What exactly makes for a good night’s sleep? Definitely not the climate crisis, that’s for sure. Neither will the toxic chemicals, child labor and environmental injustices associated with the mattress industry which is why need to support the best sustainable AND non-toxic mattress brands, when we need to buy new.
Here’s why making the switch to a non-toxic and sustainable mattress is better for you, the environment and the people who make your mattress:
- Many conventional mattresses are laden with petrochemical-derived foams, VOCs and toxic flame retardants. Not only are these mattresses more carbon intensive to make, they’re a risk to both your health and the people who are exposed to these chemicals in production.
- Most mattresses are not biodegradable or compostable, and more often than not, end up in landfills where they take decades to decompose, and release methane. Opting for brands that make organic mattresses can help reduce toxic waste during production and ultimately reduce landfill waste (assuming the mattresses get appropriately disposed of and not sent to landfill).
- Like the broader consumer products industry, mattress manufacturing can be rife with labor issues, including exploitative practices.
Fortunately, there are a pillow top plethora of mattress brands that aren’t dozing off when it comes to sourcing responsible, organic materials, ensuring their workers are fairly treated, and taking steps to ensure sustainability is embedded in their operations. And that’s exactly what we’ve curated in this list for you.
Note: Our Brand Rating System evaluates brands on 22 key sustainability criteria, including impact on biodiversity, chemical management and customer safety. Keep an eye out for rated mattress brands on the list below (as they need to opt in to be rated) and explore more rated brands in our directory.
Related guides you may find helpful: Organic Mattress Protectors; Sustainable Mattress Toppers; Non-toxic Bed Frames; Non-toxic Bedding
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
The Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Brands
Avocado offers highly reviewed sustainable wool and vegan mattresses, crib mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. The company is a Certified B Corp and holds all major safety related certifications including OEKO-TEX®, MADE SAFE®, GREENGUARD Gold, and EWG Verified®. Avocado has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – see the full rating.
PlushBeds make a range of eco options including natural latex mattresses. They’re made mostly from 100% GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton, and GOTS certified organic wool. Their products are made in a US-based factory that is verified by Control Union, and certified by both GOTS and GOLS. PlushBeds has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – see the full rating.
Nest Bedding’s Owl, Finch, and Lark mattresses use natural Talalay latex, organic cotton, and Joma wool with a non-chemical silica fire barrier, making them the brand’s best low-VOC and non-toxic options (including a dedicated non-toxic kids mattress). Nest Bedding has been comprehensively rated by us on their sustainability credentials – see the full rating.
Certified B Corp, Savvy Rest offers non-toxic mattresses made from natural latex foam, GOTS-certified wool, and GOTS-certified organic cotton. This employee-owned company is a Green America Gold business and offsets their emissions.
Index: Non-Toxic & Organic Mattress Brands
- Avocado Jump to brand
- Nest Bedding Jump to brand
- PlushBeds Jump to brand
- Savvy Rest Jump to brand
- Happsy Jump to brand
- Birch Jump to brand
- Naturepedic Jump to brand
- Saatva Jump to brand
- Brentwood Home Jump to brand
- TFS Natural Home Jump to brand
Avocado
Carbon Neutral
Brand has been certified as Carbon Neutral.Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.Zero Waste
Products are made with a low or zero waste approach where ideally no or limited waste is created throughout the production process or at the end of life.1% for the planet
Certified Environmental Giving — Businesses give 1% of their annual sales directly to vetted environmental partners.B Corp
The B Corp Certification, administered by the nonprofit B Lab, recognizes companies that meet high standards of verified social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Certified B Corps balance profit with purpose, committing to responsible practices that benefit workers, communities, customers, and the planet while embedding sustainability into their business model.Certified Vegan
The Certified Vegan logo, managed by the Vegan Awareness Foundation (Vegan Action), ensures that products contain no animal ingredients or by-products and have not been tested on animals. It’s one of the most recognized vegan certifications, helping consumers identify items that meet strict vegan and cruelty-free standards across food, cosmetics, clothing, and household products.eco-INSTITUT
The eco-INSTITUT certification, issued by the independent German testing body eco-INSTITUT Germany GmbH, verifies that products meet rigorous standards for low emissions and pollutant-free materials. It’s commonly used for mattresses, furniture, flooring, and building materials, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like VOCs, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, and are safe for indoor air quality.EWG
