The Best Mattresses to Protect My Health and the Planet
I remember buying my first mattress with my partner over 20 years ago. We spent months looking for a mattress that would not result in us inhaling awful chemicals with every breath for the 7-9 hours a day we spend in bed. This was before toxic fire retardants had been banned. Fortunately we were able to find one from Ikea without those toxins, but my mattress is worn out so I started looking for my next one.
There are many more brand of toxin-free mattresses now. The first and only step to ecofriendly disposal of a mattress is to buy a mattress with the most natural materials. If you buy a mattress with toxins, not only are you endangering your health, but you are going to put more toxic chemicals back into the environment when you dispose or reuse that mattress at the end of its life.
It is estimated that approximately 50,000 mattresses end up in landfills every single day in the U.S., contributing to a substantial accumulation of waste. Components of old mattresses, such as steel springs and synthetic foams, can take an extremely long time to decompose—sometimes hundreds of years. Some of these may also be burned, which can then release toxic chemicals into the air and your lungs.
Toxic Chemicals in Mattresses
The presence of these chemicals is particularly concerning for children, who spend significantly more time sleeping than adults—sometimes over a third of their day. This extended exposure means children may inhale a greater quantity of these chemicals. Additionally, their developing bodies can be more sensitive to these harmful substances.
Several chemical substances commonly found in traditional mattresses can pose risks to health and the environment:
Flame Retardants
These chemicals are added to mattresses to slow down fires. While this might seem like a good idea, these chemicals can "off-gas," meaning they release into the air around a bed. When inhaled, they can cause problems such as respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even disrupt the body's endocrine system, which regulates hormones. Some older flame retardants, like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been largely banned due to links to hormone disruption, cancer risk, and lower IQ in children. However, newer organophosphate ester flame retardants (OPEs) have replaced them and can still be harmful, impacting thyroid function and potentially leading to premature birth. These chemicals can also enter water and soil, harming animals and plants. The continuous cycle of replacing one harmful chemical with another, often driven by regulatory requirements for fire safety, illustrates a persistent challenge in ensuring public health and environmental safety. This pattern suggests that relying solely on regulations can lead to a reactive approach, where new harms emerge as old ones are addressed.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
These chemicals easily turn into gases and are often responsible for the strong "new mattress smell". Inhaling VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. These compounds can remain in the air of a bedroom for months, contributing to indoor air pollution. Many VOCs originate from polyurethane foam, a common mattress material. The continuous release of these chemicals into the air, especially during sleep, represents an "invisible threat."
Formaldehyde
This strong chemical is sometimes used in adhesives, resins, and synthetic fibers found in some mattresses. Exposure to formaldehyde can irritate eyes, cause skin irritation, and lead to respiratory issues. Long-term exposure has been linked to more severe health problems, as it is classified as a carcinogen.
Phthalates
These chemicals are used to make plastics, such as those found in some mattress covers or "fragrances" added to mask odors, soft and flexible. Phthalates are known to interfere with the body's hormones, which can affect growth and overall health. Some are even prohibited in children's products due to their harmful effects.
Fiberglass
Tiny glass fibers are sometimes used inside mattresses as a fire barrier instead of chemicals. If the mattress cover tears or is removed, these small fragments of fiberglass can escape into the air. Contact with fiberglass can cause skin irritation, and inhalation can irritate the eyes and lungs.
Eco-Friendly Mattress Materials
Eco-friendly mattresses utilize remarkable materials sourced from nature, rather than those produced with numerous chemicals in factories.
Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is grown without harmful pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Organic cotton is highly breathable, soft, and contributes to healthy soil and clean water where it is cultivated. It is also gentle on the skin.
Natural Latex
This is a milky sap obtained from rubber trees, similar to how maple syrup is collected from maple trees. The sap is collected carefully without harming the tree, allowing it to continue producing sap for many years. Natural latex is bouncy, supportive, naturally resistant to dust mites and mold, and highly durable, ensuring a long lifespan. It is also biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally at the end of its life. After collection, the sap is processed using methods like the Dunlop or Talalay processes to transform it into foam. One method yields a denser latex, while the other creates a softer, more breathable foam, both originating from the same natural sap.
