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Best Non Toxic Mattresses
By Dr. Meg Christensen | Updated December 2025
I analyze every layer of non toxic mattresses— foam, adhesives, fabric treatments— then rank brands from healthiest to least healthy. If you're new to shopping for non-toxic furniture, scroll down to read my guide on how to evaluate mattresses and understand what these ratings actually mean.
Savvy Rest: Best for Customization & Split Firmness Options
Savvy Rest is special because unlike most organic mattress brands, they offer plusher Talalay latex in addition to the usual, firmer, Dunlop latex. Their Talalay is, importantly, C2C Gold certified, meaning it’s third party confirmed to be pure, natural latex without synthetic fillers. They also offer as much customization as Naturepedic but with more organic options and display their certifications prominently with easily clickable viewing on their third party certifications page. You can do the split mattress option, with different firmnesses on each side of a queen or king, which is 100% what I will be doing next when I need a new mattress. Bonded with liquid organic latex instead of toxic glues.
My Green Mattress: Best for Affordability
My Green Mattress is listed at the top of the 10 purely organic mattresses because it is consistently the most affordable GOTS and GOLS certified organic mattress year-round even without sales. They have a couple of solid mattress choices that both use zero glues between layers and carry all major health certifications including GOLS and GOTS.
EarthFoam: Best for All-Latex Construction and Longevity
Earthfoam also uses 100% organic materails including GOLS certified latex and GOTS organic wool and cotton. This mattress is listed second because they are also incredibly transparent and it’s what I have in my guest room. I got it because it’s a more affordable organic mattress, and the fact that it’s all latex with no springs means it won’t develop body impressions or sagging since latex is so much more durable than regular foam. I like that for guests! And myself, I sleep on it once in awhile and it’s so comfortable and supportive. You can choose medium or firm, and add a topper for extra plushness if needed— I went with firm, plus a softer topper. Layers are bonded with liquid latex (no glues).
Avocado: Best for Wide Selection & Transparency
The first 10 mattresses listed on this page are verifiably organic with GOTS and GOLS certifications, with layers of foam held together without synthetic adhesives. Avocado is listed first as the best organic mattress brand overall for two reasons. First, I've personally slept on Avocado's Green Mattress for years and love it so can attest to the quality. Second, they publish every ingredient and supplier, maintaining transparency even as they've scaled, which I really appreciate. It’s one of the few brands I haven’t had to email with a million questions. Avocado now offers 8 different non-toxic mattresses including vegan, luxury, affordable, and springless latex options.
Coyuchi: Best for Motion Isolation
Coyuchi is great because they also use entirely organic materials in their one mattress option including GOTS organic undyed cotton and wool, plus GOLS organic Dunlop latex with zero adhesives between layers. If you don’t want to pursue the split firmness route (like Savvy Rest offers) but still want some motion isolation, this is a good choice. They use a fancy spring system with micro-coils for motion isolation if your partner tosses and turns.
Obasan: Best for Custom Ergonomic Support
Obasan custom-builds each mattress based on your height, weight, and body shape for personalized ergonomic support. Completely GOLS and GOTS certified with no adhesives. This is a significant investment, but you do get both premium organic materials and mattress engineering tailored to your body.
Plush Beds: Best for Customizable Thickness & Pillowtop Options
If you want to have fine-tune your mattress thickness and pillowtops, Plush Beds is great. They offer 9", 10", or 12" thickness in either spring or springless organic latex. Queen, King, and Cal King sizes available as split mattresses (different firmness on each side). All GOTS and GOLS certified organic materials. They’re also set apart by their unique materials in their ultra-luxury Royal mattresses, like horse, alpaca, and camel hair. As close to a Hastens as organic mattresses get!
Happsy: Best for Affordable Naturepedic Quality
Owned by premium brand Naturepedic, Happsy actually offers even better certified organic standards at a lower price point. They make one excellent mattress with GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified organic cotton and wool. A simple and straightforward choice, with reliable quality, and a great price.
The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress is the first one outside the top 10 perfectly healthy mattresses, so I’m dropping the “Best for” differentiators. It's only ranked here (rather than in the top 10) because of the water-based adhesive used between layers—this is really nitpicky of me, and is still far safer than chemical glues in conventional mattresses, but it’s just not quite as pure as liquid latex or hand-stitching. Otherwise, it's fully GOLS and GOTS certified and comes in three firmness levels. Affordable and straightforward: their only natural offering among foam mattresses, but they execute it well.
