What we sleep on matters. We spend a third of our lives in bed, so the materials in your mattress and bedding directly affect your health and indoor air.
Most conventional mattresses are made with harmful chemicals like flame retardants, formaldehyde, and VOCs. These can off-gas while you sleep, affecting your breathing, skin, and long-term health. They also contribute to environmental pollution. Choosing a safe non-toxic mattress made with eco-friendly materials is one of the easiest ways to reduce your exposure.
It’s not just the mattress. Bedding like sheets, pillows, duvet covers, and comforters can also be treated with wrinkle-resistant chemicals and synthetic dyes that release toxins into your home. Many of these finishes are not disclosed on labels.
This guide explains what to avoid, what to look for, and how to choose a low-toxic mattress and sustainable bedding setup that’s safer for you and better for the environment.
Common Chemicals to Watch For (and Why They’re Used)
Understanding specific chemicals makes it easier to shop smarter. Here’s what to watch for, and why these substances are added in the first place:
Flame retardants – Added to reduce flammability, especially in foam. Many are linked to hormone disruption and can leach into the air over time.
Formaldehyde – Used in adhesives and to make fabrics wrinkle-resistant. Known to off-gas and cause irritation to the lungs, eyes, and skin.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Emitted from glues, foams, and synthetic materials. These affect indoor air quality and may cause headaches or breathing issues.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”) – Found in stain-, water-, or wrinkle-resistant treatments on bedding. These chemicals persist in the environment and can accumulate in the body.
Phthalates – Used to soften plastics in mattress covers or vinyl-backed bedding. Known endocrine disruptors.
Synthetic dyes and finishes – Often used in bright or printed sheets. May contain skin irritants or heavy metals.
Pesticide residues – Found in conventional cotton or wool. Exposure is common when the materials aren’t certified organic.
Certifications That Actually Mean Something (For Mattresses & Bedding)
When shopping for a safer mattress or bedding (like sheets, pillows, or duvet covers), these are the certifications that matter:
GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
For organic cotton or wool. It covers the entire process, from how the fiber was grown to how it was finished—no sketchy chemicals allowed.GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard)
For natural latex mattresses or pillow cores. It ensures the latex is organic, not blended with synthetics or treated with chemical additives.OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
Found on a lot of bedding. It tests the finished product for harmful substances—even if it’s not organic, it still meets strict safety limits.MADE SAFE®
Covers both bedding and some mattresses. It screens for thousands of known toxins, so you’re not sleeping on hidden chemicals.GREENGUARD Gold
Measures chemical emissions—especially helpful for mattresses or foam-based pillows. Low emissions = cleaner indoor air.
💡 Quick tip: If you don’t see any of these labels, it’s worth asking questions. Marketing words like “natural” or “eco” does’nt guarantee safety.
Top Picks: Safe Mattress & Eco-Friendly Bedding Brands
Now that you know what to avoid and what to look for, let’s get to the good part. Here’s a list of trusted brands that offer safe mattresses and eco-friendly bedding. These are brands doing it right—whether it’s using certified organic materials, skipping chemical treatments, or being fully transparent about what goes into their products.
* Each brand we share is carefully selected to support your journey toward healthier living spaces. Through our affiliate links, you can easily access products, allowing us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Labels & Certifications | CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam · CleanAir GOLD Certified
Best Seller | The Purple Mattress®
Products | Original Purple Mattress · Purple Plus® Mattress · Restore® Hybrid Collection · RejuvenatePremier™ Mattress · Pillows · Cushions · Bed frame.
Thickness & Firmness |
Original Purple Mattress: 9.25″ thick · Medium-firm
Purple Plus®: 11″ thick · Medium
Restore® Hybrid: 11.5″–13″ thick (varies by model) · Available in soft, medium, or firm
RejuvenatePremier™: 15″ thick · Medium-firm with plush top layer
Unique Features | Purple’s mattresses are renowned for their GelFlex® Grid, a proprietary hyper-elastic polymer that offers a unique combination of support and pressure relief. This grid adapts to your body, cradling pressure points while maintaining spinal alignment, and promotes airflow to keep you cool throughout the night.
