There are more and more natural non-toxic mattresses hitting the market, joining early leaders like Avocado Green Mattress and My Green Mattress. They are free of toxic chemicals and emissions, comfortable and breathable, and the prices are comparable to conventional toxic mattresses. You don't have to pay a lot more to get a safe healthy mattress that's good for you, your family and the environment. Most include organic cotton, grown without pesticides or other harmful chemicals, and natural latex from rubber trees. Some have steel coils. Many also have wool.
A word on fire retardants. All mattresses are legally required to be flame resistant. But chemical retardants used in many mattresses have been linked to such health effects as cancer, immune system damage, endocrine and thyroid disruption, kidney damage and neurological harm. In addition to being highly toxic, some don't even work. (Common toxic flame retardant chemicals include Chlorinated Tris, the chemical removed from kids' pajamas in the 1970s due to its toxicity, PBDEs and a toxic brew you want nothing to do with called Firemaster 550.) Many mass market mattresses also have a fiberglass barrier. Fiberglass can cause inflammation and irritation to the eyes, nose and lungs, scarring of the lungs, skin rashes and lung disease, including pulmonary fibrosis. Non-toxic mattress manufacturers have several ways to make their mattresses flame resistant without using poisons. Many use wool. Wool avoids the need for toxic retardants and fiberglass, is safe and non-toxic. But harvesting wool is more often than not a cruel and painful, sometimes deadly, business depending on where the wool comes from. (For info on wool cruelty, (Peta has some good articles.) For this reason I recommend buying a non-toxic vegan mattress over one made with wool. There are, however, a few businesses I'll recommend that use wool. Avocado Green Mattress is one. I recommend both their vegan and wool-protected mattresses. Why? Avocado states it is the only mattress-maker in the world to use wool certified to the Responsible Wool Standard, which ensures our wool comes from farms that have a progressive approach to managing their land, practice holistic well-being for the sheep, and respect animal welfare. They get their wool from their own responsibly-managed flocks of more than 200,000 domesticated sheep that graze freely on organic pastures in the mountains of northern India. Avocado directly employs over 100 farmers and over 400 herders and supports 50 villages with fair living wages. They also point out that domesticated sheep do not naturally shed their fleece as sheep in the wild once did and need to be sheared to avoid the dangers and discomfort of carrying too much fleece.
The other two exceptions are Savvy Rest and My Green Mattress. Savvy Rest gets its wool from farms in Oregon where sheep graze on pesticide-free pastures, are treated well and are professionally and gently sheared. The farms do not engage in cruel practices common on wool farms, such as mulesing, and they use veterinarians that have a natural alternative approach to care. The ethical practices used by their wool farmers and supplier led me to add Savvy Rest as an exception to my policy against promoting products that include anything from animals. My Green Mattress has pledged to use wool from farms around the world where sheep graze freely and are treated humanely.
Below are five eco-friendly, non-toxic and plastic-free mattress brands I recommend.
I love Avocado's organic non-toxic mattresses. They're made with the highest integrity and are non-toxic and eco-friendly at every step. Designed in New Jersey and made in California, Avocado mattresses are made from only natural organic materials like organic cotton, wool and latex. There is no polyurethane foam or toxic fire retardants. They are GOLS and GOTS certified -- among other certifications -- and needle-tufted by hand, not glued. I bought one for myself a few years ago and the first thing I loved about it was no chemical smells, because there are no toxic chemicals. Another great thing about Avocado is that they offer a vegan mattress (no wool). Peta-approved, it includes all the natural plant-based materials, such as cotton and rubber-derived latex, that their other mattresses do, and they use graphite powder as a fire retardant instead of wool. It’s a top choice for a competitively-priced chemical-free and vegan mattress.
Plush Beds' vegan mattress is handmade in California with GOLS-certified sustainably-harvested organic latex. There are no blends or additives, no synthetics and no chemicals or toxic adhesives. It has a soft, GOTS certified stretch organic cotton cover, made from cotton grown in the US without toxic chemicals. It is hypoallergenic, vegan, wool-free and animal-free. It is also GREENGUARD Gold certified. The organic cotton cover is hypoallergenic and has a patented Eco Fire Barrier™ which is derived from all-natural plant fibers. This avoids the use of toxic fire retardants like fiberglass, which is still used in most mass market mattresses . All materials are ethically grown, without any chemicals, pesticides or herbicides.