GOLS-certified organic latex wrapped in OEKO-TEX certified wool creates a springless mattress that's as close to memory foam feel as natural materials get. What sets Medley apart: they make the only non-toxic upholstered bed frames, plus lots of other beautiful handmade bedroom furniture. They’re an ultra-transparent and small USA based company — I chose a couch from them, and love their solid wood furniture, too.
Home of Wool: Best for Spring-Free & Latex-Free
If you have latex sensitivity or simply want to avoid both springs and latex, these all-wool mattresses are great. Highly customizable: choose GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified cotton, linen, or wool outer fabric and inner stuffing. Works as a non-toxic futon mattress or traditional bed mattress.
SleeponLatex: Best for Amazon Shopping & Fast Shipping
This brand is the only GOLS-certified organic latex mattress brand with excellent ratings available on Amazon—which is ideal if you want Prime shipping. One of the most affordable springless latex options, too. Choose medium or firm, both encased in GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton. Layers bonded with liquid latex (no synthetic glues).
The best latex-free organic mattress if you have latex sensitivity but still want natural materials. People report back that they love for its plush, cloud-like feel, and it's made with GOTS-certified organic cotton, OEKO-TEX wool, and stainless steel springs—no latex anywhere. Perfect if you want support, breathability, and comfort without synthetic foam or latex.
Peace Lily uses 100% natural latex verified by ecoINSTITUT certification (confirming zero synthetic fillers), though it's not organic-certified like GOLS mattresses are. Fabrics are GOTS-certified organic, and layers are bonded with latex mixed with water. A solid middle-ground option.
Readers consistently tell me Naturepedic mattresses are the most comfortable they've tried, with excellent customization options. Important note: As they've expanded, Naturepedic now uses natural and semi-natural (like PLA) ingredients alongside organic ones increasing accessibility but moving away from their original all-organic approach. For example: GOTS certified latex is not the same as GOLS and isn’t necessarily organic (read more in my Foam Guide.) They may use GOLS for some things, but it is not listed on any of their mattresses anymore. Still high-quality, truly natural, and much safer than conventional.
Birch uses natural (not organic) Talalay latex with ecoINSTITUT certification confirming it's 100% natural without synthetic fillers. GOTS-certified organic cotton (wool is not certified), and water-based GreenGuard GOLD certified adhesive. A solid mid-tier option if you want natural Talalay latex's plusher feel without the full organic price tag.
Features a Kevlar cover instead of wool (for complete dust mite-proofing), or order without Kevlar using a doctor's note. The organic latex is processed to remove latex proteins, making this ideal for severe allergy sufferers dealing with wool, mold, dust mites, or latex protein sensitivities. I would personally ignore the questionable EMF/quartz claims, but the mattress is legitimately mostly organic and beloved for comfort.
Saatva's Latex Hybrid and Zenhaven are 100% polyurethane foam-free, using GOLS latex. They have switched to using polyester instead of GOTS cotton, and use proprietary hot-melt adhesive and antimicrobial treatments that aren't fully disclosed. Their crib mattresses were also found to have PFAS in them. So while their full size mattresses are probably truly healthier than average, they don't meet the highest transparency standards.
Uses a mix of USDA-certified cotton (pesticide-free but may have chemical processing) and GOTS-certified organic cotton, plus GOLS organic Dunlop latex, OEKO-TEX wool, and coconut coir. "Eco-friendly" doesn't always mean non-toxic—USDA cotton can be chemically processed after harvest in ways harmful to humans. Read their layer details carefully to understand what's GOTS vs. USDA certified.
Affordable GOLS-certified organic latex mattresses with stated natural wool and organic cotton (though these lack certification, so verify for yourself). They use water-based adhesive. Very transparent and responsive to detailed questions via email—one of the more affordable organic latex options available.
The Crystal Cove is uniquely flippable: one side has GOLS-certified organic latex, the other has CertiPUR memory foam. GreenGuard certified (minimal off-gassing), wool-free (vegan-friendly), with water-based adhesive. An unusual hybrid approach if you genuinely can't decide between organic latex and memory foam.
Most "soy-based biofoam" is just 5% soy with the rest being toxic polyurethane foam. White Lotus's Evergreen EcoFoam is the exception: 100% plant-based and the closest you'll get to non-toxic memory foam. Latex-free, though you'll need a doctor's note to order without wool (which acts as natural flame retardant).