The Restore® Hybrid Collection combines the GelFlex® Grid with individually wrapped coils, providing enhanced support and durability. The RejuvenatePremier™ Mattress adds a luxurious touch with its DreamLayer™ technology and advanced edge support system.
All Purple mattresses are made with CertiPUR-US® certified foam, ensuring they are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, heavy metals, and certain flame retardants. They also hold the CleanAir GOLD certification, meeting rigorous standards for indoor air quality.
Trial Period & Warranty | 100-night sleep trial · 10-year limited warranty
Price | Mid-to-luxury range ($1,399–$4,299))
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Organic (cotton, wool) · GOLS Organic (latex) · MADE SAFE® · GREENGUARD Gold · OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 · Climate Neutral Certified · FSC® Certified Wood
Best Seller | Avocado Green Mattress (Standard & Pillow-Top)
Products | Organic hybrid mattresses (Green, Vegan, Luxury, Eco Organic) · Latex mattresses · Mattress toppers · Organic pillows · Sheets · Mattress protectors
Unique Features | Avocado sets the gold standard for non-toxic, sustainable sleep. Every mattress is handcrafted in California using organic cotton, wool, and latex, with no polyurethane foams or chemical flame retardants. The Green Mattress uses up to 1,459 recycled steel coils for breathable, responsive support—ideal for reducing pressure without trapping heat.
All materials are certified to the highest standards, and construction is glue-free thanks to traditional hand-tufting. The Vegan Mattress replaces wool with organic cotton and is certified by PETA. Their entire process is Climate Neutral Certified and zero-waste, powered by renewable energy. Avocado is also a member of 1% for the Planet, donating a portion of every sale to environmental causes.
Thickness:
Standard: 11″
Pillow-top: 13″
Firmness:
Standard: Firm (7/10)
Pillow-top: Medium-firm (6/10)
Trial Period: 1-year (365-night sleep trial)
Warranty: 25 years
Price | Mid-to-luxury range ($1,399–$4,399, depending on size and model)
Labels & Certifications | GOLS Organic Latex · GOTS Organic Cotton · OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 · Fair For Life
Best Seller | Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Products | Organic latex mattresses · Latex mattress toppers · Organic cotton covers · Latex pillows
Unique Features | Sleep On Latex offers 100% natural latex mattresses and toppers, providing a firm, supportive feel that adapts to your body. The Pure Green topper is available in multiple thicknesses and firmness levels, allowing you to customize your sleep experience. Their latex foam is breathable and durable, maintaining its shape over time. The optional organic cotton covers add a soft, washable layer.
Mattress Thickness: 9 inches
Firmness Options: Soft, Medium, Firm
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial Period: 100 nights
Price | Mid-range ($159–$1,000+)
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Organic Cotton & Wool · GOLS Organic Latex · Cradle to Cradle GOLD (Talalay Latex) · FSC® Certified Wood · MADE SAFE®
Best Seller | Serenity Organic Latex Mattress
Products | Customizable organic latex mattresses (Serenity, Unity Pillowtop, Tranquility) · Innerspring mattresses (Earthspring™, SerenitySpring) · Latex-free mattresses (Pastoral) · Organic pillows · Mattress toppers · Organic cotton sheets · Duvet inserts · Mattress protectors
Unique Features | Savvy Rest offers a personalized sleep experience with their customizable mattresses, allowing you to choose the firmness of each layer and even customize each side for couples. The Serenity mattress, for instance, combines organic latex layers with organic wool and cotton casings, providing both comfort and peace of mind.
Their bedding products, including organic cotton sateen sheets and natural duvet inserts, are crafted with the same commitment to quality and sustainability. The sheets are made from fine, long-staple cotton, offering a smooth, soft finish that becomes cozier over time.
