Updated Summer 2020
This post started out with my journey to find the best mattress that suited my own extreme sensitivities. There are so many more options now. Still, many I don’t think are good enough.
We will look at my top picks for the best healthy spring mattresses (no latex or polyurethane) with price comparison (2020), all wool mattresses and other futons, and why I don’t use natural latex.
This also includes a look at more unusual options for those who don’t do well with any of those main categories, or who just want something simple.
Sofas and Furniture can now be found here.
I recommend all of the products here, some products have affiliate programs and some do not. Upon purchase, I earn a small commission through affiliate links at no extra cost to you.
First, a Quick Backgrounder on the Chemicals in Our Mattresses
Conventional Mattress Materials
Conventional mattresses are usually made of polyurethane foam or synthetic latex which offgas VOCs. It’s difficult to find out exactly which chemicals were used in a particular mattress.
The worst offenders are synthetic memory foams, followed by polyurethane (though almost all polyurethane can meet CertiPUR certification which I discuss here), and then synthetic latex, which usually does not meet any green certifications on its own.
Going with a spring mattress does minimize the amount of foam and therefore chemicals in it.
“Soy Foam” is polyurethane with some soy.
Flame Retardants Might be Added
Look for mattresses that specify no chemical flame retardants – I list them in this post. Sometimes boric acid is added but not disclosed. Newer flame retardants include Kevlar and silica which from what we know is safe.
Natural Latex can be a Problem
Most “natural” or non-toxic mattresses contain natural latex which I have major concerns about. I discuss that in the article as well as the top alternatives.
Chemical Coatings
You also want to avoid mattresses that are stain-resistant, as they contain harmful perfluorochemicals. Similarly, the chemical that makes sheets (and clothes) wrinkle-free releases formaldehyde.
Some mattresses are also adding an antimicrobial agent which you would generally want to avoid, though there are some natural antimicrobials that might be okay for some people.
If you need assistance choosing the best non-toxic mattress for you and your health concerns, please contact me for a one on one consultation.
1. Non-Toxic Spring Mattresses
My top picks for a safe and healthy conventional feeling mattress are these five options below.
They don’t contain latex or polyurethane foam. These options don’t contain wool. I like wool, but the most sensitive are often looking to avoid this allergen trigger.
They are also free of flame retardants.
i. My Green Mattress
The Echo is made of GOTs certified cotton and Oeko-Tex certified wool with springs. No polyester here. It is $1,050 for a queen (firm).
For a proper spring mattress, this is the price to beat. They often run promotions, which I post the codes for here. The current black Friday/cyber Monday code is MCFHWINTER (125-175$ off).
You can buy it directly through them. You can also find them through Amazon, prices fluctuate.
ii. Naturepedic
The Naturepedic Chorus contains GOTS certified organic cotton, organic wool (with lower odor than many other brands), and polyester with springs. It’s $2,000 for a queen.
This is my top brand, as I like the construction, it’s high quality and it’s very well-liked and well-tolerated amongst many of the most sensitive.
In the kid’s mattress section they have one that comes in a full size that does not contain wool. For those who cannot tolerate wool, this is one of the top picks. This option is firm though! $1,600 directly through them.
You can also find some of their mattresses through Amazon, prices fluctuate.
iii. Royal-Pedic
Royal-Pedic makes a cotton spring mattress with no wool. The All Cotton line is not organic, the Natural Cotton line is organic but not certified.
They also offer options with wool.
This is known as a high-end and comfortable option, though like the others in this category they are firm.
It is around $3,000. You can find the All Cotton on Amazon, prices fluctuate over time.
iv. Earthsake
Earthsake is a unique mattress. They make a hemp spring mattress with no cotton and no wool.
For those with sensitivities to cotton and wool, or who are in a humid environment, this may be a better choice.
A queen is $2,600.
v. The Futon Shop
The Futon Shop has a good variety of very affordable mattresses.
Those with springs and coils will be more comfortable than conventional futons.
You can choose ones without latex or soy foam (which is polyurethane).
Some of their mattresses use boric acid, and I have heard from some really sensitive folks that they have reacted to the flame retardant-free versions as well (possibly to the boric used nearby, they think). Though many others who are sensitive have done really well with this brand.
Their prices are fantastic starting at $575. (US only. They don’t ship to Canada).
2. Chemical-Free Wool Mattresses
Wool is a natural and healthy choice, as long as you are not allergic to it or sensitive to the lanolin odor of wool.
Many brands that use wool process and wash the wool leaving it with almost no odor. Others use a less processed batting that does have that telltale natural odor.
i. Shepards Dream 100% Wool Futon
When I was furnishing my tiny house I was extremely sensitive to toxins. I went with the purest and simplest option I could find, which is a 100% eco wool mattress from Shepard’s Dream.