The Owl mattress blends Talalay latex with CertiPUR polyurethane foam—a hybrid approach. Uncertified fabrics and water-based adhesive. The CertiPUR foam is marginally better than standard foam (lower VOCs), but still synthetic. They're responsive to health questions, which is appreciated.
If you're buying conventional foam, make it Tuft & Needle. No fiberglass or chemical fire retardants—they use ammonium phosphate (safe food-grade salt) instead. Polyester and cotton cover with water-based, latex-free glues. Several affordable hybrid options. Still a foam mattress, but significantly safer than standard brands.
Awara
Are Awara mattresses non-toxic? No—and transparency is questionable. In mid-2024, Awara added GOLS certification logos to their website, but after repeated emails requesting proof, I received no response and cannot find them in the GOLS database. It turns out they’ve been through fraud issues before, so I will no longer rate their materials, as it’s hard to know what they’re actually made of. The same parent company also owns Nectar, DreamCloud, and the mattress rating website SleepAuthority. There is a lot of healthwashing in the non-toxic mattress world, and this is a perfect example of it.
Are IKEA mattresses non-toxic? No, but healthier than most conventional options and very affordable. Hybrid construction (springs reduce total foam) and unique rayon/polyester flame retardant encasement instead of chemical-soaked materials throughout—though some zippers and stitching still contain flame retardants. Let it off-gas thoroughly and pair with an organic mattress topper to improve safety.
Your Complete Guide to Non-Toxic Mattresses
Table of Contents
Certifications, misleading marketing, and how and why I rate mattresses
Do non-toxic mattresses actually matter? Are they a wellness scam?
Organic mattresses for special conditions: VOC sensitivity, wool and latex allergies
Affordability: are organic mattresses worth it? And what to do when you can’t afford one
What Actually Makes a Mattress Non-Toxic (And What's Just Marketing)
There is so much healthwashing in the organic and non-toxic mattress industry! Some brands use "natural," "organic," and "non-toxic" on their websites without proof, or they’ll show GOTS or GOLS logos, but can’t provide their certification number and don’t exist in the databases. Some will use healthy sounding certifications like “FSC certified latex” or “USDA certified cotton,” but neither actually means they’re organic at all.
Not all organic mattress brands are bad! But, as more people look for healthier mattresses, some brands are taking advantage of the fact that understanding material health and certifications is complicated to make sales. I’ve been genuinely shocked by how far misleading marketing goes sometimes (see my review of Awara, above), and the difference between an authentically non-toxic mattress and a “non-toxic matress” can be very hard to tell.
This is why I’ve gone through and analyzed all of the mattresses that are marketed as non-toxic, organic, or healthier for you in some way, layer by layer. I look at the foam, fabric, and adhesives, and use consistent rating systems to analyze them for their potential impact on your health. This way you get an objective understanding of exactly how healthy they really are, separate from their marketing (or my personal feelings!)
Below are answers to some common questions about non-toxic mattresses.
The Healthwashing Tactics I See Most Often
I've contacted so many mattress brands to understand what their websites leave out. The responses reveal which brands are transparent and which are relying on consumer confusion. Three I see often are:
Tactic 1: "Certified organic mattresses": This can sometimes mean one organic layer or component, surrounded by conventional layers. Or, it can mean the materials start organic, but they’re not processed organically. Or, I’ve seen “all-latex, certified organic mattress” which is SO tricky— the latex isn’t actually certified organic, but it is made of mostly latex, and the fabric cover is GOTS certified organic cotton.
Tactic 2: Showing certification logos without numbers: Some brands display GOLS or GOTS logos on their website but can't provide certification numbers when asked. Awara mattresses did this in 2024— they added GOLS logos but I couldn’t find them in the GOLS database and they wouldn’t provide proof when I contacted them. The parent company has a documented fraud history, which makes the uncertified logos particularly suspect.
Tactic 3: Using misleading certifications: Some certifications sound organic but aren't, inclulding:
OCS (Organic Content Standard) - Verifies cotton fibers are organically grown but allows chemical processing, dyeing, and finishing after harvest.
USDA Organic Cotton - Verifies cotton fibers are organically grown but allows chemical processing, dyeing, and finishing after harvest. Better for food.
FSC-Certified Latex - Verifies sustainable forest management but says nothing about synthetic rubber fillers or chemical processing. Not organic.
