The 6 Best Non-Toxic Mattress Picks of 2023, According to Sleep Experts
Updated: May 09, 2023Warning: Harmful chemicals may be lurking in your bed. Find out if you're inadvertently putting yourself in danger every night—and discover the best non-toxic mattress for safer sleep.
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You may think a mattress is a mattress, right? But if you’re buying a new mattress, know that many beds are hiding a dark secret. Certain sleep surfaces consist of chemical components that could make you sick. That’s why finding the best non-toxic mattress is so important.
“Most mattresses typically contain polyurethane foam, which includes petroleum chemicals,” explains Tasha Stoiber, PhD, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “This foam can off-gas, or emit, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are harmful to health and have been linked to respiratory irritation and nervous system harm.”
“Many mattresses also use flame-retardant chemicals that may cause adverse health effects ranging from cancer and reproductive harm to learning disabilities and interference with the normal operation of hormones,” says Avinash Kar, a senior attorney and director of state health policy for the National Resources Defense Council. While you might not notice the impact of sleeping on a toxic mattress immediately, the potential health consequences may be detrimental over time. “Many of the effects of toxic chemicals are long-term, and unless the chemical causes acute reactions or allergies, you may not see immediate symptoms,” warns Kar.
Ready for a completely clean slumber? Don’t lose sleep over the thousands of sustainable brands on the market. After all, when searching for the best mattress, there’s more to consider than just the materials—it should also be comfortable and cozy. We consulted sleep experts and scoured online reviews to find the best non-toxic mattress options for every type of sleeper.
Best non-toxic mattresses
- Best overall: Avocado Vegan Mattress
- Best value: Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress
- Best latex: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
- Best memory foam: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Best hybrid: DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
- Best luxury: Saatva Zenhaven Mattress
Best overall non-toxic mattress
Avocado Vegan Mattress
Everything this California-based company does is centered around eco-friendly initiatives. Avocado’s goal is to be one of the world’s most sustainable brands—they even donate 1% of all revenue to environmental nonprofits. They also implement ethical supply chain and manufacturing practices to safeguard consumer health.
The Avocado Green mattress is a fan- and editor-favorite, but their Vegan mattress steps it up even more. Many organic mattresses consist of wool, but not this certified organic cotton and latex hybrid design. This best non-toxic mattress is so animal-friendly that it’s actually PETA-approved. It is nearly identical to their top-rated Green mattress, except they replace wool with cotton to make it entirely vegan.
“All Avocado mattresses come Made Safe certified—a rigorous scientific screening process,” says Mark Abrials, CMO and co-founder of Avocado. “The certification prohibits the use of more than 6,500 harmful substances—including flame retardants and fiberglass—everywhere within the mattress or material layers. Avocado is one of only three mattress brands in the world to meet this new gold standard of safety,” he boasts.
Ideal for all types of sleepers, the Avocado Vegan bed boasts 1,414 individually tuned, tempered steel coils, artfully arranged in five ergonomic zones for proper back support and extended durability.
Pros
- Vegan and Greenguard Gold certified
- Carbon negative business
- 25-year warranty
- 365-night sleep trial
- Needle-tufted by hand without toxic adhesives
Cons
- Pillow top sold separately
Best value non-toxic mattress
Bear Pro Hybrid Mattress
The best non-toxic mattress brands aren’t cheap, but Bear proves you can still buy an eco-friendly bed at a price that won’t break the bank. Their Pro Hybrid is Greenguard Gold certified, which means it is scientifically proven to meet some of the world’s most rigorous third-party standards for chemical exposures and pollutants. You’ll sleep more soundly knowing there are no traces of VOCs, formaldehyde, phthalates or other nasty toxins you can’t pronounce. It also uses CertiPUR-US certified foams and fiberglass-free fire protection.
And this best affordable non-toxic mattress pick doesn’t skimp on comfort. “This mattress uses premium hyper-soft cooling gel and individually wrapped coils to provide support and pressure-point relief, while also keeping you cool throughout the night,” says Abby Wood, a sleep health content associate at Mattress Nerd. Hot sleepers should also check out the best cooling mattresses to banish sweaty slumbers.
