Mattress guides
People have made an effort to buy organic, healthier products in recent years. People are increasingly concerned about how their products impact the environment. Eco-friendly mattresses are now available for the bedroom.
Mattress companies have been following their lead and are releasing mattresses with all-natural organic materials.
It can be difficult to find the right organic mattress for your needs. We have the right recommendation for you, whether youre looking for a hybrid, memory foam, or latex mattress. We will be discussing our top three eco-friendlybeds currently on the market. We will also break down each bed’s materials and explain why they made it onto this list.
30 Second Summary: The Best Eco-Friendly Mattress in 2021
- Our recommendation:Amerisleep As3 – Our Editor’s Choice for the Best Eco-Friendly Mattress because it has plant-based memory foam. It is CertiPUS UScertified.
1. Amerisleep AS3
The Amerisleep AS3 is recommended by our Editors as the best eco-friendly memory foam mattress.
Amerisleep is a memory foam mattress brand that uses plant-based memory foam instead of traditional foams. We chose Amerisleep to be featured in this article.
They also meet our criteria for green companies: they make their beds in the US, are CertiPUR US certified, use environmentally-conscious packaging and offer transparent information on their manufacturing process on their website.
Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur memory foam is the first layer in every mattress. Amerisleep uses castor oil to create this foam.
This reduces the amount of harsh petrochemicals required to make foam and decreases the likelihood of these beds offgassing. It also makes these beds healthier to sleep on every night. Bio-Pur is five-times more breathable than traditional memory-foam, which is another benefit to choosing an eco-friendly alternative.
Amerisleep uses a GreenGuard certifiedfire socks in their beds as a flame barrier. This eliminates the need for chemical fireguards.
Consider their AS3 mattress when shopping with them. Their medium mattress, the AS3, is designed to support and contour to a wide range of body types. Because of its adaptability, it is comfortable for most sleepers. You can shop with confidence because they offer a 100-night trial and a 20 year warranty.
Amerisleep will help you donate your mattress to a local charity if you decide that it is not right for you after you’ve tried it.
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Amerisleeps also offers natural latex mattresses that are more comfortable than memory foam beds. Because of its durability, comfort, and support, the Organica mattress from Amerisleeps is our top choice for a latex mattress. The medium feel makes it suitable for all types of sleeping.
Amerisleep makes it clear about the organic materials used to make the Organica mattress. The four-layer latex mattress is covered in a GOTS certified cotton fabric cover. Organic cotton has a lower carbon footprint than non-organic cotton. The cotton is breathable and stays cool and dry all night.
The New Zealand Joma Wool, which has passed the OEKOTEX Standard 100 test, is the first layer of the mattress. This test confirms that the material is safe for daily health and free from harmful chemicals.
Next, Talalay latex is OEKOTEX Standard 100 certified and Rainforest Alliance certified. The VOC emissions of latex were tested by eco-INSTITUT, while Rainforest Alliance ensures that farmers, forest communities and businesses are sustainable.
The mattress’ support core is formed by pocketed coils layered on top of a Dunlop base. To help facilitate movement, the coils are wrapped in a way that isolates motion. They also feel firmer along their sides.
The Amerisleep Organica is similar to the AS3 and comes with a 100-night trial and a warranty of 20 years. Unfit materials can cause sagging exceeding 2 cm.
3. Plushbeds Botanical Bliss Organic
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss is the eco-friendly option for a latex mattress. This 100% natural latex mattress has received numerous certifications that guarantee its safety for babies.
Latex is hypo-allergenic, anti-microbial, dust mite resistant and cooler than foam.
Plushbeds uses three main materials in their Botanical Bliss Mattress: organic cotton and organic New Zealand Wool.
The bed contains no mercury, lead, heavy or chlorofluorocarbons.
They mention that the Botanical Bliss was recommended by both orthopedic specialists and chiropractors. It has received a 4.9-star rating based on customer reviews. Here’s a look at the bed’s materials and certifications.
This bed’s cover is made from GOTS-certified and USDA Organiccertified cotton. It was sourced from the USA. The next layer is GOTS and USDA Organic New Zealand Wool. This acts as a natural fire shield, eliminating the need for other flame guards. The number of layers below is dependent on the height of your mattress.
These layers of latex have been certified GOLS and USDA Organic, GreenGuard Gold and eco-INSTITUT, as well as OEKO-TEX Standard100 certified. Their latex comes from Arpico, and it is the purest and cleanest.
The mattress is certified by Control Union and Forest Stewardship Council. Plushbeds is certified by Control Union to use eco-friendly materials. Forest Stewardship Council certifies that they source their materials from sustainable forests.
