9 Best Organic And Natural Latex Mattresses For 2025
AlsWell Blog editors endorse products we’ve personally researched, tested, and genuinely love. Learn more about our methodology and business model here.
If you’re looking for a natural latex mattress without harmful chemicals or off-gassing, we’ve ranked your top selections based on safety, comfort, and affordability.
We spend nearly a third of our lives resting and recharging, so isn’t it essential that we get the good night’s sleep we deserve? Most mattresses include chemicals, flame retardants, and other materials we can’t even begin to pronounce — but these all-natural latex mattresses will give you the refreshing rest you need, without any of the potentially harmful side effects.
Why consider a natural latex mattress?
If you’re new to natural latex, here’s the lowdown: Natural latex is made from the sap of a rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which makes it resistant to dust mites, mildew, and mold. Plus, it’s naturally hypoallergenic and doesn’t have any off-gassing, which is key for those who are sensitive to smells. And it’s worth the investment. While innerspring mattresses typically last less than ten years, natural latex mattresses can support our sleep — and our bodies — for up to 30 years. If you’re still not sold on the price point, you can watch Avocado’s process for harvesting latex and manufacturing mattresses (it’s fascinating!).
If you’re wondering if a natural latex mattress is the right fit for your sleep style, we asked Karl Shevick, Founder and CEO of Earthfoam. He says, “Natural latex mattresses, when done right, are great for anyone looking for a durable, comfortable, and safe option. Latex foam has a responsive feel that contours to your body but also provides support.”
What is the difference between natural and organic latex?
Our biggest concern when shopping for a latex mattress is avoiding synthetic latex made from petrochemicals. That means synthetic latex mattresses are not very eco-friendly or safe to sleep on — plus, they don’t offer as much support and breathability for you while you sleep. On the other hand, both natural and organic latex are safe for sleeping and offer a whole host of benefits. Organic latex adds another layer of ethical and eco-friendly security to your purchase. Organic certifications ensure the integrity of the soil that rubber trees grow in, and the protection of farmers and those involved in the production process. Both natural and organic latex tend to go hand in hand — all of the brands on this list use natural latex and the majority of them are also organic.
We’ve noted the relevant certifications below so you can easily see what you’re getting with each brand. To compare and contrast, follow Shevick’s advice: “If you want to support organic farmers and organic agriculture, you should look at GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified products. If you want to ensure that your products are safe, you should look for health and safety standards like Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Greenguard Gold, and Eco-Institut.” Shevick notes that he believes Oeko-Tex Standard 100 is the most comprehensive.
What is our review process?
Each brand on this list has been individually reviewed by one of our editors. Unlike other review sites, we bring these mattresses into our homes and sleep on them for months (sometimes years!) to see how they hold up and feel over time. Our top considerations are health and safety, comfort, environmental impact, durability, and long-term value. In addition to hands-on testing, we tour factories, investigate certifications, interview brands, scour online reviews, and survey our own readers for your preferences. We’ve got your back when it comes to finding the best organic, nontoxic, and natural mattresses for your home!
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Our criteria:
We’ve personally tested and researched the top natural and organic mattress brands — these are our picks for latex mattresses that use nontoxic materials at a range of price points. This piece is regularly updated with new favorites that meet the following criteria:
- ORGANIC | Each brand included in this guide is CertiPur-US certified, is made with organic materials, or offers mattresses free of harmful chemicals, VOCs, and heavy metals.
- COMFORT | We’ve prioritized brands that we’ve personally tested for the most comfortable and supportive sleep you can get.
- AFFORDABLE | We’ve included natural latex mattress brands that are affordable and offer payment plans, for flexibility and ease on your wallet.
- ECO-FRIENDLY & GIVE BACK | Each of these brands uses sustainably sourced materials that are low impact, give back to their communities, and are American-made. We also look for PFAS-free products, especially when it comes to the sleep space.
