Organic Mattress Buying Guide
November 18, 2021, by Lisa Powers
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Traditional mattresses can contain a cocktail of chemicals. There are over 40,000 registered chemicals in use in the U.S. and only 1% have been rigorously tested for safety. Even less is known of potential health effects when different chemicals combine. (source) Yet we spend approximately one-third of our day in bed. During that time, some of the chemicals used in traditional mattresses are inhaled as we breathe, some are absorbed through skin, and some can even be ingested in the form of dust.
Why Buy an Organic Mattress?
Creating a safe and healthy environment in your bedroom is important because of the amount of time you spend in it and because sleep is when the body rests and recovers. Your bedroom should be the healthiest room in your house. The first step toward creating a healthy bedroom is to choose a mattress that is free of harmful chemicals.
There are dozens of mattresses on the market that claim to be “organic”, “healthy” or “natural”. These terms are largely unregulated and can be misleading. This guide will break down what is in these mattresses and help you identify which brands and models are free of potentially harmful chemicals.
Materials of Concern in Mattresses
Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is made by reacting polyols, a type of complex alcohol, and isocyanates, which are a petroleum by-product. The most common source of isocyanate used in foam is TDI, or toluene diisocyanate. In its raw form TDI is a carcinogen. Once reacted it is inert, but it is possible for low levels of unreacted isocyanates to emit from the foam. (source)
There are many potential additives to polyurethane foam, including antimicrobials and chemical flame retardants. Formaldehyde, which can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat and in high concentrations may cause some forms of cancer, is not usually added to foam but can be a by-product of chemical reactions or from adhesives used on the foam. Foam manufacturers often consider their additive ingredients proprietary and do not disclose them.
Memory foam is a type of polyurethane foam that contains additional chemicals to make it denser.
Some mattress manufacturers claim that they use “bio” foams or soy foams. These are usually blends of polyurethane foam with a small percentage of plant-based material.
Flame Retardants
Polyurethane is highly flammable and requires chemical flame retardants to meet federal regulations. Flame retardant chemicals can be added to the foam itself or to flame barriers.
Flame retardants have been linked to numerous health issues including endocrine disruption, lower IQ, fertility issues, thyroid disfunction and cancer. (source). Natural materials burn more slowly and can often meet federal regulations without the use of chemicals.
Adhesives
Adhesives can emit formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. The level of VOCs from adhesives can vary widely and manufacturers often do not disclose this information.
If you’d like more information on the chemicals found in mattresses and their health impact, read Detox Your Sleep, an incredibly thorough report by MADE SAFE.
Certifications
There are a lot of misleading marketing claims for mattresses. Because the term organic is largely unregulated it’s hard for consumers to know how to compare different brands. Certifications can be helpful, but there are important differences among the certification labels used on mattresses.
The most stringent mattress certifications are the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). All the brands that are categorized “Best” or “Better” have at least one mattress with one or both certifications.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
This third-party certification ensures organic status throughout the supply chain including growing the raw materials, manufacturing, and labelling. It addresses ecological and social criteria as well as human health. For a finished mattress to be GOTS certified it must contain a minimum of 95% organic fibers and have accessories (such as zippers) that are free from prohibited materials. The best mattress manufacturers go the extra step of having their manufacturing facility certified.
Be careful, some mattresses contain GOTS certified materials, like GOTS certified cotton or wool, but do not have certification for the finished mattress.
Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
This is a third-party certification for latex mattresses. GOLS certified mattresses must contain 95% organic latex. The remaining ingredients cannot contain prohibited materials. GOLS also addresses ecological and social criteria as well as human health. Latex mattresses can be certified organic by GOLS alone or both GOLS and GOTS. Manufacturing facilities can also be GOLS certified.
MADE SAFE
MADE SAFE is a nonprofit organization that certifies products by screening all ingredients against a Hazards List of thousands of chemicals known to cause harm. It prohibits the use of any chemicals on their Hazards List. This is a useful certification to have alongside a GOTS or GOLS organic certification.