My Green Mattress has a variety of organic non-toxic mattresses. It does not have a vegan option. All contain organic wool, a safe substitute for toxic fire suppressants like fiberglass. While wool is ethically-dicey, MGM promises its wool comes from farms around the world where sheep are allowed to graze freely and are treated humanely. MGM mattresses have layers of organic cotton, Dunlop latex, wool and metal coils. They are made in Illinois and free of toxic fire retardant chemicals, polyurethane foam and other toxic materials typically found in mass market mattresses. They have earned the top organic certifications in the mattress industry including: GOTS Certified Organic, GOLS Certified Organic, GreenGuard Gold Certified by UL Labs, and Made Safe Certified.
Earth-friendly Savvy Rest which has a great selection of six different mattresses. They vary in characteristics but they are all organic and all include many of the same important eco-friendly materials, including natural plant-based latex. The latex is harvested from rubber tree plantations that adhere to sustainable forestry practices. Their flagship and most popular mattress is the Serenity. It has three layers of organic latex, either Talalay or Dunlop or both (your choice), unbleached organic cotton, and organic wool, which among other attributes is a natural flame retardant. Several of their mattress models also have stainless steel coils. All of their mattresses are made in the U.S. and are GOTS-certified.
Naturepedic's organic vegan mattress is made without wool or other animal products. One nice thing about this mattress is that it is customizable on both sides, with interchangeable layers of organic latex and pocketed coils so you can swap them around until you get it the way you like it. It's 100% GOTS certified organic, vegan Certified and PETA-Approved. It passes flammability standards without any fire retardants or added chemicals. It is made of organic cotton, latex (from rubber trees), cotton-wrapped coils and PLA, which is a non-toxic material made from non-GMO sugarcane. PLA adds resiliency and improves moisture wicking. No glues or adhesives are used in the mattress. In addition to its GOTS certification, this mattress is also Made Safe and Greenguard certified.
Avocado has a pillow for everything from sleeping to reading to yoga and meditating. And for every type of sleeper. Their signature green pillow is handmade in California from GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok. The fill is stuffed within an inner organic jersey cotton liner. The liner is enveloped inside a zippered GOTS-certified organic quilted cotton cover.
Avocado's molded latex pillow.is designed for back and side sleepers adn others needing a firmer pillow for neck support. It's molded from a charcoal-infused latex core, holds its shape evenly and regulates temperature while eliminating odors and excess moisture. It has a removable GOTS-certified organic cotton cover.
Plush Beds' solid latex pillow is made of Talalay latex and wrapped in a cotton cover that is breathable and moisture-wicking. It's designed to provide cushioned support while conforming to the contour of your head and neck. Natural latex is resistant to dust mites and mold, making safer for everyone and a particularly great option for allergy sufferers.
Plush Beds' crushed latex and kapok pillow is made of GOLS-certified organic latex and natural kapok, which is a fiber that grows on the ceiba pentandra tree, also known as the kapok tree. (The trees are native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, northern South America, and West Africa.) The pillow is wrapped in a cotton cover. There is no synthetic latex or fillers. Latex is naturally-hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites.
Eco Terra's latex pillow is made with solid natural talalay latex wrapped in a cotton sateen cover, while the shredded version is made with GOLS organic shredded latex + natural kapok, wrapped in a certified organic cotton cover. They are custom made to order in California with natural latex foam shipped directly from a rubber plantation in Sri Lanka. They are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites, mold, and mildew, which helps create a healthier sleep environment.
Eco Terra's buckwheat pillow is filled with organic buckwheat hulls, which provide neck support. good air circulation and a cooler surface to sleep on. It's wrapped with an organic cotton cover and pillowcase. The hulls have been cleaned in a multi-step chemical-free process that removes dust and buckwheat food particles.
Turmerry has a great selection of affordably-priced organic latex and buckwheat pillows that come in various shapes to accommodate different needs, including donut, half-moon and body pillows. Their organic sobakawa buckwheat pillows, regarded as the traditional Japanese pillow, are modeled after those used for centuries in Asia to provide support to the head and neck area, possibly relieving headaches, migraines, and muscle tension. They come with an organic unbleached cotton pillow case.
Avocado Green Mattress has lots of options for organic chemical-free sheets and pillowcases, including organic cotton, linen and hemp. They are GOTS-certified, Climate Neutral-certified and Made Safe-certified. Most are Vegan Certified and Peta-approved (not the silk pillowcases). That's a lot of wordy certifications but they are all important and all translate to an important message: These products have been tested and evaluated to ensure they are safe and non-toxic both for us and for the environment.
