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Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
A nontoxic mattress contains few or no chemicals that might affect health. Many manufacturers use chemicals to make the materials flame retardant. However, some companies avoid using potentially harmful chemicals.
- Best overall nontoxic mattress: Avocado Green Mattress
- Best nontoxic memory foam mattress: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Best luxury nontoxic mattress: Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress
- Best nontoxic hybrid mattress: The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Best affordable nontoxic mattress: T&N Original Mattress
- Best hypoallergenic nontoxic mattress: Birch Natural Mattress by Helix
- Best nontoxic mattress for back pain: Zoma Mattress
- Best nontoxic latex mattress: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
- Best nontoxic innerspring mattress: Natural Escape Mattress by My Green Mattress
MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT chooses products that have CertiPUR-US certification or other guarantees that products contain minimal pollutants and are free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials: MNT selects products made from different materials, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of preferences and needs.
- Budget: MNT features products suitable for a range of budgets.
- Firmness: When possible, MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options.
- Sleep trials: MNT features products that come with sleep trials.
- Shipping: MNT includes shipping information, such as cost and delivery locations.
- Warranties and returns policies: MNT selects products with warranties and clear returns policies.
The following table indicates how MNT chooses to rank the products within this article:
| Certified | Sleep trial | White glove delivery | Returns | Warranty | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5.0 |
| Nectar | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5.0 |
| Awara | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 4.0 | |
| DreamCloud | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5.0 |
| T&N | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5.0 |
| Birch | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 4.0 | |
| Zoma | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 4.0 | |
| PlushBeds | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 5.0 |
| My Green Mattress | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 4.0 |
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best overall nontoxic mattress: Avocado Green Mattress
- Price: $1,399–2,599
- Firmness: medium-firm and gentle-firm
- Height: 11 inches (in) or 13 in with an optional pillow-top add-on
- Sleep trial: 1 year
- Pros: It contains five support zones, is made in the United States, and comes with a 25-year warranty.
- Cons: It may be too firm for some.
The Avocado Green Mattress does not contain polyester, polyurethane foams, or fire retardants.
It contains organic latex, organic fibers, and individual coils. The company describes the mattress as gentle firm, and a pillow-top add-on is available for an additional $600.
Several organizations have certified the mattress, including Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), for its latex, and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), for its cotton and wool. The mattress also has the Sustainable Furnishings Council Greenguard certification to indicate that it emits low levels of pollutants.
The range of certifications makes this mattress one of the best nontoxic mattresses available online.
Avocado’s Made Safe and Climate Neutral certifications indicate that the company uses climate-negative production and shipping practices, making this mattress an eco-friendly option.
Learn about the best eco-friendly mattresses here.
In addition, Avocado aims to donate or recycle any mattresses people return.
Here, learn how to recycle a mattress.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to California king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $1,399
- twin XL: $1,499
- full: $1,699
- queen: $1,999
- king: $2,599
- California king: $2,599
Shipping and returns
Shipping and returns are free. Avocado states that people should try the mattress for 30 days before beginning the returns procedure.
If a person is not happy with the mattress after 30 days, Avocado’s customer service will ask several questions to troubleshoot potential problems.
If the person still wants to return their mattress after a discussion with customer service, Avocado will ask them to take photos of the mattress to ensure it is in a condition suitable for donation.
The company will then inform the person about their nearest donation center or recycling point. Avocado will provide a full refund upon receipt of delivery to the donation center or recycling point.
Learn more about Avocado mattresses here.
Best nontoxic memory foam mattress: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $899–1,849
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Height: 12 in
- Sleep trial: 1 year
- Pros: The company is carbon neutral, and the product has a cooling cover.
- Cons: Some side sleepers have found it too firm.
Nectar uses nontoxic memory foam in this mattress. Memory foam conforms to the body, providing support and comfort that meet the person’s preferences and needs.
Learn about some of the best memory foam mattresses here.
The foam has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning it meets independent reviewers’ standards for emissions and quality. Additionally, the mattress does not contain flame retardants, heavy metals, or VOCs.
Nectar states that this medium-firm mattress is breathable and has cooling properties.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to split king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $899
- twin XL: $1,249
- full: $1,399
- queen: $1,549
- king: $1,698
- California king: $1,849
- split king: $1,849
Shipping and returns
Shipping and returns are free.
Customers must contact Nectar’s sleep specialists by phone to begin the returns process. Returns are free for those who live in the contiguous U.S.
Learn more about Nectar mattresses here.
Best luxury nontoxic mattress: Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $1,698–2,598
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Height: 12 in
- Sleep trial: 365 nights
- Pros: The mattress minimizes motion transfer and has a cooling design
- Cons: The price is high, and the mattress may be too firm for side sleepers.