"GOTS-Certified Latex" - GOTS certifies fabrics, not foam. GOTS standards allow latex if it's "sustainable"—not necessarily GOLS-certified organic. This looks like GOLS but isn't.
What the Ranking Symbols Below Each Mattress Mean
I use symbols ranging from a filled light blue dot to a black X as an easy visual guide that quickly captures the nuance and shades of grey in mattress health. Each symbol means something different, with lots of rationale and detailed chemistry behind it. You can read about each one, for Foam, Fabric, and Adhesives, in my Material Health Guides. I did this because I wanted to keep my subjective feelings out of it, and truly rate based on health alone.
Every mattress above is rated on the same objective material analysis. I contact manufacturers directly to ask about materials they don't disclose on their websites. I rate based on what's verifiable, not what's claimed. A short version, if you don’t click through to see each guide’s rating scale is:
Foam: GOLS organic latex > natural latex > polyurethane
Foam processing: organic certification > natural certification > OEKO-TEX > none
Fabric: organic fibers > natural fibers > synthetic
Fabric processing: GOTS organic > OEKO-TEX > conventional
Adhesives and construction: liquid latex or hand stitching > water-based low-VOC > standard
How I Test and Verify Mattress Claims
I don't just rely on what brands tell me. Here's my process:
Request certification numbers: If a brand just has a GOLS logo, but not the number listed, I ask them for the number. Sometimes, they don’t answer, and other times, they tell me that their certification expired and it’s too expensive to re-certify, but they still use the same materials and processes. I actually love this transparency, so always mention it if that’s the conversation we had. Whether or not you choose to believe the accuracy is up to you after that!
Ask specific material questions: "Do you mix in any synthetic rubber with natural latex?" "What brands of adhesives do you use?”
Cross-reference certifications: If a brand claims GOLS but doesn't appear in the database, that's a red flag
Check parent company history: Some organic mattress brands are owned by companies with fraud histories or conventional mattress manufacturers
Look for transparency: Brands with nothing to hide answer questions immediately with specifics. Brands relying on healthwashing give vague responses or don't respond. The number of times I’ve been told, “We made these with your health in mind! Do not worry! They are non-toxic” is very funny.
When I can't verify a claim, I note it in the brand description and rate based on what's provable.
Do Non-Toxic Mattresses Actually Matter?
Should I Even Care About My Mattress?
Yes. Four things make standard foam mattresses uniquely problematic:
Lots of Time: You spend roughly 2,920 hours per year—one-third of your life—in direct contact with your mattress. That's more time than you spend in your car, at your desk, or on your couch.
Very Close Contact: Foam mattresses release chemicals (VOCs) into the air, with body heat accelerating this process. Heavier chemicals like flame retardants literally fall out of foam into dust in your bedroom all around you. And, some chemicals used in foam production can be absorbed through your skin.
Nighttime Vulnerability: Sleep is when your body performs critical repair and detoxification. Adding chemical exposure during this time is particularly problematic— your body should stay in recovery mode rather than defense mode.
Foam Chemicals Themselves: The polyurethane foam in conventional mattresses contains a particularly upsetting mixture of chemicals, and ingredients lists are usually a secret. What is revealed is upsetting— flame retardants are linked with many health issues, and stannous octoate can cause issues with fertility and fetal growth. Read more in my Foam Guide.
Compare all this to, say, your dining chairs. Even if they’re also upholstered in foam, you sit on them maybe an hour per day, you're wearing clothes as a barrier, and you're not doing your deep rest and recovery processes. The exposure profile is completely different.
My partner thinks organic mattresses are a scam. How do I explain this isn't wellness woo?
All through my twenties, I was very annoyed by wellness woo. It’s reached a fever pitch now, with social media influencing and a general shift toward “non-toxic lifestyles.” As with most things that go too far, there is a kernel of truth in it all. I think a lot of skeptics are legitimately surprised to find out that major academic institutions, health organizations, and governmental research organizations actually support the idea of environment causing health issues.
You can show your partner the research on flame retardant bioaccumulation, or that cats get hyperthyroidism from flame retardants in furniture foam—they're little, and they’re the canaries in the coal mine. You can show them how PFAS don’t stay bound up in mattress covers, how microplastics from polyester covers get into our arteries, or how foam additives fall out of foam over time. More generally, you can show them what the NIEHS is doing about researching how chemicals in the environment affect us. I have a long essay on why this matters and isn’t wellness woo on my About Interior Medicine page.
