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A nontoxic mattress contains few or no chemicals that might affect health. Many manufacturers use chemicals to make the materials flame retardant. However, some companies avoid using potentially harmful chemicals.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Quotes are provided by Christy Snyder, an Editor of our sister publication Healthline, who reviewed an Avocado mattress for free. All opinions are her own.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices listed below are for queen-sized mattresses.
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The Avocado Eco Organic mattress is a hybrid mattress featuring coils and wrapped in latex certified by Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Materials include organic cotton and wool for improved breathability.
Purchase of this mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial. Sizes available are Twin to California King.
What makes this mattress non toxic
The company states that this mattress is manufactured without flame retardants, fiberglass, or polyutherane foams. It is also certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Read our full review of Avocado here.
“I’d really recommend this mattress to readers. I think it’s affordable, and it’s so comfy.
“It suited my usual side sleeping style very well — I’ve been super comfortable sleeping on it. It’s the right firmness for me, about a 7–8, so not too firm but not too soft. It’s been so lovely that I haven’t needed a mattress topper, and my boyfriend loves it too. He is a lot taller than me (6’0” to my 5’2”) and it fits him well.
“It also stays cool, which is important to me as a hot sleeper who loves to have a cool room and sleep environment. I’ve been using it since February–April 2022, so I’ve used it mostly in cold weather.
“The off-gassing smell lasted maybe 1–2 days but it was very minimal. I’ve had other mattresses that were way worse in terms of having a chemical smell. This one didn’t really smell at all, which was awesome!
“Overall, I really love this mattress. My only complaint is that there is a very slight dent where it was folded along the middle at the edge. Anyone who sleeps warm and wants a slightly firmer mattress with proper support should consider this one.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor
“I’d really recommend this mattress to readers. I think it’s affordable, and it’s so comfy.
“It suited my usual side sleeping style very well — I’ve been super comfortable sleeping on it. It’s the right firmness for me, about a 7–8, so not too firm but not too soft. It’s been so lovely that I haven’t needed a mattress topper, and my boyfriend loves it too. He is a lot taller than me (6’0” to my 5’2”) and it fits him well.
“It also stays cool, which is important to me as a hot sleeper who loves to have a cool room and sleep environment. I’ve been using it since February–April 2022, so I’ve used it mostly in cold weather.
“The off-gassing smell lasted maybe 1–2 days but it was very minimal. I’ve had other mattresses that were way worse in terms of having a chemical smell. This one didn’t really smell at all, which was awesome!
“Overall, I really love this mattress. My only complaint is that there is a very slight dent where it was folded along the middle at the edge. Anyone who sleeps warm and wants a slightly firmer mattress with proper support should consider this one.” — Christy Snyder, Healthline Editor
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*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Nectar states this medium-firm mattress is breathable and has cooling properties. People may benefit from a cooling cover with heat-absorbent fibers and a layer of gel-infused memory foam to wick away heat and regulate body temperature.
In addition, the shift-resistant bottom layer helps stop the layers of the mattress from moving and increases motion isolation. People who sleep with others or have pets may have more restful sleep.
Shipping and returns are free for people who live in the contiguous United States.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
Nectar uses nontoxic memory foam in this mattress. Memory foam conforms to the body. It can provide support and comfort that meet a person’s preferences and needs.
Discover the best memory foam mattresses here.
The foam has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning it meets independent reviewers’ standards for emissions and quality. Additionally, the mattress does not contain flame retardants, heavy metals, or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Read our Nectar mattress review here.
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*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
A hybrid mattress uses both foam and spring coils. It can help provide a responsive surface while maintaining comfort. This nontoxic hybrid mattress contains a soft, quilted top, a layer of gel memory foam, and supportive springs.
Discover the best hybrid mattresses here.
The mattress is medium firm. It may minimize motion transfer, making it suitable for people who share a bed.
Read our DreamCloud mattress review here.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
The foam in this mattress has CertiPUR-US certification. The mattress produces limited VOC emissions.
In addition, the company donates mattresses that people return. Because all mattresses must be in a condition suitable for donation, DreamCloud will not accept any damaged or soiled mattresses. To begin the returns process, people need to contact the company’s customer service team.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This mattress is one of the most affordable options available online. It may be a good option for people looking for a nontoxic mattress that provides cooling comfort.
