How to Choose a Non-Toxic Mattresses: Safe Sleeping Options for the Whole Family

While shopping for a bed may seem minor, conventional mattresses can release harmful chemicals, posing risks to health, especially for infants and children. Understanding non-toxic mattresses is essential in ensuring a safe sleeping environment for the whole family. This guide will explore the importance of non-toxic mattresses and present some of the best options available.

Parents should be particularly wary of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), flame retardants, and synthetic foams commonly found in traditional mattresses. Studies show that VOCs can cause respiratory issues and skin reactions, with reports indicating that children are at a higher risk of developing asthma due to exposure. Moreover, some research links flame retardants to potential developmental harm and increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Choosing the right mattress means prioritizing safe, natural materials such as organic cotton, natural rubber latex, and wool. Wool not only provides comfort but also acts as a natural flame retardant, reducing the need for toxic chemical treatments.

What to Avoid in Conventional Mattresses

When selecting a new mattress, knowledge is power. Here are elements often found in conventional mattresses that you should avoid:

• Flame Retardants: Many mattresses contain chemical flame retardants linked to long-term health issues, including hormone disruption and cancer.

  
  

• Polyurethane Foam: This common foam can release VOCs like formaldehyde, which contributes to indoor air pollution and can trigger allergies.

  
  

• Synthetic Materials: Commonly treated with harmful chemicals, synthetic materials exacerbate allergy problems and can worsen air quality indoors.

  
  

By steering clear of these components, families can create a healthier sleeping environment, particularly important for children and individuals with heightened sensitivities.

Smart Shopping for Non-Toxic Mattresses - how to choose a

When searching for non-toxic mattresses, consider these recommendations:

1. Look for certifications such as:

   1. GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) - minimum 95% sustainably sourced organic fiber.

   2. GOLS - Global Organic Latex Standard - minimum 95% sustainably sourced organic latex.

   3. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 - ensures textiles are free of over 1000 harmful substances.

   4. Eco-INSTITUT - certification ensures that product does not contain even trace amounts of hazardous off-gassing chemicals.

   5. GREENGUARD GOLD - limits VOCs and chemical emissions and must comply with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method for evaluation and testing of VOCs.

      
      

2. Stick to natural materials: Give preference to mattresses made from natural rubber latex, organic cotton, and wool. Avoid synthetic materials like polyurethane foam and fiberglass.

   
   

3. Don't forget pillows & sheets: Why buy a non-toxic mattress if you're going to use a pillow made from harmful materials? Most of the non-toxic brands listed in this post also offer pillows made from natural rubber latex, wool, or down fill instead of polyurethane foam. Furthermore, you can opt for bedding, duvets, and blankets made from organic cotton, linen, or silk instead of polyester to promote a safer sleeping environment.

   
   

4. Think About Sleep Preferences: Understanding your family's sleep styles is critical, from firmness preferences to material choices.

   
   

5. Test Before You Buy: If possible, try mattresses in-store. Many online brands also offer generous trial periods, letting you test comfort at home.

   
   

6. Thrift: Whenever feasible, look for pre-owned nontoxic mattresses on second-hand platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and BuyNothing groups. I managed to buy our Cal-King mattress and our baby's twin mattress from Facebook Marketplace at a fraction of their original costs.

   1. You can also use Rakuten to earn cashback on purchases directly from the manufacturers of these mattresses.

      
      

Top Non-Toxic Mattresses and Brands

When selecting a non-toxic mattress for your family, consider these reputable brands that prioritize safety and sustainability while providing multiple mattress sizes for the whole family:

1. Avocado Organic Mattresses

The Avocado Brand makes organic mattresses which features 100% organic latex, cotton, and wool.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

2. Saatva - Organic Latex Mattresses

Saatva has mattress options that are made with organic cotton, recycled steel, and natural latex.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, Eco-INSTITUT, GREENGUARD GOLD

3. Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress

The Awara mattress blends natural latex with individually wrapped coils to create a balanced sleeping experience. Its organic cotton cover, free from harmful chemicals, provides peace of mind.

• Certifications: GOLS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100, Eco-INSTITUT

4. Earthfoam Organic Mattress

Constructed from natural latex and organic cotton, the Earthfoam mattress offers breathability and exceptional support. It is an excellent option for allergy sufferers.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

5. Kiwi Organic Mattress

The Kiwi Organic Mattress is made from organic cotton and natural latex. Users enjoy its plush comfort while being reassured it contains no harmful chemicals or synthetics.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD GOLD

6. Plushbeds Organic Latex Mattress

Plushbeds presents a luxurious organic latex mattress customizable in firmness and materials. Their products emphasize safety and comfort and have thousands of positive reviews.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD GOLD, Eco-INSTITUT

7. Sleep on Latex Pure Green Organic Latex Mattress

Crafted entirely from pure latex, this mattress contains no harmful additives. With various firmness options available, it allows you to tailor your sleep experience for optimal comfort.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

8. Turmerry Organic Latex Mattress

Turmerry focuses on providing safe sleep solutions with mattresses made entirely from organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool and is free from chemical fire retardants and adhesives, ensuring a healthy sleeping surface for all family members.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS

9. Wooly Mattress

Utilizing organic and traceable british sheep wool for natural temperature control and flame resistance, the Wooly mattress is a stylish and eco-friendly choice for those seeking an organic option. They also offer a hybrid latex/wool option.

• Certifications: GOTS, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

10. Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress

The Eco Terra mattress features a combination of natural organic latex, wool, and cotton and boasts no synthetic fabric in its composition. It ensures a safe sleeping experience for the entire family.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, Eco-INSTITUT, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100

11. Latex for Less Organic Latex Mattress

As the name suggests, Latex for Less offers affordable, high-quality natural latex mattresses crafted with organic latex, wool, and organic cotton.

• Certifications: GOTS, GOLS

12. Birch Natural Mattress

Birch combines premium organic materials, including latex and sheep wool, crafted through an eco-conscious manufacturing process.

• Certifications: GOLS, GREENGUARD GOLD, Eco-INSTITUT

  
  

13. Nolah Natural Latex Hybrid Mattress

Designed with versatility in mind, the Nolah mattress combines natural latex with organic materials and excludes polyfoam and flame retardants. Numerous users have noted its ability to effectively isolate motion, making it perfect for couples who share a bed.

• Certifications: GOLS, GREENGUARD GOLD

Choosing Wisely for Better Sleep

Selecting the right mattress is essential to your family’s health and well-being. By choosing one of the safest non-toxic mattresses on the market, you can provide a healthier sleep environment for your loved ones.

With numerous eco-friendly brands offering high-quality, comfortable options, with multiple sizes from Twin to Cal King, families can embrace the benefits of non-toxic materials without sacrificing comfort. Make informed choices and invest in a mattress that promotes better sleep for everyone.

As you embark on this journey towards healthier living, remember that no product will ever be perfect, however, every small change counts.