WHAT IS A NON-TOXIC MATTRESS?
A non-toxic mattress is made without the use of toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the health of the people who use it, the folks who made it, and the environment. Although most mattresses today are made with petrochemicals, chemical adhesives, chemical dyes, and flame retardants with known toxicity, affordable non-toxic mattresses do exist. Evaluating brands, however, is no easy task. A real non-toxic mattress will use natural materials, be certified organic by the Global Organic Textile Standard, and have third-party certifications that screen and test for the presence of known toxic chemicals and unsafe chemical emissions. A non-toxic mattress will never use polyurethane foams, memory foams, flame retardants, or fire socks, and will be needle-tufted rather than glued.
HEALTH RISKS FROM PETROCHEMICALS IN POLYURETHANE FOAM
Is your mattress making you sick? EPA research shows indoor air is 5 times more polluted than outside air. That's because most mattresses are made with petroleum-based polyurethane foams and memory foams. These are often paired with chemical adhesives and flame retardants, which together can emit chemical odors (known as “off-gassing”) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Over time, this can contribute to unhealthy indoor air quality and impact physical and mental health.
TOXIC CHEMICAL FLAME RETARDANTS AND FIRE BARRIERS
Mattresses sold in the U.S. must meet federal flammability safety standards. The idea is good. But to pass, most mattresses use chemical flame retardants, which can cause cancer, fertility issues, genetic defects, hormonal imbalance, and reduced thyroid and liver function. Other brands use synthetic fire socks made of kevlar, low-melt polyester, or fiberglass. These flame retardants and synthetic materials contribute to unsafe volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polluted indoor air.
TOXIC CHEMICALS, PESTICIDES, AND INSECTICIDES
Research shows that even limited exposure to pesticides and herbicides can increase the risk of cancer in children and adults. Even in a “natural” mattress, there can be hidden risks for uninformed consumers. Conventional cotton, for example, is one of the world's most polluted crops. The comfort layers may use conventional wool, which can be processed and cleaned with a wide variety of harsh and toxic chemicals, or mixed with flame retarding fibers. And foam layers made with conventional latex are sourced from trees grown with pesticides and insecticides and processed with a variety of toxic chemicals. None of this is disclosed on a mattress legal label.
GREENWASHING AND MISLEADING CLAIMS
The FTC's Green Guides provide a clear standard for environmental claims. Marketers who claim their product is non-toxic need competent and reliable scientific evidence that the product is safe for both people and the environment. Yet too many brands suggest in their claims and use of certification seals that their mattresses are non-toxic, green, and healthy simply because of the presence of a natural material. Certifications and seals for specific materials can be misleading.
LOOK FOR CERTIFICATIONS THAT APPLY TO THE WHOLE MATTRESS
MADE SAFE® IS THE BEST NON-TOXIC MATTRESS CERTIFICATION IN AMERICA, SCREENING FOR MORE THAN 6,500 KNOWN CHEMICAL TOXINS
MADE SAFE® is the first comprehensive human health and ecosystem-focused certification for non-toxic products, to include mattresses and bedding. The MADE SAFE® certification is the highest bar in the industry, screening against 6,500 known and suspected harmful chemicals. The MADE SAFE® non-toxic seal means the finished mattress and all of its materials are safe for humans and ecosystems. There is no acceptable limit of toxins. If any of the 6,500 toxins are present, it does not pass. MADE SAFE® means “toxin free.” That's why it's the highest standard for any mattress. Avocado is one of only three mattress brands in the world to achieve the MADE SAFE® non-toxic seal. The following is conversation with MADE SAFE® CEO, Amy Ziff, about the certification and review process:
GOTS & GOLS ORGANIC
NON-TOXIC STANDARD: GREAT
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the leading organic standard in the world, recognized by the USDA. It ensures processes are organic from the farm to the finished product. It's the best standard for organic, but it can be confusing when used to consider toxicity. That’s because GOTS can apply to just the factory or a single material, as well as the finished product. When in doubt, use the GOTS public database to look up brands. If you don’t see the mattress listed as a finished product next to the brand, the mattress is not certified. As for GOLS, it's essential as well, but only applies to latex. Avocado mattresses are GOTS certified organic and use GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex (CU863637).