Discover other affordable mattresses here.
The medium-firm mattress has graphite and cooling gel layers that may prevent overheating during sleep. The lower height may make getting in and out of bed more comfortable. The open-cell structure of the memory foam may provide a more responsive experience.
While shipping is free in the contiguous United States, residents of Hawaii and Alaska must pay a nonrefundable shipping fee. Additionally, Tuft & Needle only allows one returns process per household a year.
What makes this mattress nontoxic
This Tuft & Needle mattress has several certifications indicating low toxicity, including CertiPUR-US for its foam and Greenguard for its low emission levels.
For an additional fee, people can add HeiQ antimicrobial protection features, which may limit bacterial growth and prevent odor.
The company will share donations and recycling center locations if a person wishes to return their mattress. People need to send in a copy of their donation or recycling receipt to receive a refund.
Read our Tuft & Needle review here.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This latex mattress is available in different heights. The company recommends choosing the 9-in version if a person and their partner weigh up to 225 pounds (lb), the 10-in if they weigh up to 250 lb, and the 12-in if they weigh 275 lb or over.
The wool layer helps wick away heat and make sleep more comfortable. However, this means the mattress is not a good option for vegans or those who prefer to avoid animal byproducts.
PlushBeds offers free shipping to the contiguous United States.
Read our PlushBeds review here.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
Latex is a natural, sustainable material that provides even pressure distribution. It is also hypoallergenic. This mattress uses organic latex and has numerous certifications supporting its nontoxic status.
The mattress is free from lead, mercury, other heavy metals, and certain chemicals. It is also dust mite-resistant and antimicrobial. It may provide pressure relief.
This latex mattress has several certifications:
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This nontoxic mattress is a luxury option as it contains many high quality materials. It uses natural latex foam, water-based adhesives, organic cotton, and organic New Zealand wool.
Read our Awara mattress review here.
Wool makes this mattress unsuitable for people who wish to avoid animal products.
Shipping is free and takes 3–5 days. A person must telephone a Sleep Concierge to begin the returns process.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
The mattress does not contain potentially harmful substances, such as polyurethane foams or chemically based fire retardants.
It is also free from mercury, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates, and chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals common in aerosol sprays and packing materials.
The Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress has several certifications, including:
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Birch states the natural latex in this mattress has hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties, which may make it preferable for people with allergies.
Discover the best hypoallergenic mattresses here.
However, the latex means the mattress is not suitable for people with a latex allergy.
Read our reviews of the best latex mattresses here.
The mattress reportedly has cooling and pressure-relieving qualities. This may make it a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot and need extra support while sleeping.
Shipping is free. Besides the adjustable bed base, Birch’s products are eligible for returns during the sleep trial.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
The mattress has many certifications, including OEKO-TEX, Greenguard, GOTS, and eco-INSTITUT.
It contains no VOCs or foam, and it is naturally flame retardant.
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*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
Zoma markets this mattress to athletes and others with active lifestyles. It highlights the product’s breathability and pressure point relief, which supports areas of the body during sleep. This may make this mattress suitable for people who experience back pain.
Read more about the best mattresses for back pain here.
All-foam and hybrid models are available. People who sleep hot may find the hybrid version more suitable, as the coils allow more airflow.
Zoma offers free shipping to the lower 48 states. If a person returns their mattress before 30 days, the company will charge $99 for an early processing fee.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
The mattress has CertiPUR-US foam with low VOC emissions. The company claims it follows eco-friendly manufacturing practices.
Read our Zoma mattress review here.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
My Green Mattress says this medium-firm mattress supports proper spinal alignment and reduces motion transfer.
The cover is cotton and wool, a natural flame retardant that can help reduce body heat. However, this means the mattress is unsuitable for vegans or those who prefer not to use animal byproducts.
The company offers free shipping within the contiguous United States.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
The Natural Escape Mattress has both GOLS and GOTS certifications. This means its fibers and natural latex meet the independent organizations’ standards.
The company offers to remove and recycle old mattresses for an extra cost.
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
This hybrid mattress from Saatva contains latex construction that is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant, making it suitable for people with allergies.
