We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

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?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Eco-friendly mattresses do not feature materials or use production methods that harm the environment. They hold certifications that ensure they are free from toxic chemicals and substances and use organic materials.

Materials and all aspects of the production, delivery, and life cycle of the mattress have an environmental impact. An eco-friendly mattress is one that is not harmful to the environment.

Although there are no scientific or governmental guidelines for making a mattress eco-friendly, independent organizations provide certifications with thorough testing and regulations.

People can look for mattresses that use natural, organic fibers and materials. Manufacturers or growers of non-organic materials may have used pesticides, which can be toxic to the environment. Pesticides have a severe impact on the environment. They can pollute waterways and endanger many animal species.

According to the Mattress Recycling Council, people discard over 50,000 mattresses in the United States every day. Investing in a longer-lasting mattress may help to minimize waste.

A mattress that uses durable materials may last longer and avoid sagging. Natural latex has better durability than foam containing petroleum and is very resistant to dust mites and mold.

People can also look at the company’s social responsibility to see if they are taking other steps to protect the environment. Some companies may support charities or give back to the community in some way.

Certifications to look out for

People can look for the following certifications when choosing an eco-friendly mattress:

  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Products must contain 70–95% organic fibers, and production methods must meet specific environmental and social criteria.
  • Greenguard: The product has met third-party rigorous chemical emissions standards.
    • Greenguard Gold: Meets additional health-based criteria and requires a lower amount of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions than a standard Greenguard certification.
  • Oeko-Tex Standard 100: Ensures a textile product does not contain any substances that are harmful to human health.
  • CertiPUR-US: Foam must not contain certain harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and VOC emissions must be less than 0.5 parts per million.
  • Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): The product must contain over 95% certified organic raw latex from certified organic plantations.
  • eco-INSTITUT: The product has undergone testing to meet higher safety levels than is legally required for low emissions and pollution control.
  • Made Safe: Screens products for any toxic chemicals.
Was this helpful?

The table below summarizes which environmental certifications each mattress in this article holds.

GREEN
GUARD Gold
GOLSGOTSOEKO-TEX Standard 100eco-INSTITUTCertiPUR-USDonates to charity
Birch
Nature
pedic
PlushBeds
My Green Mattress
Brentwood Home
Avocado
Saatva
WinkBeds
Nolah
Spindle
Awara

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.

All prices are for queen-size mattresses.

Best environmental give-back: Birch Natural Mattress

  • Price: $2,123.80
  • Materials: wool, cotton, and talalay latex
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Sleep trial: 100 nights

Birch donates 1% of all its sales to the National Forest Foundation (NFF) to support reforestation, giving this mattress a unique environmental benefit over others.

It holds the GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS certifications, meaning that it is free from harmful chemicals and polyurethane. The mattress contains Eco-Institut-certified natural latex, a hypoallergenic and antimicrobial material, which may be beneficial for people with dust mite allergies.

It features individually wrapped coils that cradle the body and limit motion transfer, making it a suitable choice for couples. In addition, its natural wool fibers act as a flame retardant.

It is medium-firm, and Birch recommends it for all sleeping positions.

Pros

  • The mattress contains latex, which is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
  • It does not contain harsh chemicals.
  • It offers motion isolation.
  • It donates money to an environmental organization.

Cons

  • The mattress contains Talalay latex, so it may not suit people with a latex allergy.
  • It is an expensive option.
Was this helpful?

Best for hot sleepers: Naturepedic Chorus Mattress

  • Price: $1,999
  • Materials: organic cotton fabric and fill, wool batting, and synthetic fiber
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Sleep trial: 100 nights

Naturepedic offers this mattress for hot sleepers. It contains organic wool that draws moisture away from the body, and micro coils on top of its individually wrapped coil springs provide extra breathability and heat dissipation.

Naturepedic’s mattresses are free of polyurethane foam, synthetic flame barriers, and adhesives. The Chorus uses organic cotton fabric and fill, organic wool batting, and PLA, a plant-based synthetic fiber.

The mattress is:

  • GOTS certified
  • GREENGUARD Gold certified
  • Made Safe certified

This ensures the mattress does not contain toxic materials or chemicals, has low chemical and gas emissions, and that its production methods are fair to the environment and workers.

Naturepedic donates 1% of its annual income to environmental nonprofits. It also partners with Women’s Voices for the Earth, which aims to eliminate toxic chemicals from common products and has won awards from many other environmental organizations.

Pros

  • The mattress does not contain latex, making it suitable for those with a latex allergy.
  • It donates to and works with a range of different organizations.
  • It suits hot sleepers and promotes breathability.