The EWG Verified® mark, issued by the Environmental Working Group, identifies products that meet the organization’s strictest standards for health and transparency. To earn the label, products must avoid ingredients of concern, fully disclose all ingredients (including fragrance components), and follow good manufacturing practices.FSC®
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Products bearing the FSC® label support biodiversity, protect the rights of forest communities and workers, and promote sustainable forestry practices.GOLS
The GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification ensures that latex products contain more than 95% certified organic raw material and meet strict environmental and social criteria throughout production. Managed by Control Union, GOLS verifies that latex is sourced from organically managed plantations without harmful chemicals and that processing facilities uphold fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing standards.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.Green America
The Green America Certified Business seal recognizes companies that meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility. Administered by Green America, the certification evaluates businesses on their commitment to fair labor, environmental sustainability, community impact, and ethical business practices.Greenguard
The GREENGUARD Certification, issued by UL Solutions, ensures that products meet strict chemical emissions limits to help reduce indoor air pollution and exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Commonly applied to furniture, mattresses, paints, and building materials, it verifies that products contribute to healthier indoor environments.MADE SAFE®
The MADE SAFE® certification is a comprehensive non-toxic seal that verifies products are made with safe ingredients not known or suspected to harm human health, animals, or ecosystems. Overseen by the MADE SAFE nonprofit, it screens every ingredient against a database of toxicological and environmental science criteria.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.PETA
The PETA-Approved Vegan certification verifies that a brand’s certified products are completely free from animal-derived materials and that no animal testing is conducted at any stage of production. Managed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the label helps consumers easily identify fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products that align with a fully vegan and cruelty-free standard.RWS
The Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) is a global certification that ensures wool comes from farms that protect animal welfare and practice progressive land management. It also tracks the certified wool through every stage of production to maintain transparency and traceability.The Climate Label
The Climate Label certifies companies that measure and publicly disclose their greenhouse-gas emissions, set a financial commitment (a “climate transition budget”) tied to those emissions, and allocate verified funding for projects that reduce or remove emissions from their operations, supply-chain and beyond. Unlike a simple “carbon-neutral” claim, the label emphasises actual investment in the transition to a low-carbon future, not just offsets, and is designed to increase transparency and credibility for climate action by businesses.USDA Organic
The USDA Organic certification, regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP), verifies that products are made with ingredients grown and processed according to strict organic standards. It prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, and harmful additives, while requiring practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.Price Range: $299 (Crib) – $13,669 (Grand Luxe)
Avocado is one of the most respected environmentally friendly mattress brands, offering thousands of 5-star reviews. They offer a wide range of adult mattresses from super affordable ($1,399 for a Queen) to the Grand Luxe. They also offer both wool and vegan mattresses, crib mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows.
Their Green Mattress is made with GOLS organic certified Dunlop latex (made from sustainably harvested latex rubber), GOTS and OEKO-TEX-certified ethically sourced wool, and GOTS certified organic cotton. This organic latex mattress is fully biodegradable, and doesn’t use innersprings, so it’s better for the environment and stomach and back sleepers who prefer a firm feel. Other hybrid mattresses utilize springs that would need to be removed before composting.
Avocado’s vegan mattresses use GOTS and PETA approved organic cotton. Each latex mattress from Avocado is free of polyurethane foams (but still feels like memory foam), polyester, and toxic fire retardants (replaced with a natural hydrated silica fire barrier). Their MADE SAFE certification ensures you’re getting a mattress without chemicals that will off gas and lead to indoor air pollution.
With an innovative “farm-to-bedroom” approach, Avocado works with an ILO compliant Indian farm wool collective and owns their own FSC-certified rubber tree farms. They manufacture in their GOTS and GOLS certified Los Angeles factory providing living wages and benefits like comprehensive health care and mental health support.
Avocado is a Certified B Corp, a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, GREENGUARD Gold certified, and The Climate Label certified.