(Serenity Mattress)
Thickness: 10″ (customizable 3-layer design)
Firmness: Customizable (Soft, Medium, Firm – each layer can be selected separately; split firmness available for couples)
Trial Period: 90-night latex exchange (not full return)
Warranty: 20 years
Price | Mid-to-luxury range ($1,599–$3,299 for mattresses; $199–$299 for sheet sets)
Labels & Certifications | USDA Organic Cotton · GOTS Certified Organic Wool & Cotton · OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 · GOLS Organic Latex
Best Seller | Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress
Products | Organic futon mattresses · Shikibutons · Latex mattresses · Wool mattresses · Vegan mattresses · Organic cotton sheets · Wool and latex toppers · Organic pillows · Mattress protectors
Unique Features | The Futon Shop specializes in handcrafted, non-toxic sleep solutions made in San Francisco. Their Organic Cotton Shiki Futon Mattress offers a traditional Japanese sleeping experience, combining USDA organic cotton with PLA fiber derived from potatoes, providing a soft yet supportive surface.
Their bedding collection includes GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets and pillow sets, ensuring a chemical-free and breathable sleep environment. The wool and latex toppers add an extra layer of comfort, made from natural materials that regulate temperature and provide pressure relief.
For those seeking vegan options, The Futon Shop offers mattresses and bedding free from animal products, maintaining their commitment to sustainability and health.
(Shiki & Latex Mattresses)
Thickness: Varies by model
Shikibuton: ~3″–5″
Latex + hybrid futons: ~6″–10″
Firmness: Varies (Soft, Medium, Firm – all customizable based on layering)
Trial Period: No standard sleep trial; exchanges available for select items
Warranty: 7–15 years (depending on mattress type)
Price | Mid-range to luxury ($500–$2,000+ depending on product and customization)
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Organic Cotton · Fair Trade Certified™ · OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Best Seller | Signature Hemmed Sheet Set
Products | Organic cotton sheet sets, duvet covers, quilts, pillowcases, towels, and home décor
Unique Features | Boll & Branch elevates everyday luxury with their ultra-soft, 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton bedding. Their Signature Hemmed Sheet Set is renowned for its buttery feel and durability, thanks to a unique 4-over-1-under weave that becomes softer with each wash.
As the first Fair Trade Certified™ home textiles brand, Boll & Branch ensures ethical labor practices and safe working conditions throughout their supply chain. Their commitment to sustainability extends to using sea freight to reduce emissions and implementing water-efficient production methods that use 90% less water than conventional cotton.
Transparency is key: their “Origin Track” tool allows customers to trace products from farm to factory, reinforcing their dedication to ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.
Price | Luxury range ($229–$339 for sheet sets)
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Certified Organic Cotton · OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
Best Seller | Linen Sheet Set
Products | Linen Sheet Sets · Percale Sheet Sets · Sateen Sheet Sets · Brushed Cotton Sheet Sets · Duvet Covers · Comforters · Eco Mattress
Unique Features |. Parachute Home’s bedding is crafted in a family-owned factory in Portugal, ensuring high-quality production and ethical labor practices. Their linen sheets are made from 100% European flax and are garment-washed for a soft, lived-in feel from the first night. The percale sheets offer a crisp, cool touch, ideal for hot sleepers, while the sateen sheets provide a silky, smooth finish for a luxurious sleep experience.
The Eco Mattress is designed without foam, adhesives, or synthetic materials, featuring layers of pure New Zealand wool, 100% organic cotton, and pocketed steel coils for support. This mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, ensuring low emissions for healthier indoor air quality.
(Eco Mattress)
Thickness: 13″
Firmness: Medium-firm
Trial Period: 100-night sleep trial
Warranty: 10 years
Price |. Mid-range to luxury ($109–$1,899)
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Organic Cotton & Wool · GOLS Organic Latex · MADE SAFE® · EWG VERIFIED® · GREENGUARD Gold · FSC® Certified Wood
Best Seller | EOS Classic Organic Mattress
Products | Organic mattresses (EOS Series, Serenade, Chorus, Concerto) · Organic pillows · Sheets · Duvet inserts · Mattress protectors
Unique Features | Naturepedic is a trusted brand in organic sleep. Their EOS Classic lets you personalize comfort with adjustable firmness on each side—great for couples. Every layer is made with certified organic cotton, wool, and latex, and never includes flame retardants, polyurethane foam, or adhesives.