Whether you’re looking to do good for your health, the community, or the planet, these natural latex mattress brands have got you covered.
Looking for additional options? Check out our eco-friendly and organic mattress guide, and pair it with our favorite organic cotton sheets and nontoxic pillows!
Table of contents:
Best Overall: Plushbeds, $1,699
Best Natural Latex Hybrid: Birch, $2,124
Best For Combination Sleepers: Silk & Snow, $1,000
Best For Couples: Naturepedic, $3,999
Best Organic Latex Hybrid: Brentwood Home, $1,899
Best For Hot Sleepers: Avocado, $2,099
Best Firm Latex: Nolah, $2,099
Best 100% Latex Mattress: Earthfoam, $999
Most Affordable: Awara, $849
Which certifications ensure your latex mattress is natural and organic?
How to care for your natural latex mattress (and why they last longer!)
How does AlsWell Blog’s editorial team review mattresses?
1. PlushBeds
Best For | Our overall favorite
Organic Materials | GOLS-certified organic latex, 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton & wool, GREENGUARD GOLD certified
Mattress Type | Organic latex mattresses, organic pillowtop mattresses, vegan mattresses, hybrid mattresses, 4 comfort options
Features | Made in the USA, 100-night free trial, lifetime warranty, financing options
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split Queen, Split California King
Price | Queen starting at $1,699
Discounts Available | Save up to 50% off bedroom mattresses during PlushBeds’ Memorial Day Sale and receive $799 worth of bedding for $99, with mattress purchase, now through June 2nd — and save 25% off toppers, pillows, bedding, sofa mattresses and rv mattresses. For extra savings, use our exclusive code MEMORIAL100 to save $100 off your order, stackable with these mattress deals!
When it comes to natural and organic mattresses, PlushBeds leads the industry by a mile. The Botanical Bliss Mattress is no exception. It’s GREENGUARD Gold and Eco-Institut certified, comes with five layers of support comprised of organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool, and with your choice of thickness and firmness. And if nine inches isn’t enough, you can choose 10-inch and 12-inch options, too! This mattress is completely customizable, with options to adjust (even years later!). You can even choose the firmness level of both the right and left sides of your mattress, ranging from plush to extra firm. PlushBeds is so confident you’ll love your new bed, the brand offers a 100-day trial period and a lifetime warranty — plus free shipping and exchanges. PlushBeds is also GOLS and GOTS certified. The company gives back, too: The mattress company awards scholarships to students pursuing environmentally related degrees so that we can create a healthier, more eco-friendly future. comes with five layers of support comprised of organic latex, cotton, and wool, and with your choice of firmness. And if nine inches isn’t enough, you can choose 10-inch and 12-inch options, too!
Our Editor’s Review of PlushBeds
“Mostly, my first impression had me thinking about how fitting the company name is because of how, well, plush our mattress felt. The Signature Bliss mattress has a three-inch pillowtop made of GOLS certified organic latex, covered by GOTS certified organic cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk. Excuse me, cashmere? Nighty night. And this isn’t just super luxe, it also offers maximum pressure relief in the shoulder and hip areas which are notoriously problematic for side sleepers like me. Bliss!”
Kate Arceo, Community Manager [Read her full review]
2. Birch
Best For | Natural latex hybrid
Organic Materials | Organic cotton, natural wool fibers, natural latex
Mattress Type | GREENGUARD Gold Certified & OEKO-TEX certified Talalay latex
Features | Handmade in the USA, 100-night trial, 0% financing options, 25-year warranty
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price | Queen starting at $2,124
Discounts Available | Save 25% sitewide during Birch’s Memorial Day sale with code MEMDAY25 (and get two free pillows with mattress purchase)
Say bye-bye to chemicals — Birch Mattress sources its materials from nature, including sustainably-sheared wool, zero polyurethane-based foams, and — our favorite — natural latex for optimal support and breathability. Using 100% natural Talalay latex tapped from the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree (commonly grown in tropical regions, such as Southeast Asia), Birch closely monitors its plantations to ensure sustainable practices and consistent production. Moreover, the NYC-based company holds OEKO-TEX, Eco-Institute, and Rainforest Alliance certifications, and plants a tree for every mattress sold. Pair this mattress with a plush Birch pillow (also made from sustainable wool and natural latex) for the coziest and most conscious night of sleep.