Avocado has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
Nest Bedding
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Made To Order
Products can be made to order, thus limiting unnecessary productionNon-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.Recycled materials
Some or all products are made with recycled materialsThoughtful packaging
Product packaging has been designed and created with the end of life outcome in mind and can be easily recycled or composted.Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.CertiPUR
The CertiPUR-US® certification applies to flexible polyurethane foam used in mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture. It ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters, formaldehyde, heavy metals, PBDE flame retardants, or phthalates, and that it meets strict standards for low VOC emissions.Fair Trade
The Fair Trade certification ensures that products are made according to rigorous social, environmental, and economic standards that protect workers and the planet. Overseen by organizations such as Fair Trade USA and Fairtrade International, it guarantees fair wages, safe working conditions, environmental sustainability, and community development funds, helping producers build more equitable and resilient supply chains.FSC®
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Products bearing the FSC® label support biodiversity, protect the rights of forest communities and workers, and promote sustainable forestry practices.Nest Bedding is a family-owned brand that offers mattresses designed with both sustainability and health in mind. These include hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses, as well as mattresses for kids.
For the most non-toxic mattresses, we’d suggest their three natural latex models including the Owl Natural Latex Hybrid, Finch Natural Latex, and Lark Natural Latex Kids Mattress. All three are built around natural Talalay latex with an organic knit cotton + Joma wool quilt, a non-chemical, hydrogenated silica fire barrier, and foams that are CertiPUR-US® certified (low VOC / no prohibited flame retardants). Nest also airs out foams and latex in the factory to reduce residual off-gassing.
These three mattresses are all rated highly by customers scoring 4.7/5, 4.6/5 and 5/5 stars respectively (at the time of writing). The Lark in particular is highly rated by professional mattress testers and is ideal for those looking for a non-toxic kids mattress.
From a sustainability standpoint, the brand designs mattresses to be long-lasting and offers a Lifetime Renewal Exchange program, which allows you to replace your mattress’s comfort layer instead of replacing the entire mattress which reduces waste to landfill.
Nest Bedding has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
PlushBeds
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.Locally Made
Products are made local to the brand's headquarters.Made To Order
Products can be made to order, thus limiting unnecessary productionNon-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxicOrganic
Products are made from organic materials.Sustainable Materials or Ingredients
Either all or most products are made with sustainable materials or ingredients.CertiPUR
The CertiPUR-US® certification applies to flexible polyurethane foam used in mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture. It ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters, formaldehyde, heavy metals, PBDE flame retardants, or phthalates, and that it meets strict standards for low VOC emissions.eco-INSTITUT
The eco-INSTITUT certification, issued by the independent German testing body eco-INSTITUT Germany GmbH, verifies that products meet rigorous standards for low emissions and pollutant-free materials. It’s commonly used for mattresses, furniture, flooring, and building materials, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like VOCs, formaldehyde, and heavy metals, and are safe for indoor air quality.FSC®
The FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certification ensures that wood, paper, and other forest-based materials come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. Products bearing the FSC® label support biodiversity, protect the rights of forest communities and workers, and promote sustainable forestry practices.GOLS
The GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification ensures that latex products contain more than 95% certified organic raw material and meet strict environmental and social criteria throughout production. Managed by Control Union, GOLS verifies that latex is sourced from organically managed plantations without harmful chemicals and that processing facilities uphold fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing standards.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.Green America
The Green America Certified Business seal recognizes companies that meet high standards for social and environmental responsibility. Administered by Green America, the certification evaluates businesses on their commitment to fair labor, environmental sustainability, community impact, and ethical business practices.Greenguard
The GREENGUARD Certification, issued by UL Solutions, ensures that products meet strict chemical emissions limits to help reduce indoor air pollution and exposure to VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Commonly applied to furniture, mattresses, paints, and building materials, it verifies that products contribute to healthier indoor environments.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal ensures that products are made according to rigorous standards for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The certification supports biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and fair livelihoods by promoting responsible farming, forestry, and supply chain practices.USDA Organic
The USDA Organic certification, regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP), verifies that products are made with ingredients grown and processed according to strict organic standards. It prohibits synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMOs, and harmful additives, while requiring practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare.PlushBeds offer a variety of different mattresses including latex mattressess, hybrid mattresses (with coils), mattresses for kids, and sofa mattresses.