An "organic mattress" isn't about being pure or perfectly non-toxic; it's about reducing thousands of hours per year of exposure to chemicals that bioaccumulate and disrupt hormones and it’s an area that you have direct control over.
Are organic mattresses necessary?
They are a good idea, as explained above. But whether or not you prioritize getting one now depends on a few things. Here's how I think about it:
You should prioritize a non-toxic mattress if:
You're pregnant or planning to become pregnant (fetal development is extremely vulnerable to mattress chemicals— read more in my Foam Guide)
You have young children who co-sleep or spend significant time in your bed
You have asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities (VOCs and dust from degrading foam worsen symptoms)
You're replacing a mattress anyway (if you're already spending money, spend it wisely)
You can afford it without financial stress
You can probably deprioritize if:
Your mattress is older than 5 years and has already off-gassed most VOCs (though degrading foam releases other chemicals as dust)
You have more pressing health concerns that need financial resources
You're moving soon, not bringing your mattress, and won't benefit from the long-lasting investment
Organic Mattress Materials
What is an organic mattress made of?
Truly organic mattresses are made with certified organic materials like latex, wool, cotton, and steel springs, instead of synthetics like memory foam, polyester, and high-VOC glues.
Other natural materials you might find include coconut coir, hemp, and organic silk—all plastic-free alternatives to polyurethane foam.
What is the difference between organic vs natural mattresses?
Organic Mattresses
Organic mattresses are made with organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool and are grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. After harvesting, no toxic processing agents, chemical dyes, or harmful finishing treatments are used. The materials must remain chemical-free throughout the entire supply chain to maintain organic certification.
"Organic" is a highly regulated term for mattresses. Look for two key certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for organic cotton and wool, and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) for organic latex. These third-party certifications verify the mattress is truly organic from farm to finished product.
FYI: some mattresses start with organic fibers or foam but are processed with chemicals afterward, disqualifying them from organic certification. Always verify GOTS and GOLS certification—not just marketing claims. You can read more about what makes foam organic in my Foam Guide and what makes fabric truly organic in my Fabric Guide.
Natural Mattresses
Natural mattresses are also made with materials from nature—natural latex, cotton, and wool—but these materials may have been grown with synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. They may also be processed with chemical dyes, bleaches, or finishing treatments after harvest.
While "natural" means the material originated from natural sources (not petroleum-based synthetics like polyester or polyurethane foam), it's a less regulated term than "organic." However, some natural mattresses carry certifications like Cradle to Cradle (C2C), ecoINSTITUT, OEKO TEX or GreenGuard, which verify the finished product contains fewer toxic chemicals than conventional mattresses—but don't guarantee organic growing practices.
What is the healthiest mattress?
The healthiest mattress is made of 100% GOLS and GOTS certified organic latex or wool and cotton. They’re made without polyurethane foam, polyester, high-VOC glues, or chemical flame retardants.
The top 10 healthiest mattress brands are listed at the top of this guide. All ten are equally healthy because they all use GOLS and GOTS certified materials. See detailed breakdowns of materials, certifications, pricing, and which mattress is best for your sleep style above.
Are organic mattresses flame retardant free?
Yes, organic mattresses are free of toxic chemical flame retardants.
Conventional mattresses contain chemical flame retardants—known endocrine disruptors and carcinogens—because polyurethane foam is highly flammable and requires heavy chemical treatment to pass federal fire safety standards. Organic mattresses don't use polyurethane foam or plastic-based materials, making them naturally easier to pass flammability tests without toxic chemicals.
Instead, organic mattresses use natural flame retardants like wool or mineral-based graphite powder to meet fire safety requirements. This means you get a flame retardant-free mattress (in terms of chemicals) that's still legally compliant and safe.
Are there natural fire retardants?
Yes, there are two main natural fire retardants used in non-toxic mattresses to pass fire safety standards:
Wool (Most Common Natural Flame Retardant): Organic wool naturally acts as a highly effective fire barrier without any chemical treatment. Wool’s natural structure resists ignition, self-extinguishes, and creates a protective char layer when exposed to flames. This is why most GOTS-certified organic mattresses use wool batting as their primary fire safety solution—it's natural, non-toxic, and highly effective.