Our Editor’s Review of Birch
“After months of sleeping on our Birch Luxe mattress, my husband and I are well-rested and clear on what we’ve missed out on all these years. We are delighted with this mattress; our 8 and 10-year-old daughters agree. […] This mattress helps me sleep better, so much so that I’ve gone from avoiding bedtime to looking forward to it. Now, I just have a more challenging time getting up. In addition to deeper, better-quality sleep, I’ve also noticed my body feels refreshed and ache-free. I also went from a restless side sleeper to a comfy combo sleeper — spending a good part of the night on my back and sans any pillow between my knees.”
Randi Donahue, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]
3. Silk & Snow
Best For | Combination sleepers
Organic Materials | GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, GOTS-certified wool
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid mattress
Features | Free shipping and returns, 365-night trial, 15-year warranty, made in Canada
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Price | Queen starting at $1,000
Discounts Available | Save up to $300 on select mattresses right now at Silk & Snow
Silk & Snow is a Canadian-owned home brand that has been focused on thoughtfully made sleep, bath, and furniture essentials since their start in 2017. All of the brand’s mattresses are carbon-neutral and produced locally in Canada in small batches. Plus, the brand is committed to charitable initiatives like veritree and True North Aid so your purchase isn’t only good for you — it’s good for the globe. For their S&S Organic Mattress, Silk & Snow uses GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and GOTS-certified wool wrapped around durable pocketed spring coils. Whether you opt for firm, medium firm, or plush, this organic hybrid is super supportive and offers an alternative to the “sinking feeling” of memory foam. The brand is also OKEO-TEX certified, and their mattresses are tested by the Eco-Institut to ensure you’re not sleeping with any harsh or harmful chemicals. At checkout, you can choose between a free bedding gift, set of pillows, or additional cash off your mattress purchase.
Our Editor’s Review of Silk & Snow
“Silk & Snow’s Organic mattress is exactly the upgrade I needed to help me get the full night of sleep I’d been craving for so long. As a combination sleeper that shares a bed with my partner, I found this organic latex hybrid mattress nicely breathable and scent-free, with limited motion transfer. It provides the perfect balance of cushion and support for a refreshing night of sleep every single night!“
Silsila Bahrami, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]
4. Naturepedic
Best For | Couples
Organic Materials | GOTS-certified latex, USDA-certified organic cotton fill & fabrics, organic wool batting
Mattress Type | Natural latex mattress
Features | Made in the USA, free shipping & returns, 100-night trial, 25-year limited warranty
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Price | Queen starting at $3,999
Discounts Available | Save 20% sitewide during Naturepedic’s Memorial Day sale, no code needed
For a mattress that’s completely customizable, with options to adjust (even years later!) try Naturepedic’s EOS Trilux Organic Latex Mattress. Choose the firmness level of both the right and left sides of your mattress, ranging from plush to extra firm, including the height of the foundation. You’ll have 100 nights to test out your selections, and either switch it up or free within this time frame or adjust as needed for a fee in the years ahead! Each mattress is made of 3 layers of 3” latex, and is 100% GOTS-certified with no added chemicals. With features like this, this Naturepedic mattress is sure to last you a lifetime. Financing is available.
Our Editor’s Review of Naturepedic
“As a hot sleeper, this is a perfect mattress option because of its certified organic latex, made from high-quality, breathable natural materials that help circulate airflow and keep you cool all night long. The natural latex also is a great choice if you’re a back sleeper, need a hypoallergenic choice, or want a mattress that will last a long time (latex is very durable). And if you and your partner have different mattress preferences, Naturepedic’s customizable options are a way for you to each cater to your mattress needs with an organic, nontoxic mattress.”
