

Benefits of an Eco-Friendly Mattress

An eco-friendly mattress is better for the planet and creates a less toxic sleep surface for you. Resting on a cleaner bed comes with the following health and environmental benefits:

• Exposure to less harmful chemicals: Traditional mattresses use toxic fire retardants, which can cause skin and respiratory irritation. However, eco-friendly mattresses use only safe, natural flame retardants.

• Reduce allergies: Plant-based and latex foam are naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites—making them safe for those with allergies or sensitivities to smells, chemicals, or dyes.

• More breathable: Mattresses made with plant-based foam, latex foam, natural cotton, and wool will wick body heat away from the body and help you sleep cooler.

• Low VOCs emissions:  VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are the cause of the “new mattress” smell you may experience for several days or even weeks after receiving your new bed. This smell is called “off-gassing” and is the result of chemicals from synthetic fabrics and glues leaching from the mattress. These chemicals can pollute the air inside your home. In some cases, this odor can cause headaches, respiratory issues, nausea, and eye, nose, and throat irritation, especially if you suffer from allergies or other sensitivities. However, eco-friendly mattresses made with latex or plant-based memory foam will have minimal VOC emissions.

• Customizable: Because most eco-friendly mattresses are made to order, they give you the option to select a firmness level suited to your sleep position. A bed that accommodates your specific needs will help you find a deep, more restorative sleep.

• Eco-Conscious Manufacturing and Shipping: Eco-friendly brands work hard to reduce their carbon footprint—this is why many eco-safe mattresses are made here in the US. These brands also use sustainable packaging and manufacturing methods.

• Sustainable: Eco-friendly companies rely on sustainably harvested materials. These materials are grown without the use of pesticides and gathered in a way that does not deplete the crop or damage the ecosystem.

• Recyclable and Biodegradable: Because eco-friendly mattresses feature natural materials, they are biodegradable and recyclable. On the other hand, traditional mattresses are not biodegradable and can be difficult to recycle. When they end up in landfills, the synthetic materials and chemicals within the bed can leach out, causing soil and water pollution.

Certifications to Look For

Just putting the word “green” in a product name doesn’t necessarily mean the item is truly eco-friendly. To ensure you’re getting the best mattress and something environmentally safe and healthy, look for the following third-party certification. These certifications are only given after strict testing and guarantee the mattress is following through with their claims.

• CertiPUR-US®: This certification applies to all polyurethane foams–memory foam or poly-foam. Testing through CertiPUR-US® guarantees the foam is healthy for you to rest on and safe for the planet. They certify foams are made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP (Tris) flame retardants, mercury, lead, heavy metals, phthalates, or formaldehyde.

• GreenGuard: GreenGuard tests various products for safety, not just mattresses. They certify items have little to no VOC emissions and are safe to bring indoors. A GreenGuard Gold certification usually applies to products for healthcare facilities, children, the elderly, or those with health issues.

• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): A GOTS certification verifies all textiles used in the mattress, including cotton and wool, are organic. This certification covers the processing, manufacturing, labeling, and packaging of textiles—guaranteeing they’re made with at least 70 percent organic fibers. 

• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): A GOLS certification applies to latex products and verifies the material was grown at an organic, sustainable rubber plantation. They test all of the latex in the mattress and guarantee it is at least 95 percent organic material. They also ensure the latex is free of harmful substances, VOCs, and poly-foam fillers.

• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100: Like a GOTS certification, this certification tests textiles. An OEKO-TEX 100 certification guarantees every detail, from the thread to the buttons, is safe and eco-friendly. They test for all chemicals and substances that could pose a health risk.

• Eco-Institut: This certification tests floor coverings, furniture, mattresses, and bedding to ensure they have low VOC emissions and no presence of pesticides or heavy metals.

Types of Eco-Friendly Mattresses

As you shop for a new eco-friendly mattress, you will come across four different mattress types—memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, and innerspring. To better understand whether something is safe for the environment, it’s important to know how these popular mattresses are constructed. Below, we breakdown each mattress type and explain how to find one that is truly “green.”

Natural Latex Mattresses

Harvested from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber trees, latex is incredibly sustainable. These trees are not cut down for harvesting; instead, they are tapped, so one tree can be harvested for up to 25 years. This process also has minimal impact on the ecosystem, and the wood from old trees is used for eco-friendly furniture. How natural latex is can vary, from fully organic latex mattresses to synthetic imitators.

Synthetic latex foams are infused with toxic fillers, so be sure to purchase all-natural Dunlop or Talalay latex. This material is free of VOCs, biodegradable, and durable.

Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive; however, they do last for up to 20 years. Latex foam is also hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites. This type of mattress has a quick response and helps sleepers feel more lifted on the bed rather than cradled.

Eco-Friendly Memory Foam Mattress

A high-quality memory foam mattress can provide remarkable pain and pressure relief. For an eco-friendly memory foam option, look for partially plant-based foam; this foam is made with plant-based oils, rather than 100 percent petroleum-based oils. Not only is plant-based foam safer to sleep on, but it is also more breathable, more responsive, and better for the environment. This foam tends to have little to no VOC emissions, so you can feel comfortable bringing it into your home. Eco-friendly memory foam is also more durable than most mattress types and may be more cost-effective than a latex foam mattress.

Eco-Friendly Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress features both foam layers and innerspring coils. These beds are a great option if you prefer the bounce of an innerspring bed with the contouring of foam. To be considered a hybrid, the mattress should have at least 2 inches of foam in the comfort layer.

An eco-friendly hybrid mattress typically includes plant-based memory foam or all-natural latex in the top layer. Spring coils in the base may also include recycled steel. Mattress covers and pillow tops for most eco-conscious hybrids will consist of organic cotton. Organic wool or natural Silica is also used for flame resistance.

