Non-Toxic Mattress Guide

updated 5/2025 scroll down to see my top picks!

Most conventional ( non organic) mattresses are still made with PU foam - this has been the standard fill for most mattresses since the 1960s

Some people will claim that once the chemical reaction of manufacturing PU foam takes place, the polyurethane foam is completely inert and harmless. However, many studies certify that many of these chemicals do migrate/ leach out for years. This is important because, unlike PU foam used in a sofa, when it is in a mattress, the user is exposed to these chemicals - at low levels- for many hours a day, every single day, for a lifetime.

In fact, Children and adults sleep on our mattresses anywhere from 6- 12 hours (or more!) a night. The problem with sleeping on a mattress that could be off gassing even small amounts of harmful toxins is that your head is really close to your mattress for hours at a time, breathing it all in for many hours every day…. cumulative exposure could be a concern

What leaches out of PU foam based mattresses and how?

Plenty. For his book Sleep Safe in a Toxic World, author Walter Mader sent a few mattress to a lab for testing and One memory foam model was found to emit 61 volatile organic compounds (VOCs)… and its not only the memory foam mattresses that create this problem!

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) conducted a study to assess the potential health risks that might result from consumer exposure to fire retardant chemicals in mattresses. They found that the average adult will absorb a daily dose of :

.802 mg of Antimony (the inhalation of Antimony causes lung tumors in animals and is considered a probably human carcinogen)

.081 mg Boric Acid (Roach Killer- a probabe reproductive and developmental toxicant in humans, Long-term exposure to boric acid is suggested to cause kidney damage. ), and

.073 mg DBDPO (Deca- considered toxic based on liver and thyroid effects in rodent studies, it is also a possible human carcinogen) from flame proof mattresses, every night.

Additionally, the study did find that five year old children will absorb .5 mg Antimony every night, this is 63 times more poison than the EPA says is safe. No studies have been conducted on children under 5

While these amounts are quite small for adults, they do add to our ‘toxic burden’ (that is the amount of chemicals we are exposed to day in and day out over a long period of time). And that is the point: while some of these toxins being emitted by PU based mattresses are very very low levels, they do add up.

Finally, and most recently in a 2025 study , scientist measured the air quality in 25 children’s bedrooms and found that the highest levels of harmful chemicals were concentrated around the sleeping areas. To determine the source, researchers analyzed 16 popular mattress brands and detected concerning levels of toxic substances in all of them. They then conducted a simulation that revealed that the body heat and weight of a sleeping child could significantly increase the release of these chemicals. In this study, researchers found that mattresses released: phthalates (in both plastic and non plastic mattress covers- some in levels that exceeded levels permitted in children’s products in the US. Phthlates are well studied endocrine disruptors linked to: obesity, infertility, and higher prenatal exposure level have been linked to higher incidences of ADHD and lower cognitive abilities in later childhood ), flame retardants (some mattresses contained banned or highly restricted flame retardants at levels as high as 3% of the mattress’ total weight. Flame retardants are also endocrine disruptors and many are carcinogenic) , UV filters which would then be readily available to be inhaled, absorbed via the skin or ingested via dust particles

Other chemicals we know can be found in conventional mattresses include solvent-based glue often binds the layers of a mattress. Some mattresses can contain up to 10 lbs of adhesives! These release VOCs and formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. The most common adhesives used are:

Methylene Chloride based adhesives: also found in paint strippers, high levels of Methylene chloride has been linked to cancer, cognitive impairment, and asphyxiation.
n-Propyl bromide-based adhesives: Classified as a VOC, it is is a reproductive toxin.
Acetone-based adhesives: while acetone is not considered a VOC, Some formulations based on acetone also contain other chemicals like hexane, heptane, and mineral spirits. These other chemicals may be classified as VOCs and some may be relatively toxic.

Better options? An organic mattress is definitely a better surface, from a toxicity perspective, to sleep on than a conventional mattress

But, the truth is that buying a ‘non-toxic’ mattress is one of the biggest investments you might make in your non-toxic living journey and it can also be one of the trickiest industries to navigate.

It can be confusing to figure out which mattress to buy, it can be confusing to figure out which claims and companies to trust. The mattress industry is unregulated and I have found it to be very sneaky: it is hard to find out what is inside mattresses and there are a lot of companies using terms like ‘organic’ and ‘natural’ very very loosely. Close to 40% of mattress companies refuse to fully disclose all materials used in their mattresses, failing mostly to provide information on how they make their mattresses flame resistant, waterproof or antimicrobial. As a general rule of thumb if a company is NOT disclosing everything, don’t buy their mattress.

In an ironic twist you might, literally, loose sleep over the issue.

