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Research has found that bedding products — like mattresses — can emit toxic chemicals into the air, affecting your sleep environment. What’s more, heat and moisture on the surface of the mattress can elevate emission rates.

If you’re interested in cleaning up the air in your bedroom, choosing a nontoxic mattress is key. Whether you’re a stomach sleeper, a side sleeper, or back sleeper, you’ll be pleased to know that there lots of options to choose from.

We paid special attention to mattresses with various certifications that demonstrated they are nontoxic. Several of the models on our list have certifications.

Every mattress on our list.

Pricing guide

“It can cost a little bit but it is worth it for a good night’s sleep. Many brands offer payment plans that are suited to your budget.”

Pricing is based on queen-sized mattresses.

  • $ = under $1,000
  • $$ = $1,000–$2,000
  • $$$ = over $2,000

Best nontoxic flippable mattress

Saatva Zenhaven Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: latex
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a standard.
  • Firmness: gentle firm, luxury plush
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

A flippable mattress is one that you can change. This is different from mattresses that only have one side. The Saatva model of flippable mattress has two firmness options so you can flip the bed to suit your sleep style.

The Saatva Zenhaven mattress is a flippable mattress that has one soft side and a firm side. You can choose what surface you want to sleep on. It is a great option for people who are not sure about their mattress preferences.

Pros

  • The mattress is made from organic materials.
  • The latex layer is designed to provide support and relieve pressure on the body.
  • The cotton cover is protected.

Cons

  • The firm side of the bed is rated as medium-firm, so if you like a soft bed, it could feel too firm.
  • It is on the expensive side.
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Best nontoxic organic mattress

Birch by Helix Natural Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 11 inches
  • Certifications: GOTS, Greenguard gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a standard., The eco-INSTITUT is a non profit organization.
  • Firmness: medium
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

The Birch by Helix Natural Mattress is made of organic latex, wool, and cotton. The company wants to produce its mattresses ethically. The mattress is made using sustainable materials and is certified by Greenguard gold, GOTS, and OEKO-TEX.

The mattress is designed to relieve pressure and keep you comfortable all night long.

Pros

  • The mattress is designed to fit to your body and provides pressure relief.
  • The brand donates 1 percent of its sales to the National Forest Alliance.
  • “If your mattress doesn’t feel right, you’ll get a free one from Helix.”

Cons

  • If you share a bed with your partner, this mattress may not be the best choice because it is bouncy.
  • Some reviewers think the coils are prominent.
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Best nontoxic hybrid mattress

Purple Hybrid Premier 4

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 13 inches
  • Certifications: Intertek Clean Air Gold Certification, CertiPUR-US.
  • Firmness: medium
  • Sizes available: twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

“The purple hybrid premier is different from the other brands because it doesn’t use springs or foam. The mattress is made from Hyper-Elastic Polymer grids. The material is stretchy and easy to carry.”

The purple premier is made with a knit fabric flame barrier which is Greenguard gold certified, and it is free of allergens. The foam inside is CertiPUR-US. certified.

Reviewers praise the Purple premier for its ability to accommodate different sleeping positions. Some people share a bed with a partner who loves another, others change their sleep habits, and others are devoted to one position but share the bed with another.

If you and your partner want to sleep in different positions, or if you change how you sleep at night, the mattress could be a good option.

Pros

  • The mattress is designed to keep you cool as you sleep.
  • The Original Purple Mattress has a thinner grid layer.
  • Reviewers said the mattress works for all sleep positions.

Cons

  • The mattresses are pricey.
  • The mattress is smaller than a standard bed frame, which may not be ideal for some.
  • If the cover gets stained or discolored, it needs to be spot- cleaned.
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Most affordable nontoxic mattress

Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Type: memory foam
  • Height: 9.5 inches
  • Certifications: Greenguard gold, Intertek Clean Air Certification
  • Firmness: medium-firm
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

At less than $1,000 for a queen, this mattress is one of the most affordable options on our list. The Tuft & Needle Original Mattress is not only a budget-friendly option, but it’s also comfortable for most sleeping positions.

The mattress is medium-firm, so stomach and back sleepers may find it particularly comfortable.

CertiPUR-US. certified foam is used in the mattress. It has a Greenguard gold certification, which shows it is a low emission product. The surface has layers of gel and graphite to help regulate your body temp.

Pros

  • The mattress is rated as medium firm and has two layers of foam.
  • The cooling gel and graphite are intended to keep you comfortable and cool.
  • If your mattress begins to degrade in the next 10 years, the brand will send you a new one.

