Nontoxic Mattresses for Healthy Sleep

Sometimes it's hard to know where to start when making nontoxic changes at home. The bedroom is a great choice. After all, we spend eight hours or more there daily. And we're in especially close contact with our beds and mattresses. 

I recently met someone at a party who told me a story about ordering a beautiful new bed frame. He and his wife noticed a chemical smell and started having reactions at night. He got migraines, and she felt short of breath. They had to send it back because of the chemical fumes, a.k.a. Volatile Organic Compounds. Now they know to shop for no-VOC or low-VOC furniture. The mattress we choose is even more important. Let's jump into why and how to find safer, healthier options.

Conventional mattresses can be the most toxic thing you bring into your home.

Mattresses are typically made with polyurethane or memory foam, containing formaldehyde, other Volatile Organic Compounds, harmful flame retardants, and even the "forever chemical", PFAS. Health concerns range from respiratory irritation to endocrine disruption and even cancer.

While letting new mattresses air out or "off-gas" before use can reduce your exposure, a study found that body heat likely activates the continued release of toxic substances into the air. Also, flame retardants, PFAS, and phthalates are mostly released through particles over the mattress's lifetime rather than via off-gassing. 

If you're looking for a crib mattress or a waterproof mattress, they're often made with PVC or vinyl. PVC can contain phthalates and chemical additives that emit harmful VOCs. Vinyl also contains phthalates, which can lead to asthma and disrupt the hormone system.

Unfortunately, mattress companies are not required to disclose what's in their products. To simplify your search for a safe, non-toxic mattress, look for these key features, materials, and certifications.

Latex Foam, Not Polyurethane 

Natural latex is the healthy, sustainable choice for mattress foam. Made from renewable rubber tree sap, latex foam is available in multiple firmnesses and provides excellent temperature regulation. Latex also lasts longer than polyurethane foam or memory foam. For the cleanest, most eco-friendly foam, seek out GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification. 

No Chemical Flame Retardants 

Certified organic wool is an excellent natural mattress padding material that is naturally flame-resistant. There are also safe barrier layers that help mattresses meet flammability standards without harmful chemicals. EWG Verified, MADE SAFE®  or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified are your best assurances for mattresses free of harmful chemicals.

No Glues or Adhesives

The cleanest, truly sustainable mattresses out there are constructed with buttons, zippers, and stitching - not glues. This requires more time, labor, and expense. But manufacturers who make this extra effort produce quality mattresses free of VOCs and other harmful chemicals common in adhesives and glues. Look for GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or MADE SAFE® certifications.

Certifications Roundup 

MADE SAFE®: Screens for thousands of toxins, including flame retardants.

EWG VERIFIED®: Prohibits chemical flame retardants, PVC, and PFAS, along with other chemicals associated with health risks. Products are rigorously assessed for both safety and quality.

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): Prohibits flame retardants, PFAS, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals. 95% of the content must be organic. 

GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard): Ensures sustainably sourced organic latex, free of hazardous chemicals. 95% of the ingredients must be organic.

We're proud to say our brand partner, Naturepedic, has all of these certifications. If it's time for a bedroom detox, explore our mattress collection for babies, kids, and adults.