WHAT IS A NON-TOXIC MATTRESS?
A non-toxic mattress is safer for the environment and your health because it minimizes the presence of harmful chemicals, which improves indoor air quality and promotes healthier sleep environments. These mattresses often prioritize using organic and natural materials, such as certified organic latex, cotton, and wool, which are certified to standards such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). They avoid polyurethane foam, memory foam, flame retardants, or fire socks, all of which can release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that may impact indoor air quality. They minimize the use of chemical adhesives. Most importantly, they rely on certifications such as OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, MADE SAFE, EWG, Greenguard Gold, and the Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification to indicate that the mattress has been screened and tested for levels of harmful chemicals.
HEALTH RISKS
Are you concerned about what's in your mattress? According to the EPA, indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, partly due to common household products and furnishings. Many mattresses contain petrochemical-based polyurethane and memory foam, which, along with chemical adhesives and flame retardants, can emit odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While these emissions can affect indoor air quality, it’s important to note that the impact on health can vary. Choosing products with certifications that limit the use of harmful chemicals may help improve indoor air quality and potentially reduce exposure to these substances.
FLAME RETARDANTS
In the U.S., mattresses must meet flammability standards, often through chemical flame retardants. Research links long-term exposure to some retardants with health issues like hormonal imbalances and reduced thyroid and liver function. Some manufacturers use synthetic fire barriers like Kevlar, polyester, or fiberglass, which can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affecting indoor air quality. For safer options, choose mattresses with clear material disclosures and certifications for lower chemical use.
TOXIC CHEMICALS
Research suggests a potential link between exposure to pesticides and herbicides and increased cancer risk, though the specific risks from items like mattresses are not well-defined. Even "natural" mattresses can contain problematic materials, such as conventional cotton treated with pesticides, wool processed with harsh chemicals, and latex foam from rubber trees treated with pesticides and other chemicals. These details are often not disclosed on mattress labels. Consumers concerned about chemical exposure should seek certified products that indicate reduced chemical use.
GREENWASHING
The FTC's Green Guides offer clear standards for environmental marketing claims. They require that marketers who promote their products as non-toxic provide competent and reliable scientific evidence to support that their products are safe for both people and the environment. However, customers should be cautious, as some brands might label their mattresses as non-toxic, green, or healthy based merely on the inclusion of some natural materials. This can be misleading if the presence of natural materials does not significantly impact the overall environmental and health safety of the product. Consumers are advised to research products thoroughly and look for transparent and comprehensive information about the materials and processes used.
LOOK FOR CERTIFICATIONS THAT APPLY TO THE WHOLE MATTRESS
MADE SAFE® SCREENS FOR MORE THAN 6,500 KNOWN CHEMICAL TOXINS
MADE SAFE® screens against 6,500 known and suspected harmful chemicals. The MADE SAFE® seal means the finished mattress and its materials have been screened against chemicals known to be harmful to humans and ecosystems. The following is a conversation with MADE SAFE® CEO Amy Ziff about the certification and review process:
GOTS & GOLS CERTIFIED ORGANIC
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is a leading organic standard, recognized by the USDA. It ensures processes are organic from the farm to the finished product. 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 CERTIFIED
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 been screened to be free from formaldehyde. Avocado is proud of its Formaldehyde Free Products.
GREENGUARD GOLD CERTIFIED
The GREENGUARD Gold certification means the finished product meets standards for low chemical emissions. Every Avocado mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified.
OEKO-TEX
STANDARD 100
Our OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification applies to the entire mattress, topper, and pillow, not just the organic cotton cover or latex foam. This means every component has been lab-tested for harmful levels of toxic substances. Avocado is one of the only innerspring mattresses in America that meets this lab-based safety standard for the full product.
OUR ORGANIC MATTRESSES
GREEN MATTRESS
Mattress Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT® label, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, FSC® (C156318), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton, and pocketed coils made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress. Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranties.
ECO ORGANIC MATTRESS
Mattress Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT® label, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, FSC® (C156318), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, and cotton. Design: Hybrid latex mattress. Assurances: 100-night sleep trial, 10-year limited warranties.
VEGAN MATTRESS
MattressCertifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT® label, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Vegan Certified, PETA approved, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS organic wool and cotton, and pocketed coils made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress. Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
LATEX MATTRESS
Mattress Certifications: GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT® label, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton, and patented zoned latex. No springs. Design: Latex mattress.Assurances: 1-year sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
ORGANIC LUXURY
PLUSH MATTRESS
Mattress Certifications: Organic Cotton Standard (OCS), GOTS (materials), GOLS, eco-INSTITUT label, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: 21 layers of GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton, natural mohair, silk, and flax, plus 3,136 springs made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress. Assurances: 1-year trial, 25-year warranty.
GREEN CRIB MATTRESS
Mattress Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT®, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde Free Claim Verification, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool and cotton, and 1,414 springs made from recycled steel. Design: Hybrid latex mattress. Assurances: 30-night sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.
LUXURY ORGANIC CRIB MATTRESS
Mattress Certifications: MADE SAFE®, GOTS, GOLS, eco-INSTITUT® label, GREENGUARD Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verification, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, FSC® (C156138), Climate Neutral Certification, 1% for the Planet®, Certified B Corporation. Organic Materials: GOLS-certified organic latex, GOTS-certified organic wool, and cotton, plus 170 ultra-premium cotton-wrapped coils. Design: Dual-sided, one for infants and one for toddlers. Assurances: 30-night sleep trial, 25-year limited warranty.