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss comes with free shipping, a 100 night trial and a 25 year warranty. You can choose from a Medium or Medium-Firmattress. However, Plushbeds doesn’t glue its latex layers together so you can remove the cover and arrange the layers to adjust the firmness of the bed.
Plushbeds offers free returns if you decide the Botanical Bliss mattress is not for you. They will arrange for your mattress being picked up from you.
4. Avocado Mattress
Avocado Green’s mattress combines the benefits of latex foam and the responsiveness of innerspringcoils. Avocado is considered one of the most transparent brands in terms of how their beds are made. Avocado uses 100% organic latex, cotton, and wool in their support layer.
Organic latex is sourced from Hevea brasiliensis Asian trees and made using the Dunlop process.
This means that liquid latex is poured in a mold and steamed to create a green material. These beds are free from VOCs and other harmful chemicals and are GOLS and ecoINSTITUT certified.
These beds use GOTS-certified, safe and non-toxic wool and cotton. The wool is also OEKO-TEX Standard100certified. The Avocado Green wool and cotton wick away moisture during sleep. It is also anti-microbial, dust mite and insect resistant. Wool acts as a natural flame retardant.
This bed’s bottom layer is made up of recycled-steel support coils. They are arranged in three areas to provide greater support for your back and torso. These coils provide reinforced edge support to the other layers and the sleeper. These beds are GreenGUARD Gold certified.
Avocado Green mattresses are made in California and shipped free to all 50 states. The Avocado Green mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 25-year guarantee. Avocado guarantees that your bed will be made from eco-friendly, state-of the-art materials.
5. Bear Mattress
Bear now offers three models of mattress, but it started with the original Bear Mattress at 25 cm. This memory foam mattress has a medium-firm feel that is ideal for back sleepers.
The company only uses CertiPUR US certified foams and water-soluble adhesives to construct a Bear Mattress. Bear mattresses are free from formaldehyde and toxic fire retardants as well as lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. Bear sources and manufactures its mattresses in the USA, with its headquarters in Hoboken in New Jersey.
Three layers of foam make up the Bear Mattress:
- A layer of 5 cm memory foam with graphite gels infused. The graphite gels are heat-conductive and can be used to cool the sleeper.
The original Bear Mattress comes in a queen size. It includes free shipping, a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. For additional savings, bundle the mattress with 2 pillows and a protector.
6. Happsy Mattress
Happsy Mattress is a hybrid of organic latex, organic cotton, and pocketed coils to make a soft, bouncy mattress. The materials used in the mattress construction are GOTS and GOLLS certified, GreenGuard Gold Certified, and formaldehyde-free as verified by Underwriters Laboratories. The mattress construction is free from adhesives and flame retardants.
The comfort layer is 5 cm thick and made up of organic latex, organic wool battering, and sewn-in organic cotton battling. The bottom support layers are 20 cm long and contain pocketed coils that are encased in organic cotton filling. The mattress is covered in organic cotton fabric with a zipper that allows you to adjust the latex layer.
For a plush mattress, side sleepers can add a 5cm pillow top filled with organic latex.
The Happsy Mattress is priced at a queen. It comes with a 120-night trial period and a 20 year warranty. Although the mattress can be used immediately after it has been opened, it will take some time for it to fully expand.
7. Essentia Stratami
There are nine mattress models from Essentia, but we chose to concentrate on the Stratami due to its unique dome design and latex comfort layer. This allows for softness and plushness without the use of wool, cotton or fiber batting, according to Essentia.
Each Essentia product has been organically manufactured in a GOLS or GOTS-certified factory located outside of Montreal, Quebec. Essentia imports white milky sap from rubber plantations of Indonesia for its foam.
Essentia uses organic essential oil such as grapefruit seed, coneflower essence and jasmine essence to achieve the right foam consistency for its mattresses.
These chemicals replace petroleum and man-made oils used in traditional memory foam production.
We can see the Stratami mattress’s top and bottom layers of natural latex. The base layer is 13 cm thick. The latex layers are protected by a zippable Kevlar covering, which can also be removed easily for machine washing.
Although most organic mattresses can be hypoallergenic, the Stratami is a good option for those who are sensitive to chemicals and wool. Essentia mattresses do not contain any latex proteins that could trigger allergies.
The Stratami mattress costs €1,200 for a queen-size. Free shipping, a 120-night trial and a 20 year warranty are included in the Stratami price.
Organic Mattresses: The Benefits
Organic mattresses are biodegradable, sustainably produced and can reduce our impact on the environment. An organic mattress is not only good for the environment but also for your health.