Cons

  • Some customers claimed their mattresses had a strong chemical smell.
  • Some reviews raise concerns about durability.
  • It is expensive at almost $2,000.
Was this helpful?

Best for dual firmness: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress

  • Price: $2,949
  • Materials: organic latex and wool
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Sleep trial: 100 nights

PlushBeds offers medium and medium-firm firmness options for this organic latex mattress, which is antimicrobial, mold- and mildew-proof, and resistant to dust mites. It also comes in split sizes, meaning people can choose different firmnesses for each side. This may be ideal for couples with different firmness preferences.

PlushBeds claims it has recommendations from orthopedic specialists and chiropractors, and it boasts a wide range of environmental certifications, including:

The mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold-certified and contains:

  • GOTS-certified organic cotton cover to absorb moisture and allow airflow
  • GOTS-certified organic wool to regulate temperature
  • GOLS-certified organic latex for comfort and pressure relief

Pros

  • The mattress comes in two firmness and three thickness options.
  • It is antimicrobial and resistant to dust mites.
  • The company offers in-home setup.
  • It holds a wide range of environmental certifications.

Cons

  • The mattress is very heavy, according to reviews. A person may require additional help if they need to move it.
  • It may not be thick enough for those with a weight of more than 170 pounds (lb).
  • It is very expensive.
Was this helpful?

Best for all body types: My Green Mattress Natural Escape

  • Price: $1,699
  • Materials: organic wool, cotton, and latex
  • Warranty: 20 years
  • Sleep trial: 365 nights

This adhesive-free, medium-firm mattress from My Green Mattress is suitable for all body types and stomach, back, and side sleepers. The mattress can support a weight of up to 750 lb, and has a dedicated lumbar support region.

It features coil springs under a GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex layer. Its cover uses GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, which is naturally flame-retardant.

My Green Mattress has a certified organic factory.

Pros

  • The mattress is suitable for any body type and most sleep positions.
  • It can support up to 750 lb.
  • It has a dedicated lumbar support region.

Cons

  • It is unsuitable for people with a latex allergy.
  • According to reviews, the mattress sizing may not be very accurate. One customer wrote that their mattress was shorter than advertised.
  • People need to rotate it every 3–4 months to avoid body impressions.
Was this helpful?

Best for cooling gel foam: Brentwood Home Oceano Luxury Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $1,839
  • Materials: plant-based Tencel cover, organic wool, poly-silk fiber, and gel-infused BioFoam
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Sleep trial: 365 nights

Brentwood Home offers the Oceano mattress, a medium-soft hybrid mattress featuring cooling gel BioFoam and nine layers of various organic materials.

These include:

  • a plant-based Tencel fabric cover
  • CertiPUR-US certified Air Luxe foam
  • GOTS organic wool and cotton
  • poly-silk fiber
  • around 2,700 coils

The gel-infused memory foam keeps the body cool during sleep, so it may be a good option for those who sleep hot. The wool and poly-silk also help with temperature regulation and breathability.

In addition, the mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, and Brentwood Home works with Relief Bed to provide mattresses to homeless people.

Brentwood’s return policy includes a full refund if an individual decides to return it in good condition, and a person can also choose to donate it to those in need without affecting their refund amount.

Pros

  • Customers who wish to return their mattress can decide to donate it.
  • It keeps the body cool during sleep.
  • It contains plant-based fibers that come from eucalyptus trees. There are no chemical or synthetic fiber flame retardants involved.
  • The company offers a lengthy trial and warranty.

Cons

  • All sizes cost over $1,000.
  • Customers note that the mattress is very firm, which may not suit all sleep positions.
  • Some buyers report sagging in the middle of the mattress.
Was this helpful?

Best for hip pain: Avocado Green Mattress

  • Price: $1,999
  • Materials: organic latex, wool, and cotton
  • Warranty: 25 years
  • Sleep trial: 1 year

Avocado’s Green mattress contains organic latex, wool, and cotton alongside over 1,400 pocketed coils. It is free of toxic fire retardants and polyurethane foams.

The mattress helps reduce motion transfer, distribute weight, and support spinal alignment, and holds the following certifications:

  • GREENGUARD Gold
  • OEKO-TEX standard 100
  • eco-INSTITUT
  • Made Safe
  • Climate Neutral
  • GOLS
  • GOTS

The company donates 1% of its revenue to environmental nonprofits via 1% For The Planet.

Pros

  • According to reviews, the mattress helps reduce hip pain.
  • The company donates income to environmental organizations.
  • It holds a wide range of environmental certifications.
  • It has American Chiropractic Association endorsement.

Cons

  • It may not suit those with a latex allergy.
  • Some reviewers note that the mattress is very firm.
  • The returns process may take over a month.
  • It is very expensive at almost $2,000.
Was this helpful?