They also lead the pack when it comes to safer baby sleep. Their organic crib mattresses are some of the cleanest you can buy—firm, breathable, waterproof, and completely free of harmful chemicals. Each one is MADE SAFE® certified and designed to support proper development from day one.
Their adult bedding is just as thoughtful, with GOTS-certified organic cotton sheets and duvet inserts that feel soft, breathable, and toxin-free.
Mattress Type: Hybrid (Organic Latex + Pocketed Coils)
Firmness Options: Customizable (Soft to Firm)
Mattress Thickness: 12 inches
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Trial Period: 100 nights
Price | Mid-to-luxury range · Adult mattresses: $1,399–$4,299 · Organic crib mattresses: $269–$449 · Bedding: $199–$299 per set
10% off Sitewide + free shipping. Use CODE: NATUREPEDIC10.
Labels & Certifications | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 (bedding) · CertiPUR-US® (foam in select models) · Organic Cotton · Natural Talalay Latex · Recycled Steel Coils
Best Seller | Natural Hybrid Mattress
Products | Stone-washed linen and Egyptian cotton bedding ( duvet covers, sheet sets, quilts) · Natural Hybrid Mattress · Foam + hybrid mattress models
Unique Features | Blu Dot combines clean-lined, modern design with a serious focus on material safety. Their bedding—crafted in Portugal—is made from OEKO-TEX® certified linen and long-staple Egyptian cotton. That means it’s breathable, buttery-soft, and made without harmful chemicals, making it a solid choice for anyone sensitive to synthetics or VOCs.
Their Natural Hybrid Mattress is a standout. It’s built in the U.S. using certified organic cotton, Calamera wool, and natural Talalay latex—plus recycled steel coils for durable, supportive structure. There’s no polyurethane foam or chemical flame retardants, and the wool acts as a natural fire barrier. It’s a low-tox option that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or performance.
Everything is designed to last, from the handcrafted mattress layers to the tightly woven bedding. So if you’re after better air quality, natural materials, and sharp style? Blu Dot fits the bill.
(Natural Hybrid Mattress)
Thickness: 11.5″
Firmness: Medium-firm
Trial Period: 100-night sleep trial
Warranty: 10 years
Price | Mid-to-luxury range ($200+ for bedding, $1,795+ for mattresses)
Labels & Certifications | GOTS Organic Cotton & Wool · GOLS Organic Latex · GREENGUARD Gold · MADE SAFE® · Formaldehyde-Free Verified
Best Seller | Natural Escape Organic Mattress (Adults) · Emily Organic Crib Mattress (Infants) Kiwi kids mattress
Products | Organic hybrid mattresses (Natural Escape, Kiwi) · Latex-free innerspring mattresses (Pure Eco) · Organic crib mattresses (Emily) · Organic cotton sheets · Latex toppers · Pillows · Mattress protectors
Unique Features | My Green Mattress delivers handcrafted, certified organic sleep solutions at accessible prices. Their Natural Escape mattress combines GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, and a pocketed coil system for responsive support and breathability.
For infants, the Emily Organic Crib Mattress features a firm innerspring core, a layer of breathable GOLS-certified organic coconut coir, and a GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool cover, providing a safe, non-toxic sleep environment.
All mattresses are MADE SAFE® certified, ensuring they’re free from harmful chemicals, and GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions.
Mattress Type: Hybrid (Natural Latex + Pocketed Coils)
Firmness: Medium-Firm
Mattress Thickness: 11 inches
Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Trial Period: 365 nights
Ideal For: Individuals seeking pressure relief and support; great for back and stomach sleepers.