Cons

  • This may not be the best option if you prefer a softer mattress or sleep on your side.
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Best nontoxic mattress for kids

Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Type: memory foam
  • Height: 6-7 inches
  • Certifications: GOTS, Made Safe, Greenguard gold
  • Firmness: firm
  • Sizes available: twin, twin trundle, twin trundle short, full

The Organic Kids mattress was made for kids who were transitioning from cribs to their first real bed. The mattress can fit bunk beds, platform beds, and trundle beds.

The mattress is made of non-GMO sugarcane and organic cotton and has a patented waterproof design. This protects the bed from being wet. You can flip the mattress over if your child is done with that.

“The mattress is GOTS certified, meaning it is organic and non-toxic. It is It was made safe.certified, which means it doesn’t contain harmful ingredients and won’t emit high levels of harmful gasses or Volatile Organic compounds that could impact your child’s health.”

Pros

  • The mattress is a good size for young kids.
  • One side has a waterproof coating that is intended to protect against bed-wetting accidents, while the other side is quilted.
  • It is made safe and GOTS certified.

Cons

  • “It is on the pricier side for a children’s mattress.”
  • The plush side of the mattress is not dust mite-proof, so it may not be ideal for kids with certain allergies.
  • It is difficult to say what real-world use is like because there are no customer reviews.
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Best nontoxic mattress for couples

Nest Bedding Quail Love & Sleep Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: foam
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Certifications: Greenguard gold
  • Firmness: medium, firm
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split California king, California king

The Nest Bedding Quail Love & Sleep Mattress comes in a firm and medium-firm surface, and is made up of breathable foam. Both firmness options offer a luxurious feel for a comfortable night’s sleep.

“If you wake up before your partner, or they have insomnia, this bed is a good choice. The company says that the all-foam construction of the Quail is designed to absorb the bounce from movement. It’s a good option for couples who don’t have the same sleep habits.”

If you and your significant other prefer a nontoxic sleep surface, you should know the mattresses are CertiPUR-US. certified. All-foam time in its factory is what it claims to give.

Pros

  • The foam on this mattress is motion-isolating, meaning it absorbs the bounces caused by movement.
  • Reviewers say the mattress works well for couples of different heights.
  • This mattress has pressure point relief.

Cons

  • “Some users say the mattress doesn’t have great edge support.”
  • The mattress is soft according to reviewers.
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Best nontoxic memory foam mattress

Plush Beds Cool Bliss

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: gel foam and latex
  • Height: 12 inches
  • Certifications: Greenguard gold, GOTS, GOLS.
  • Firmness: medium-firm
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

The mattress is rated medium firm. It is made in the United States. If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, it is a good choice.

CertiPUR-US. and Greenguard gold are certifications of the mattress. The latex foam is grown organically. An organic cotton cover helps regulate your body temperature. The mattress is made of plant-based ingredients and has a fiberglass-free fire barrier.

Pros

  • It has materials that keep you cool while you sleep, and a higher density core that is meant to prevent sagging.
  • It comes with a 25-year warranty.
  • Plants are used to make the fire-resistant barrier.

Cons

  • The company has occasional sales, but this mattress is pricey.
  • It could be a pro or con depending on the person.
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Best nontoxic crib mattress

Avocado Organic Crib Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: latex
  • Height: 6 inches
  • Certifications: GOTS, GOLS., Greenguard gold, Made Safe
  • Firmness: dual-sided for adaptive firmness
  • Sizes available: crib size (28 inches by 52 inches by 6 inches)

The crib mattress is made from certified organic cotton, wool, and latex. The materials are safe for children and may be comforting to parents who want to know that their child is sleeping.

The mattress is in line with the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommendations.

Pros

  • The price point is still decent, but it is made from high-quality materials.
  • The mattress is flippable to make it last longer.
  • One side is softer for toddlers and the other is for infants.

Cons

  • “The mattress isn’t waterproof, so it needs a protection pad.”
  • This may not be ideal for parents who want a product that is easy to clean.
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Best luxury nontoxic mattress

Avocado Organic Luxury Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: natural latex
  • Height: 13.25 or 17 inches
  • Certifications: Greenguard gold, GOTS, GOLS., OKEO-TEX 100
  • Firmness: medium, soft
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king

When it comes to organic, nontoxic mattress models, the brand that is called “it” is the one called “avocado”. The mattress is very nice. It has a variety of high-quality materials, including organic wool, cotton, silk, and hemp.

“It is the company’s soft mattress, which makes it great for side sleepers or people who prefer a softer surface. The bed is not ideal for people who prefer a firm option or for people who prefer to sleep on their stomach or back.”