Brianna Schubert, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]
5. Brentwood Home
Best For | Organic latex hybrid mattress
Organic Materials | GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, upcycled denim scraps, natural hemp
Mattress Type | Hybrid latex mattress
Features | Handmade in the USA, free shipping & returns, 30-day adjustment period, 25-year limited warranty, in-home delivery & setup
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Price | Queen starting at $1,899
Discounts Available | During Brentwood Home’s Memorial Day sale this May, you can save 10% on mattresses when you use code HONOR10
Affordable meets luxury meets sustainable with Brentwood Home’s hybrid latex mattress. Upcycled scrap denim makes up the base layer of this mattress, while an organic hemp pad and a plush wool layer offer comfort and natural thermoregulation. Brentwood Home’s commitment to recycling and reducing waste makes this mattress one of the most eco-friendly ones on our list! Even with these added sustainable features, don’t be fooled! This mattress performs. Made with a GOLS-certified organic latex core and an ActivEdge™ Quantum® Edge Coil Unit, these elements provide optimal spinal support at all points of the mattress. Try it out and catch those Zzzs.
Our Editor’s Review of Brentwood
“Setting up this mattress in my guest room felt like a true adulting win — no more apologizing for lumpy air mattresses or tossing an extra blanket on the couch. Now, my friends and family have a real bed to sink into, and the feedback has already been glowing. My mom and a close friend have both stayed over, and each raved about how comfortable it is — knowing my guests are well-rested makes me so happy as a host. The Crystal Cove Flippable Mattress is a total winner if you’re searching for a guest bed (or even your own!) that’s nontoxic, supportive, and adaptable for different sleep styles. It’s a little slice of luxury, packed with thoughtful design and comfort — and honestly? I’m seriously considering getting one for my room now.”
Kayti Christian, Senior Content Strategist [Read her full review]
6. Avocado
Best For | Hot sleepers
Organic Materials | 100% GOTS organic certified cotton & wool, 100% GOLS certified organic latex
Mattress Type | Natural hybrid
Features | Handmade in the USA, 100-night free trial, 25-year warranty, vegan certified mattresses available
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price | Queen starting at $2,099
Discounts Available | Save 10% sitewide during Avocado’s Memorial Day sale, no code needed!
Avocado is setting a new standard for sleep with affordable yet deluxe natural mattresses. Crafted with 100 percent natural and organic materials and up to 1,414 support coils, each mattress is made on demand in California. Avocado’s mattresses are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, a certification that less than one percent of all mattresses earn. This certification ensures a product has met some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low chemical emissions. The company has a line of vegan mattresses as well. As members of 1% for the Planet, the brand actively gives back to support urgent environmental and social initiatives.
Our Editor’s Review of Avocado
“After years of testing dozens of mattresses (whether for just a night or a whole year!), I have found Avocado’s Eco Organic mattress to be the best organic mattress you can get for the price. The organic wool padding and organic cotton shell don’t get too hot or too cold — and organic latex means minimal motion transfer, while maintaining the cushy bounce-feeling of springs. (All the organic materials are certified, too!) The mattress feels sturdy and is premium quality — no shortcuts here.”