Pros
- Excellent eco-friendly features at a superb value
- Lifetime warranty
- 120-night sleep trial
- Free shipping and returns
- Cooling features for hot sleepers
Cons
- Only available in one firmness level (medium-firm)
Best latex non-toxic mattress
PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
Each Botanical Bliss mattress features about 10 pounds of organic New Zealand wool (about three times as much as even the typical best non-toxic mattress) for ample support and breathability. It consists of zero chemicals and all organic materials, including GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified organic latex and GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton and wool. Guaranteed to last a lifetime, this PlusBeds mattress is about as hypoallergenic as they come.
The organic mattress has two firmness options, three heights and nine sizes available to satisfy all sleepers. Another reason for earning our best non-toxic mattress status? The brand’s unique interchangeable layers let you easily adjust the bed’s firmness. “If the mattress doesn’t feel comfortable, unzip the cover and swap the layers to achieve a different feel. Also, get a free replacement layer within the first 100 nights of use if needed,” says Alex Savy, a certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean.
Pros
- Certified 100% pure organic latex
- Chemical-free fire barrier
- 100-night sleep trial
- Lifetime warranty
- Circular knit design offers enhanced hip and shoulder pressure relief
Cons
- $349 charge for in-home setup and old mattress removal
Best memory foam non-toxic mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
This Nectar pick is one of the best non-toxic memory foam mattress models thanks to its five-layer design that provides the perfect balance of firm support and soft, cradling comfort. All of the foams meet CertiPUR-US standards for emissions and go through testing by independent labs for durability and safety.
This best non-toxic mattress ships efficiently inside a small box to reduce carbon emissions: Simply unroll it and set it on the bed frame, and it will be ready to sleep on within 24 hours. “For those who sleep with a partner who tosses and turns, the Nectar is one of the best motion-dampening mattresses on the market,” says Jackson Lindeke, a product expert at the Sleep Foundation.
Memory foam mattresses often trap heat. But, thanks to cooling gel foam and a moisture-wicking cooling cover, there’s nothing to sweat. For side sleepers or anyone who runs hot, upgrade to the Premier Copper version, which uses phase change materials for an even cooler sleep. According to our Deputy Shopping Editor’s in-depth review, it not only provided pain relief, but it “felt like a hug.”
Pros
- CertiPUR-US adaptive memory foams
- Forever warranty
- Free shipping and returns, plus they’ll recycle any returned mattresses
- 365-night sleep trial
- Cooling gel-infused foams keep you chill
Cons
- May have slight off-gassing smell
- Additional shipping costs to Alaska and Hawaii
Best hybrid non-toxic mattress
The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
As its name suggests, the DreamCloud mattress sleeps like, well, a dream. The premium seven-layer design combines the contouring comfort of foam with the sturdy support of coils. This best non-toxic hybrid mattress pick is like the goldilocks of beds, managing to keep couples with different preferences happy. The targeted individually-wrapped coils adapt to the shape of each person’s body, promising personalized relief on any pain points.
“It gives the proper amount of support under the hips, and it doesn’t feel like you sink in far,” explains Victoria Wildhorn, a sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity. “It also has some useful cooling features with gel infusions and coils that promote airflow,” she adds. As a bonus, the cashmere topper is super plush and comfy.
Lindeke is also a fan, saying: “The DreamCloud is a highly durable bed with fantastic, lasting support. At its price point, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better mattress.” In terms of toxicity, you’re in the clear. The gel foam meets CertiPUR-US standards for content, emissions and durability. In fact, all DreamCloud mattresses are free of ozone-depleting compounds and flame retardants—including the editor-loved Premier Rest mattress.
Pros
- Hybrid feature combines comfort and support
- Free shipping and returns
- CertiPUR-US gel foams
- Lifetime warranty
- Option to add on a discounted sheet set, pillows and mattress protector
- 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- Extreme thickness means investing in deeper sheets
Best luxury non-toxic mattress
Saatva Zenhaven Mattress
Each side of this sustainably-sourced natural latex, organic cotton and New Zealand wool mattress offers a different “comfort option” and support level. The Zenhaven mattress features two different firmness selections—luxury plush and gentle firm. Simply flip the mattress over to find the perfect feel. Five ergonomic zones give enhanced support and pressure relief. Plus, exclusive vented airflow channels allow better circulation throughout for superb breathability.