It is a (relatively) economical choice at $1,585 for a queen. (I have the skinny version pictured).
It does have a wool smell but it is not super strong. It is firm, as it gets compacted with time. If you don’t like firm mattresses I would recommend using a topper with it or using the thicker version.
Shepard’s Dream has offered a 10% discount to my readers, you can mention my name, Corinne Segura for the discount.
ii. Heartfelt Layered Wool Felt
For those with extreme sensitivities, a layered option that can be washed can be very functional. Heartfelt Collective sells wool felts that can be layered and washed.
To put together what would come to about a conventional queen feel, it would cost about $1,900. But you may not need that many layers, or you can combine the woof felt layers with something else.
iii. Savvy Rest Wool Futon (Cotton Cover)
Savvy Rest makes a futon style organic GOTS cotton covered organic wool mattress for $1,800.
Is Wool Chemical-Free?
When looking at wool qualifications you may want to know various factors, depending on your sensitivities, such as the chemicals used to process the wool.
Certified organic wool is becoming more common, this link explains what that means. If a company claims all-natural, pure or eco-wool, you will want to take a look at what they mean by that.
Wool doesn’t need to be organic to be free of harmful chemicals.
3. Natural Latex Mattresses
There are plenty of options for natural latex mattresses made in US and Canada. In fact, when looking for non-toxic beds, it’s difficult to avoid natural latex.
Make sure it is 100% natural latex and has GOLS certification. And test for odors/sensitivities to make sure it is tolerable.
These mattresses range from $800 to $5,000.
Almost all of the green mattress brands offer natural latex, you can even find this now at Costco and IKEA.
These are the most affordable options.
i. The Futon Shop
Some of the most affordable natural latex options are by The Futon Shop.
Many of their latex options are paired with wool. Some are paired only with coconut coir or with hemp and coconut coir. Others include PLA and cotton.
The simple options start at $800 for a queen.
ii. Topper from Amazon
The most economical option is to buy a 3-inch piece of latex. For around $200 (plus tax and shipping) you can get 3″ natural latex from Amazon (queen). I find that 3 inches is very comfortable to sleep on.
It won’t have a cover, but for $400 you can get 6 inches of latex.
iii. IKEA MAUSUND
This non-toxic IKEA mattress is 85% natural latex and 15% synthetic latex with wool wadding. If I was going to go with natural latex I would go with a large established brand like IKEA if not the super simple topper from Amazon.
You will want to check this out in person to make sure the odor of the natural latex and the synthetic latex works for you.
$900 USD for a queen in the US. $1,100 for a queen in Canada.
iv. Avocado
If you want to go with a more purist natural latex bed, Avocado is the best in this category.
It’s 100% GOTS organic certified cotton & wool and 100% natural GOLS certified latex.
Avocado goes all the way on healthy natural latex, with the top organic certifications, no adhesives between the layers of latex (only on the top layer), and silica or wool as the flame-resistant barrier.
A queen is $1,400.
v. Awara
Awara beats Avocado in price but it falls slightly short in eco cred. It uses glues in the construction, and the latex isn’t GOLS certified.
Still, those are not dealbreakers for most people in the grand scheme of things. This slightly more affordable option still meets most of the marks for a safe and healthy mattress.
The flame retardant is natural silica, and the top layer is organic cotton and organic wool.
A queen is $1,200 plus is there often a $300 off deal for new customers.
Is Natural Latex Mold-Prone?
After one of my pillows became covered in grey mold after two years in low humidity, in a new, non-moldy house I started looking into this. Over the years I have seen many reports like this.
I have seen melting, disintegration, and visible mold on pillows and on mattresses that were on slats in normal humidity, sometimes even when brand new. Including two recent reports of a popular organic latex brand.
There are other cases of this on a forum, many private messages from people writing to me, and reports in Facebook groups.
It is not clear if this is a defect (these were all different brands), or whether there is a certain condition that leads to the latex breaking down or going moldy.
I have not seen the companies address the problem. The companies continue to claim that latex is mold resistant and that each of these cases is unusual.
I would not buy it again myself. If you do buy natural latex look closely at the warranty – it’s unlikely it covers mold. If you already have one in your house, please open it up to check on the latex layer.
Does Natural Latex Offgas?
Folks with MCS vary greatly in their ability to tolerate the natural smell of rubber and different brands work for different people. Here is a list of some of the ingredients that can be in natural latex.
Essentia, which makes natural memory foam claims that the VOC levels of their foam 36 μg /m3, about the same as that of natural latex. From my research, this is around the same levels as outdoor air – but it is not 0 VOC or 0 offgassing.
There have been dramatically different odors from different brands and even from the same brand over time. So you may want to check out more than one option.