Organic Wool
This wool comes from sheep raised on organic farms, where they are treated humanely and graze on pastures free from harmful chemicals. The wool itself is also cleaned without harsh substances. Organic wool is exceptional because it naturally aids in fire safety, eliminating the need for chemical flame retardants. It also helps regulate temperature, keeping individuals warm in winter and cool in summer, due to its breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Recycled Steel Coils
Some eco-friendly mattresses incorporate springs made from old, melted-down steel. This process gives metal a new purpose, reducing the need to extract new resources from the Earth. Utilizing recycled steel significantly reduces waste and conserves a substantial amount of energy that would otherwise be used to produce new steel.
Green Mattress Certifications
Since it is impossible to visually inspect for chemicals or understand manufacturing processes, special independent groups act like "detectives" to verify that mattresses are truly eco-friendly and safe. When a mattress passes their tests, it receives a special "certification" or "seal."
These certifications serve as crucial, independently verified "trust signals" that help consumers make genuinely sustainable and healthy choices in a market where harmful chemicals are invisible and "eco-friendly" claims can be misleading. They provide verifiable proof, build consumer trust, and differentiate truly sustainable products from those that might engage in "greenwashing".
CertiPUR-US
This certification specifically evaluates the foam used in mattresses. It ensures the foam is free from harmful substances such as formaldehyde, heavy metals, and phthalates, and that it has very low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which cause the "new mattress smell".
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
This is a highly respected certification for organic cotton and wool. It signifies that the materials were grown organically (without pesticides) and processed without harmful chemicals, from the farm all the way to the finished mattress. It also includes checks for fair working conditions for the individuals involved in producing the materials.
GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)
Similar to GOTS, but specifically for organic latex. This certification confirms that the latex is genuinely organic and processed in an environmentally responsible manner, with guidelines for waste and emissions.
GREENGUARD Gold
This certification indicates that the mattress has very low chemical emissions, helping to maintain clean and healthy indoor air quality. It is particularly beneficial for children's rooms.
MADE SAFE
This certification acts as a stringent checker, ensuring that no harmful chemicals are used in the product that could negatively affect people or the planet.
B Corp
This certification extends beyond the mattress itself to the entire company. It signifies that the company prioritizes people and the planet, not just profit. B Corp certified companies meet high standards for their treatment of workers, their community engagement, and their environmental practices.
Should I Reuse or Recycle My Mattress?
Mattresses are large and bulky items. When simply discarded, they consume a significant amount of space in landfills. It is estimated that approximately 50,000 mattresses end up in landfills every single day in the U.S., contributing to a substantial accumulation of waste.
The sheer volume of mattresses discarded daily highlights a significant, often overlooked, environmental crisis due to their bulky, non-biodegradable components and the resulting landfill strain and pollution. This quantitative data makes the abstract concept of "waste" very tangible and underscores the urgency for individuals and communities to adopt and support eco-friendly disposal solutions.
Recycling Mattresses
Special facilities can disassemble old mattresses, separating components like metal springs, foam, and fabric. The metal can be melted down and repurposed into new items, such as car parts or new springs. The foam can be shredded and used as carpet padding or insulation for homes. Fabric components can also be recycled for other products. To find a recycling option, individuals can search for local recycling centers or special programs in their city or town that accept mattresses. Some states even have programs to facilitate mattress recycling. Despite being commonly perceived as mere waste, a high percentage (80-90%) of mattress components are recyclable. This represents valuable resources that can be recovered, thereby reducing the need for virgin materials and fostering local economic growth through job creation in collection, processing, and repurposing industries. This approach promotes a circular economy mindset, where waste is viewed not as an end-point but as a valuable input for new production.
Donating Mattresses
If a mattress remains in good condition (without large rips, severe stains, or infestations), it may be suitable for donation to someone in need. Donating helps others and prevents the mattress from ending up in a landfill. Charitable organizations such as Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or the Furniture Bank Association of America often accept mattresses. It is advisable to contact them beforehand to confirm their acceptance policies and inquire about potential pick-up services. Before donating, the mattress should be thoroughly cleaned with a vacuum cleaner, and any small stains can be spot-cleaned using a safe cleaning solution.