These breathable cotton sateen sheets from Of An Origin are made of long staple organic cotton. They are ethically-made in a Fair Trade factory in India. These sheets are made with a four-over-one-under weave, which gives them the sheen and drape of satin with the strength of cotton.
Boll and Branch sheets are made from 100 percent long-staple organic cotton. They are free of toxins at every step, from seed to finished sheet and made in a fair-trade certified factory. They have generous hems and the fitted bottom sheets have deep fully elastic-trimmed corners for a snug hold. They offer a variety of sheet sets from a super soft weave to crisp cool percale.
Plush Beds lightweight cotton sheets are made of GOTS-certified organic cotton. The fibers are combed for smoothness, then finished to create a subtle silk-like luster. The long fibers help resist shrinking and tears. They are Hypoallergenic and moisture-resistant and free of toxic dyes and chemicals. Packed in biodegradable materials.
Fabdreams' percale sheets are made with GOTS-certified 100 percent organic long-staple cotton from India. Packed for shipping in plastic-free packaging, including a reusable cotton sack. Fabdreams' cotton is purchased directly from farmers and its products are made in a Fair Trade mill. The business supports the Jove Conscious Foundation, an organization that empowers women from socially vulnerable backgrounds in india by providing employment opportunities. Through financial donations, Fabdreams helps these women find financial independence.
Avocado Green Mattress's wonderful organic cotton mattress protector is GOTS-certified and 100 percent organic cotton -- even the fill. Soft, absorbent, and MADE SAFE, it’s a natural (absorbent, non-waterproof) alternative to traditional plastic-based waterproof mattress protectors. No polyurethane, spandex, thermoplastic polyurethanes, formaldehyde, PVCs, vinyls, laminates, adhesives, chemical finishes, or waterproof coatings. It is as pure and natural as possible.
Avocado Green Mattress' organic cotton gauze blanket is made in India of 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton muslin. Even the stitching is cotton, not a synthetic. It's got four layers of cotton, is lightweight and airy and is suitable for year-round use. Organic cotton muslin is more breathable and naturally temperature-regulating. It's also Made Safe certified, a process that screens for more than 6,500 ingredients known or suspected to harm human health, animals, aquatic life, or ecosystems. Few brands meet this gold standard for product safety.
Plush Beds eco-friendly comforter is made of Tencel-brand Lyosell which is a sustainable fiber made from the pulp of eucalyptus trees. It's designed for hot sleepers in warm climates as it's breathable and has moisture-wicking properties. The eucalyptus fibers are processed using a closed-loop system that recycles water and solvents, making it an environmentally friendly option. Both the shell and the fill are Lyocell.
Savvy Rest’s organic cotton blankets are free of any dyes so they keep the natural and varied off-white color of the cotton. While the colors are entirely natural, they are available in two shades, cream or light brown. GOTS-certified, they’re made in the U.S., have a stylish herringbone weave and come in four sizes, from throw to king. They are toxin-free and made without pesticides, bleach, dyes or synthetic materials.
Coyuchi's organic cotton honeycomb blanket is made from organic cotton grown and woven in India. It's GOTS-certified and Made Safe certified. The cotton is tightly woven into a textured jacquard that enhances the performance of organic cotton. It has rounded edges trimmed in color-matched percale fabric. Each blanket is pre-shrunk to retain its shape, year after year and wash after wash.
Coyuchi's lightweight organic cotton blanket is made in Germany from organic cotton grown in Turkey. The cotton is spun into a fine chenille yarn and the blanket is later washed to create a puckered look. Each color has a soft white reverse side.
The Boll and Branch organic cotton waffle blanket is made from 100 percent long-staple organic cotton. It has a three-dimensional springy feel and is exceptionally soft and breathable. It's GOTS-certified and made in a Fair Trade factory.
This light and airy Fair Trade Linen-cotton duvet cover from Of An Origin is made with a blend of 45% organic cotton and 55% linen, which comes from the flax plant. Pillow shams are included in the set.
Avocado Green Mattress has a variety of contemporary style non-toxic beds and foundations for adults and kids. Their simple designs fit in with any decor. Avocado's beds are handmade with in the U. S. from 100 percent FSC-certified solid hardwoods and have a 10-year warranty. They are stained with organic non-toxic voc-free finishes. For assembly, they use safe, fumeless wood glue that meets the requirements of use with arts and crafts and has been approved for indirect food contact. There are several bed styles to choose from including a kids non-toxic trundle bed frame made in California from solid beech, a sustainable hardwood. Their eco-kids organic mattress is sold separately.
