These are the most affordable non-toxic mattresses. Made from natural organic materials, natural latex, or low-VOC foam, these mattresses come in under $1000 which is a really good price these days.
Materials I consider to be non-toxic:
- Natural materials like cotton (ideally organic for cotton), wool, and coconut coir.
- PLA is a naturally derived polyester which sensitive folks tend to do very well with.
- Natural latex is low-VOC and does not contain flame retardants. It might be more mold-prone than other materials.
- Low-VOC brands of polyurethane (without flame retardants) can also be considered. Some of the most chemically sensitive folks end up going with polyurethane because natural materials are too odorous.
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1. The Futon Shop Foam-Free
The Futon Shop has a good variety of very affordable mattresses.
You can choose ones without latex or “soy foam” (which is polyurethane).
They no longer use boric acid, which it seemed like some were reacting to in the past.
I’ve heard glowing reviews and not good reviews from sensitive folks. One bad review is for the Vegan Tranquility 2 Spring Mattress. The reviewer said the cotton and PLA layer on top did not stay put. However, the same reviewer as well as others put The Futon Shop as their most tolerable mattress (for chemical sensitivities).
Their prices start at $575. (US only. They don’t ship to Canada).
Buy from The Futon Shop.
2. The Futon Shop Latex
Some of the most affordable natural latex options are also 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. There are lots of options.
The simple options start at $800 for a queen.
Buy through The Futon Shop.
3. Natural Latex Slabs
The most economical option is to buy a 3-inch piece of latex. For around $250 (plus tax and shipping), you can get 3″ natural latex from Amazon (queen). I find that 3 inches is comfortable to sleep on.
Amazon sells various thicknesses to choose from and you can double them up. 6 inches should feel like a regular latex mattress (like one without springs). If you double it up you may want to go with firm on the bottom and medium or soft as the top layer.
Buy on Amazon.
4. IKEA Polyurethane
I would consider IKEA polyurethane beds. They don’t use flame retardants in the foam and their polyurethane is lower in perceived VOCs than other brands.
Non-memory foam is usually going to be your lowest VOC option.
They have simple mattresses that are just a polyurethane slab like the ÅGOTNES for $69. But for a little more you can add springs and reduce the amount of foam even more – the VADSÖ is $99. These are the simplest options, they have thicker options as well.
Despite being a budget option, most IKEA mattresses do not use fiberglass as the fire barrier (check the description for glass fiber). Some of the mattresses contain modacrylic fiber wadding (which I’m fine with) and some do not.
IKEA mattresses in North America use an inherently fire-resistant barrier made of rayon/polyester batting. Flame retardant chemicals are only used for some stitch bonds, piping, and zippers.
I may use the aluminized tarps to sequester the offgassing, if needed.
Buy through your local IKEA.
5. Bio-based polyurethane
White Lotus makes a simple mattress based on their naturally derived polyurethane. This is another low offgassing polyurethane that some chemically sensitive folks really like. It also has a wool layer and cotton cover.
It’s $986 for a queen through their website.
6. 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. A full article on non-toxic futons goes into more detail and has more selection.
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. Starting at $522.
iii. Zafu kapok fiber futons (pictured) 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. $1,059 for a queen.
Please see the article on futons for more options.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Lorie Bettelyoun
Hello,
The Ikea mattresses I am looking at both have Polyurethane memory foam.
ÅSBYGDA
Foam mattress,
Comfort filling:
Polyurethane foam 1.7 lb/cu.ft., Polyurethane memory foam 3.1 lb/cu.ft
and
ÅKREHAMN
Foam mattress
Comfort filling:
High-resilience polyurethane foam (cold foam) 2.2 lb/cu.ft., Polyurethane memory foam 3.1 lb/cu.ft, Polyurethane foam 1.7 lb/cu.ft.
Are these good non-toxic options?
You say above “Non-memory foam is usually going to be your lowest VOC option.”
I got another mattress from them a few years back that I don’t believe had the memory foam part.
Are there current better options? I worry about the springs and EMFs, but not sure if that is something to be concerned about.