Organic mattresses are
- No harmful chemicalsMany of these products are free from chemical fire retardants, polyurethane and glues that could cause skin irritations or respiratory problems.
- Hypoallergenic:Organic mattresses are suitable for people who are allergic to chemicals, smells, or treatments.
- BreathableMattresses made from wool, cotton, latex or innerspring coils can help keep a person cool. They wick away moisture and allow for air to circulate.
- You can customize:Organic mattresses can be made to order. You can choose from split firmness levels, or an optional add-on such as a pillow top.
- Low in volatile organic compoundsNew mattresses contain volatile organic compounds (also known as VOCs). VOCs are broken down at room temperature and disappear over time. However, mattresses may retain a chemical scent until they’re gone. Rarely, sleepers might experience symptoms such as nausea, headaches, breathing problems, irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, or even sickness.
Why Are Regular Beds Not Environmentally Friendly?
Traditional mattresses are made with a variety of chemicals and glues that are harmful to your health as well as the environment. Synthetic foam was developed at a time in which latex was needed for war purposes.
Although synthetic foams can be cheaper and more comfortable than innerspring mattresses, they also use up non-renewable natural resources. Traditional foam mattresses contain chemicals and glues that can leech contaminants into your home. Some have been linked to side effects such as allergies and respiratory discomfort, cancer, and even endocrine disruption.
These are top reasons that traditional memory foam, synthetic rubber, and innerspring mattress are not environmentally friendly.
- Glues/Chemicals
- Synthetic Fabrics
- Non-Recyclable, non-Biodegradable
- Uses of non-renewable resources
- The Environment is being polluted by manufacturing
- Indoor air quality is polluted by chemicals
- Shipping long distances and inefficient
How To Choose A Comfortable, Eco-friendly Mattress
A mattress made from natural products and sustainable practices is healthy for the body, mind and soul.
Shopping for the best mattress is difficult because of the sheer number of brands, claims and products available. So how can you be sure that a mattress is safe for the environment?
We will examine the key factors that make a mattress environmentally-friendly and offer top recommendations for green mattresses.
Organic Mattress Certifications
Certified organic mattresses are guaranteed to be eco-friendly and organic. These certifications are essential if you want to find the best organic mattress.
- CertiPUR – USCertiPUR US certification requires that a bed be free from ozone depleters and mercury as well as lead, heavy metals, mercury, and formaldehyde.
- GreenGuardThere are many types of GreenGuard certifications. GreenGuard Gold is the most prestigious. GreenGuard guarantees that indoor products are low in VOCs. GreenGuard Gold certification requires stricter guidelines than standard GreenGuard requirements. This means that there are fewer VOCs. A mattress that has one of these certifications will not off-gas or emit any chemical smell.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).GOTS is the most widely used textile processing standard for organic fibres. Organic mattresses often contain certified wool or cotton from GOTS. This standard covers processing, manufacturing and packaging of fiber products, yarns, fabrics, clothes and home textiles. These textiles must be at least 70% organic, all-natural fibers according to GOTS.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS).Latex products are subject to GOLS certification. This means that the certified raw organic material must be at least 95%. They test latex for VOCs, harmful substances, and polymer/filler percentages during the certification process. To ensure that you receive an organic and sustainable product, GOLS certifies rubber plantations and facilities where these products are manufactured. They state on their website:GOLS outlines a clear route and process from the farmer or field to the organic latex product producer. Manufacturers who are granted approval to produce organic products using the GOLS logo must, among other things, comply with mandatory social and environment regulations. The final consumer is then indirectly responsible for environmental and social issues.
- OEKO-TEX Standard No 100This certification is for textiles. OEKO-TEX 100 certification means that your product, including all buttons, threads, and accessories, is free of harmful substances and environmentally friendly. During certification, OEKOTEX conducts tests for both regulated as non-regulated substances that could pose a threat to human health. Products that earn this certification are safe and sound for all sleepers.
Types Of Mattresses
Although there is no exact definition of eco-friendly products, we all know that it means the product has minimal impact on the environment and does not cause any harm to the environment. These are the characteristics you should look for when looking at naturalmattresses:
- There are no VOCs
- Zero-Emission Manufacturing
- Made from Renewable Resources
- Natural and organic materials
- It is durable to reduce waste
- Efficient Shipping Methods
There are currently a few eco-friendly options on the market for mattress options: 100% natural latex, plant based memory foam, and improved innersprings. We will discuss the differences in cost, price, longevity, and pricing. Naturally-derived textiles are more popular than those made from other fabrics.