The latex is from the rubber farms of the company. The brand lays out exactly what is inside each layer of the mattress, from the organic cotton in the top panel to the natural latex piece that is GOLS. organic certified.

Pros

  • The materials and sources of the mattress are very transparent.
  • It has a 25-year warranty and free setup.
  • The mattress is made from organic materials.

Cons

  • The mattress is expensive.
  • The mattress is only available in standard and plush.
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Best nontoxic mattress for people who sleep hot

The Ecocloud by Winkbeds

  • Price: $$
  • Type: natural Talalay latex
  • Height: 12.5 inches
  • Certifications: OEKO-TEX, GOLS.
  • Firmness: medium
  • Sizes available: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king

The EcoCloud is a bed-in-a-box option that is good for people who sleep hot, but also like the feel of foam. The company claims that the mattress has a cool feel due to the natural latex and pinhole patterns.

Latex is a good alternative to squishy foam. It is tempting to think it is the same as memory foam, but there are differences. Latex tends to distribute pressure fairly evenly, and has a more responsive feel that works for combination sleepers who tend to toss and turn. It has natural antibacterial properties.

The mattress is made from cotton and wool from New Zealand. The EcoCloud has a lifetime warranty.

Pros

  • The pressure relief is excellent with the latex.
  • The mattress has a lifetime warranty.
  • The materials and design of the EcoCloud help it sleep cooler, which is a good thing for people who sleep hot.

Cons

  • Some reviewers say it is too firm, while others say it is too soft.
  • The mattress is difficult to move.
shop now at winkbeds

Mattress Price Type Certifications
Saatva Zenhaven Mattress $$$ latex OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a standard.
Birch by Helix Natural Mattress $$ hybrid GOTS, Greenguard gold, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a standard., The eco-INSTITUT is a non profit organization.
Purple Hybrid Premier $$$ hybrid Intertek Clean Air Gold Certification, CertiPUR-US., Greenguard gold
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress $ memory foam Greenguard gold, Intertek Clean Air Certification
Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Kids Mattress $ memory foam GOTS, Made Safe, Greenguard gold
Nest Bedding Quail Love & Sleep Mattress $$ foam CertiPUR-US., Greenguard gold
Plush Beds Cool Bliss $$$ gel foam and latex Greenguard gold, GOTS, GOLS., CertiPUR-US.
Avocado Organic Crib Mattress $$ latex GOTS, GOLS., Greenguard gold, Made Safe
Avocado Organic Luxury Mattress $$$ natural latex Greenguard gold, GOTS, GOLS., OKEO-TEX 100
The Ecocloud by Winkbeds $$ natural Talalay latex OEKO-TEX, GOLS.

It is not possible to buy a completely organic mattress, but there are ways to limit your exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals.

“Many mattresses and other indoor furniture let off compounds called volatile organic compounds. This is true of brand-new mattresses in a box. They can release VOCs when they first open, as they don’t get to off-gas much before getting compressed.”

The sources of the VOCs can be found in the plastic and flame-retardant Additives. You are not likely to find a mattress without flame retardants.

If you want to avoid buying a mattress that has low VOC emission, consider shopping for one that is made with organic materials. These can help reduce your exposure to the harmful substances.

We looked for mattresses that came with third-party certifications.

  • CertiPUR-US.: Foam is known for off-gassing, so it may not be the cleanest choice overall. However, CertiPUR-US. certified foam should give you some peace of mind. Mattresses with this certification use foams made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, formaldehyde, and phthalates. This certification also means the foams used meet low VOC emission standards.
  • Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS.): Mattresses with GOLS. certification contain more than 95 percent certified organic raw material — in this case, latex.
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): GOTS-certified mattresses use fabrics that contain at least 70 percent organic fibers.
  • Greenguard gold: This is one of the strictest certifications. To gain this certification, mattresses must meet a low threshold for VOC emissions. The “threshold” is calculated based on the volume of VOCs you can be exposed to before experiencing side effects. For this certification, products must have 1/100th of the threshold limit value. So, they can’t emit more than 1/100th of the amount of VOCs that could cause side effects.
  • Made Safe: This is another stringent certification. Products with the certification must not contain a whole slew of toxins and potentially hazardous substances, including carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, pesticides, and more. They also can’t emit high volumes of VOCs.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a standard.: This material standard accounts for both regulated and nonregulated chemicals that are potentially harmful, and examines everything in a product down to the threads and zippers.
  • The eco-INSTITUT is a non profit organization.: This program tests latex, innerspring, and foam mattresses for emissions and harmful substances and deems it “non-hazardous to health and the environment.”
  • Intertek has a certification for indoor air quality.: Another VOC emissions testing certification, this program has two levels: Clean Air Silver Certification and Clean Air Gold Certification.