Best with breathable latex: Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $2,195
  • Materials: organic latex, wool, and cotton
  • Warranty: lifetime warranty
  • Sleep trial: 365 nights

This Saatva mattress has five layers, which include a hand-tufted, hypoallergenic cotton cover with a botanical antimicrobial treatment, an organic wool layer, and 3 inches of natural latex.

The wool is a natural flame retardant, and Saatva writes that the latex is resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites.

The GOLS-certified latex also includes ventilation pinholes to boost breathability, while a layer of recycled steel coils uses individual wrapping for enhanced firmness and less motion transfer.

Pros

  • The mattress comes with a hypoallergenic cover.
  • It contains breathable latex, which is mold, mildew, and dust mite-resistant.
  • It offers a lengthy warranty and sleep trial.

Cons

  • Some buyers found the mattress too firm.
  • Unsuitable for people with latex allergies.
  • A queen-size mattress costs over $2,000.
Was this helpful?

Best for combination sleepers: WinkBeds EcoCloud

  • Price: $1,999
  • Materials: Talalay latex and organic cotton
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Sleep trial: 120 nights

Winkbeds recommends its EcoCloud mattress for people who regularly switch sleeping positions overnight.

Its three layers include an organic cotton and New Zealand wool cover, perforated Talalay latex, and recycled steel coils. The latex and coils work together to provide zoned support, with firmer support in the lower back and lumbar region.

There is also an edge support system to help prevent sagging.

Winkbeds makes mattresses with the following certifications:

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100
  • GOTS
  • Rainforest Alliance
  • Eco Initiative

Pros

  • The mattress suits various sleeping positions.
  • It offers zoned support.
  • It can reduce motion transfer.
  • Winkbeds claims Talalay latex is extremely durable.

Cons

  • It is unsuitable for those with a latex allergy.
  • Some buyers found the latex too bouncy to reduce motion transfer.
  • Winkbeds offers a shorter sleep trial than other companies.
Was this helpful?

Best all foam: Nolah Original Mattress

  • Price: $1,449
  • Materials: AirFoam, Tencel
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Sleep trial: 120 nights

This 10-inch Nolah Natural mattress features four layers, including:

  • a cooling Tencel cover
  • AirFoam for breathability and pressure relief
  • High-resilience AirFoam for support and durability
  • a high-density foam foundation

The foam is CertiPUR-US certified. Although it does not include as many natural materials as other options, this all-foam mattress is a slightly more affordable pick. Nolah describes it as a versatile mattress that offers a balance between cooling, contouring, and durability.

Pros

  • It is more affordable than other options.
  • Its Talalay latex is reportedly very durable.
  • Winkbeds claims it is a versatile mattress that is cooling, supportive, and durable.

Cons

  • There is an extra charge for the hybrid option.
  • It does not use as wide a range of natural materials as other options.
  • Latex is unsuitable for those with a latex allergy.
Was this helpful?

Best for customizable firmness: Spindle Organic Latex Mattress

  • Price: $2,299.99
  • Materials: organic Dunlop latex, cotton, and wool
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sleep trial: 365 nights

This 10-inch thick Spindle mattress is unique in its customizability. People can change the firmness by taking out or adding layers at home. It comes with a soft, medium, and firm layer of latex.

It offers motion isolation, temperature regulation, and a bounce-back design.

All of the materials are organic with certifications such as GOTS, GOLS, and OEKO-TEX 100 Standard.

Should an individual decide this mattress is not for them, they can donate it to charity and get a full refund from Spindle.

Pros

  • The mattress comes with customizable firmness.
  • Individuals who wish to return their mattress can donate it to a charitable organization.
  • The mattress is responsive, so when a person changes position, it immediately goes back to its original shape.

Cons

  • If people take out layers, they must have space to store them.
  • Latex is unsuitable for those with a latex allergy.
  • It has a shorter warranty than other options.
Was this helpful?

Best for reducing motion transfer: Awara Premier Natural Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $1,799
  • Materials: organic Dunlop latex, cotton, and New Zealand wool
  • Warranty: lifetime
  • Sleep trial: 365 nights

Awara’s mattress contains Dunlop latex, cotton, New Zealand wool, and coils. It has a plush Euro top cotton and wool cover that brings warmth and moisture-wicking benefits, and 4 inches of Dunlop latex on top of the coil layer.

Awara writes that it boasts breathability, motion isolation, and contouring support.

The range of environmental certifications this mattress holds includes:

  • UL GREENGUARD Gold
  • Wools of New Zealand
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100
  • Repreve
  • Forest Stewardship Council

Pros

  • The mattress is suitable for couples, as it reduces motion transfer.
  • It offers a length warranty and sleep trial.
  • It has over 1,300 largely positive online reviews.