4. Natural Memory Foam
Most memory foam is made of polyurethane and it’s usually more toxic than your standard polyurethane foam, though they are not all the same.
There are a range of chemicals added to produce polyurethane memory foam for different brands.
The only non-toxic memory foam out there is Essentia, which is natural latex-based. The VOC levels are extremely low, 36 μg /m3.
When researching “background VOC levels” I did find this to be within background levels (though everything ads up). Here is one study and here is another study to confirm this.
Background levels of formaldehyde can be found here.
This mattres contains essential oils – grapefruit seed, coneflower, and jasmine. I tested a sample and it has a noticeable scent. Though I would not say it is flowery, it is a bit sweet.
It contains Kevlar as a flame retardant.
You can find them through their website and on Amazon.
5. Non-Toxic Polyurethane?
I would consider polyurethane in some situations. I personally would consider this material over memory foam (of any type), and usually over natural latex.
It does offgas a little bit, but for some folks who are less sensitive, this could still be considered non-toxic, especially if you give it some time to offgas.
If you have serious back or neck problems and need something with more cushion than the firm cotton and wool options, you may want to consider polyurethane.
This is the least expensive mattress type, so for some people, this is the only option.
i. IKEA
I would consider IKEA polyurethane beds. They don’t use flame retardants in the foam. Just go as simple as you can.
The MINNESUND for $100 is the least expensive. But for a little more you can add springs and reduce the amount of foam even more. The HASVÅG is $179.
I may use the aluminized tarps to sequester the offgassing, if needed.
ii. Purple Mattress
The Purple Hybrid mattress is made of a non-toxic plastic grid and minimal polyurethane.
The Purple Hybrid with coils really minimizes the amount of foam used while keeping the comfort level high.
Moderately sensitive folks have done well with this brand so I certainly would consider it myself.
You can buy the Purple Mattress (original) from Amazon or from their website.
The Purple Hybrid Mattress, which you can buy from their website, is $1,700 for a queen.
Alternative Beds for the Chemically Sensitive
1. Buckwheat Hull Beds
Open Your Eyes Bedding sells organic cotton canvases and buckwheat hulls that you twist together yourself!
A mattress topper or pad may be needed for comfort.
You could fill the canvas with organic cotton batting, wool batt, or even recycled wool sweaters, and use the same twist system to make your own truly DIY chemical-free mattress.
What I like about this is it can be totally customized, as well as taken apart, washed and refilled.
2. Cotton and Kapok Futons
Futons are more affordable than regular mattresses and often don’t use flame retardants. Look for organic cotton or wool filled. Avoid conventional (non-organic) cotton batting which still retains a lot of pesticide.
Look out for antimicrobial and even added pesticide treatments.
i. The Futon Shop is an obvious option for very affordable futons that many sensitive folks do well with. Starting at about $300.
ii. Rawganique has 100% organic cotton futons as well as cotton and wool. The company focuses on reducing chemical processing as much as possible.
iii. Zafu kapok fiber futons are really cool. They don’t compact as much as cotton and wool batting. They have an organic cotton cover, with eco wool and kapok fiber. This brand came recommended by sensitive folks.
3. Silk Mattresses
I have seen silk-filled mattresses in the past, though they are hard to locate. They may be good if you cannot tolerate cotton, wool, kapok or latex.
Silk mattress toppers or pads are easier to find, and you could build them up to make a mattress.
This silk comforter from Allergy Buyers Club has a silk encasement (not cotton).
You can find them on Amazon or Allergy Buyers Club.
4. Cotton Sleeping Mat
This organic cotton mat by Dream Designs in Canada is thin but may be enough for some people who need a simple solution. It was recommended by someone extremely sensitive.
The futon companies above also make simple sleeping mats.
5. Hammock
A organic cotton hammock is a simple option that does work well for some folks.
A good brand that is clean and healthy is La Siesta. Try the undyed organic cotton if you want the purist option.
A metal hammock stand works well with many models (no trees necessary).
6. Camping Beds to Use Indoors
i. Camping Cots
For a quick and easy solution, maybe a camping cot will do!
Let it offgas a bit first. The plus side is there is not much to offgas there, so some time in the sun should do it.
ii. Camping Pads/Mats
Camping mats can be used inside regular housing for those wanting a simple solution, or for those with trouble tolerating regular beds.
They may also be needed high moisture locations like tents, trailers/RVs, and shelters.
a. Closed Cell Camping Mat
For sleeping pads, the most basic type is closed-cell foam.
This aluminized Thermarest is considered the most tolerable of the camping mats. I found it really good and very easy to clean.
They have non aluminized versions as well.
b. Open Cell Polyurethane Self Inflating Mat
I use the most deluxe Thermarest – the 10 cm thick Mondoking (it has polyurethane it in). I find it very comfortable.