Thanks for any guidance 🙂
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
The springs are fine, but the regular polyurethane has lower off-gassing than memory foam
Jen T
Hi Corrine! Oh man does this trying not to poison oneself become complicated! Lol. So is the consensus that most of the “memory” or foam type mattresses almost all have these added chemical issues, Now that we’ve done our best to remove mold and remediate moisture from my bedroom, thinking it’s ideal to replace the 30 year old mattress and box spring that had been in that bedroom. However, am now overwhelmed at how to try not to create new issues, esp since I’m extra sensitive since the mold. Wondering if I should just double wrap in zippered covers that old mattress, after hepa vacuuming and spraying it down. Rather thank risk bringing in new chemicals. I was also thinking the springs in some mattresses may not be good as they may add to conductivity and EMF sensitivity, but looks like the foam chemical concerns are more of an issue.?
Any thoughts or recommendations on the above ? Thank you so much!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I would definitely replace that. Foam prior to 2005 could contain PBDE which is a toxic flame retardant which is no longer used that will leach more and more as the foam breaks down. I would say basically every new mattress is better than that. I would not go with polyurethane memory foam if you want low offgassing but this article and the one on matttreses for the chemically sensitive have many good options. I would not worry about springs.
Jen T
You are beyond helpful! I’m thinking then possibly purchase a basic hybrid mattress of some sort that’s affordable as the base mattresses, even if it’s not one of the recommended options, however if I then put one of the recommended organic latex 3 inch toppers on top, then I’m not sleeping directly on the new (not chem free) mattress. Cost wise not trying to stay around $500-700. Seems challenging to find an organic / low chem queen mattress for around that. I’m not as sensitive as some, however trying not to add too much to the current toxic load. I would let the standard mattress air out by itself for a week or so. Do you think this would be okay? Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there are brands on this list in that price range. it would create some distance from the VOCs that offgas from polyurethane to put another barrier in between, however natural latex has it’s own offgassing that I’m not certain is lower or better than polyurethane. Both are low in offgassing so if youre not that sensitive you can let it sit a while or you can put a barrier if that’s better for you
Jen T
Such helpful guidance! Alarming what is being added once you start looking. Now knowing what to keep an eye out for, seems like all standard mattress use some kind of flame retardant, often some kind of “anti microbial”. Also some with fiberglass.
It “seems” one brand uses less or less aggressive versions of these things such as S€rta, who states:
Our products are assembled from finished components and no chemical processing is introduced in any of our manufacturing facilities. All S£rta foam has been certified by CertiPur and is tested by each of our suppliers to be:
Low emission (VOCs) for indoor air quality
Made without prohibited phthalates
Made without ozone depleters (no CFCs)
Made without mercury, lead or heavy metals
Made without formaldehyde
Made without PBDEs
Fireblocker
We are proud to be an industry leader by manufacturing open-flame resistant products since 2005 that meet or exceed the federal flammability standard. Our FireBlocker system is a proprietary blend of natural and synthetic fibers that help isolate the impact of a fire and limit its spread.
However most of their products are listed as having anti microbial which I would need to call to find out what that is. They do seem to have some good options for comfort and price.
Now I see the ikea mattress options mentioned in your article, well priced and made with less chems overall. Seems to be of variable quality & comfort based on reviews, but certainly seem a safer option. If I go with IKEA, likely will need to add a low toxin topper to help with softer comfort.
I now see your concerns from the other article re: latex and potential for mold. Bummer. I’m wondering if maybe will be less likely for that in FL simply bc we always have the air with the dehumidifier on. We keep around 50% humidity at all times. I’m less concerned about initial off gassing since I’m not as sensitive and can let it air out.
I also see topper options from ikea made of polyurethane foam. It seems like I would need some kind of topper on all IKEA mattresses based on reviews and my history.
The only thing that jumped out on the ikea materials was:
Lining: Non-woven polypropylene
Any concern with this one?
Thank you so very much Corinne!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I have no problem with IKEA including the polypropylene though you have to check individually to make sure it’s one without fieberglass.
Evelyn
Would your comments also apply to mattress toppers please.
Many thanks. Evelyn
Corinne Segura
I haven’t written about mattress toppers but the info in the main mattress post (mattresses for the chemically sensitive) will be relevant
sylvia scherr
Dear Corinne,.
Thank you for all this information, so very helpful! You are a blessing!
I would love to actually see and try out the mattress, I see Birchliving.com has multiple showrooms with their 2 mattresses, the Natural and the Luxe (highly rated by others). Do you have any recommendations or insight into this product?
Any other comments?
Thank you.
Sylvia
Corinne Segura
You can ask them about glues between the layers