The mattress has five ergonomic zones and pressure-relieving properties to help support the body during sleep. It also has a breathable design.
Its responsive feel, edge support, and soft surface may benefit most people.
The company also offers a white-glove delivery service.
What makes this mattress nontoxic?
This mattress is made with eco-friendly materials, such as an organic cotton cover, recycled steel coils, and a flame-retardant barrier. It also has the following certifications:
The following table compares all of the mattresses in this article:
Medical News Today chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Nontoxic mattresses contain either no or limited amounts of potentially harmful chemicals. Manufacturers use some of these chemicals in foam mattresses to prevent them from catching fire.
Mattress foam forms due to a chemical reaction between three compounds: polyols, carbon-based blowing agents, and toluene diisocyanate (TDI).
According to the American Chemistry Council, manufacturers treat all products that create chemicals to make them safe before selling them to consumers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also states that manufacturers make these products safe and nontoxic before they reach the consumer.
Another area of concern with foam mattresses is VOCs. These can quickly become gases. Many home products, such as hobby supplies and furnishings, contain VOCs.
Some potential side effects of VOC exposure include:
Some side effects of long-term exposure include:
In a 2019 study, researchers found what they described as “concerning” levels of VOC exposure from mattresses for infants and small children during simulated sleep.
Despite the elevated levels, researchers found no evidence of adverse effects from the exposure.
People who wish to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals should look for certified nontoxic mattresses.
A person can look for certifications such as GOTS and GOLS.
The GOTS certification indicates that the textile is at least 95% organic and does not contain chemical flame retardants or polyurethane, which some manufacturers use in foam mattresses. GOLS certification indicates that at least 95% of the material is organic latex.
A person can also look for these hallmarks when mattress shopping:
That said, people may opt for mattresses that is GOTS, GOLS, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, and Greenguard Gold- certified, indicating that they are low in toxicity.
When choosing a nontoxic mattress, considering the materials is key. Many mattresses contain organic latex or natural foam. Some contain cotton and wool.
People may want to avoid synthetic materials, such as synthetic latex or polyester.
A person’s preference depends on various factors, such as sleeping position, body weight, bed-sharing, and chronic pain issues.
Here are a few things people may want to consider:
There are several options to remove an old mattress in an eco-friendly way.
Some companies may remove a person’s old mattress when delivering a new one. People may wish only to choose this option if the company states it will donate or recycle the old mattress.
If a person prefers to donate or recycle their mattress themselves, several charitable organizations may be suitable:
Organizations that intend to resell or donate a mattress will only accept ones that people have gently used. Mattresses with stains, breakages, and any other damage are more suitable for recycling.
Local organizations may accept mattresses as well. However, some places may not accept anything they cannot easily sanitize or will not accept furniture and accessories that are too large to store.
Below, we answer some common questions about these mattresses.
Yes. Organic mattresses contain materials grown organically.
People and companies sometimes use the terms “nontoxic” and “organic” interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things.
An organic mattress contains materials grown organically, but manufacturers may use chemicals during production. A nontoxic mattress is not treated with chemicals, but its materials may not be organic.
Many nontoxic mattresses also contain sustainable materials and are manufactured responsibly. However, not all companies advertising nontoxic mattresses use eco-friendly processes or materials.
Researching brands and practices is key. Some mattress manufacturers provide sustainability reports or social responsibility statements, for example.
The life span of a mattress is usually around seven years. Some locations and companies offer mattress recycling. Also, some brands collect and recycle old mattresses for an additional fee when a person makes a purchase.
The least toxic options are mattresses with certifications such as GOTS, GOLS, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, and Greenguard Gold.
A person might consider two factors: the quality of their sleep and the level of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Finding a mattress with the right firmness and features, such as cooling technology, can help improve sleep and overall health.
GOTS, GOLS, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, and Greenguard Gold certifications indicate steps to reduce the toxicity of mattresses.
Anyone interested in a nontoxic mattress can look for certifications from independent testing authorities.
Nontoxic mattresses are generally free from chemical fire retardants and other potentially harmful compounds. They usually contain organic latex, cotton, or wool.
Last medically reviewed on September 20, 2023
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