Graphite Powder (For Wool-Free Mattresses): Natural graphite is a mineral that rapidly expands when exposed to fire, absorbing oxygen and putting out flames immediately. Since fire requires oxygen to burn, graphite quickly extinguishes it without toxic chemicals. While less common than wool, graphite is increasingly used by health-focused brands for vegan and wool-free organic mattress options.
Organic vs. Standard Mattress Off-Gassing
Do organic mattresses smell?
Yes, organic mattresses have a mild natural scent, but it's not harmful or unpleasant like the chemical off-gassing from conventional foam mattresses.
What causes the smell in organic mattresses: Natural latex (rubber tree sap from the Hevea brasiliensis tree) has a subtle, naturally occurring scent that fades over a few days to weeks. This is not toxic off-gassing—it's organic material releasing natural compounds, similar to how fresh flowers, essential oils, or wood have a scent. Not all VOCs are harmful; plants and trees produce healthy volatile organic compounds.
What does organic latex smell like? Most people describe natural latex as having a faintly sweet, vanilla-like, or subtly fruity smell. The intensity depends on how much latex is in your mattress:
All-latex mattresses (springless) have a more noticeable scent initially since they're 100% organic latex
Hybrid mattresses with coil springs, wool batting, and thinner latex layers have a much milder scent
Latex pillows and toppers have minimal smell due to their smaller size
I personally noticed the natural latex scent more with my springless all-latex mattress than with my hybrid mattress or latex pillows, which have more diluted latex content.
Allergies and Organic Mattresses
Are organic mattresses good for allergies and asthma?
Yes, organic mattresses are good for allergies and asthma for four reasons:
They are less susceptible to dust mites because latex, wool, and cotton are more breathable and resistant to moisture than polyurethane foam and synthetic fabrics like polyester. You may sweat less with an organic mattress, and any excess moisture will evaporate more quickly. Since dust mites thrive on moisture, this will reduce their numbers.
Latex is dense, creating less spaces for your skin cells (dust mites’ source of food) and allergens to accumulate.
Latex and wool are naturally breathable materials, meaning they won’t harbor the moisture that leads to dust mite or bacterial buildup.
Minimal off-gassing: asthma and allergies can be exacerbated by VOCs and off-gassing associated with standard polyurethane mattresses.
Are latex mattresses dust mite resistant?
Yes, they’re dust mite resistant. However, latex mattresses are not completely dust mite proof. They are significantly more resistant to dust mites than polyurethane foam mattresses.
Why latex resists dust mites better than foam: Dust mites thrive on two things— moisture (sweat) and skin cells you’ve shedded. Your mattress traps both, making it an ideal breeding ground. Natural latex mattresses offer better protection because:
Breathability: Natural latex has an open-cell structure that allows continuous airflow, unlike memory foam's dense, closed-cell design. Better airflow means less moisture accumulation—and fewer dust mites, which need humidity to survive.
Dense material structure: Latex is extremely dense (which is why latex mattresses are so heavy compared to foam). This density leaves less space for shed skin cells to penetrate deep into the mattress, reducing the food source for dust mites living inside.
Do dust mites matter for your health? Dust mites are harmless to most people. However, if you have dust mite allergies, asthma, or eczema, their waste particles and body fragments can trigger:
Sneezing, congestion, and runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Asthma attacks or difficulty breathing
Skin irritation and eczema flare-ups
How to make any mattress dust mite proof: If you have allergies to dust mites, use an OEKO-TEX certified 6-sided dust mite encasement (see the one I use here) to create a complete barrier. The fabric weave is so tight (1 micron pore size) that even dust mite feces and microscopic particles can't penetrate. This keeps moisture and skin cells out entirely, preventing dust mite colonization. It also keeps your mattress in pristine condition.
Additional dust mite prevention strategies: Even without an encasement, you can significantly reduce dust mites:
Use breathable organic bedding (cotton, linen, wool, Tencel) to minimize sweating
Add a mattress protector to block most sweat and skin cells from reaching the mattress
Wash bedding weekly on hottest setting to kill dust mites
Vacuum your mattress regularly with a HEPA filter vacuum
Are there organic mattresses for latex or wool allergies?
Yes, there are excellent organic and non-toxic mattress options for both latex and wool allergies. Jump to the top to see more details and compare mattress brands.
Is my mattress causing allergies?
Yes, your mattress could be triggering allergies—especially if you're sleeping on polyurethane or memory foam. Mattresses are breeding grounds (gross, sorry) for allergens that cause sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, asthma, and skin reactions.