This nontoxic mattress is a luxury option, as it contains many high quality materials. It uses natural latex foam, water-based adhesives, organic cotton, and organic New Zealand wool. The wool makes it unsuitable for those who wish to avoid animal products.
The mattress does not contain potentially harmful substances, such as polyurethane foams or chemically based fire retardants.
It is also free from mercury, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates, and chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals common in aerosol sprays and packing materials.
The Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress has several certifications, including:
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to California king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $1,698
- twin XL: $1,898
- full: $2,198
- queen: $2,298
- king: $2,598
- California king: $2,598
Shipping and returns
Shipping is free and takes 3–5 days.
The company states that a person must speak to a Sleep Concierge to return an Awara mattress. People can contact a Sleep Concierge by phone.
Learn more about the Awara mattress here.
Best nontoxic hybrid mattress: The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $1,273–2,946
- Firmness: luxury-firm
- Height: 14 in
- Sleep trial: 365 nights
- Pros: It has a lifetime warranty, and the hybrid design may offer more support than foam.
- Cons: Some reviewers found the mattress too heavy and soft.
A hybrid mattress uses both foam and spring coils. It can help provide a responsive surface while maintaining comfort. This nontoxic hybrid mattress contains a soft, quilted top, a layer of gel memory foam, and supportive springs.
Learn about some of the best hybrid mattresses here.
The foam in this mattress has CertiPUR-US certification, and the mattress produces limited VOC emissions.
The mattress is medium-firm and may minimize motion transfer, making it suitable for people who share a bed.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to California king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $1,273
- twin XL: $1,473
- full: $1,698
- queen: $1,798
- king: $2,098
- California king: $2,098
- split king: $2,946
Shipping and returns
Shipping and returns are free.
DreamCloud states that a person can begin the refund process at any time within the 365-night sleep trial and after the first 30 days after delivery.
All mattresses must be in a condition suitable for donation, which means the company will not accept any damaged or soiled mattresses. To begin the returns process, people will need to contact DreamCloud’s customer service team.
Learn more about DreamCloud mattresses here.
Best affordable nontoxic mattress: T&N Original Mattress
- Price: $745–1,395
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Height: 9.5 in
- Sleep trial: 100 nights
- Pros: It has two types of foam designed for cooling and air circulation and a 10-year warranty.
- Cons: The all-foam design may not be supportive enough for some, and side sleepers may find it uncomfortable.
This mattress from Tuft & Needle has several certifications indicating low toxicity, including CertiPUR-US, for its foam and Greenguard, for its low emission levels.
For an additional fee, people can add HeiQ antimicrobial protection features, which may limit bacterial growth and prevent odor.
The medium-firm mattress has graphite and cooling gel layers that may prevent overheating during sleep.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to California king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $745
- twin XL: $795
- full: $895
- queen: $995
- king: $1,395
- California king: $1,395
This mattress is one of the most affordable options available online.
Learn about other low cost mattresses here.
Shipping and returns
Shipping is free to the mainland U.S. and takes around 1–2 business days.
Tuft & Needle only allows one returns process per household per year.
People will need to start the returns process during their 100-night trial. The company will share donations or recycling center locations, and a person will need to send in a copy of their donation or recycling receipt to receive a refund. Tuft & Needle will provide a full refund within 10 business days.
Shipping fees to Hawaii and Alaska, alongside other optional shipping fees, are nonrefundable. The returns policy is only available for people who purchase directly from the company website.
Learn more about Tuft & Needle here.
Best hypoallergenic nontoxic mattress: Birch Natural Mattress by Helix
- Price: $1,249–2,186.30
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Height: 11 in
- Sleep trial: 100 nights
- Pros: It is made in the U.S., has a breathable organic cotton cover, and comes with free shipping.
- Cons: Some reviewers have found it either too soft or too firm.
Helix says that the natural latex in this mattress has hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties, which may make it preferable for people with allergies.
Learn about the best hypoallergenic mattresses here.
The mattress has certifications such as OEKO-TEX, Greenguard, and GOTS, as well as a certification from eco-INSTITUT. It contains no VOCs or foam, and it is naturally flame retardant.
The mattress may have cooling and pressure-relieving qualities.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to California king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $1,249
- twin XL: $1,311.30
- full: $1,561.30
- queen: $1,811.30
- king: $2,186.30
- California king: $2,186.30
Shipping and returns
Shipping is free.
Birch states that all its products, except for its adjustable bed base, are eligible for returns during the 100-night sleep trial. However, the company recommends sleeping on the mattress for 30 nights before starting the returns process.
People can start the returns process on the company website.
Learn about latex mattresses here.