Note on affordability: Organic mattress can cost more that non organic mattresses. Babies and young children are more vulnerable to toxins than adults ( Babies and children detoxifying system isnt as developed as an adults, Babies and children are physically smaller than adults, which results in greater exposures per kilogram of body weight to any contaminants in the air, water, or food compared with adults., Babies and children are more vulnerable to toxin exposure because they progressing through the complex, delicate, and easily disrupted stages of early development) so- if you have to choose/ prioritize, I would always choose getting an organic mattresses for your baby and child and then for yourself.

HOW TO CHOOSE A ‘NON- TOXIC’ MATTRESS

Materials and certifications: you want to search for a mattress made with any of these certified materials or a combination of them:

GOTS organic cotton: the Global Organic Textile Standards is the strictest organic certification available. Products with this certification must contain at least 95% certifies organic fibers and the remainder are highly restricted (no flame retardants nor PFAS chemicals are allowed)
GOLS latex: The Global Organic Latex Standard. Products that have this certification must contain at least 95% certified organic latex. (the remaining 5% of ingredients are highly restricted- no flame retardants nor PFAS chemicals are allowed, however synthetic chemicals are required to make tree sap into latex foam). There are two types of natural latex: Dunlop and Talalay. While they both come from the same sap from the same type of tree, the manufacturing process is slightly different. Additional processing used in Talalay latex can never be certified as organic. These latex bed can be Oeko Tex certified. Please note: natural latex still requires synthetic chemicals to produce
WOOL
Made Safe certification in another certification that has very strict standards and can be trusted. They certify both GOTS certified mattresses and natural latex ones)

Certifications and materials I do not recommend:

Certipur : this is a PU industry owned and regulated certification. Many of the chemicals it lists as banned are already not allowed in US foam products.

Soy foam / bio foam: Although it sounds like it could be ‘healthier’ soy foam is not much better than regular PU foam. Soy foam might contain up tp 20% soy content but can contain as little as 3-5% depending on the product. The rest is PU. A common trend is a mattress that contains, for example, a thin layer of organic cotton over PU foam or uses soybean oil as part of the polyurethane foam, and the mattress in marketed as ‘green’ or ‘natural’. If it still contains PU foam it will still give off VOCs. Soy foam also requires petroleum, so it too will off gas VOCs and the expansion of soy plantations in Brazil is partly responsible for de-forestation of the rainforest. Skip these.

BEST BRANDS

These companies are listed from lowest to highest price for a twin bed. Pricing and information has been updated 2025. MY PERSONAL PICKS ARE SHOWCASED WITH 2 ASTERIXs ** )

**1. My Green Mattress (For the best price use AIDASPICKS )

They offer all sized mattresses from cribs to Californian King.

Their entire factory has GOTS and GOLS certification which means all the material they are using have these certifications too.

After touring (live but virtually) their warehouse in Illinois, where all of their mattresses are hand made, I was impressed by their system for tracing every single component that goes into your mattress to the farm, source etc where it originated.

Emily crib mattress : $254
Kiwi:

Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King as well as bunk bed sizing for a lower price)
one or 2 sided
Kiwi Twin: starts at: $775
Kiwi Full: starts at $1099
Kiwi King: starts at $1599
Natural Escape:

Their more luxurious mattress model, made with GOTS certified cotton and GOLS certified latex. Has coils
This is the mattress I sleep on
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King
Natural Escape Twin: 1099
Natural Escape King: $1999
kids Pure Eco Organic Kids Mattress (8” high - safe for bunk beds and trundles)

GOTS and GOLS certified organic mattress
Available in full, twin, twin XL and queen sizes.
Twin $599
Queen : $974

**2. Savvy Rest: (20% off: AIDASPICKS)

They offer GOTS certified materials and GOLS certified latex (their Dunlop latex is GOLS - note their Talalay is not GOLS certified), models with and without springs, and customized firmness on each side for couples

My 15 year old has one and I love it (more below) Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King

Serenity

Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King
FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE: Three layers of natural latex allow you to fully customize your firmness. Additionally I love that you can move the layers around - so that the firmness grows with you or changes if your opinions change (ideal for a growing child!) . IE: my 15 year old son might want something firmer in 3 years as he grows, in which case he can move the layers around and make a firmer mattress than he one he currently sleeps on)
Twin: $1999
King: $3599
Unity Pillowtop

Customized on each side for couples in larger models
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King
Twin: $2799
King: $4999

** 3. Naturepedic (The Mattress Both My Boys Sleep On)

This company is one of the pioneers of organic mattresses. Almost 12 years ago when I first purchased an organic crib mattress from them, for my oldest, they were one of the few, trustworthy companies to turn to. Today they are just as trustworthy and have great alternatives to choose from. They also have Made Safe Certification . I like that their kid’s mattress offers one waterproof side - this is important if you have a child that is not yet potty trained at night. Night accidents can be quite massice and if left unattended can lead to mold growth in mattresses. The thin (GOTS approved) film (made with a polyethylene coating that is made from non-GMO sugarcane and is applied using heat to avoid glues and adhesives) on one side of their kids mattress takes the stress away if your child ever has a bedwetting accident.

