Top Organic Mattresses in 2021 – Reviewing Our Eco-Friendly Picks

Today, we don’t have to stop protecting the environment when we are asleep. Thanks to a multitude of mattress brands dealing specifically with all-natural and pure-play biological compounds, we can sleep our way to a better environment.

And don’t forget the fact that many manufacturers fabricate their products in the USA – by buying organic and eco-friendly mattresses locally, we are reducing the carbon footprint and supporting the economy.

It is suitable for us too. We spend about one-third of our lives in bed. So, why do that on a mattress that is loaded with synthetic flame-retardants, and other materials that are a broth of toxic time bombs? All that bad stuff can affect our respiratory system, resulting in skin irritations and invite other diseases.

The ever-increasing plethora of bio-bed brands is increasingly using non-toxic and all-natural components. We are thinking of bio-latex, bamboo, organic cotton and more. They also up the ante by giving back to the community in the form of donatives to children’s hospices and more.

With such a bed, you can feel terrific about yourself, and in this article, we are going to show you the intricacies of how to best sleep green, healthy and how to pick an organic mattress that is the best.

Organic Bed Shopping Tips

Well-being Benefits

Sleeping on a regular mattress made of unregulated materials can be harmful to your health. You best watch out for things like the dangerous chemicals used. For example, highly toxic flame-retardants, better known as PBDE can seriously impact your overall wellbeing.

PBDE’S are banned in European Union, Canada and some states in the USA. However, they still do crop up here and there. This substance is dangerous because when it comes into contact with the skin, it absorbs and never leaves. It can lead to brain damage, reduced sperm count in men and more.

Think about the coil and spring mattress for a moment – they are more susceptible to mildew, dust mites, bedbugs and electromagnetic interference.

So, when you’re in a market for a new bed, it is wise to navigate the biological route for the best wellbeing. Read reviews of mattresses, do your research for the ultimate eco-friendly solution. You will thank yourself over time.

Certifications & Labels

Thankfully, there is a multitude of certifications and labels that help denote which beds are organic and which are not. We will look into the individual certifications in more detail in a later section of this article.

At this point, we want to wet your appetite and make you rest assured that there are various agencies out there that want to keep the bed industry safe and without harmful products.

For example, if you see the word organic mentioned in the marketing of a particular bed brand you can be best confident that a third-party organization has regulated it. The Global Organic Latex Standard or GreenGuard Gold comes to mind.

At this juncture, we want to note that there is no such thing as one hundred percent organic in any mattress. However, having said that, if the bed brand has an organic stamp, their product will adhere to that title to up to ninety-five percent of material makeup.

Organic Components

Organic components in a mattress are the materials that form the basis of its structure. Substances such as bio-cotton, natural wool, Talalay latex, bamboo, cashmere or wood pulp are some of the major ones used in the bed industry.

In essence, there is no need to use anything synthetic anymore. Wool and wood pulp, for example, are both non-toxic natural flame-retardants.

Of course, biological components affect the price, but as we have seen in our mattress reviews, you can get your hands on a good product for reasonable price.

The great thing about going organic is that you are doing something for your health and the environment – to be sure, check out if the source of the material is fair trade and you are good to go. Another plus is that biological components wick away moisture and heat far better than other materials.

Type of Materials to Avoid

There are so many bad things out there that the bedding industry can use to cut costs and affect your health and the environment’s that it is scary. We decided to list them in bullets so that you can identify them immediately when you are mattress hunting.

  • Polybrominated diphenyl ether, also known as PBDE, is a flame-retardant. Banned in Canada and the European Union. However, some states in the US still allow it. If this stuff comes into contact with the skin, serious health issues may occur.
  • Antimony (can cause heart and lung impairment, potential carcinogen)
  • Boric acid (developmental and reproductive toxin – often used as a pesticide)
  • Decabromodiphenyl oxide (results in hair and memory loss, also a possible carcinogen)

Synthetic flame-retardants aren’t the only problem materials used in the bed industry. Metals in coils can be damaging as well. According to some experts, metals conduct electromagnetic fields in the form of the multiple radio waves we are exposed to through Wi-Fi, the radio and more.

The Pros & the Cons of Organic (Natural) Mattress

Going green in the bedroom can seriously improve your health and overall well-being. For one, you definitely reduce your exposure to potentially dangerous elements. In this section, we are going to look at the advantages and disadvantages of going for a biological verve in the bedroom.