It’s important to know what your goal is before shopping for a mattress. If you’re looking for proper overall support, the International Chiropractors Association suggests choosing a mattress that is sturdy enough to support your spine, hips, and shoulders. But there are other factors to consider.

  • Back pain: Back pain is one of the most common complaints people have. Although more research needs to be done, some research suggests that a mattress that falls under the medium-firm category promotes sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.
  • Sharing a bed: If you’re sharing a bed with a partner, you’ll want to choose a mattress that meets both of your needs and provides enough space for the two of you. This also applies if you have children and pets that like to join you in bed during the night. A bed with good motion isolation can do wonders.
  • Comfort: The best way to know if a mattress is right for you is to shop for it in person whenever possible. This will allow you to test various types, ask a salesperson questions, and decide what fits your needs and budget. But if you’re shopping online, choose from a brand that lets you try out the mattress in your home for free.
  • Cost: Mattresses tend to be pricey, which is why it’s important to come up with a realistic price point. Keep in mind that the life span of your mattress makes a difference. A higher price point may be justified if the mattress is made of quality, durable materials.
  • Warranty: Be sure to check warranties before you make a purchase. It’s best to read the fine print and know exactly what the warranty covers.

There are a few things you can look out for when shopping for a mattress.

The Environmental Working Group suggests that the healthiest mattresses don’t contain any polyurethane foam, chemical flame retardants, added fragrances, PVC, or vinyl. It also recommends choosing a mattress made of at least 95 percent certified organic content with low VOC certification.

“If the products on our list don’t suit your needs, you’ll find something else.”

When doing research, look for certifications.

  • GOTS
  • GOLS.
  • CertiPUR-US.
  • Greenguard gold
  • It was made safe.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a standard.
  • The eco-INSTITUT is a non profit organization.
  • Intertek has a certification for indoor air quality.

Cotton, latex, and wool are natural materials. It is a positive sign if a brand is transparent about their materials and what they are made of.

There are no harmful chemicals or Volatile Organic compounds in nontoxic mattresses. There is evidence that foam mattresses emit Volatile Organic Chemicals that can have adverse effects on your health.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to VOCs may cause:

  • nausea
  • Eye irritation.
  • throat and lung irritation
  • Damage to the central nervous system.
  • fatigue
  • coordination issues
  • There are headaches.

If you choose a mattress that is low VOC emitting, you can avoid exposure to harmful chemicals and potentially harmful side effects.

“If you want to sleep on a mattress that will not go off-gas for a few days, you should go to a room that you don’t spend a lot of time in.”

What’s the difference between an organic, eco-friendly, and nontoxic mattresses?

The terms are often used interchangeably by companies, even though they don’t really mean the same thing. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Organic mattresses: These contain USDA-certified organic materials, like organic cotton or wool. Organic materials are produced with certain growing standards, and without the use of chemicals and additives. You’ll want to consult companies’ individual websites to better understand exactly what organic means for their products.
  • Eco-friendly: A mattress that’s eco-friendly usually has production that’s a little gentler on the environment. Beware that this isn’t an official designation. It may mean, for example, that the brand manufactures products in the states, limiting how far the mattress travels and reducing carbon emissions. If you’re purchasing a latex mattress, it could indicate that the bed has rubber latex that’s raised in forests that are grown with environmentally friendly practices, whether that’s organic or in synchrony with the natural environment and forest.
  • Nontoxic: Nontoxic means a mattress contains little to no harmful chemicals like VOCs. But it doesn’t necessarily mean a mattress is completely free of toxins. Certifications can help you determine how nontoxic a mattress truly is.

What’s the healthiest material for a mattress?

“Natural latex is a good choice for people with allergies. If you don’t have a latex allergy, certified organic latex is even better. It is eco-friendly.”

“Most mattresses need to off-gas or release chemicals. If you don’t spend a lot of time in a room where you don’t spend a lot of time, it’s a good idea to let a mattress off-gas before you sleep.”

Are mattresses really toxic?

“Some mattresses can be problematic due to foam, flame retardants, and adhesives. They can emit Volatile Organic Chemicals that are bad for you, but also pose a health risk. Most mattresses won’t have side effects. Allowing the mattress to go off-gas for a few days before you sleep could help decrease exposure.”

If you want to purchase a mattress that is free of toxic chemicals, you should look for certifications that say so.

It is best to buy from a brand that offers a free trial.