GREENGUARD
GREENGUARD is a third-party certification which means it is an independent testing company that evaluates products for a fee. It has two levels of certification: GREENGUARD and the more stringent GREENGUARD GOLD. It does not ban the inclusion of specific materials or chemicals but rather measures the emissions from the product and requires that the detected level of certain chemicals fall below a designated standard.
GREENGUARD can be more helpful in some categories than others. For mattresses, which can be made using all or mostly organic materials thus eliminating rather than limiting harmful chemicals, GOTS, GOLS and MADE SAFE are preferred.
USDA Organic
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the use of the term organic for raw natural products through the National Organic Program (NOP) regulation. The pertains to the crop production of raw, natural material such as wool or cotton but does not include processing or manufacturing. It should not be confused with GOTS which certifies the entire process from raw materials through production.
CertiPUR-US
According to the CertiPUR-US website the certification process was developed by the foam industry because some “producers in the U.S. were concerned about substandard foams being imported into this country. It was suspected that many of these foams were made with chemicals that were banned in the United States.” It is designed to ensure polyurethane foam products meet U.S. standards.
This guide prioritizes certifications such as GOTS and GOLS that go well beyond U.S. Standards. GOTS and GOLS do not allow any use of polyurethane foam.
What to Look For?
The best way to avoid the materials of concern is to look for a mattress that is certified organic for the finished product, not just one that contains some organic components. A mattress that is certified organic by GOTS or GOLS will be free of harmful chemicals and will be verified throughout the supply chain, from pesticide-free growing practices to final manufacturing and labelling. Mattresses that have the MADE SAFE certification in addition to GOTS and/or GOLS is a bonus.
This guide will identify for you which mattresses are certified organic. Not long ago, there were just a small handful of manufacturers making certified organic mattresses in certified organic factories. Industry leaders like Naturepedic, Happsy, and Lifekind have raised the bar and in recent years more manufacturers have added necessary certifications to qualify as organic and made their documentation more accessible and transparent.
What’s in an Organic Mattress?
Latex
Many organic mattresses are made with organic latex that comes from sap of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis. It can be confusing buying latex because not all natural latex is organic and there are different types (read more here) but if you are buying a GOLS or GOTS certified organic mattress you can rest assured that the latex is free of harmful chemicals.
Less than 1% of the population has a latex allergy. (source) More common is a sensitivity to latex that can result in irritant contact dermatitis, which is a skin rash. Natural latex gloves used in the medical field has led to an increase in this reaction and true latex allergy but that is due to direct contact with the skin. (source) I have not found any research that shows that the latex in mattresses, which doesn’t touch skin, increases the development of latex allergies. If you have concerns, you should talk to your doctor or choose latex-free alternatives. You can also order a sample of latex to see if you tolerate it.
Latex mattresses require air flow and circulation to prevent mold and mildew. Natural latex is inherently mold resistant, but it is possible for a natural mattress (or a polyurethane foam mattress) to grow mold under certain conditions. A breathable but waterproof cover can help prevent sweat from entering the foam.
Cotton and Wool
Many organic mattresses contain organic cotton and organic wool. Cotton is used often as a cover or as fill. Wool can be used as a natural flame barrier. It also regulates temperature by promoting air flow.
Adhesives
Some organic mattresses are free of any adhesives while others use low VOC adhesives that are allowed under the organic certification process.
Coils
Organic mattress may or may not contain coils which provide support and improve breathability and heat dissipation.
Some people raise concerns about coils amplifying electromagnetic radiation (EMR). As a student pursuing EMR coursework with the Building Biology Institute, I can tell you my teachers indicate problems from bed coils are not common, but possible. If you have a known electro-sensitivity, it may be best to avoid coils. Ideally, you can eliminate the sources of EMR that might be amplified by shutting off select circuits in your bedroom at night to eliminate large electric fields and fixing wiring errors and other sources of magnetic fields.