Natural Latex Mattresses
All-natural latex is derived from Hevea Brasiliensis trees and minimally processed to make the latex material for latex mattresses. The popularity of this bed is still high, thanks to the use of renewable harvesting methods and low-impact manufacturing. The ideal latex liquid can last for around 25 years, while the tree grows and benefits the environment. The next generation of trees is growing, and the old trees are becoming eco-friendlywood products. Natural latex is very safe, VOC-free, durable, and biodegradable as long as it’s made without fillers or toxic additives. Although latex is more expensive than other types of bed, it can hold its shape for up to 20 years. Latex is second only to memory foam in comfort, with satisfaction rates hovering around 80%.
Eco-friendly Memory Foam Mattresses
Our second choice for ecofriendly mattresses is memory foam made from plant-based ingredients. Although not 100% sustainable, plant-based memory foam qualifies as eco-friendly because it replaces large amounts of oil-based products by sustainable plant-derived materials. Plant-based memory foam can be made without VOCs or emissions for those who don’t like the feel of latex. These memory foam mattresses last longer than other types of beds and are more comfortable than traditional ones. This can be a good reason for people who are hesitant about switching to eco-friendly bedding.
Our recommendation: We recommend Amerisleeps BioPur collection of memory foam made from plant-based materials. They are made in the USA and use a zero emission manufacturing process. These mattresses are also covered with bamboo, which is a highly sustainable material. They can be compressed for fuel savings.
Eco-Friendly Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are made up of layers of foam and innerspring coils. They provide a comfortable, yet supportive, mattress that is both bouncy and cushioning. Hybrid mattresses can be labeled hybrid when they contain more than one type or material of mattress. However, hybrid beds must have at least 5 cm of foam to qualify as a true hybrid.
This foam must be made from plant-based materials, with eco-conscious manufacturing or organic Dunlop or Talalay latex to be eco-friendly.
These mattresses often have cotton or organic wool covers but all-natural flame retardants.
However, not all eco-friendly hybrid mattresses use recycled steel in their coil system. It is often clearly stated on the website of the brand or in the product description if they use recycled steel. We recommend reaching out to retailers to inquire about the particular materials and eco-friendliness.
Eco-friendly Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses can be made more eco-friendly by replacing synthetic foams with latex, plant-based memory foam and replacing fabrics and chemical fire barriers with natural materials. These beds cannot be shipped compressed and are not as biodegradable as high-quality foam mattresses. Innerspringeco-friendly mattresses can be difficult to find and quite expensive.
Mattress Fabrics
These mattress covers are also sustainable and healthier than synthetics. They are also less likely to release chemicals and can wick away moisture from your body while you sleep.
Organic or natural cotton:Organic cottonis a great choice for mattresses because it is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and durable. You should choose certified organic cotton whenever possible, as standard cotton can be contaminated with toxic pesticides.
Bamboo:Bamboo is a highly-renewable, fast-growing plant that can be used to make luxurious fabrics.
Natural or organic woolNatural wool has excellent heat-wicking and moisture-wicking qualities and can be recycled since it is made from live sheep. Some mattresses can be made with wool as a natural flame retardant.
You should look at the mattress and not just the claims. You need to ensure that the mattress’s manufacturing, shipping, and materials minimize any negative effects on the environment, and still provide comfort and value. There may not be many options in your area, but online retailers that sell eco-friendly mattresses often have better prices than the big names. You can have peace of mind by choosing an eco-friendly mattress for your bedroom.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Environmentally Friendly?
It all depends on the mattress. However, most memory foam mattresses do not make it eco-friendly. You will need to do some research to find an ecofriendly foam bed. Memory foam mattresses made from plant-based foams can be an eco-friendly option to traditional memory foam beds. Mattresses with CertiPUR US certification mean that they are free of harmful chemicals and low VOCs.
Are There Any Mattresses That Are Safe?
Non-toxic certifications ensure that mattresses are free of harmful chemicals. These certifications include CertiPUR US, GreenGuard and OEKOTEX Standard. These independent certifications are a great way to ensure that your mattress is non-toxic.
Is There A Mattress That Is Chemical-free?
All mattresses contain some chemicals. Even organic latex mattresses. Talalay latex contains a few petrochemicals. There are no mattresses that are completely chemical-free, but there are some mattresses that are.
Is Off-gassing A Way To Make You Sick?
However, this is not the case for all people. When off-gassing is done, common symptoms include nausea, headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath.
Natural Mattresses Are Worth The Investment?
Natural mattresses are considered to be worth the cost because they don’t contain harmful chemicals or emit a strong odor. These are great perks for anyone who requires an organic mattress. Natural mattresses are also highly recommended because they are durable and long-lasting.