It takes a bit of time in the sun to offgas, but many MCSers can use these. I used it after two days in the sun. After a week it was ideal for me.
Setting up a camping cot inside
The general consensus for those with sore backs or who need the most comfort is a Thermarest on top of a camping cot.
Though with the MondoKing, most people likely don’t need a camping cot under it (though I would raise it or put a waterproof cover on it).
Thermarest claims to be flame retardant free.
For a more permanent set up, the MondoKing fits into this inexpensive Amazon Zinus Daybed.
iii. Polyester Fill Mat
Another type of simple sleeping mat is a Nufoam polyester fiber mat.
This may be more tolerable than the camping pads that have polyurethane foam in them.
Plus polyester does much better with moisture than cotton, wool, and other natural fibers.
This is ideal for an RV.
iv. Airbeds
a. TPU Airbed
This phthalate and PVC-free TPU air bed by Lightspeed comes highly recommended by many chemically sensitive folks.
This is the alternative to PVC and foam mats.
I found it offgassed in 2 days. Which is faster than many types of beds with more material inside.
b. Polyester Airbed
Another PVC-free airbed is this polyester bed from Intex. Some tolerate the polyester better than TPU.
How to Prevent Mold in Mattresses
In any house or trailer, tiny or big, make sure your mattress can breathe underneath (slats or box springs are used for a reason). Only certain types of beds like an air mattress may be able to go straight on the floor.
When building a tiny house, find a way to incorporate slats under your bed. I see too many tiny houses with the mattress on a solid floor. This is not a good solution if you want your bed to stay mold-free.
The picture above is my loft. The slats are built right into the loft. It works great!
When camping, I do think a waterproof cover is the best idea, in a trailer you may be able to use something simple like this Hypervent for airflow, though I have heard that this does not create enough airflow in many situations.
Corinne Segura is a Building Biologist Practitioner with 6 years of experience helping others create healthy homes.
I help chemically sensitive folks choose the best materials for their sensitivities.
Did you find this post helpful? If so you can buy me a coffee to support the research behind this blog. Thank you!
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Eileen Oksnevad says
I have acid reflux and so I sleep on my left side for that (as is recommennded) and have to have the head of the bed elevated. I’m menopausal and sleep hot. also. My husband made a wooden platform for two single bed mattresses side by side with the head of mine slightly elevated. But the mattresses have become uncomfortable. We also did mold remediation in our house. We are looking at getting an adjustable bed frame and new side by side mattresses (possibly sleep number), but have been looking at healthier options. Are any of the ones you mentioned good for our situation?
James says
Hi Sales,
I’m interested in purchasing your products for my store located in New Caledonia.
Kindly let me know if you accept:
– Payment by credit card ?
– Pick up and ship by our freight company.
Regards,
James Earl (CEO)
Earl Sales Inc
74c Amazola Ave,
Canala North Province, New Caledonia
Julie says
What about Naturepedic mattresses?
Also, the magniflex foam is supposed to be no VOC.
Please comment. Thank you.
Corinne says
I mention Naturepedic in the post. It’s not possible for polyurethane to be 0 VOC especially memory foam. It needs time to offgas.
Carla says
HI Corrine,
I just purchased a natural latex matress (GOLS and GOTS certified) from The Clean Bedroom. In NYC. The brand is Obasan from Canada. We are not medically chemical sensitive but just want a “clean”, safe and comfortable option. I received all their certifications and saw very positive reviews, including many folks with MCS issues. Do you have any reservations about this matress? They use the dunlop vs Talaly process – which seems preferable, and I like that they get their latex from one plantation in Sri Lanka they visit, unlike other retailers who buy them from different sources. When I asked what the 5% ingredients were (the matresses are >95% GOLS/GOTS), they mentioned that very small amount of zinc oxide used as a stabilizer in baking process. Obasan seems to be the gold standard and a company that second round matress makers (OMI/Lifekind, Savvy Rest, Natura, Essental, Naturepedic) emulate. I’m ahappy to pay you for a consult if you feel it is better to have a discussion. I received the product yesterday but it is unopened (supposedly non returnable) but would feel more comfortable if you weighed in before I open it!
Thank you!
Carla
Corinne says
It’s really up to you I can only supply the information on the different options. Most healthy people will be just fine with natural latex but I don’t use it because of the problems I have had with it mentioned in the article.
Anna says
Hello, Great and informative post! Have you heard anything about Birch by Helix mattresses? Thank you!
Laura Kimball says
Would Casper mattresses be similar to the polyurethane mattresses from Ikea? They don’t use fire retardants. I have option of one that is 3 months old and barely used – to use for my guest bedroom. thank you for so much great information. It has all been so helpful. -Laura
Corinne says
Memory foam is higher offgassing than regular polyurethane, and anything that comes rolled up is higher offgassing.