Ratings
The scope of this guide includes “organic” mattresses so any traditional mattress, particularly those made with polyurethane foam are not reviewed. Ratings are evaluating the healthfulness of the materials and absence of harmful chemicals.
Comfort is not part of my rating criteria because it is a personal preference that is different for everyone. But comfort is an important factor when buying a mattress because good sleep quality is essential for good health. Read the manufacturers’ descriptions of firmness and look for third-party customer reviews. Many manufacturers offer a free consultation to help you select the mattress that will fit your comfort needs. Make you understand all the details of the manufacturers’ return policy before purchasing. Some allow for a full return and others allow you to exchange customizable layers until you achieve your desired comfort.
My ratings also do not include workmanship and durability. Many lower-cost providers have moved into this space in recent years and while they may provide a mattress with organic materials, they may not match the workmanship of those that cost more. You usually get what you pay for.
If you are sensitive to chemicals and odors, many of these companies will send you samples of their materials before you purchase so you can test your tolerance. Even raw materials can have a natural odor that may trigger a sensitive individual even if they are otherwise safe.
Best Mattresses
Mattresses in this category meet the following criteria:
· All the mattresses from the company are GOTS and/or GOLS certified organic so when you visit the store or website you can be confident that any mattress model you choose is organic.
· The manufacturing facility where the mattresses are made is GOTS and/or GOLS certified.
Founded by an environmental engineer, Naturepedic’s mission since their inception in 2003 has been to make healthier, safer mattresses and bedding. They make luxury adult mattresses as well as mattresses for kids and babies. They use the same super-comfortable innersprings used in high-end mattresses. A coil-free latex mattress is also available. EOS models have swappable latex layers to customize your comfort. All models are free of adhesives. MADE SAFE certified. Use this link and my code nontoxu15 for a 15% discount.
Organic Certification: GOTS certified factory and all finished mattresses are certified organic
Return Policy: Varies by model
Adult Mattress Price Range: $1199 to $9999
Happsy was the first organic certified mattress-in-a-box. Made in the USA from GOTS certified organic cotton, organic wool, and GOLS certified organic latex, specifically designed to sell at direct-to-consumer prices. No adhesives are used. MADE SAFE certified. Use this link and my code nontoxu225 for $225 off.
Organic Certification: GOTS certified factory and all finished mattresses are certified organic
Mattress Return Policy: 120-night trial and money back guarantee
Adult Mattress Price Range: $899 to $1699
Founded by a man with chemical sensitivities, Lifekind offers a range of natural and organic products. They sell latex, innerspring and hybrid mattresses for adults, children, and babies.
Organic Certification: GOTS certified factory and all finished mattresses certified organic
Mattress Return Policy: 90-day comfort exchange for adult mattresses
Adult Mattress Price Range: $2099 to $7995
OMI and Lifekind mattresses are owned by the same company and are produced in the same U.S. factories. OMI luxury mattresses are sold online, in select retailers, and through design-trade professionals.
Organic Certifications: GOTS certified factory and all finished mattresses are certified organic
Adult Mattress Price Range: $3199 to $11,199
Return Policy: 90-day comfort exchange for customizable models and one-time exchange for other models
Metta is the more affordable offering from the makers of OMI and Lifekind. It is produced in the same certified organic factory. Choose your comfort level of plush, medium, or firm. Use this link for $100 off (through 12/22).
Organic Certifications: GOTS certified factory and all finished mattresses are certified organic
Adult Mattress Price Range: $1299 to $2099
Return Policy: 120-night comfort layer exchange
My Green Mattress is a family-owned company that sells factory-direct mattresses. They sell hybrid, coil-free and latex-free mattresses for adults and children, and babies.
Certifications: GOTS and GOLS certified factory and all mattresses are certified organic.
Adult Mattress Price Range: $789 to $2074
Return Policy: 120-night sleep trial
This newer entry into the organic mattress category has gained awareness through strong marketing. They sell hybrid, vegan (no wool), and coil-free mattresses for adults, kids and babies.
