WHAT IS A NON-TOXIC MATTRESS?
A non-toxic mattress meets stringent third-party standards to ensure it's non-toxic and safe for people and the planet. Although many 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. The best non-toxic mattresses will use organic materials as much as possible, 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 avoid the use of polyurethane foams, memory foams, flame retardants, and fire socks and will minimize the use of adhesives.
HEALTH RISKS FROM PETROCHEMICALS IN POLYURETHANE FOAM
Is your mattress making you sick? EPA research shows indoor air is five times more polluted than outside air. That's because most mattresses are made with petrochemical-based polyurethane and memory foam. 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. But to pass, many mattresses use chemical flame retardants, which research suggests 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 it is safe for both people and the environment. Yet too many brands suggest that their mattresses are non-toxic, green, and healthy simply because of the limited presence of a natural material.
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.
STANDARD 100
BY OEKO-TEX®
STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® tests for harmful substances to protect your health. It is a lab-based testing standard. This label certifies that materials have been tested against a list of up to 350 toxic chemicals. Since 1992, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX has been the world's best-known label for textile safety. 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 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 1,414 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, 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. 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, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, 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 1,414 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, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, 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, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, 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, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, 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, Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX®, 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.