Kelly says
Hello Corinne,. Thank you for providing such clear information!
My question is, would it be better for a chemically sensitive person to buy a hybrid spring/ foam (not memory foam) mattress or one with natural latex? Almost all the options I can afford are one or the other.
Thank you!
Corinne says
It depends on your individual sensitivities and which of those is better for you (both short term and long term should be considered).
Max says
Very interesting and useful initiative, Corinne.
I’m chemcially sensitive, tried natural latex and organic coton matresses (luckily with 100-day money-back guarantees), but they all irritate create breathing difficulties for me.
Before booking a consultation with you, I’d like to double check that you can help me as I live currently in France (you say something about not being able to provide advice on materials ouside North Amercia, but maybe you can help with identifying materials and products which are also available in France and/or could be shipped to France?.)
I also tried to contact you by email, but not sure if you saw this as it also says that it’s only for commercial proposals.
Thanks.
Corinne says
Hi Max, I’m sure you have mattresses out of the same materials choices there. The problem is I don’t know the brands and I can’t read French. I also find that materials are described differently in different countries (and there can be certifications I’m not familiar with) which means the review can easily take 2-5x longer. These are the reasons I don’t offer consulting outside of North America.
Dave says
Are box springs (foundations) typically treated with flame retardants?
Corinne says
That’s a good question, I don’t see any reliable information on that online. Though if you are going with a company that doesn’t use fR in their mattresses I think it’s very unlikely that they add it to the boxpring. Just ask them to be sure! Though if there is foam padding in the boxspring and the bed’s from the same company are still using FR, that would be a lot more likely.
Jerome Ngugi says
A complete and comprehensive guide to make my nap time as wonderful as it can possibly be. I’d definitely steer towards more organic and healthy options. Anyone looking to improve their sleep would consider this article a treasure. Thanks.
Gary says
Terrific information – thank you!
Any comments on Saatva mattresses? They claim that none of their mattresses have any outgassing.
Corinne says
I would like to see their testing results that show that they are offgassing the polyurethane foam before it ships out. I highly doubt that claim. But if they are giving it some time to offgas this can help a lot.
Gary says
I asked Saatva if they could give me testing results and they pointed me to the CertiPUR-US seal on their products. When I review https://certipur.us/about-the-seal/frequently-asked-questions/, they say certified foam is:
“Made without ozone depleters
Made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants
Made without mercury, lead and heavy metals
Made without formaldehyde
Made without phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million)”
I also heard from someone with chemical sensitivities who bought one of their mattresses. She said that she couldn’t smell anything, but had a runny nose for the first few months.
Corinne says
Just about all polyurethane is Certipur, which is not 0 VOC and I can pick up the odor clearly. They should have responded with why their foam is offgassed.
Jim Jerschefske says
I may have missed it but I don’t see mention of Sleep Number beds. We are considering purchasing one and we are interested in any mold and chemical issues they may have including fire retardant and anti-microbial chemicals.
Thank you very much.
Carly Swift says
Thoughts on BEAR mattresses?
Corinne says
They are conventional polyurethane and memory foam.
Alec says
Thanks so much for this info , and for the 2020 update.
There is a brand I have read about on MCS sites that I do not see mentioned on your site. I am wondering if you have an opinion on the materials and quality of Joybed mattresses?
steve says
I’m surprised Lifekind isn’t mentioned for an organic mattress
Corinne says
It’s good but it can’t beat any of the brands here on price in any of the categories.
Mary says
So glad I ran across this site – thank you so much for all this information. Do you have any thoughts on a mattress that can be used with an adjustable base foundation?
Corinne says
That would normally be polyurethane or natural latex.
Elizabeth says
Hi there – Thank you so much for your helpful, well-researched site. I have been agonizing over what brand of twin mattress to purchase for my three-year-old. I was considering a non-latex spring mattress through MyGreenMattress, however, I’m hesitant to purchase such an expensive mattress during the potty training years. I worry that any moisture/accidents (even with a cover) could cause mold in an all natural mattress. I have been considering the HAUGESUND mattress from Ikea, or the MEISTERVIK. The MEISTERVIK has no added flame retardants, but is all foam, which worries me due to the VOCs. The MEISTERVIK is coils, with some foam, but does have flame retardants on the zipper and stitch bond. I’m thinking one of these would be a good intro twin mattress until we’re out of the night-time potty training years, but I’m struggling which is a better choice. Any insight which is a safer choice is greatly appreciated! Both of my kids had a Naturpedic crib mattress, and I worry about safe sleep!
bpite says
Hi
I’m in the exact same situation right now. Which mattress did you go with? I would invest to a more expensive mattress but only after the potty training years. I’m thinking about buying IKEA HAUGESUND or MORGEDAL mattress and use some kind of encasement to block possible odors. Does anyone have experience with these mattresses?