Emily McGowan, Editorial Director [Read her full review]
7. Nolah
Best For | Firm latex
Organic Materials | OEKO-TEX 100 Class 1 certified Talalay latex, GOTS certified organic cotton and wool, Eco-Institut certified latex
Mattress Type | Natural Talalay latex hybrid mattress
Features | Designed and assembled in the USA, designed for maximum airflow and cooling, targeted support and pressure relief, Rainforest Alliance Certified
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Price | Queen starting at $2,099
Discounts Available | Nolah’s biggest sale of the season is here — save 35% off sitewide, including their complete collection of premium mattresses designed and assembled in the USA
Keeping cool and supported all year round is the name of the game with Nolah’s Natural 11” latex mattress. One of the most affordable brands on our list, we especially love how you don’t have to pay a premium for a certified natural (and responsibly made) mattress. By using Talalay latex instead of Dunlop and incorporating HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ individually wrapped coils for targeted relief, the mattresses are well known for being an optimal choice for folks with back and shoulder pain. Whether you need targeted support or a breathable bed, you can count on Nolah! Reviewers are especially surprised by how efficiently the mattress ships — Nolah packs a lot of quality mattress into a manageable box.
Our Editor’s Review of Nolah
“I’ve spent two months sleeping on the Nolah Natural with my partner. After switching to this firm, organic latex hybrid mattress, we noticed deeper, higher-quality sleep from the very first night. (That even includes more vivid dreaming!) We were excited to give a sustainable, low-VOC, mattress a try and kick out so many of the harmful chemicals that are in a lot of standard mattresses. While this mattress is on the firmer and heavier side, it’s a circadian game changer, and it’s better for our bodies and the planet.“
Jamie Kahn, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]
8. Earthfoam
Best For | 100% latex mattress
Organic Materials | GOTS-certified organic wool & cotton, organic natural foam rubber, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 natural latex
Mattress Type | Natural foam rubber mattress
Features | Free shipping & returns, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty, assembled in the USA
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price | Queen starting at $999
Earthfoam’s organic foam rubber mattress will have you sleeping soundly with its comfy, yet firm design. This dreamy mattress is made from natural rubber sourced from independent farms in Sri Lanka, organic cotton, and organic New Zealand wool. The foam-making process is one you might not expect, with milky sap being extracted from a rubber tree to then be spun, mixed with compounds, and finally baked into soft and durable foam for mattresses. Earthfoam’s mattresses are cooling and temperature-regulated, with the addition of the wool layer between the foam and cotton cover that’s collected from certified organic farms in New Zealand. When put together, you’re left with Earthfoam’s springy, supportive, and safe mattress.
Our Editor’s Review of Earthfoam
“On a scale of one to 10, one being ultra-plush and 10 being rock hard, I’d put this mattress at a 6.5 or 7. It’s on the firm side of medium, but I found it perfect for my preferences (although my partner slightly disagrees — he likes a softer mattress, so this was a bit firm for him). This is the first pure latex mattress I’ve slept on, and I was worried it would feel like memory foam (which I’m not a fan of) — but it didn’t. Unlike memory foam, latex springs back into place instantly, feeling both more supportive and more comfy IMO. But like memory foam, latex provides more motion isolation than innerspring mattresses do. I could hardly feel it when my partner would roll over next to me. In terms of temperature regulation, I found myself waking up neither hot nor cold each morning on the Earthfoam. That’s a win in my book since I’m so often one or the other.”
Natalie Gale, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]
9. Awara
Best For | Most affordable
Organic Materials | GOLS Certified organic latex, GOTS Certified wool, OEKO-TEX and GREENGUARD Gold Certified materials, Repreve Certified materials
Mattress Type | Organic hybrid
Features | 365-night trial, lifetime warranty, free shipping
Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price | Queen starting at $849
Discounts Available | Save up to 50% off mattresses during Awara’s Memorial Day sale
Purchasing a quality mattress is an investment, and it can feel like a daunting decision. But Awara makes it easy to take the leap with a 365-night trial, premium customer service, and a forever warranty. We love Awara’s natural luxury hybrid mattress for its breathability and organic components, as well as the nine-inch contouring support core for pressure relief. It’s firm yet plush, and we feel confident the mattress is supporting our bodies and aiding in a healthy night’s sleep. Its ability to keep hot sleepers cool at night is outstanding (hello, fellow sweaty sleepers! 👋), the latex is breathable and the coils boost airflow. The mattress comes straight to your door in a cardboard box, and it’s as easy as rolling it out and using the fabric handles to place it on your bed frame for a supremely cool and comfortable night’s sleep.