Upcycling or Reusing Mattresses
This method involves creatively transforming parts of an old mattress into new and useful items.
A comfortable bed can be created for a pet.
Sections of foam can be cut out to make new cushions for chairs or decorative pillows.
Eco-Friendly Mattress Brands
Several companies are diligently working to produce mattresses that are not only comfortable but also beneficial for individuals and the planet. These brands exemplify how choosing an eco-friendly mattress can be both simple and rewarding.
Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility through its materials and practices.
Pure Materials: Avocado utilizes organic materials such as natural latex (sourced from rubber trees), organic wool, and organic cotton. For support, their mattresses incorporate over 1,400 pocketed coils made from steel.
No Toxic Substances: A significant commitment is their avoidance of chemical fire retardants, polyurethane foam (a petroleum-based plastic foam), and polluting adhesives to bind mattress layers. Instead, they employ a traditional "hand-tufting" method using needles and yarn to secure components, eliminating the need for noxious chemical adhesives. This innovative assembly method directly addresses the problem of harmful chemical glues.
Extensive Certifications: Avocado holds numerous important certifications, underscoring their dedication to eco-friendly practices. These include GOTS and GOLS (for organic materials), B Corp (indicating the company's commitment to social and environmental performance), Climate Neutral (for offsetting and reducing carbon emissions), OEKO-TEX, and MADE SAFE (ensuring no harmful chemicals). They also contribute to environmental causes.
Eco-Initiatives: Avocado's commitment extends beyond product materials. In their latex processing facilities, they implement water-saving practices like rainwater collection pools and power their operations with clean energy sources such as biofuels from expired trees and wind turbines.
Naturepedic
Naturepedic is a leader in organic mattresses, emphasizing a "Farm to Bed" philosophy.
"Farm to Bed" Approach: Naturepedic traces its organic cotton directly to farms in the USA that cultivate cotton without harmful pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, similar to growing healthy food.
Pure Organic Materials: They utilize organic wool and organic latex, both certified to be clean and eco-friendly.
Absence of Harmful Chemicals: Their mattresses are entirely free from polyurethane foam, synthetic flame barriers, adhesives, and many other questionable chemicals, including vinyl/PVC, phthalates, and pesticides, making them particularly safe for families and children.
Comprehensive Certifications: Naturepedic holds many top certifications, demonstrating their strong commitment to safety and environmental responsibility. These include GOTS, EWG VERIFIED (for chemical safety), GREENGUARD Gold (for low chemical emissions), and MADE SAFE. They are also a proud member of "1% for the Planet," donating a portion of their sales to environmental groups.
Eco-Initiatives: Naturepedic implements meticulous practices, such as shutting down and thoroughly cleaning their cotton ginning facility before processing organic cotton to prevent contamination from conventional cotton chemicals. Their factory prioritizes cleaner manufacturing processes, and their packaging is designed to be eco-friendlier. This holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing ethical manufacturing and supply chain transparency, goes beyond merely using organic materials.
Birch by Helix
Birch by Helix focuses on natural and organic materials for a healthy sleep environment.
Natural Materials: Birch mattresses incorporate natural and organic materials, including an organic cotton cover, soft organic wool, and natural Talalay latex for comfort and support. They also feature individually wrapped coils.
Natural Fire Safety: A key feature is their use of organic wool as a natural and effective flame retardant, meeting fire safety regulations without chemical flame retardants. This wool also provides breathability, contributing to comfort. This reliance on a natural solution for fire safety is an innovation that avoids the "cocktail of chemicals" often found in traditional mattresses.
Trusted Certifications: Birch holds important certifications such as GOTS (for organic materials), Fair Trade certified (for their cotton, ensuring fair labor practices), and GREENGUARD Gold certified (for low chemical emissions, maintaining clean air). They also have certifications for their latex and wool.
Breathable Design: Birch mattresses are engineered for coolness and breathability. The natural materials and specialized coils facilitate airflow, helping to dissipate body heat for a comfortable night's sleep.