Emily says
I have 3 My Green Mattresses – 2 twins for my daughters and a queen for us.. They are all the Pure Echo model, the Kiwi did not yet exist when we bought them. I purchased our first one for our first daughter about 7 years ago. It has had a few accidents take place on it, and we have had no mold issues. If any moisture has reached the actual mattress I’ve surface cleaned, covered in baking soda until dry and vacuumed off. The wool cover on the mattresses is extremely resilient and always ends up with no detectable smell or stains. We are happy customers. I’m about to buy three more Kiwi bunkbed twins for some new beds.
Lisa says
Thank you! I am considering buying My Green Mattress but I am worried because I bought a latex topper that gave me breathing problems and a certi pur memory foam topper and it did the same. I had to mail both of them back, which is a pain. I don’t want to have to return anything else. I am also considering JOYBED. I saw reviews that the Green Mattress was really firm (the Echo). Do you think so? I am a side sleeper but need back support.
Corinne says
Yes that one is firm. All of the cotton over coils options will be firm.
Heather says
Hi I had a Joybed mattress and was surprised that it smelled good. The problem is it is covered in plant fibers and hydrated slicia that makes everything chemically salty. to the point of burning your skin and all sheets etc are very very salty. Also they have a polyester cover.
Corinne says
Wow interesting, what do you mean by chemically salty? Is it a kind of allergic reaction?
Unknown says
Hi Corrine! Thank you for this SUPER helpful and enlightening post! I first read it a few months ago when I first began thinking of getting a new mattress and now again multiple times since I plan on ordering one this weekend. After reading, I have decided on an all wool mattress. I saw that you personally went with Shepherd's Dream. I'm curious as to why you chose SD over the other two mentioned in your post (Savvy Mattress "pastoral" all wool, 100% organic, and The Futon Shop's 100% organic all wool option?) I am leaning toward the Futon Shop's 100% organic, all wool mattress because it is packed with 63 lbs organic wool as opposed to 39lbs with the other two options. Yet, I am curious as to why you chose Shepherd's Dream in case that would have me reconsider them. THANKS SO MUCH!
An says
Foam mattresses are the only mattresses that seem to be comfortable for my back and I am sensetive to latex so I am considering getting a Magniflex mattress (made in Italy which is OEKO-TEX certified. What is the experience of people with MCS with these mattresses.
Corinne says
I’m guessing that’s polyurethane but it’s not clear. The website doesn’t say.
Unknown says
Don't forget Avocado Green!!
Corinne says
I don’t use or recommend natural latex
Unknown says
Despite the warning about natural latex not necessarily being mold-resistant, I decided to go with it for some other reasons. Would it make sense to use a waterproof encasement to protect it from mold and moisture?
Corinne says
We don't know what's causing it to mould and I continue to hear from folks about this growing mould when new on in low humidity. But yes I probably would make sure it's really dry first and then put a encasement on it to prevent sweat from getting in there.
Unknown says
Does anyone have experience with Avocado Mattresses? Also many comments were about natural latex…natural is an ambiguous term. Dunlop or Talalay or mix (and what is the % of each if mixed)…anyone can claim "Natural" but how much of the matress is actually natural…tricky
Corinne says
Other companies got in big trouble for claiming natural latex is 0 VOC. Plus how can it be natural mould resistant when it's so prone to mould? Unfortunately there is little oversight to what companies claim.
Agata says
Hi thanks for a ton of great information. The more I read through this article to more I realized that the bed that my husband and I sleep on fits the description – solid wood frame, natural latex mattress, pure and untreated sheep wool, not metal in our bed. It is great that you put so much work into this article to educate others! It seem that our bed may be a good fit for you as well. Take a look at http://www.swissdreambeds.com. I hope it helps other as well. We really love it and always dread going on vacation unless its is relatives that have the same beds as we do!
Little Mouse says
Hi thanks so much for this website its a great resource for those of us struggling with MCS and i really appreciate the amount of work that must have gone into it. May I ask why you chose a pure wool matress as apposed to cotton or a mixture of the two (cotton surrounded by wool)? Does pure wool make for a "better" matress (I appreciate wool acts as a natural flame retardant but apart from that)? Also we are struggling to source a good (stable) metal double bed with integrated slats here (europe) and i was wondering if you could forsee a problem with buying a metal frame and getting some lengths of metal (say aluminium) cut at the DIY store and laying these down to form slats (I have issues with wood!). Found a company called Auping who make metal supports for the bed (the slats) but they seem incredibly expensive for what they are (a metal mesh: 600€ for a double). There seems to be another company that make similar from fibreglass but price is astronomical! Thanks 🙂
Billie says
Yes, metal bed frames attract EMF's.. and don't sleep within 3 feet of electrical
points or leads or reading lamp. There are protective blankets for inner spring
mattresses if you have one. Here is the link. http://www.scenar.com.au/
Good luck.