Plushbeds’ sustainable mattresses boast an impressive range of certifications including eco-INSTITUT, and OEKO-TEX 100. They use 100% GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton, and GOTS certified organic wool. Everything is USDA organic, too. Their foam mattress is blended with organic latex and free of the 61 chemicals usually found in memory foam.
PlushBeds works with a US-based factory that is verified by Control Union and certified by both GOTS and GOLS. For material sourcing, they work with farmers who share the same values and regularly meet their suppliers personally.
Partnering with TerraPass Carbon Neutral, they offset the impact of their website and offer a 25-year manufacturer warranty on their mattresses. They’re also a Green America Certified Business and a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
PlushBeds has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. See the full rating.
My Personal Review of The Luxury Bliss® Mattress:
“This is the first hybrid natural latex mattress my husband and I have owned. As side sleepers, we chose the medium firm, and absolutely love its cooling and cushy yet supportive layers of natural latex and GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool. I’ve had a lot to say about this one, you can read more on my deep dive here: PlushBeds review. In a nutshell, we sleep so sound on it, and not only because of its physical makeup, but because we know we aren’t inhaling harmful chemicals as we drift off.”
Review by Amber McDaniel, SJ’s Head of Content
Savvy Rest
Price Range: $999–$5,699
From sofas to bedding to mattresses for all members of the family (pets included!), Savvy Rest’s non-toxic mattresses are built on three core materials: natural latex foam, GOTS-certified wool, and GOTS-certified organic cotton. The Serenity is their best-selling flagship mattress and for an affordable organic mattress, check out the Simple Fit™ line.
They source premium natural latex from either Dunlop or Talalay (which is Cradle to Cradle GOLD certified and FSC-certified). The Dunlop organic latex is both GOLS and USDA certified organic, the Talalay has achieved Cradle-to-Cradle GOLD certification, and both types are eco-INSTITUT certified.
These Greenguard Gold mattresses are free of chemical flame retardants, formaldehyde glue, veneer, toxic stains, dacron batting, and down. Without cardboard, metal coils, particle board, plywood, or any synthetic fibers, each offering is a biodegradable mattress. Savvy Rest publish documentation of all certifications and third-party testing.
Savvy Rest is both a Certified B Corp and an employee-owned company. They’re also a Green America Gold business and offsets annual estimated carbon emissions through Carbonfund.org.
Happsy
Price Range: $899–$1,699
Of all mattress companies, Happsy was the first to make a fully organic eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box. It comes in medium firm or plush and in Twin to California king sizes—with mattress protectors and bases to match.
Happsy’s affordable mattresses feature bounce-reducing and heat-dispersing pocketed springs surrounded by GOTS-certified organic cotton filling. That’s topped with Rainforest Alliance certified organic latex, followed by organic wool batting, and an organic cotton case.
Their products are registered or certified by MADE SAFE, Greenguard Gold, and UL Environment. And they’re free of flame retardants, formaldehyde, glues, and adhesives. Each mattress is made in the USA in Happsy’s own ethical factory that pays “excellent wages” and cultivates a family environment.
They’re a Green America Gold certified business and members of the Organic Trade Association, American Sustainable Business Council, and Sustainable Furnishings Council. Happsy offer a 120-night trial and a 20-year warranty.
Birch
Price Range: $1,199–$3,749
Birch is all about natural materials for their eco-friendly mattresses. The Greenguard certified business’s selection is small—with just two adult options and a sustainable kids mattress—but yields no less stellar sleep.
We should know, considering this is another brand the SJ team has tried and tested. We’re not the only fans, either—they’ve been voted the Best Natural Mattress by Business Insider and the Best Organic Mattress from Wired (to name just a few).
The mattress cover consists of GOTS-certified organic cotton, atop natural wool fibers, 100% organic Birch wool, organic wool batting, and natural Talay latex, which has eco-INSTITUT and OEKO-TEX certifications. Birch uses organic wool sourced from individual New Zealand farms and is PCG Wrightson Wool Integrity Program compliant.