Common mattress allergens:
Dust mites (most common allergen): Dust mites thrive in all mattresses—foam, latex, innerspring, or organic—because mattresses collect exactly what dust mites need: shed skin cells (food) and moisture from sweat (humidity). Dust mite waste particles and body fragments are highly allergenic, triggering respiratory and skin reactions in sensitive individuals.
Solution: Use an OEKO-TEX certified 6-sided dust mite encasement with 1-micron pore size to completely seal your mattress. This blocks dust mites, their feces, and allergen particles from reaching you. See the encasement I use here.
Mold and mildew (moisture-related): Memory foam and polyurethane foam trap heat and moisture, creating ideal conditions for mold growth—especially in humid climates. Mold spores trigger severe allergic reactions and asthma.
Solution: Choose breathable natural materials (latex, wool, cotton) that wick moisture and resist mold naturally. Use a dehumidifier in humid climates, and use an indoor air quality monitor with a hygrometer to keep track of humidity levels.
VOCs and chemical off-gassing (foam mattresses): If you have a new or relatively new polyurethane foam or memory foam mattress, you may be reacting to off-gassing VOCs. VOCs can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
Solution: Replace with an organic mattress, or ventilate by opening windows daily to off-gas outdoors. Use an air purifier that is capable of capturing VOCs for days you can’t keep the windows open.
Natural material allergies (less common): If you're sleeping on an organic or natural mattress and still experiencing allergies, you may have sensitivities to:
Latex: Natural rubber protein (rare, affects 1-6% of population)
Wool: Lanolin or wool fibers (rare)
Cotton: Dust accumulation or chemical processing residues (very rare)
Solution: Get allergy testing to identify specific triggers, then choose mattresses that avoid your allergens (see FAQ on latex and wool allergies above).
Are latex mattresses safe for latex allergy?
Yes, natural latex mattresses are generally safe for people with latex allergies. Here's why:
Latex protein is destroyed during processing: The allergenic proteins in natural rubber latex are inactivated during vulcanization (the high-heat baking process that transforms liquid latex sap into solid foam). This heat treatment denatures the proteins responsible for allergic reactions, making finished latex mattresses non-allergenic for most people with latex sensitivities.
Medical latex vs. mattress latex: Latex allergies typically develop from repeated exposure to medical-grade latex products (gloves, catheters, medical equipment) that contain higher levels of residual proteins. Mattress-grade natural latex undergoes more extensive processing, further reducing protein content.
If you have a diagnosed severe latex allergy or want to avoid any risk, choose a 100% latex-free mattress made with:
Organic wool and cotton
All-wool construction
Plant-based foam
Jump to the top to see more details and compare mattress brands. If you're unsure about your sensitivity, request a small latex sample from mattress companies before purchasing.
Why is it so hard to find wool-free organic mattresses?
Wool is the most effective natural flame retardant available, and it’s very comfortable, so it’s the most common natural flame retardant used by organic mattress brands to meet fire safety standards without toxic chemicals.
If you're allergic or sensitive to wool but want a non-toxic mattress, I have vegan mattresses listed above that use natural graphite powder instead, which is a mineral that rapidly expands on contact with fire, absorbing oxygen and smothering flames.
Do Organic Mattresses Actually Sleep Better?
Do organic mattresses actually sleep better than foam?
Yes, organic mattresses are more comfortable for most people for 5 main reasons:
No off-gassing: organic mattresses will not irritate your nose and lungs with chemical off-gassing. They smell very faintly of natural latex (sort of vanilla like)
Lower allergies: wool and latex are naturally more resistant to dust mites than regular foam mattresses.
Better support:
Similar support to innerspring foam: if you like the way a standard innerspring foam mattress feels, go with a hybrid organic mattress, which will have both springs and organic comfort layers like latex, cotton, or wool. They feel almost identical to an innerspring foam mattress in terms of support, bounce, and durability.
No body impressions: an all-latex mattress won’t develop body impressions because it is much more dense and durable than foam.
Softer support: if you prefer a memory foam type feel, look for Talalay latex (softer than Dunlop)
Breathability: natural foams and fibers are noticeably more breathable so you sweat less and sleep cooler.
Durability: natural latex will be more comfortable for sleep longer term than regular polyurethane foam because it is significantly more durable.
Do Organic Mattress Sleep Hot?