FORMALDEHYDE-FREE CLAIM VERIFIED
NON-TOXIC STANDARD: GREAT
The polyurethane foams, adhesives, and flame retardants used in a mattress often contain formaldehyde — exposure to which is known to cause adverse health effects. The Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification by UL Environment is given to products that have passed lab tests for emissions. These standards are higher than the acceptable limits set by the GREENGUARD Gold certification. That's why Avocado is one of only two mattress brands in America to earn the Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification Seal.
GREENGUARD GOLD FOR SAFE EMISSIONS
NON-TOXIC STANDARD: GOOD
The GREENGUARD Gold certification means the finished mattress meets the world’s most rigorous emissions standards for chemical exposure and pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It's the result of a prolonged test in an environmental chamber at UL Labs. However, it does not test what's inside the mattress, only what emissions come out of it over time. The most value is obtained when this standard is used in concert with MADE SAFE® and/or GOTS for a finished product. Every Avocado mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified.
STANDARD 100
BY OEKO-TEX®
NON-TOXIC STANDARD: GOOD
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® tests for fewer chemicals and banned substances than MADE SAFE® and generally only applies to the materials, rather than the whole mattress. Even so, its presence with other whole mattress certifications does buttress non-toxic mattress claims. Avocado uses organic certified latex, cotton, and wool that have received STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®: Class 1 certification (19.0.79546, 19.HIN.68466 & 15.HIN.75800, Hohenstein HTTI).
OUR NON-TOXIC MATTRESSES
GREEN MATTRESS
Non-Toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156318), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, and 1,414 coils made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress, made in Los Angeles. Two firmnesses: standard medium and gentle-fIrm pillow-top. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, & California king. Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranties.
ECO ORGANIC MATTRESS
Non-Toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156318), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton. Design: Hybrid latex mattress, made in Los Angeles. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, & California king. Assurances: 100 night sleep trial, 10-year limited warranties.
VEGAN MATTRESS
Non-toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Vegan Certified, PETA approved, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, and 1,414 coils made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress, made in Los Angeles. Two firmnesses: standard medium and gentle-fIrm pillow-top. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, & California king Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
LATEX MATTRESS
Non-Toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, and patented zoned latex. No springs. Design: Latex mattress, handmade in Los Angeles. Two firmnesses: standard medium and gentle-fIrm pillow-top. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, & California king. Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
VEGAN LATEX MATTRESS
Non-toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Vegan Certified, PETA approved, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic cotton, and patented zoned latex. No wool or springs. Design: Latex mattress, handmade in Los Angeles. Two firmnesses: standard medium and gentle-fIrm pillow-top. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, & California king. Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
ORGANIC LUXURY
PLUSH MATTRESS
Non-Toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: Organic Cotton Standard (OCS), GOTS (materials), GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 21 layers of 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS wool and cotton, and natural mohair, silk, flax, plus 3,136 springs made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress, handmade in Los Angeles. Two firmnesses: medium soft and soft pillow-top. Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, & California king. Assurances: 1-year trial, 25-year warranty.
GREEN CRIB MATTRESS
Non-Toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, and 1,414 springs made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress, handmade in Los Angeles. Two firmnesses: standard medium and gentle-fIrm pillow-top. Sizes: Standard Toddler / Crib. Assurances: 30-night sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
LUXURY ORGANIC CRIB MATTRESS
Non-Toxic Mattress & Sustainability Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance®, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 100% GOLS organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, plus 170 ultra-premium cotton-wrapped coils. Design: Dual-sided, one for infants and one for toddlers. Sizes: Standard Toddler / Crib. Assurances: 30-night sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.