The Talalay latex undergoes a similar traceable process. It’s sustainably tapped from rubber trees grown in Southeast Asia, Brazil, and Africa. All plantations are closely monitored and the process is OEKO-TEX certified. The US-grown GOTS-certified organic cotton joins the other materials which are then handmade into mattresses in the USA.
My Personal Review of the Birch Luxe Mattress:
“I’ve been sleeping on the Birch Luxe mattress (with a topper) and love the comfort of knowing it is non-toxic and a safer option for my family and I. I was previously sleeping on an awful memory foam mattress that was 9 years old (likely highly toxic) but ultra-firm which I actually quite liked. The softer Birch mattress has taken a bit of getting used to, so I’d recommend it to those who prefer medium to soft firmness. Now that we’ve been sleeping on this for well over a year, I can report that I’m a full convert and I love this mattress.”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ’s Co-founder
Naturepedic
Price Range: $269 (for baby mattresses) –$9,999 (luxury adult mattresses)
Naturepedic is one of the largest non-toxic mattress brands. Their selection of pillows, bedding, crib mattresses, kid mattresses and adult mattresses are free of flame retardants and polyurethane foam, ensuring safer and healthier sleep.
If you’re looking for a mid-tier mattress that strikes a balance between quality and affordability, forgo the coils and chemicals with the EOS Trilux, a 3” organic latex mattress in your choice of firmness level.
All mattresses have a USDA-certified, US-grown organic cotton fill which is combined with organic wool batting. Their top-of-the-line eco-luxe mattresses also contain alpaca, cashmere, and certified organic latex. Following this is a plant-based PLA layer made of non-GMO sugarcane material that wicks moisture and adds resiliency. Another layer of organic cotton encases the mattress.
The coils and microcoils are free of toxic chemical glues. Each mattress is certified by MADE SAFE, UL, Greenguard Gold,and GOTS.
Naturepedic makes all their mattresses in the USA by working with skilled Amish craftspeople. Their vendors adhere to some of the world’s strictest working conditions, and some are Rainforest Alliance certified.
Naturepedic is an award-winning Green America Certified Business that uses recycled FSC-certified packaging and provides a means of mattress recycling for customers.
Saatva
Price Range: $359–$6,098
Saatva’s luxury eco-friendly mattresses are available in innerspring, hybrid, memory foam, or specialty designs, including youth and crib mattresses. No matter the size you need—twin to California king—they’re designed to provide cooling comfort as well as back and joint pain relief. Each one comes with a 365-night trial, free in-room delivery, and free old mattress removal.
Organic materials include organic cotton, GOTS-certified organic wool (sourced from New Zealand), and natural latex certified by OEKO-TEX, eco-INSTITUT, Rainforest Alliance, and Cradle to Cradle.
The innerspring mattresses feature durable triple-tempered carbon steel coils while each memory foam mattress contains Certipur-US Certified memory foam. Mattresses features flame retardants made from thistle pulp and a Guardian botanical antimicrobial treatment.
Using a combination of old fashioned handcrafting techniques and state-of-the-art tech, Saatva’s mattresses are made in one of 19 American independent factories. With 145 fulfillment centers delivering across the country, mattresses on average travel less than 100 miles from factories to each home reducing significant transport emissions.
Brentwood Home
Price Range: $459–$3,198
Brentwood Home is the OG of natural mattresses. They started way before anyone was aware they were tossing and turning in toxins and today they offer a small but mighty range in standard sizes, including: hybrid, memory foam, flippable and a kids mattress.
Materials include TENCEL™, GOTS organic certified wool, and GOTS organic certified cotton. They also use a CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam made with BioFoam® (corn starch or sugar cane PLA polymers) combined with silk fibers. While silk isn’t vegan, other vegan options forgo it altogether, instead combining tons of pocketed coils, Dunlop latex, and activated charcoal-infused memory foam. Their hybrid mattress is made from GOTS-certified organic wool, hemp, upcycled denim, and REPREVE® recycled water bottles.