Our Editor’s Review of Awara
“I like a firm mattress, so the Awara mattress was perfect for me. It had just enough give (admittedly, I did do a bounce test and it passed with flying colors) while retaining its shape. I’ve been a tosser and turner my whole life, but I slept like a stone on my Awara. From someone who has been called a restless sleeper by everyone I have shared a bed with, this was a monumental achievement. If you prefer an ultra-plush feel, you might find the Awara too firm, even after you’ve slept on it for weeks or months. But for hot sleepers, I can’t recommend the Awara mattress enough. Is this how everyone else has been living during hot summers? I can’t believe cool sleepers have been gatekeeping this from me my whole life.”
Langa Chinyoka, Contributing Editor [Read her full review]
Which certifications ensure your latex mattress is natural and organic?
While there are a range of natural materials that offer nontoxic sleep, we look for brands that carry additional certifications to ensure their mattresses are as safe as they claim to be. Here are the certifications we look for when it comes to organic and natural latex mattresses.
- GOTS Certified: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the gold standard for organic cotton, wool, and other textile components. Only textile products made from 95% certified organic raw materials can become GOTS Certified. There are also stringent worker protections that ban exposure to toxic chemicals and child or forced labor. Because GOTS rigorous certification requires both environmental and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain, it is the gold standard for ensuring health and safety.
- GOLS Certified: The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) ensures that the latex in your mattress (and pillows) contains more than 95% of certified organic raw material. Similar to GOTS, GOLS also requires both environmental and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain.
- MADE SAFE: MADE SAFE is a nontoxic certification for everyday products, like mattresses, bedding, and skincare. This certification is extremely stringent, and every product is screened to validate that over 6,500 substances on the banned and restricted list have been avoided or constrained, eliminating the worst hazards commonly found in products used in our homes and daily routines.
- GREENGUARD Certified: A GREENGUARD Certification means that your mattress meets some of the world’s most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. GREENGUARD Gold certification ensures the lowest emissions and off-gassing (making it especially good for folks who might be extra sensitive).
- OEKO-TEX Certified: OEKO-TEX is a consistent, independent testing and certification system that ensures every component in a mattress is free from harmful substances (from raw materials to the final product).
- CertiPUR-US: While CertiPUR-US doesn’t consider organic or natural materials, it does set a nontoxic standard for the flexible polyurethane foam used in many hybrid and memory foam mattresses. This certification ensures that foams meet safety standards and are made without ozone depleters, flame retardants, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and phthalates, and have low VOC emissions.
- B Corporation: B Corporations meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Organizations must be verified through B Lab, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring a fair and sustainable global economy to become a B Corp.
- Climate Neutral Certified: Climate Neutral Certified brands measure and offset their entire carbon footprint and implement plans to reduce future emissions — we look for these when searching for more sustainable options. Some companies even claim to be carbon-negative by removing more carbon than they emit, although that is not an official certification.
- Fair Trade Certification: One of the most rigorous social standards, the Fair Trade certification means that materials are sourced ethically and workers are paid fair wages.
- USDA Certified Organic: The USDA Organic seal assures consumers that raw materials like cotton or wool are 95% or more organic. This seal does not cover any chemicals used in the production process — or the entire mattress like GOTS does.
- eco-INSTITUT Certification: The eco-INSTITUT label is awarded to mattresses that have been tested for harmful substances, odors, and emissions in order to ensure healthier indoor air quality.
- PETA-Approved Vegan: The PETA-Approved Vegan certification assures shoppers that no animal products were used in the manufacturing process (such as wool, down, or leather). Many organizations offer other vegan certifications, too, like the Vegan Action certification. Just make sure that the entire mattress is vegan — not just a handful of the components.