In addition to non-toxic organic mattresses, My Green Mattress offers sturdy non-nonsense chemical-free poplar bed foundations made in the U.S. by the Amish community. Zero chemicals. Zero stains. Breath easy, sleep easy. Attractive in their simplicity and eco-friendly vibe. sustainably-sourced wood. There are matching poplar headboards available as an option.
Savvy Rest's beds are made of sustainably-sourced solid hardwoods and finished with zero-VOC stains and oils. No lacquers or varnishes are used. They are handmade in Virginia using old-school joinery. The Afton is their flagship platform model. It has Maple posts, rails and legs. It features closely-spaced poplar slats and solid steel, mortised-in corner brackets. Each corner has three tenons for optimal strength and durability. They also have a gorgeous red oak adjustable bed frame which has an adjustable base.
Naturepedic’s natural foundations are made in the U. S. of solid North American hardwood and trimmed with organic cotton fabric. They added extra slats to prevent mattresses from developing a waviness that can shorten their lifespan. The foundations contain no flame retardants or toxic chemicals. They come with a 100-night sleep trial and a generous 25-year warranty. It's a good choice to go with Naturepedic's organic mattresses.
I recently went looking for a non-toxic bed frame to replace the old too-low metal frame I had and to put my new Avocado mattress on. I found KD Frames in Georgia and am so pleased with the platform style frame I bought. I got this Nomad model. It's a nice height and, like my Avocado mattress, there were no chemical smells when I opened the box. It was easy to put together and it's strong and of high quality. Not too pricey either. All of KD's frames are chemical-free and made from kiln dried Tulip Poplar grown in Virginia. These nifty rolling storage drawers, also made of Tulip Poplar, are designed to fit under the Nomad, Lexington and Charleston platform beds. They also have a wheeled twin-sized trundle platform to fit under all sizes of their Nomad and Charleston beds. Great for sleepovers!
Avocado Green Mattress's gender-neutral French style terry robe is made from 100 percent GOTS-certified organic cotton from India. It is free of toxic chemicals and produced through an ethical supply chain that uses less energy and water than non-organic cotton. It has a shawl style collar, pockets and removable waste tie.
This plush organic bathrobe is free of toxic chemicals, preservatives, plastics or dyes. The cotton is grown in India and produced through an ethical supply chain that uses less energy and water than non-organic cotton. The robe is gender-neutral and has pockets and a removal waist tie.
This bathrobe from Public Goods is made of organic Turkish cotton. It's made with zero chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, synthetic dyes, metals or pesticides. The fabric is dyed naturally. Available in several sizes. Vegan and non-GMO.
This loose-fitting robe from Avocado Green Mattress is made of 90 percent Lenzing-certified modal from Austria and 10 percent elastane. Modal is a biodegradable and compostable cellulose-based textile produced through a closed-loop process that recycles expended water as well as 99% of the non-toxic solvent used during manufacturing.
This unisex bathrobe from Coyuchi is made from organic cotton grown and woven in Turkey. It has a waffle weave and spacious pockets. It's available in several colors and sizes.
This midweight colorful robe from Of An Origin is made of organic GOTS-certified cotton stretch jersey in a limited edition whimsy pattern. Toxin-free. Pre-shrunk and machine washable. Made in India in a Fair Trade-certified factory. This similar robe has a floral and butterfly pattern.
Savvy Rest’s organic cotton blankets are free of any dyes so they keep the natural and varied off-white color of the cotton. While the colors are entirely natural, they are available in two shades, cream or light brown. GOTS-certified and U.S. made, they are toxin-free and made without pesticides, bleach, dyes or synthetic materials. This throw is the same gorgeous blanket that also comes in bed sizes.
Boll and Branch’s organic cotton ribbed knit throw is made free of toxins at every step, starting with the seeds, and the cotton is traceable from farm to finished product. Not using pesticides is only the beginning. Boll and Branch doesn’t use any harmful chemicals at any point in the production of their products.. The non-GMO long-staple cotton is grown organically on family farms in India and their bedding and towels are made with sustainable practices in Fair Trade factories in India, Turkey and Pakistan. (Their flannel is made in Portugal).
This throw blanket from Simply Organic Bamboo is made from 100 percent organic bamboo viscose. Ii is certified free of harmful chemicals by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which tests products for the presence of up to 350 toxic chemicals. Viscose is an eco-friendly fabric made from the pulp of various trees, including bamboo and eucalyptus.