Pros

  • Positive environmental impact – We know that mattress buying can be tough and a thankless event. But, how many of us have considered what happens to the old bed when it is thrown out? Eco-friendly bedding brands think of the environment in the in the production process. They focus on producing locally to reduce the carbon footprint, and also they use bio-degradable and recyclable materials.
  • Fewer allergens – Organic cotton for one is entirely free of synthetic irritants. And wool has hypoallergenic properties and is anti-microbial and anti-bacterial.
  • Comfort and breathability – Biological latex in a mattress sleep well – period! Also, this material adapts to the contours of the body with alacrity. Organic compounds in a bed transport heat and perspiration better than any other materials.
  • Durability – Latex is known for its ability to withstand the test of time. A superior quality all-natural latex bed can last for up to twenty years depending on the brand. Innerspring beds have a lifespan of about eight years, and premium memory foam can just about handle ten to fifteen.

Cons

  • Higher cost – eco-friendly is often associated with elevated prices, and unfortunately, this is the case.
  • Limited to online distribution – For the larger part, the all-natural mattress can only be found online. This can be a problem if you prefer traditional shopping venues.

Overview of Labels and Certification

Global Organic Textile Standard

Global Organic Textile Standard

The Global Organic Textile Standard or GOTS for short is the most stringent certification process for any mattress brand to pass.

GOTS demands that ninety-five percent of the materials used inside of the mattress be certified as organically sourced. Also, it absolutely prohibits the usage, even within the five percent threshold, of polyurethane (flame-retardant) that can usually be found in memory foam bedding products.

For latex products, there is a more detailed certification in a form of Global Organic Latex Standard – it works very much under the same principles as GOTS.

USDA Organic Certification

The USDA Organic Certification is labeling that indicates whether food or other naturally sourced product adheres to clear organic guidelines. Nothing synthetic is permitted in any way.

The stipulations are very clearly stated on the website, and the verification process is highly astringent and only allows for this certification to be awarded if all of the necessary parameters have been met.

To obtain such a certification, mattress producers must allow an agent to assess their production facilities and the materials used.

OEKO Tex Certification

OEKO

The OEKO Tex 100 Certification is not as strict as the aforementioned in that it does not require the one hundred percent use of organic materials.

However, this organization does set limits on the emission levels of damaging chemicals such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds such as foam in their stipulations. Both of them can lead to memory impairment, increased burden of smog, ozone depletion and respiratory complications.

In addition, allergenic dyes, certain synthetic flame-retardants, and colorants are banned from use.

Eco-Institute Certification

Eco-Insktut

The Eco-Institute offers many services and works in conjuncture with manufacturers to ensure that specific toxicological and environmental standards are met. The organization is based in Germany and has been in business for over twenty-five years.

Mattress products bearing the Eco-Institute’s seal are guaranteed not to contain any hazardous chemicals and are sure not to off-gas. They bridge the gap between the consumer and the manufacturer ensuring that all parties have the correct amount of information to make informed decisions.

The good thing about this institution is that they don’t want mediocre, but only the highest-rated products to have their certification.

Green Guard Gold

The GreenGuard Environmental Institute deals with emissions’ standards for a wide range of products. The organization aims to enhance air-quality indoors and limit people’s contact with harmful and toxic elements.

To win the GreenGuard Environmental badge, companies must prove that they jumped the hoops when it comes to the best of breed non-toxic components used in material makeup of their mattresses.

This level of certification is more astringent than say CertiPUR-US when it comes to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). All products with this seal have undergone independent scientific testing concerning their emissions’ standards.

Organic Exchange

Organic Exchange

The Organic Exchange as an organization deals exclusively with the sourcing of biological fibers and their use in various products from clothes to beds.

Brands that wish to obtain their approval for all-organic must use one hundred percent all natural fibers. There is, however, a slightly more paired down certification in the form if the blended certification that only requires that five percent of the cotton used is organic.

This certification is essential if you are dealing with beds with cotton elements in your cover. If a brand heralds their all-natural achievements with seals, you can be pretty sure to get something that fits your wishes.

Global Organic Latex Standard

Global Organic Latex Standard

As we already mentioned, the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) is closely tied to GOTS. It’s a highly regarded organization in a bedding industry with very stringent rules.   

GOLS sets the standard for the requirements for latex products made from natural raw rubber, in addition to the material in a non-organic form.

If a mattress manufacturer wants to have the GOLS seal, they have to make sure that their products contain at least ninety-five percent organic latex. Also, the non-organic elements are put under scrutiny throughout the entire supply chain so that the consumer gets what is promised.

CertiPUR-US Certified

Products that carry this seal are considered by CertiPUR-US to be eco-friendly, durable, carry low emissions and be non-toxic. The polyurethane foam has been subjected to independent laboratory analysis to meet the association’s standards.

The technical guidelines pay particular attention to the mattress and upholstered furniture industries. When polyurethane foam receives a certification, it is later subjected to random onsite production checks to maintain standards.