Eco-Friendly Innerspring Mattresses

For an innerspring to be eco-friendly, latex or plant-based memory foam must replace synthetic foams and materials. Fire barriers should also include only natural materials such as wool or Silica. However, most innerspring mattresses are not eco-friendly—they are not biodegradable, often made with toxic glues, and use chemical flame retardants. A non-toxic, eco-friendly innerspring mattress is difficult to find and will likely come with a higher cost. Additionally, innerspring mattresses can’t be compressed and shipped like many mattress-in-a-box brands.

Fabrics

In addition to the foams and spring coils in most mattresses, you will also come across certain materials. The three fabrics listed below are used in eco-friendly mattresses because they are natural, sustainable, soft, and breathable.

Organic Cotton

Cotton is a highly sustainable crop—making it a popular choice for mattresses, bedding, and clothing. It is also soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. However, traditional cotton is often sprayed with toxic pesticides. To guarantee your new mattress uses organic cotton, look for a GOTS certification.

Organic Wool

Wool is often used in eco-friendly mattresses because it can act as a natural flame retardant. It is also breathable and helps to pull heat and moisture away from the body. All wool is natural; however, to be certified organic, sheep must be free of synthetic hormones, and pastureland must not be treated with pesticides. Look for organic certifications to ensure wool is non-toxic.

Bamboo

Many eco-friendly products use bamboo fabric because it grows quickly and has a smaller environmental impact when harvested.

Mattress Firmness

Mattress firmness is an important factor in determining overall comfort, as it affects the level of support and pressure relief that an eco-friendly mattress can provide. Sleeping position is the primary consideration that decides what the best mattress firmness for your needs is, followed by body weight and personal preferences.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers generally require a softer mattress to provide enough pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. A mattress that’s too firm can cause uncomfortable pressure points, while one that’s too soft can cause the body to sink too deeply, leading to poor spinal alignment.

A soft to medium mattress with good contouring can work well for side sleepers. Ideally, a mattress for side sleeping lets them gently sink in and feel cradled by the underlying support.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers generally require a mattress with a medium to medium-firm firmness level that provides adequate support for the lower back and hips. A mattress that’s too soft can cause the body to sink in too much, leading to poor spinal alignment and potential back pain. A firmer mattress for back sleeping can provide the necessary support for proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure points.

Stomach Sleepers:

Stomach sleepers generally require a firmer mattress, sometimes even an extra firm mattress, to provide even support and prevent the body from sinking in too deeply. A mattress that’s too soft can cause the hips and stomach to sink too deeply, leading to poor spinal alignment and potential discomfort.

A firmer mattress for stomach sleepers can help keep the body in a neutral position and provide the necessary support for proper spinal alignment. Many experts, however, advise changing sleep positions entirely.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers generally require a mattress with a medium to medium-firm feel that can accommodate different sleeping positions. Such mattresses for combination sleeping provide good support and pressure relief. A mattress that’s too soft or too firm may not provide the necessary support and pressure relief for all sleeping positions, leading to discomfort and potential pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eco-friendly mattress?

Eco-friendly or “green” mattresses contain environmentally-friendly materials and are produced using eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Plus, many organic mattress brands use eco-friendly shipping methods to both cut costs and help our planet.

Are natural mattresses worth it?

This really depends on who you’re asking and why you’re interested in an organic mattress. Organic mattresses are usually very well made and contain durable, long-lasting materials. They’re naturally hypoallergenic and free from harmful chemicals. If you’ve experienced discomfort or irritation sleeping on a regular old mattress, you’ll probably find the investment in an organic mattress worth it. However, if you are interested in organic beds because you prefer to shop for “green” or “eco-friendly” products, then you may struggle with the idea of paying more for these kinds of beds when they don’t necessarily deliver better sleep than standard mattresses.

Are memory foam mattresses bad for your health?

There are a lot of concerns with memory foam mattresses because they’re made with some chemicals. However, those chemicals only pose a health risk in their raw form, so memory foam mattresses themselves should be completely safe. That said, always look for a foam bed with a CertiPUR-US® certification to ensure it was made without formaldehyde, heavy metals, PBDE flame retardants, and is low in VOCs. Some cheaper foam beds are not entirely non-toxic, so it’s good to be wary of ultra-inexpensive mattresses.

What are the best eco-friendly mattress materials?

Latex, wool, and cotton are commonly found in the best organic mattresses because they’re all-natural and sleep-promoting. Cotton is breathable and versatile, so it keeps you cool in summer months and warm in colder seasons. Wool naturally wicks away moisture to prevent night sweats, and it also doubles as an all-natural fire barrier. Latex is sourced from rubber trees and lasts longer than most other mattress materials—some latex beds can last 15 to 20 years!

Can your bed make you sick?

Unfortunately, yes. A bed can make you sick for a few reasons. One, a mattress with cheap materials (synthetic latex, poorly-made memory foam, and poly-foam) can sometimes contain chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene, which have been linked to cancer, developmental brain disorders, and more.

Two, old mattresses can accumulate dust and other allergens over time. If you don’t wash or vacuum your mattress periodically, you’ll inhale and ingest allergens, dirt, and dust throughout the night, leading to a number of different health issues.

Final Thoughts

When shopping for a natural mattress, it is essential to look at every claim the company is making and ensure the product is, in fact, safer for the planet. With the demand for more environmentally conscious products, many brands will “greenwash” their products to make them appear more sustainable. Be sure you understand why each material is less toxic and good for the planet. In addition to environmentally friendly materials, look for a brand that uses manufacturing processes and shipping methods to curb pollution.

Opting for a mattress that is healthier for you and the planet will have long term and short term benefits. Doing your part to reduce pollution and resting on a cleaner, less toxic mattress will help you find a good night’s sleep and give you peace of mind.