For each mattress, you can see where each of Brentwood Home’s organic materials are sourced before being manufactured in their GOLS-certified LA-based factory. Most of the mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold certified and 100% carbon-neutral via offsets through Carbonfund.
TFS Natural Home
Price Range: $569–$6,730
Female founded in 1976, TFS Natural Home has a massive selection of mattresses including futon mattresses, crib mattresses, memory foam mattresses, toppers, and pet mattresses. Surfaces come in tufted or quilted and the firmness spectrum ranges from very soft to very firm, suitable for side sleepers and back sleepers alike.
Given their huge selection, you’ll find many materials in various combos, like GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, GOTS organic cotton, coconut fiber coir, copper, OEKO-TEX-certified hemp coir, CertiPUR-US® soy-based eco memory foam, and antimicrobial copper.
While there are plenty of vegan mattresses in their range, some feature camel hair, cashmere, horsehair (all OEKO-TEX-certified), or GOTS-certified organic wool so it’s worth doing a thorough check on materials when selecting your mattress.
All Futon Shop mattresses are made in one single vertically integrated factory in San Francisco. Since they own it, there’s no middleman involved. As a “farm to furniture” company, they purchase raw cotton and wool from local farms (sometimes regenerative ones) and process it on site.
Why Consider a Sustainable and Non-Toxic Mattress
A mattress is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make. We spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping, so the surface beneath us has a direct impact on both our health and the environment. So to make it onto this list and into our homes, mattresses have to clear two big hurdles: sustainability (materials and ethics) and toxicity (chemical exposure and indoor air quality).
The Hidden Toxins in Conventional Mattresses
Traditional mattresses are often made with polyurethane foam, chemical adhesives, and synthetic textiles that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microfibers. That “new mattress smell” is often off-gassing from:
- Chemical flame retardants (like halogenated compounds or fiberglass) linked to endocrine disruption and respiratory irritation.
- PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) sometimes used for stain or water resistance, with ties to cancer, fertility issues, and immune dysfunction.
- Phthalates, formaldehyde, and other VOCs associated with headaches, hormone disruption, and poor indoor air quality.
For vulnerable groups like children, these exposures are particularly concerning, which is why parents are increasingly searching for non-toxic kids mattresses.
Environmental Footprint of Mattresses
Most conventional mattresses combine petrochemical foams and synthetic fabrics that are energy-intensive to produce and slow to break down in landfills. An estimated 18 million mattresses are thrown away in the U.S. each year, many of which contain materials that leach into soil and water.
Cotton, wool, and latex production can also be resource-intensive if not sourced responsibly. Choosing mattresses made with natural or recycled materials, designed for longevity, can significantly reduce this footprint. Latex in particular can be a strong sustainable choice if it’s natural rubber latex (not synthetic). It’s renewable, biodegradable, and durable, giving mattresses a much longer life.
What To Look For in a Healthier, Sustainable Mattress
When reviewing mattresses, here are the main factors we recommend prioritizing:
Materials
- Natural latex (ideally certified organic) instead of memory foam.
- Organic cotton and responsibly sourced wool for breathable, renewable covers and padding.
Fire Safety Without Toxins
It’s best to avoid mattresses with fiberglass fire barriers or PFAS coatings. Look for natural flame barriers like hydrated silica, wool, or plant-based alternatives, rather than chemical flame retardants.
Certifications & Memberships
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) for cotton/wool.
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) for latex.
- OEKO-TEX 100 for testing against harmful substances.
- CertiPUR-US® for polyurethane foams that are low-VOC and free of certain harmful chemicals.
- MADE SAFE, Greenguard Gold, and eco-INSTITUT are also rigorous options for ensuring low-toxicity and safe indoor air.
Green Business Practices
We also like to see brands doing more than just making safe products (this should be the baseline really!). Here are some of the practices we’ve seen amongst the most sustainable mattress brands:
- Transparent supply chains, ethical labor practices, and programs that extend product life (like layer exchanges or recycling).
- Packaging that avoids plastic where possible.
- Some meaningful action taken to reduce carbon emissions including being certified by organizations like The Climate Label.
- Charitable giving, especially through programs like 1% for the Planet.