Unknown says
Metal bed frames are safe? What about EMFs? I just read about this somewhere. Please help!
Unknown says
Hi Corinne! You wrote "Poplar wood on the interior too (should have used maple)." Why would you prefer maple over poplar? (I ask because I'm chemically sensitive, and am looking at a new Dapwood bed that has poplar slats). Is poplar prone to mold? Thanks!
Corinne says
It's fine for a bed. It's just hard to work with when you are building anything.
Unknown says
Thanks so much, Corinne!
Elizabeth says
Is LULL mattress good? They responded to my email. Their response…..
To keep you happy & healthy, Lull only uses CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, conventional foam & polyurethane foam. Our foams meet rigorous standards for content, emissions, performance and durability. Lull mattresses contain: No ozone depleters No PBDE flame retardants No mercury, lead, and other heavy metals No formaldehyde No phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million) Out of curiosity what were you looking for in your next mattress
Corinne says
That’s standard polyurethane foam.
Billie says
No answers coming my way????
Corinne says
If you don't find one on Google you may have to try and custom make it.
Billie says
Is it possible to get a shaped foam pillow for those with neck problems and MCS,
needing the support shape up under the neck?
Jess says
I know this is an old comment but I’ve had good luck with core products tri core pillow. I got the firm but they have a soft one too. It’s not memory foam. I think it’s polyester. I have a lot of issues with my neck and this, sometimes combined with a cheap soft pillow, works pretty well for me. I’ve been avoiding memory foam even though my neck would appreciate it.
xoAM says
Hi! Thanks so much for the great info!! Is there a reason you didn't look at Rubio Moocoat?
xoAM says
*Monocoat
Corinne says
I mention it in the post on sealers.
Pawan Yadav says
Also check http://reviewkid.com/tag/organic-mattress/ as well.
Corinne says
That is polyurethane. Quite misleading.
Chris says
Hi Corinne. A quick mention that I have had natural latex mattresses for about a decade, both purchased through Organic Grace and I have had no detectable issues. We have toppers and then a layer of wool protection and on slats etc. I'm starting to think about replacing them despite no detectable issues, just because spores and bugs do tend to accumulate over time. Our pillows which we adore are from European Sleepworks and I've given their mattresses a try-out and will probably purchase there. They are pricey but I have a better feeling than I do about the other natural latex options around here. Btw I love the feel of inner spring but have come across too many studies like this: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/left-sided-cancer-blame-your-bed-and-tv/
Oolaa Love says
I am a Sr w/ severe MCS ( detergent on other's clothing bothers me) as well as all petroleum & usual cleaning & body care products. A foam mattress in the 90 started the MCS. A wool or futon mattress is too firm. what choice or choices do I have? Aren't mattress toppers foam? Help.
Corinne says
You can find all the options in this post. I would go for a spring mattress from the ones I mention.
Dorothy Barnett says
For me the best option is the natural lattex mattress and especially when it comes buing a kids mattress! I bought recently a kids mattress from Coco-mat brand which is all metal free and made only with top natural materials, with no chemicals included (like the memorry foam mattresses) and it offers great body suuport. you could check their website and make a review for this brand, i would really like to see what you think about it! https://www.coco-mat.com/store/us_en/children-mattresses
Corinne says
I don't recommend these. The reason is in the post. Please read the post before posting ads.
Janis says
This is great information, and pretty much the same conclusions I reached after years of research and bad choices (like a latex rubber mattress to which I reacted.) Now I am in Italy and the choices are different. I am trying to decide between a solid natural wool mattress with cotton cover (they do not use antiflame treatments with wool, thankfully) or a traditional mattress which has springs in the center and about 2 inches of wool surrounding them on all sides. I'll see if I can send you a picture. Since Baubiologie started in Germany, I wonder if they have similar choices there and have any discussion in your classes on this kind of traditional mattress?
Corinne says
Springs with cotton is good. Building Biologists are against springs because of possible EMF issues. I am no concerned about that. I think you would have to be extremely sensitive to EMFs for that to be on your radar. 100% wool is good and yes it is very compact. I use a 3inch wool mattress and it's FIRM. Sometimes my arms fall asleep but not enough for me to change it! It's find on wooden slats if you don't mind super firm. But something springy is a good idea. A topper can help but then again I'm not for any type of foam.
Unknown says
How to buy it ?. I found this site it reputable? There are here
https://latexmattresstoppershq.com/
Have you trust its? are You help me?
Romilda Gareth says
Thanks
Stefanie says
What bedframe do you have?
Corinne says
I have wooden bed slats custom built into the loft area. I'll post a pic in this blog post.