Price | Mid-range to luxury ($599–$1,299 for adult mattresses; $299 for crib mattresses)
Labels & Certifications |GOTS Organic Cotton & Wool · GOLS Organic Latex · GREENGUARD Gold · eco-INSTITUT · Control Union · Forest Stewardship Council
Best Seller | Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress (Adults) · Organic Kids Mattress (Children)
Products | Organic latex mattresses (Botanical Bliss, Natural Bliss, Eco Bliss) · Hybrid mattresses (Luxury Bliss, Signature Bliss) · Organic kids mattresses · Latex toppers · Organic pillows · Bedding accessories
Unique Features | PlushBeds offers a range of mattresses handcrafted in the USA, emphasizing organic and sustainable materials. The Botanical Bliss mattress is constructed with GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool, and is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions.
For children, the Organic Kids Mattress provides a safe and supportive sleep surface, free from harmful chemicals and designed with the same commitment to organic materials.
PlushBeds also offers customizable firmness levels and mattress heights, catering to individual sleep preferences. Their products are recognized for durability, comfort, and eco-friendly construction.
Mattress Type | 100% GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic cotton, and GOTS-certified organic wool
Firmness Options | Soft, Medium, Medium-Firm, Firm (customizable by layer)
Mattress Thickness | Available in 9″, 10″, or 12″ profiles
Available Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Trial Period | 100 nights
Price | Mid-to-luxury range ($1,199–$3,949 for adult mattresses; $699–$1,099 for kids mattresses)
Labels & Certifications | CertiPUR-US® Certified Foam · FSC® Certified Wood
Best Seller | Burrow Sleep Kit
Products | Sleep Kits (memory foam topper, cotton sheets, quilted blanket, pillow, eye mask) · Bed Frames · Mattresses
Unique Features | Burrow’s Sleep Kit transforms any sofa into a cozy sleeping space. It includes a 2-inch memory foam topper, breathable 100% cotton sheets, a quilted blanket, a soft pillow, and a light-blocking eye mask—all neatly packed into a compact storage bag. The memory foam provides balanced support, while the cotton bedding ensures comfort. The kit is machine washable (excluding the foam) and perfect for guests or travel.
Price | Mid-range ($299–$350)
How to Care for Your Non-Toxic Bedding
Wash regularly with gentle detergents
Choose fragrance-free, non-toxic laundry soap—no harsh chemicals or synthetic scents.Use cold or warm water (not hot)
Helps preserve organic fibers and natural dyes.Skip fabric softeners and dryer sheets
These often contain synthetic chemicals. Try wool dryer balls instead.Air-dry when possible
Sunlight can naturally freshen and disinfect your bedding.Store in a dry, breathable space
Avoid plastic bins. Use cotton or linen storage bags to prevent trapped moisture and mildew.
The Environmental Toll of Conventional Mattresses & Bedding
Most conventional mattresses are made with synthetic materials like polyurethane foam and polyester, which come from petroleum. A lot of bedding is made the same way—microfiber sheets, polyester-fill comforters, and chemically treated fabrics. These materials aren’t renewable, and making them takes a toll on the environment.
The chemical finishes used to make mattresses and bedding flame-resistant, wrinkle-free, or stain-repellent often release VOCs. These don’t just affect indoor air—they add to outdoor pollution too, starting in the factory and continuing long after the product is in your home.
Then there’s the waste. Mattresses and synthetic bedding don’t break down easily. Most end up in landfills, where they sit for years and release microplastics or toxic byproducts into the soil and water.
Eco-friendly mattresses and sustainable bedding are a better option. Materials like organic cotton, wool, and natural latex are renewable and break down more easily. They’re also made without as many harsh chemicals, which makes the whole process—start to finish—cleaner for the planet.
More Ways To Create Healthier Spaces
If you’re rethinking your mattress and bedding, it’s a great time to look at the bigger picture, too. The materials in your space—furniture, rugs, paint, even candles—can all affect how your home feels and how your body functions in it.
Here are a few helpful reads to guide you:
Small changes really can shift your whole environment. You don’t have to do it all at once, just start where it feels necessary first.