The following are what CertiPUR-US pays particular attention to: 

  • Without formaldehyde
  • Made without lead, mercury and other heavy metals
  • Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality
  • Made without ozone-depleters
  • Created without harmful flame retardants
  • Fabricated without phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Cradle to Cradle  

The Cradle to Cradle product certification process is continuous and takes five main product quality properties into consideration:

  • Carbon footprint control
  • Material reutilization
  • Water management
  • Social fairness
  • Health properties of the materials

For manufacturers to continue to hold this seal they have to be willing to continually improve the standards of their products on a bi-yearly basis.

If you are looking for the best new mattress that is organic, you can be sure that when the product is Cradle to Cradle certified that non-toxic materials had been used in a socially and responsible manner. Also, the brand promises to adhere to top practices concerning recycling and the use of renewable energy.

Eco-Friendly Material You Will See Often

Finest Wool

Memory Foam

Memory foam is an entirely different material and is a favorite among the bed industry. It is excellent when it comes to the contouring of the mattress to the body – you will feel cradled with pinpoint pressure relief and support. This material is ideal for side sleepers. However, some of us complain that the foam feels as if you are sinking into the bed.

The main issue with foam is that it is made out of human-made substances that have absolutely nothing biological about them. Memory foam is of higher quality than polyurethane foam that is sourced from lesser quality petroleum-based materials.

If you are a fan of memory foam and do not like to sleep on anything else, make sure that you consider the accreditations. At the beginning of this article, we reviewed a well-regarded brand with all the proper certificates – the Layla bed is CertiPUR-US certified.

Plant-Based Memory Foam

Plant-based memory foam is an excellent option if you’re in a market for the advantages of memory foam but do not want the human-made substances. This natural material uses organically sourced materials, predominantly soy, instead of the traditional petroleum-based ingredients you find in synthetic memory and polyurethane foams.

The use of organic compounds addresses the issues around chemical off-gassing, and other unpleasant emissions often found in synthetic materials.

But is it one hundred percent organic?

We have done our research and have found that it is challenging to get a purely sourced all-natural product. In most cases, plant-based memory foam beds have certain petroleum elements inside of them. Before buying be sure to check the proportions.

Having said that, plant-based memory foam sleep cooler than its synthetic counterpart. Also, the sleeping surface has a faster contouring response time. If you do your research and some reviewing, you will be able to find a 100 % organically produced bed.

Polyurethane Foams

Polyurethane foam or poly-foam has such a wide range of usages in today’s modern world that most of us have no clue that we are using it. This crude oil sourced material can be found in sponges, car seats, the mattress, soundproofing systems, medical dressings and more.

This foam type is the least expensive to produce and of the lowest quality. Bed manufacturers often use it for the upper layer of a spring mattress because it is cheap. This foam can vary in its density – higher densities are associated with greater durability, but polyurethane will degrade faster than latex.

Also, you will find none of the targeted support and pressure relief you will encounter in latex, memory foam and better quality innerspring beds. Another thing to be aware of if you are of the greener disposition is that agencies like CertiPUR-US take a wide berth around this material.

Latex

Many of us just love latex, and there are many reasons for this love affair.

Biological latex is non-toxic and eco-friendly at its best. If you get a product that is made in the USA, you will also decrease the carbon footprint. For sleeping a latex mattress is nirvana for those of us who like pinpoint precision in the realms of pressure relief and rapid adaptability of the mattress’s surface.

Latex offers a lot of comforts, it sleeps cool and has the highest level of airflow and breathability along with the innerspring bed. Be aware that organic latex can be pricey, but what you pay upfront, you are sure to get back over time in the form of amortization. Another thing is that latex sleeping products are mainly limited to the internet – you won’t find many in traditional bricks-and-mortar stores.

There is another thing you need to be aware of – a latex made mattress can either be derived from synthetic or all-natural latex – more detail in next section.

Natural Vs. Synthetic Latex

Natural Latex Elements

We already touched upon the fact that latex products differentiate between organic and synthetic variants.

Natural latex is derived from the rubber in trees by using the Dunlop or the water-based process. It is of a higher quality and up to ninety-five percent biological. Be aware that you may be allergic to naturally sourced latex.

Synthetic latex is derived from petroleum-based materials. Like its organic cousin, it is very durable. However, you may find the same level, of off-gassing as you might find with foams. Here, you need to take certifications into consideration if you want something eco-friendly.

Natural Fiber

Natural fiber is a hair-like material sourced from animals, vegetables or minerals. It is then converted into woven cloth through the use of spinning yarns. If you are looking for an all-natural product, you have to pay attention to the brand’s accreditations to be sure that you are not being duped.

In the bedding industry, mainly cotton, wool, bamboo, and silk come into consideration. Many brands tout their all-natural qualities alongside the biological nature of the latex for example. Or maybe it is an innerspring mattress you are looking at – then, wool padding or even horsehair will enclose the individually pocketed springs for optimum noise isolation and softness.