Unknown says
I'm surprised at some of the inaccurate information on here. Essentia has a history of false advertising. I have a natural organic latex mattress from an online company with GOTS, Okeo-tek certification and it has absolutely no smell. True latex shouldn't have an odor. Nest Bedding has some quality control issues. If you do a thorough search on the internet you'll discover the problems. I'm also suspicious about the objectivity of people that review mattresses when they are getting free samples and a small commission. Too many bloggers are selling themselves out to the mattress industry and promoting false information based on questionable marketing tactics.
Corinne says
I have sampled 4 different brands of natural latex (that is meant for bedding) and it all has the same rubber smell. If you are not super sensitive you may not smell this. I have MCS and this blog is written for people who have a heightened sense of smell as well. Essentia used to say they are zero-VOC – their levels are 36 μg /m3. The same as natural latex. If you ask most naural latex companies if they are zero-VOC they will also say that they are. I agree though Essentia should have stated this level and now they do which is an improvement. It is actually rare for a company to disclose the actual VOC level of a foam so I respect them for doing that and not just saying low-VOC. I don't believe there is any false information on this post, please be specific if there is false information. I received some samples from Nest and Essentia to tell people what kind of smell it has. Whether a company has an affiliate program or not only comes in after I have chosen the products that I recommend.
Corinne says
I am now checking out Nest Bedding and realizing they have completely changed their products since I wrote this post. They used to sell simple natural latex with covers. I will update this post regarding Nest.
Anonymous says
May i ask which online company you chose…i am hunting for a company i can trust and am so confused!
Corinne says
I used Shepards Dream for an all wool mattress and Coyuchi for blankets. The Amazon pillow I listed is what I use for a pillow. Simple GOTS organic sheets are from Amazon as well.
Richard BlackRose says
Nice info!
Shosh says
Last I checked, Essentia added essential oil to their foam, which is problematic for many with MCS. The Clean Bedroom is no longer open, as of May 2016
Corinne says
Thank you, I will update this.
Katie says
The Clean Bedroom reopened last fall under new management.
Ally says
Very informative information. This definitely helps us in our search for chemical free bed. Thank you.
Leland says
Gotta ask yourself why so many comments have been deleted by the administrator. Talk about lack of transparency.
Corinne says
it's all Spam. Major spam.
Niki Dimitrov says
Thank you for sharing! Very helpful information! I tend to wool mattresses (very simple and natural solution, and I always have more confidence in nature than in technology). My search shows that wool mattresses are very expensive, but I found an Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHomeOfWool which I liked very much. Very affordable and trustworthy. I look for reviews. It would be great if someone could help!
Best regards!
Gary Puntman says
I would love to get a foam mattress. I think I will have to shop around. I want to get something that is free of chemicals. I'm sure there are some shops in my area that offer these. http://www.sureline.ca
Norbert says
l latex, or wool mattresses with cotton (or wool) covers are two great … furniturecovers.blogspot.com
simply.sweet says
Who did you use to make the custom latex cushions for the couch you had built?
Corinne says
just re-sizing mattresses from nest bedding. will then get a dressmaker to sew the cushion covers.
The Multiple Chemical Survivor says
Excellent ideas. I am worried about latex. I know everyone says it's non-toxic to MCSers, but latex gloves smell and there are so many people with latex allergies. I can say "well, I'm not allergic to latex" and not care, but that would be like my neighbor bathed in perfume and saying "well, I'm not allergic to perfume so why should I care about you?"
I like the idea of the mattress pads piled on top of each other. Does anyone have personal experience with this. I like the idea they can be washed in a washing machine. Beds harbor all kinds of dust, dust mites, and maybe mold. It would be cool to be able to wash a bed!
Corinne says
Hi, there's a big difference between natural latex and synthetic latex rubber. The natural one still does have a rubbery smell but it is dissipating with time. I don't believe that it is technically toxic though natural scents bother many people.
I'm loving the all wool mattress, It's very firm but Im sleeping so much better than I was when I was breathing flame retardants all night.
Joe Alexander says
Hi,Joe from Nest Bedding! Thanks for the link. So, here are some hopefully helpful comments.
My friend Lynne makes the twist buckwheat mattress, but that $300 is for the covers only, you still have to buy the buckwheat and stuff them. They are very firm. The Shepherds Dream mattress is very nice and also very firm.
Latex is a good option for those who like a little comfort as well as support. I have recently added USDA certified organic latex and talalay to my product selection.
Thanks!
Joe, Nest Bedding
Corinne says
Thanks for the info Joe! Look forward to checking out the samples from Nest Bedding!
JoeyTOB says
Corrine,
Good info, if we can ever help out any of your east coast customer we would love to http://www.theorganicbedroom.com.
If this posted twice my apologies…
Joey