All of Saatva’s mattresses meet the highest safety standards, only using materials that are eco-friendly and non-toxic, meaning they’re good for the planet and your health. This specific model uses GOLS-certified organic natural latex that’s free of toxic chemicals, emissions and pollutants. Handmade in the USA, the mattress is also made of organic wool, which offers a naturally flame-retardant barrier, rather than one created by chemical sprays.
Both the Guardin non-toxic botanical antimicrobial treatment and the hypoallergenic organic cotton quilted cover promote cooler, healthier sleep. Want to protect your investment? Here’s how to clean a mattress—and how often you should.
Pros
- Free white glove in-room service and setup
- Made with GOLS-certified organic natural latex that’s free of toxic chemicals
- Old mattress and foundation removal for no extra cost
- Lifetime warranty
- 24/7 customer service
- 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- $99 return fee
What to consider when buying a non-toxic mattress
“I would only purchase from a company that is transparent about the materials they use in and on their mattress,” says Stoiber. Many mattresses include warnings about the presence of carcinogens or chemicals that cause reproductive harm. However, not all manufacturers disclose this important information.
“The absence of warnings does not mean that the product does not contain chemicals of concern,” explains Kar. “Follow up with the brands and ask if the products contain any of the chemicals you are concerned about,” he says.
Abrials agrees, noting that while many companies may use natural elements, they often don’t disclose all of their materials—most of which often include toxic flame retardants or binding agents. “Look for trusted certifications that test products to validate they are free from toxins that are known to be harmful to humans and environmental health,” he says.
While they might not be the most affordable mattresses, take into consideration that buying a non-toxic mattress doesn’t just benefit you. Purchasing one helps workers all along the supply chain avoid exposure to the chemicals, for starters. “What’s more, toxic chemicals don’t end up in the environment and put people and wildlife further at risk when discarding the products,” adds Kar.
Since most mattresses don’t easily biodegrade, they will continue to emit harmful chemicals as they sit in a landfill—another reason why recycling mattresses is so important. Along that same note, it’s also important to consider the company’s sustainability practices and commitment to ethical and responsible manufacturing.
Types of non-toxic mattresses
Every type of mattress, including memory foam, latex, innerspring, hybrid and latex are available in non-toxic models. The best non-toxic mattress depends on your personal preferences, as comfort is subjective. But sleeping position, weight and health factors like back pain are a few things that will determine the type of mattress best suited for your needs.
How we found the best non-toxic mattress
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
What is a non-toxic mattress?
There is no universal definition, but in general, the best non-toxic mattress is free from potentially harmful chemicals. The EWG suggests seeking out the following qualities:
- Made with at least 95% organic cotton, wool or natural latex
- Certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
- No added flame-retardant chemicals
- For memory foam or polyurethane, certified low-VOC by an independent certification group such as Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Greenguard Gold
- No scents or chemical antimicrobial treatments
- No glue or only water-based glue used in the construction
Are latex mattresses non-toxic?
Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees, and it’s a common material utilized by non-toxic mattress brands. However, some mattresses made with synthetic latex may contain harmful chemicals. When shopping for the best non-toxic mattress, look for one that has 100% natural latex that is certified by an independent organization, such as the GOLS or the GOTS.
These certifications ensure that the latex is free from harmful chemicals and meets strict environmental and social standards. Also, check out the other materials used to ensure the mattress is actually non-toxic.
What materials are in a non-toxic mattress?
The best non-toxic mattress is typically made with natural, sustainably-sourced, organic and eco-friendly materials that are free from harmful additives and toxins. Common materials include organic cotton, organic wool, plant-based foams, natural latex and other natural fibers like hemp.
Sources:
- Tasha Stoiber, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group
- Avinash Kar, senior attorney and director of state health policy for the National Resources Defense Council
- Abby Wood, sleep health content associate at Mattress Nerd
- Alex Savy, certified sleep science coach and founder of SleepingOcean
- Mark Abrials, CMO and co-founder of Avocado
- Victoria Wildhorn, sleep health specialist at Mattress Clarity
- Jackson Lindeke, product expert at the Sleep Foundation
With additional reporting by Karla Walsh.
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