We’ve also listed above a few brands who have received a brand rating from Sustainable Jungle, which looks at a much wider range of sustainability-related criteria. These brands are committed to transparency and have gone the extra mile to give us confidence in their operations. You can find these rated mattress brands, and links to their full ratings, at the top of this list.
Customer Reviews:
Even the most sustainable, non-toxic mattress won’t help if it’s uncomfortable or breaks down quickly. That’s why we consider both real customer reviews and our own product testing (where possible) when recommending brands. Mattresses that perform well mean fewer replacements, less waste, and, most importantly, better sleep.
Watch our video below which covers what we look for in a sustainable mattress brand:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Non-Toxic and Organic Mattresses
Q1: What makes a mattress sustainable and non-toxic?
Generally, they’re made using natural materials such as organic cotton, natural latex, and organic wool, sourced through ethical and transparent supply chains. These mattresses avoid toxic chemicals, reduce environmental impact through biodegradable or recyclable components, and often come from brands that ensure fair labor standards and prioritize emissions reduction.
Q2: Why should I choose eco-friendly or organic mattresses over conventional ones?
This is a choice about health in the first instance, the mattresses on this list would minimize exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional mattresses, including flame retardants and petrochemical foams. More environmentally friendly options also help to reduce landfill waste from production and at the end of their useful life (in particular when they get composted or properly recycled by their more conscious owners) and decrease reliance on non-renewable resources. Additionally, supporting these brands promotes ethical labor practices in the mattress industry.
Q3: Are sustainable mattresses more expensive?
While they can sometimes have a higher upfront cost due to the use of premium organic and natural materials and fair labor practices, they often provide better durability and long-term value – and honestly how can you put a price on health? And in many cases these mattresses are not more expensive – some of the brands out there who offer outrageously priced mattresses with no consideration for healthy materials or ethical manufacturing are ripping customers off (in our humble opinion). Also, some sustainable brands offer a wide price range and financing options, making these non-toxic mattresses more accessible than ever. Though of course we acknowledge that affordability is a big issue for a lot of people at the moment so it’s no always easy.
Q4: How do I know if a mattress brand is truly sustainable and non-toxic?
Look for certifications such as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), OEKO-TEX 100, Greenguard Gold, MADE SAFE, and USDA Organic. Transparency about material sourcing, factory conditions, and environmental impact are also important markers. All the brands on this list meet these requirements and our Brand Rating System can help further guide your choice in cases where a brand has been rated.
Q5: Can sustainable mattress brands offer different firmness levels and mattress types?
Yes, many of the brands on this list offer a variety of firmness options (soft, medium, firm) and mattress types, including latex, hybrid (latex with coils), and memory foam alternatives made from natural or plant-based materials to suit different sleep preferences. Some enable you to fully customize the mattress to suit your own needs.
Q6: What is the typical lifespan of a sustainable mattress?
Those made with natural latex and organic fibers, usually last longer than conventional mattresses—often between 10 to 25 years—because of their durable, high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Most of the brands on this list offer long warranty periods.
Q7: Are there organic mattress options for people with allergies or sensitivities?
Yes, these mattresses use natural, hypoallergenic materials like organic cotton and wool, which resist dust mites and mold better than synthetic materials. Avoiding chemical flame retardants also reduces potential allergens.
Q8: How can I dispose of or recycle my old mattress sustainably?
Many of the mattress brands on this list offer take-back or recycling programs. Otherwise, check local recycling centers or organizations specializing in mattress recycling to prevent your old mattress from ending up in landfill. Find out more at the Mattress Recycling Council.
Q9: Where can I buy sustainable mattresses?
They can be purchased directly from brand websites (follow the links from the respective brands in the article above), through specialty eco-friendly retailers, or on curated marketplaces, which vet the brands for sustainability and ethics.
Editor’s note: We first published this article in October 2020, originally focused on eco-friendly mattress brands. Since then, we’ve refreshed it regularly so the brands, certifications, and the issues that matter most to you, like human health and toxin exposure in recent updates, reflect the latest information available.

