Organically sourced cotton, wools, and even cashmere are woven into the mattress cover for the ultimate luxury and comfort. Bamboo is widely hyped and claims to help with allergies, inflammation and breathing improvement. Also, you sleep cool if there are some bamboo elements in a bed.

Spring

Our old friend the spring has been with us for many years. This bedding technology can belong to the greenest, most carbon limited and non-toxic club if the materials are sourced from the best of breed, all-natural and safe components.

The innerspring is the most preferred type of mattress there is. Independently pocketed springs encased in wool, or high-quality and certified foam or latex work separately by adjusting to the pressure applied by the bed’s occupant. You get top motion isolation and targeted support of pressure points with this technology.

Innerspring, or coil, mattresses can be very budget friendly or expensive depending on the brand and material makeup. And due to the open inner structure and the natural elements, it has excellent airflow and breathability. However, the spring can be the cause of allergies because of the natural fibers used in its construction. To keep it safe and to increase the lifespan, invest in a mattress protector.

Top 3 Natural & Non Toxic Mattress Reviews

Avocado – Made from Wool

Features:

  • All-natural and made locally (USA)
  • Hand-made and button tufted
  • GreenGuard Gold certified
  • Free shipping or personalized home delivery

Our Ratings: 9.7/10

The Avocado bedding company is passionate about being green. Every nuance in their mattresses is all-natural, non-toxic and health-promoting – totally free of flame-retardants and synthetic petroleum-based polyurethane. It’s the top-rated choice if you want to support the environment on a budget and lower the carbon footprint thanks to local production.

This company uses environmentally friendly and biological latex sourced from trees in sustainable areas through the Dunlop process. And not only is the health of the planet on Avocado’s minds. They think of yours too.

The organic latex interior and wool and cotton cover offer the very best in sleeping comfort. The primary latex element supports the body and has the most effective surface adaptation when you move at night.

The Avocado is a superior product and suitable for any sleeper type. It has a twenty-five-year warranty and a 100-night sleeping trial, so you can be sure to enjoy the excellent airflow and heat transference throughout this bed.

Check out full review that we made here.

Zenhaven – Natural Latex

Features:

  • The top-grade Talalay latex
  • 120-night trial
  • Low carbon footprint – made (USA)
  • A water-based production process for environmental sustainability

Our Ratings: 9.6/10

Biological New Zealand wool meets organic cotton meets Talalay latex to mesh into one of the most excellent eco-friendly and healthy mattresses. The surface is so smooth and pleasant to the touch, and you may even consider not using a fitted sheet (though not recommended because of wear-and-tear any hygiene).

Nothing harmful is used inside of this bed, and that includes the production process, which is entirely water-based.

One thing about superlative attributes with this bed is the dual surface option – you get to decide which side of a mattress you want to sleep – one side is super plush and cozy, and the other is slightly firmer.

You get the best of two worlds. The reviews claim as much. Punters are happy with the surface adaptation, breathability and support and pressure relief. We tested it and can concur.

The organic Talalay latex is one hundred percent anti-microbial and hypoallergenic. Pick any size, and you have the right product for any platform.

See our cons and pros in our complete overview of the Zenhaven.

Layla – CertiPUR-US Foam

 

Features:

  • One side soft and the other firm – flappable
  • Made (USA) – limited carbon footprint
  • Copper makes things cooler
  • Forever warranty

Our Ratings: 9.4/10

There is nothing biological about the Layla bed. So why have we included it as one of our best-rated in our review? Simple really. The material makeup of this mattress is entirely toxic-free – no ozone-depleters, no mercury, lead, or any other heavy metals, and no flame-retardants are used, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission covers all of it.

Four layers of superior foam form the basis of this bed. Copper elements line the various parts making the Layla cool, fresh and anti-inflammatory. And you can flip the mattress for the desired firmness. You and your body will be correctly supported whichever way you sleep.

The bed’s surface adapts and shapes to the natural curves of a body. It is like you are floating. There is absolutely no pressure on the joints and muscles. If you are still not sure, rest assured that you get to try this baby out for 120 nights – you can’t get safer than that.

Check out our complete Layla review here.

Conclusion

Looking after our planet has become more and more important in the past years. Many more people are basing their purchasing decisions on the environmentally friendly and healthy nature of the products they buy in all walks of life – like eco-friendly mattresses.

And this societal change has not stopped at the bedroom door. The mattress we sleep on not only has to be comfortable, budget-friendly and supportive but also sourced mattress from the best organic materials in an eco-friendly manner with a low carbon footprint.

With the reviewed beds in this article, you should be well prepared and informed to be able to jump on the green bandwagon with confidence.

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