Crib Mattresses

Classic Organic Crib Mattress, From $269
Organic Breathable Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage) $359
Organic Breathable Ultra Baby Crib Mattress (2-Stage), $459
Mini Crib Mattress, $279
Oval Crib Mattress, $99
BAssinett Mattress fro Halo bassinet, $49
2 in 1 Twin mattress:

Double sided: One side is quilted the other side is waterproof.
Made with innersprings, GOTS organic cotton, and a waterproof surface on the bottom (made with a polyethylene coating that is made from non-GMO sugarcane and is applied using heat to avoid glues and adhesives. )
would only recommend for young children as it is not firm enough for big kids and adults (in my opinion)
Available in Twin, Twin Trundle and Full
Twin: $799
Twin Trundle: $699
Verse Mattress:

One sided, with coils, wool cotton and the water proofing layer made with PLA made from non-GMO sugarcane and is applied using heat to avoid glues and adhesives.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen
Twin $999
Queen: $1499
Serenade Organic Hybrid

Made with Organic Cotton, organic wool, coils, PLA made from non-GMO sugarcane and is applied using heat to avoid glues and adhesives. Has an added layer of GOLS latex
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King & CA King
Twin: $1499
King $2799
EOS: Classic, customizable

3 mattresses that are customizable (independently of your sleep partner.) and made with Organic Cotton, organic wool, coils and GOLS latex
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King & CA King
Twin: $1799 (classic)
King: $4299 (classic)

OTHER GOOD ORGANIC MATTRESS OPTIONS

Happsy

Made with organic wool batting, certified organicGOLS latex, and GOTS organic cotton
Available one or 2 sided. Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King & CA King
Twin: Starts at $899

Plushbeds

Organic Latex Mattress: The Botanical Bliss

GOLS certified organic latex, GOTS certified organic cotton and GOTS certified organic wool.
Available in 2 firmnesses and 2 heights.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King, Split King, Split Queen , Split Cal King
Twin: Starting at $1199
King: Starting at $1999

Suite Sleep:

They use GOLS latex and organic cotton (not GOTS certified) and wool.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, full, Queen, King, CA King
Twins start at: $1,899.00

White Lotus

Organic Cotton Mattress without Fire Retardant

Made with GOTS organic cotton, no springs
Available in Twin, Twin XL, full, Queen, King, CA King
Twin 6” mattress: $1856
King: $2915
Green Cotton & Wool Dreamton Mattress

Made with” Green Cotton” grown in the United States — it just isn’t certified organic and organic wool, no springs (more affordable but not organic. but no flame retardants nor VOCs from PU foam)
Available in Twin, Twin XL, full, Queen, King, CA King
Twin 6” mattress: starts at $732
King mattress: from $1616

Shephard’s Dream

All Wool Mattress

100% handmade mattresses filled with local EcoWool and encased in a 100% wool textile,
Available in Twin, Twin XL, full, Queen, King, CA King
Twin: $1550
King: $3100

Lifekind

All mattresses are coil free made with Certified GOTS Organic cotton, GOLS organic Latex Mattress & GOTS wool

Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full xl, Queen, King & CA King)

The Euro & Euro Soft Top

A pure latex mattress made without coils (soft top has an added padding)
Available in: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Eastern King, Cal King
Twin: Starts at $2236
King: Starts at $4396
The Lassen

Similar to the Euro models but with an added removable two-sided pillow top also made of GOLS-certified organic rubber latex
Twin: $2636
King: $4396
The Duet

Unique five-zone sculpted surfaces reduce pressure-point discomfort
Twin $2996
King: $5021
The Trio

all Latex. Has both five exclusive sculpted "sleep zones" reduce pressure-point discomfort and Three 3” certified organic natural rubber layers make the mattress fully customizable
Twin: $4236
King: $4796

Obasan

Crib Mattress, $425

handcrafted in Canada from GOTS and GOLS certified organic latex, coconut husk and cotton
GOTS and GOLS certified organic materials' seal

Child Mattress, start at $1199

child mattresses feature different firmness levels on each side for evolving support as your kids grow
made for kids up to the age of 15, or up to a maximum of 150 lbs).
They're handcrafted in Canada from GOTS and GOLS certified organic

Adults, The Classic

Allows you to customized your mattress to suit you and your partner’s different preferences
Made in Canada with GOTS and GOLS certified organic cotton, wool and latex
Available in Twin, Twin XL, full, Queen, King, CA King
Twin: $2459
King: $4919

SOURCES

https://saferchemicals.org/get-the-facts/toxic-chemicals/methylene-chloride/#section1

https://p2infohouse.org/ref/17/16558.pdf

https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2016/01/altn-adh-techn-executive-summary-v3.pdf

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/pdfs/matttabd.pdf

https://www.epa.gov/haps/health-effects-notebook-hazardous-air-pollutants

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653522014382