Certifications: GOTS certified factory and all mattresses are certified organic. (Note: according to emails with company representatives their new Luxury Plush Mattress is still in the process of getting certified but meets the organic requirements.)
Adult Mattress Price Range: $1099 to $5998
Return Policy: 1-year sleep trial
This is a Canadian company that sells high-end highly customizable mattresses online and through retailers.
Certifications: GOTS certified factory and all mattresses are certified organic.
Adult Mattress Price Range: Varies by customization
Return Policy: 180-day comfort exchange
Sleep On Latex carries one model of mattress that is made of organic latex, cotton, and wool. There are two options for firmness: medium or firm.
Certifications: GOTS certified factory and all mattresses are certified organic
Adult Mattress Price Range: $750 to $1600
Return Policy: 100-day trial with free returns
Better Mattresses
Mattresses in this category meet the following criteria:
· At least one or more mattresses from the company are GOTS and/or GOLS certified organic.
· The manufacturing facility where the mattresses are made is GOTS and/or GOLS certified.
· These companies also carry mattress that are not certified organic, so you need to choose carefully. The mattresses that are not organic can vary widely; some are natural, and others use polyurethane. See comments on individual brands for more information.
· This does not mean that all mattresses from these companies are “Better”. Rather, the brand is “Better” because it carries some certified organic mattresses. Stick with the models that are certified organic.
This company is very transparent and has a separate category for GOTS certified mattresses. These mattresses are made of all cotton or cotton and wool, so they are a good choice for someone who doesn’t want any latex or coils. The mattresses that aren’t certified organic still use natural materials and are options for someone looking for a better price point. This company has a lot of unique products such as natural or organic bulk fill for DIY projects.
Use this link and code WLH2020 for 20% off any White Lotus Home mattresses, pillows or bedding
Certifications: GOTS certified factory and some mattresses are certified organic
Adult Organic Mattress Price Range: $1356 to $3460
Return Policy: See specific conditions for 120-night mattress guarantee
The all-latex models are certified GOTS for the finished product. They are luxury, highly customizable mattresses. Three models with innersprings are not certified for the finished product. All latex models have the option of Dunlap or Talalay latex (read more here about the difference, including how Talalay latex can be used in a certified organic mattress). It’s also worth noting that the 3 models that are not GOTS certified use natural materials and no polyurethane foam.
Certification: GOTS certified factory and some of their mattresses are certified organic.
Adult Organic Mattress Price Range: $1599 to $5399
Return Policy: 90-day latex exchange for mattresses with customizable layers
The Botanical Bliss and The Natural Bliss are certified organic. Most of the other mattresses contain memory foam. The Luxury Bliss does not contain polyurethane foam, but it is not certified organic.
Certifications: GOTS certified factory and two certified organic mattresses
Adult Organic Mattress Price Range: $2399 to $3598
Return Policy: 100-night free in-home comfort exchange
Brentwood Home
One mattress, the Cedar Natural Lux Mattress, is certified organic. Most of their other mattresses use a bio-foam which is polyurethane foam with up to 20% soy-based poly.
Certifications: GOTS certified factory and one certified organic mattress.
Adult Organic Mattress Price Range: $1499 to $1799
Return Policy: One-year sleep trial
Some Concerns
Mattresses in this category meet the following criteria:
· Mattresses use some organic components, but the finished product is not certified organic.
Awara
The finished mattress is not certified organic so it’s not possible to verify all the materials and ingredients used in manufacturing. Natural but not organic latex is used, and the factory is not certified organic.
Saatva
Some mattresses use some organic components, but none are certified for the finished mattress by GOTS or GOLS. One model uses natural, but not organic latex. Most models use polyurethane foam or memory foam. They are treated with a proprietary antimicrobial.
Birch Living
Some organic components but the finished mattresses are not certified organic.
Eco Terra
Some organic components but the finished mattresses are not certified organic.
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