Cons

  • It is unsuitable for people with a latex allergy.
  • A number of buyers claim it does not feel durable.
  • Some locations incur a nonrefundable shipping fee. Most locations are free.
Was this helpful?

Below, we look at how the mattresses in this article compare.

PriceFirmnessMaterialsTrial periodWarranty
Birch$2,123.80medium-firm• wool
• cotton
• Talalay latex
100 nights25 years
Naturepedic$1,999medium• cotton
• wool
• PLA fiber
100 nights10 years
PlushBeds$2,949• medium
• medium-firm
• latex
• wool
100 nights25 years
My Green Mattress$1,699medium-firm• latex
• wool
• cotton
365 nights20 years
Brentwood Home$1,839medium-soft• Tencel
• wool
• poly-silk
• BioFoam
365 nights25 years
Avocado$1,999medium-firm• latex
• wool
• cotton
1 year25 years
Saatva$2,195firm• latex
• wool
• cotton
365 nightslifetime
WinkBeds$1,999medium• cotton
• Talalay latex
120 nightslifetime
Nolah$1,449medium-firm• AirFoam
• Tencel
120 nightslifetime
Spindle$2,299.99adjustable• Dunlop latex
• cotton
• wool
365 nights10 years
Awara$1,799medium-firm• Dunlop latex
• cotton
• wool
365 nightslifetime

Medical News Today’s methodology

MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:

  • Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
  • Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
  • Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
  • Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
  • Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
  • Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
  • Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
  • Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Was this helpful?

When looking for an environmentally friendly or nontoxic mattress, there is more to consider than the certifications the mattress holds. People may also wish to consider:

  • Cost: Many eco-friendly mattresses are expensive and may not suit those on a tight budget. However, people can use discounts from promotional campaigns to save money.
  • Warranty and returns: An extended warranty period and hassle-free returns are important benefits to consider. Some companies on this list offer a full refund or replacement during the entire warranty period, unlike others with conditional limitations.
  • Materials and certifications: Naturally, those looking for an eco-friendly mattress should ensure that all the layers align with this standard. Ideally, the mattress and company should have the necessary certifications, such as GOTS, to guarantee the material’s quality and source.
  • Firmness: Individuals should choose a mattress with the firmness they think is best for them. They can use sleep trials to make sure their chosen firmness is right for them.

To choose a genuinely eco-friendly mattress, people should avoid:

  • Greenwashing: This means that a company uses inaccurate claims about their product’s environmental impact, meaning they may use terms such as natural or eco-friendly to imply an eco-friendly brand without needing any evidence to back them up.
  • Polyurethane foam: It may contain harmful VOCs and toxic flame retardants
  • Products with first-party certifications: This means that a company has certified itself as eco-friendly. This may not be as reliable as third-party certifications.

Eco-friendly mattresses may provide greater health benefits than those using synthetic materials.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), mattresses that contain conventional materials, such as polyurethane, vinyl, PVC, and chemical flame retardants, may be harmful. These substances have a link to:

  • respiratory problems
  • cancer
  • hormone disruption
  • adversely affecting the immune system
  • damaging developing reproductive systems

Polyurethane may emit VOCs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs may cause:

  • headaches
  • irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
  • liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage

Crib and children’s mattresses may emit high VOC levels, which may cause significant health issues as infants sleep for a long time. These include:

  • nausea
  • liver damage
  • kidney damage
  • nose irritation
  • eye irritation

Chemical flame retardants may lead to a wide range of severe health problems, including cancer, hormone disruption, and impaired neurological development.

Below, we answer some of the top frequently asked questions about eco-friendly mattresses.

Which mattresses are eco-friendly?

Many mattresses offer an eco-friendly design, as they are free of harmful chemicals and hold the GOTS and GOLS certifications. These include:

Are there any nontoxic foam mattresses?

Yes, some companies sell nontoxic foam mattresses. Options include the Nolah Original, Avocado Green, and Brentwood Oceano mattresses.

What is an eco-friendly bed?

An eco-friendly bed will not include products that use synthetic and toxic chemicals. It will include pillows, bedding, and a mattress made from organic, natural materials that have been through safety tests, such as cotton, wool, and latex.

Is an Avocado mattress good for the environment?

Avocado focuses on being environmentally responsible. It uses a wide range of natural and organic materials and holds numerous certifications. It also donates a small percentage of its earnings to environmental organizations.

Choosing an eco-friendly mattress can help prevent harm to the environment, reduce waste, and may offer other health benefits.

People can choose an eco-friendly mattress by looking for organic, natural materials, third-party certifications, and the company’s environmental practices.