No. Organic mattresses sleep cooler than synthetic ones. Memory foam mattresses with “cooling gels” is an ineffective bandaid —the foam itself is the problem. Natural materials inherently sleep cooler.
Natural latex vs memory foam:
Natural latex has an open cell structure that allows air circulation. Talalay latex is even more breathable than Dunlop latex because the manufacturing process creates more air channels.
Memory foam traps body heat by design (the foam softens with heat, creating the "contouring" sensation). It often has cooling gel technology added to it, and while it might be safe, I’m quite skeptical, because the proprietary chemicals that make it this way aren’t disclosed.
Wool and cotton vs synthetic fabrics:
GOTS-certified wool regulates temperature better than any synthetic fabric like polyester or microfiber. Wool fibers absorb moisture (sweat) without feeling damp, and the crimp in wool fibers creates air pockets for insulation when needed and breathability when warm. Cotton absorbs moisture and allows evaporation. A wool comfort layer or mattress topper can significantly improve temperature regulation regardless of what's underneath.
Polyester repels moisture (which sounds good but means sweat sits on your skin instead of being absorbed and evaporated). A washable organic mattress protector is a better idea.
Affordable Organic Mattress Options
Are organic mattresses worth the extra cost?
Yes, if it doesn’t cause undue financial stress, buying an organic mattress is worth the investment for 3 reasons:
Eliminate 8 hours of daily chemical exposure: You spend approximately one-third of your life (2,920 hours per year) sleeping on your mattress with prolonged skin contact, inhalation, and heat exposure that accelerates chemical release. Conventional polyurethane and memory foam mattresses continuously expose you to flame retardants, VOCs, phthalates, and other processing chemicals.
They’re a very easy health upgrade— rare in the health world! Once it’s in your bedroom, you don’t have to think about it, or make any extra effort, unlike diet, exercise, and basically anything else that reduces risk.
Long-term health investment: While organic mattresses cost more upfront than conventional foam mattresses, they last longer, with a 10-20 year lifespan (organic latex is much more durable than foam.) And, there’s always the potential for avoided health costs: Reduced exposure to carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and respiratory irritants every single night.
How long do organic mattresses last?
Organic mattresses last longer than conventional foam mattresses because natural latex is significantly more durable than polyurethane foam.
Organic mattress lifespan:
Natural latex mattresses: 12-20 years (GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex is the most durable)
Organic hybrid mattresses: 10-15 years (latex with wool and other comfort layers, plus steel coil support cores)
Conventional mattress lifespan:
Polyurethane foam mattresses: 6-8 years before breaking down, sagging, and losing support
Memory foam mattresses: 7-10 years (depending on memory foam formulation)
Why organic mattresses last longer:
Natural latex is inherently resilient and bounces back to its original shape, resisting body impressions and sagging. It's one of the most durable mattress materials available. Polyurethane foam, by contrast, is a petroleum-based plastic that breaks down chemically over time, losing density and support.
Organic wool and organic cotton covers also outlast synthetic polyester fabrics, which pill and wear faster. Plus, many organic mattress brands use high-quality construction—hand-tufting, natural latex adhesives, and durable steel coils—that extends overall lifespan.
What should I do if I can’t afford an organic mattress?
There are five things you can do if you can’t afford an organic mattress:
Increased cleaning: Dusting, mopping, and vacuuming weekly can pick up any sVOCs (like flame retardants) that come from standard mattresses invisibly shedding over time. You can ventilate by opening windows daily to help release any VOCs off-gassing from foam or treated fabrics. Use an air purifier to help pick up dust and VOCs.
Consider an organic mattress latex topper: Typically much less expensive than a full mattress and may help protect you from chemicals coming from the standard mattress underneath. It will reduce body heat and friction, meaning less off-gassing and chemical additive shedding.
Consider an organic pillow: Your face comes into even closer contact with the materials in your bedroom than the rest of your body, and I actually recommend starting with an organic pillow before anything else in the bedroom in my Top 5 Ways to Detox Your Home Guide.
Discount shopping: Latex-only organic mattresses (no springs) tend to be less expensive. I bought my first organic mattress when I was a grad student, and used Avocado’s payment plan, paying it off in monthly installments over a year. Wait for organic mattresses to go on sale, buy secondhand, or go with the least toxic of the conventional mattresses (Tuft and Needle, listed above.)
Support your health in other ways: Interior exposures are one part of the big picture of your health and there are so many good ways to take care of yourself! Read more about this philosophy here.
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