Best nontoxic mattress for back pain: Zoma Mattress
- Price: $749–1,698
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Height: 12 in
- Sleep trial: 100 nights
- Pros: This is available in split king and made in the U.S.
- Cons: Some have found it too soft.
Zoma markets this mattress to athletes and others with active lifestyles. It highlights the product’s breathability and pressure point relief, which supports areas of the body during sleep. This may make this mattress suitable for people who experience back pain.
Learn more about some of the best mattresses for back pain here.
The mattress has CertiPUR-US foam with low VOC emissions and, the company claims, environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. All foam and hybrid models are available.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to split king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $749
- twin XL: $849
- full: $949
- queen: $1,149
- king: $1,349
- California king: $1,349
- split king: $1,698
Shipping and returns
Free shipping is available to the lower 48 states.
Zoma notes that it will accept its mattresses for a full refund 30 days after delivery.
The company will charge $99 for an early processing fee if a person returns their mattress before 30 days.
Learn more about Zoma mattresses here.
Best nontoxic latex mattress: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress
- Price: $3,299–4,598
- Firmness: medium-firm, medium-firm, and dual-firmness options
- Height: 9, 10, or 12 in
- Sleep trial: 100 nights
- Pros: This mattress is made in the U.S. It has three firmness options, three height options, and a 25-year warranty.
- Cons: The price is higher than other mattresses.
Latex is a natural, sustainable material that provides even pressure distribution and is hypoallergenic. This mattress uses organic latex and has numerous certifications supporting its nontoxic status.
The mattress is free from lead, mercury, other heavy metals, and certain chemicals. It is also dust mite-resistant and antimicrobial, and it may provide pressure relief.
This latex mattress has several certifications, including:
- GOLS
- GOTS
- Greenguard Gold
- eco-INSTITUT
- FSC
- USDA Organic
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to split king, with the price changing accordingly.
Customers can choose a mattress height of 9, 10, or 12 in, which will affect the price. The 9-in option is the least expensive, while the 12-in option is the most costly.
The following prices are for 10-in mattresses:
- twin: $3,099
- twin XL: $3,099
- full: $3,499
- queen: $3,599
- king: $3,899
- California king: $3,899
- split queen: $3,998
- split king: $4,098
- split California king: $4,098
Shipping and returns
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.
PlushBeds states that it covers all mattresses, apart from custom orders, in its returns policy. All products must not have any smoke damage and must be unsoiled.
Learn more about PlushBeds mattresses here.
Best nontoxic innerspring mattress: Natural Escape Mattress by My Green Mattress
- Price: $1,199–2,348
- Firmness: medium-firm
- Height: 11 in
- Sleep trial: 120 nights
- Pros: It is made in the U.S. and comes with a 20-year warranty. It has a hybrid coil-and-foam design that may offer more support.
- Cons: This may be too firm for people who prefer a very plush mattress.
The Natural Escape Mattress has both GOLS and GOTS certifications. This means that its fibers and natural latex meet the independent organizations’ standards.
The manufacturer says this medium-firm mattress supports proper spinal alignment and reduces motion transfer.
For an extra cost, the company offers to remove and recycle old mattresses.
Cost and sizes
Size options range from twin to split king, with the price changing accordingly:
- twin: $1,199
- twin XL: $1,249
- full: $1,499
- full XL: $1,799
- queen: $1,799
- king: $2,299
- California king: $2,348
Shipping and returns
Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.
My Green Mattress states that it accepts refunds or exchanges. The company recommends sleeping on the mattress for 30 days before deciding on a return.
People will need to contact the company to begin the returns process.
The following table compares all of the mattresses in this article:
| Price | Material | Certifications | Warranty | Sleep trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avocado | $1,399–2,599 | hybrid | • GOTS • GOLS • Greenguard Gold • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | 25-year warranty | 1 year |
| Nectar | $899–1,849 | memory foam | CertiPUR-US | forever warranty | 1 year |
| Awara | $1,698–2,598 | hybrid | several awards and certifications | forever warranty | 365-nights |
| DreamCloud | $1,273–2,946 | hybrid | CertiPUR-US | lifetime warranty | 365-nights |
| Tuft & Needle | $745–1,395 | memory foam | • CertiPUR-US • Greenguard | 10-year warranty | 100-nights |
| Birch by Helix | $1,249–2,186.30 | hybrid | • GOTS • eco-INSTITUT | 25-year warranty | 100-nights |
| Zoma | $749–1,698 | all-foam | CertiPUR-US | 10-year warranty | 100-nights |
| PlushBeds | $3,299–4,598 | latex | • GOLS • GOTS • Greenguard Gold | 25-year warranty | 100-nights |
| My Green Mattress | $1,199–2,348 | hybrid | • GOTS • GOLS | 20-year warranty | 120-nights |
People who wish to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals should look for certified nontoxic mattresses.