- 1% for the Planet: Members of 1% for the Planet donate 1% of annual sales to environmental causes, which is a bonus when we’re looking for sustainable bedding options.
What are common harmful substances found in traditional mattresses?
While you can find more affordable mattresses than the options on this list, it’s important to recognize that not all mattresses are created equal. Most conventional mattresses available online and in-store contain harmful substances that impact your home’s air quality as well as your health with chronic, long-term exposure. Here are a few to look out for:
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are gasses emitted from certain solids or liquids, including many synthetic materials used in mattresses. (They’re also common in paints!) VOCs have health impacts ranging from mild irritation and nausea to liver, kidney, and central nervous system damage. Some VOCs are even known carcinogens.
- Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals used in some mattresses and furniture for their water and stain-resistant properties. Research on these “forever chemicals” by the CDC and the EPA has linked PFAS to liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, high cholesterol, obesity, hormone suppression, and cancer.
- Chemical flame retardants, like brominated or halogenated flame retardants, are added to mattresses to ensure they meet fire safety standards. These flame retardants have been linked to health issues such as endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental issues, and cancer, especially in vulnerable populations like infants or the elderly.
- Fiberglass is used in some mattresses as an inexpensive flame retardant, but fiberglass fibers can be released into the air and environment if the mattress cover is removed or torn. Aside from short-term irritation, chronic inhalation of fiberglass can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis.
- Polyurethane is a commonly used foam in mattresses, but it can release VOCs through off-gassing. (That new mattress smell? It might be the polyurethane!) This can cause respiratory irritation and headaches, and some research suggests potential endocrine disruption.
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing is the term for when a company pretends to be more environmentally friendly — or nontoxic — than they really are, usually through misleading marketing language. This is particularly prevalent in the mattress world, so our reviews focus only on brands that have trusted third-party certifications like the ones listed above. Not every mattress will be perfect, but when it comes to such big investments in our daily routines and wellbeing, we want to know that the brands are accountable to outside sources for their claims about nontoxic materials and sustainable production.
How to care for your natural latex mattress (and why they last longer!)
We asked the expert, Karl Shevick, Founder and CEO of Earthfoam, about how to care for your latex mattress. He advised us that latex is generally low maintenance — and because of its durability, latex mattresses will last a long time without needing to be turned. But, note that: “[O]rganic latex mattresses are often made with wool, which requires special attention when cleaning to avoid damage.”
How long will an organic latex mattress last?
Standard mattresses have a 7–10 year lifespan, but many organic options on our list feature lifespans of 25 years and longer! Some even offer lifetime warranties; that’s how deeply the brand stands behind their product. Review each brand’s recommendations for how frequently to replace your mattress, but know that generally, the higher the investment, the longer the mattress should last.
Shevick says, “We commonly hear from customers who have had latex mattresses that last 30 years or more. I’ve been sleeping on one that we made for over 10 years. I still look forward to getting back to it every time I’m on the road.”
How does AlsWell Blog’s editorial team review mattresses?
AlsWell Blog’s editors are a diverse team of writers and sustainable product enthusiasts who offer trusted brand recommendations based on our own hands-on testing and extensive research of third-party verifications, certifications, and accreditations. We rigorously test the products featured in our guides so we can provide you with sincere recommendations that meet our standards for sustainability and health.
We’ve slept on mattresses from these brands for over ten years, and have recommended them to friends and family based on our own experience. Additionally, we’ve met with the teams of each and every brand — often the founders and makers of the mattresses — and even toured massive mattress manufacturing facilities to see just how each mattress is made. We’re especially proud to be able to offer direct feedback to each brand to push their sustainability and nontoxic certifications further to ensure our readers can *actually* get a healthier night’s sleep.
We’ve also personally tested and reviewed the best organic bedding brands, including mattress toppers, protectors, and pillows, so you can make the most informed decision. If you have any questions or are in search of a recommendation, drop a note in the comments and we’ll point you in the right direction!
