Best Eco-Friendly Mattress (2020): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

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.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS3 customer reviews

AS3 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed to reduce pain points
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Eco-Friendly Mattresses

1. Amerisleep AS3

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. 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 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. This layer offers the perfect combination of comfort and support and helps to keep your spine in a neutral position as you sleep. The Bio-Core® base provides additional support and ensures the mattress won’t sag over time.

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, they are certified by CertiPUR-US® to be 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.

2. Avocado Green Mattress

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.

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. The cover features USDA cotton that is soft and breathable, while the comfort layer beneath features GOLS certified organic latex. 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. 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. Avocado mattresses are handmade in California and come with a 100-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

3. Plushbeds Botanical Bliss® Organic

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

This bed features three layers: a GOTS certified organic cotton cover, 10 lbs 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.

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.

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.

4. Naturepedic Serenade Organic Mattress

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

The quilted cover features organic cotton, wool, and pla 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.

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 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. 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.

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.

5. My Green Mattress Natural Escape

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.

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

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.

6. Nest Bedding All Latex Mattress

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 All Latex Mattress is an excellent option. Customer reviews continually rate this bed as one of their favorites from Nest Bedding.

The All Latex Mattress comes with two customizable features. You can decide between their all-natural latex foam or organic Dunlop latex foam. For the most non-toxic and eco-friendly option, we suggest the organic foam. Nest also allows you to customize the firmness level—giving you a choice between soft, medium, or firm. If you prefer side or combination sleeping, we suggest the medium firmness option. Both choices include two layers: a 6-inch and a 3-inch layer of Dunlop latex foam. In the organic version, the Dunlop foam is GOLS certified. The comfort layer in the organic option is made with GOTS organic wool, while the natural option features their Eco-Flex Quilting Foam, which is a treated poly-foam.

Nest Bedding mattresses are handmade in California, and they also come with a lifetime warranty and a 100-night risk-free sleep trial.

7. Eco Terra

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 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.

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

8. Organicpedic® DUO™ by OMI

If you are looking for a mattress to accommodate both you and your partner, the DUO by OMI may be the perfect organic mattress for you. Made in OMI’s Eco Factory™ in Northern California, this bed offers customizable organic foam layers. You can choose from one of their firmness configurations, or you can build your own.

With a total height of 10.5 inches, this bed holds three foam layers which can be arranged based on your preferred comfort level. The layers can also be split vertically so you and your partner can choose a different firmness. A sculpted foam layer works to increase airflow and provide cushion to joints and muscles, while the middle layer hugs the lumbar for pressure-free support and pain relief. The organic cotton cover can easily be unzipped to adjust foam layers.

In addition to their mattresses, OMI also offers a wood slatted bed frame. This frame is made of kiln-dried untreated wood and wrapped in organic cotton padding. It provides a stable support base for all of OMI’s organic mattresses.

Each OMI bed comes with a 90-sleep trial period and a 20-year warranty.

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. 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 bed-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.

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.