According to Consumer Reports (CR), a person should look for certifications such as GOTS and GOLS.
The GOTS certification indicates that a textile is at least 95% organic and does not contain chemical flame retardants or polyurethane, which some manufacturers use in foam mattresses. GOLS certification indicates that at least 95% of the material is organic latex.
CR also recommends looking for these hallmarks:
- CertiPUR-US: This certification indicates that a polyurethane mattress does not contain certain chemicals and flame retardants.
- Organic Content Standard 100: This certification recognizes the percentage of material that is organic but ignores added chemicals, such as flame retardants.
- Greenguard: This certifies that emissions from the mattress are under a certain level.
Materials
When choosing a nontoxic mattress, considering the materials is key. Many mattresses contain organic latex or natural foam, and some contain cotton and wool.
People may want to avoid synthetic materials, such as synthetic latex or polyester.
Firmness
A person’s preference depends on various factors, such as sleeping position, body weight, bed-sharing, and chronic pain issues.
Here are a few things people may want to consider:
- Firm mattresses may suit back and stomach sleepers and people who need or want a more supportive surface.
- Medium-firm mattresses may suit side and combination sleepers and people who share a bed.
- Soft mattresses may suit combination sleepers and people seeking pressure relief.
Nontoxic mattresses contain either no or limited amounts of potentially harmful chemicals. Manufacturers use some of these chemicals in foam mattresses to prevent them from catching fire.
What makes a mattress toxic?
Mattress foam forms due to a chemical reaction between three compounds: polyols, carbon-based blowing agents, and toluene diisocyanate (TDI).
Some incidences of occupational asthma may be due to TDI exposure. However, according to a
According to the American Chemistry Council, manufacturers treat all products that create chemicals to make them safe before selling them to consumers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also states that manufacturers make these products safe and nontoxic before they reach the consumer.
Another area of concern with foam mattresses is volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These can quickly become gases, and many home products, such as hobby supplies and furnishings, contain VOCs.
Some potential side effects of VOC exposure include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- memory problems
- irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract
- vision-related conditions
Some side effects of long-term exposure include:
- nausea
- loss of coordination
- fatigue
- kidney, liver, and central nervous system damage
- an increased cancer risk
In a 2019 study, the researchers found what they described as “concerning” levels of VOC exposure from mattresses for infants and small children during simulated sleep. Despite the elevated levels, the researchers found no evidence of adverse effects from the exposure.
Below, we answer some common questions about nontoxic mattresses.
What is the difference between a nontoxic and an organic mattress?
People and companies sometimes use the terms “nontoxic” and “organic” interchangeably, but they are slightly different.
An organic mattress contains materials grown organically, but manufacturers may use chemicals during production. A nontoxic mattress is not treated with chemicals, but its materials may not be organic.
Still, many organic mattresses are also nontoxic and the other way around.
Learn about some of the best organic mattresses here.
Are nontoxic mattresses eco-friendly?
Many nontoxic mattresses also contain sustainable materials and are manufactured responsibly. However, not all companies that advertise nontoxic mattresses use eco-friendly processes or materials.
Researching brands and practices is key. Some mattress manufacturers provide sustainability reports or social responsibility statements, for example.
Learn about some of the best eco-friendly mattresses here.
The lifespan of a mattress is usually around 7 years. Some locations and companies offer mattress recycling. Also, some brands collect and recycle old mattresses for an additional fee when a person makes a purchase.
What other nontoxic bedding products are available?
Many nontoxic and organic bedding products are available, including pillows, bedsheets, and duvets.
Which mattress is the least toxic?
Mattresses with certifications such as GOTS, GOLS, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, and Greenguard Gold are the least toxic options.
Is memory foam toxic?
Some memory foams contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde, chlorofluorocarbons, TDI, and VOCs.
However, some have certifications that indicate reduced levels of harmful chemicals, if any. These certifications include GOTS, GOLS, CertiPUR-US, and Greenguard.
It is advisable to check descriptions for indications of efforts to reduce chemical exposure. If a mattress has no certification of low toxicity, it may contain potentially harmful chemicals.
Which mattress is the best for your health?
A person might consider two factors: the quality of their sleep and the level of exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Finding a mattress with the right firmness and features, such as cooling technology, can help improve sleep and overall health. GOTS, GOLS, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, and Greenguard Gold certifications indicate steps to reduce the toxicity of mattresses.
Anyone interested in a nontoxic mattress should look for certifications from independent testing authorities.
Nontoxic mattresses are generally free from chemical fire retardants and other potentially harmful compounds. They usually contain organic latex, cotton, or wool.