Best Eco-Friendly Mattress: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Some of the materials inside traditional mattresses are made with potentially harmful chemicals that can disrupt sleep, especially for sleepers prone to allergies. Mattresses made partly of cotton, wool, and plant-based foam are more biodegradable than traditional mattresses—plus, these materials that are kinder to the sleeper’s health.

In this article, we help you find the best eco-friendly mattress by reviewing this year’s top-rated green beds. We also take a look at their certifications and offer some of our best mattress shopping tips.

Best Eco-Friendly Mattress of 2024

	Mattress	Highlight	Price (Queen)
	Amerisleep AS3	Eco-friendly Bio-Pur® bounces back in seconds, preventing a “trapped” feeling.	$1,499
	Zoma Mattress	Zoned foam layers offer back support and cushioning where you need it.	$799
	Avocado Green Mattress	GOLS certified latex mattress is backed by a 20-year warranty.	$1,399
	Brentwood Homes Hybrid Latex Mattress	Made mostly of natural and recycled materials.	$1,099
	Eco Terra Natural Latex Hybrid	Latex and innersprings made of upcycled steel make for a durable, supportive mattress.	$1,049

1. Amerisleep AS3

The top layer of every Amerisleep mattress including the AS3 is a CertiPUR-US® certified material called Bio-Pur®, a plant-based memory foam. Bio-Pur® is lightweight and contouring, and best of all, Amerisleep substitutes a portion of the petroleum-based oils with castor oil during manufacturing.

The CertiPUR-US® certification means the bed is free of chemical flame retardants and other harmful additives. It also means the bed is low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and less likely to have that “new foam” smell.

The AS3 has three layers—3 inches of Bio-Pur®, a 2-inch Affinity layer, and 7 inches of Bio-Core®. The medium firmness level is ideal for side or combo sleepers because it cradles the body while keeping the spine neutral.

The first layer of the mattress, Bio-Pur®, contours to the body’s natural curves, helping you sleep in a neutral position. Its advanced open-cell design resists heat retention to keep you cool all night, unlike traditional memory foam. The foam responds to your body weight, bouncing back quickly when you get up or reposition during the night.

Next, the Affinity layer with HIVE® technology offers targeted support through a 5 zoned-support system. The 5 zones are made with hundreds of hexagon-shaped cutouts, each ready to respond to different parts of the sleeper’s body. The zones for the head, back, and legs are firmer, while the zones for the hips and shoulders have extra cushion.

At the base of the mattress is Bio-Core®, the sturdy foundation. Bio-Core® is a durable, stiff foam, giving you the consistent support you need for healthy sleep.

With every mattress purchase, Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial along with free shipping, free returns, and a 20-year warranty.

2. Zoma Mattress

The Zoma Mattress is made in the USA. Its unique gel memory foam with Triangulex™ technology is made with a process called Vortex Foaming™. The mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified, so the foam doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals and is low in VOCs.

The Zoma Mattress has three layers: 2 inches of gel memory foam with Triangulex™ zoned support technology, a bouncy Reactiv™ layer, and a sturdy Support+ layer. On the website, they rate this mattress as medium, so we recommend it for side and combo sleepers. Sleepers with back pain, as well as those who suffer from night sweats, may also enjoy the added support and cooling technologies within the Zoma’s layers.

The comfort layer, a gel foam with Triangulex™ technology, is divided into three support zones. The top zone relieves pressure points and promotes airflow, but most importantly, it keeps the head and shoulders lifted in alignment.

Under the torso, the second support zone offers firm support to prevent the lower back and hips from dipping into the bed.  The last zone is at the foot of the mattress, and this portion of the bed under your legs and feet also contains triangular cutouts for deeper compression and comfort.

Directly below the dynamic top layer sits the responsive Reactiv™. The bounciness of this material evenly distributes body weight and makes it easier to change sleeping positions or get in and out of bed. Reactiv™ works in tandem with gel memory foam to provide deep cushioning and facilitate sound sleep.

The third layer of the bed, Support+, makes up the Zoma’s base. This durable foam layer supplies consistent, steady support and keeps the spine neutral all night long.

Zoma sells their mattresses online-only, so they offer a risk-free 100-night sleep trial and free shipping with every purchase. If you don’t love your Zoma after thoroughly trying it out, returns are free, too. Zoma also backs their bed with a 10-year warranty if you decide it’s the right mattress for you.

3. Avocado Green

The Avocado Green mattress is made in the US with both organic and natural materials, including organic cotton, organic latex, and organic wool. Wool is a natural fire retardant and thermoregulator. Thanks to the organic materials, this mattress is hypoallergenic, and won’t off-gas inside your home.

Avocado Green has many certifications, including Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), USDA Organic, and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Avocado Green is a hybrid mattress, meaning it has both a foam layer and innersprings. The foam is 3 inches of organic certified Dunlop latex, a long-lasting and breathable material. Dunlop latex is responsive and highly durable.

The foundation of this mattress is made of tempered steel coils arranged in 5 support zones. The different zones are created by using different sized coils.

The head and feet zones contain narrow 16 gauge coils, providing plenty of support to the head and legs to keep them from sinking into the mattress. The center zone has stiffer coils to support the core of the sleeper and keep it neutral. On either side of the mattress are large 14 gauge coils to offer comfort and quick response. The edge of the bed is reinforced so the mattress has consistent, level support throughout.

This mattress is great for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, children, and heavy adults. Those looking for a softer sleep can purchase a 2-inch Dunlop latex pillow top.

The Avocado Green Mattress includes a 1-year sleep trial and free returns. They have a 25-year warranty, and for the first 10 years of the warranty, they offer full replacement value for the mattress and free return pick-up services.

4. Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress

The Brentwood Home Hybrid Latex Mattress is made of natural and recycled materials. The Brentwood Home’s factory is GOLS and GOTS certified and located in the US. The latex is certified by eco-INSTITUT®, FSC, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and Rainforest Alliance. Their cotton and wool are certified by STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, and the cotton is largely recycled cotton denim.

The five layers of natural materials in this mattress give it a medium feel, making it a comfortable mattress for side sleepers. The first layer is a pad of organic wool that works as a fire retardant. Thanks to wool’s natural ability to thermoregulate, this layer also helps keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

4 inches of natural Dunlop latex is the second layer, and this supple material is GOLS certified and sourced from actual rubber trees. The latex has three zones, each offering customized support for each part of the body. Brentwood Homes cuts their latex in zig-zagging waves. In the top and bottom zones, the waves get longer,  creating a softer, pressure-relieving layer for the hips and shoulders. The middle zone’s waves are tighter and give the spine more substantial support.

The third layer is a flaxseed fiber pad which acts as a buffer between the latex and coil springs. Having the pad here prolongs the life of the latex because it’s not pressing directly into the hard metal coils. Flaxseed fiber is strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for a buffer layer.

Metal coils, the fourth mattress layer, give pressure relief and spinal support. These strong coils supply the core support this mattress needs to give you deep, healthy sleep.

The final layer is a base of denim, a supportive foundation with excellent airflow. The material in this layer is all from recycled denim scraps.

Brentwood Home mattresses come with a 1-year sleep trial with free returns, plus a 25-year warranty.

5. Eco Terra Natural Latex Hybrid

Eco Terra’s Natural Latex Hybrid Mattress is the result of sustainable farming, organic materials, and US production. The organic wool and cotton used in this mattress are GOTS certified, and their latex is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. The metal coils are made of upcycled steel, and the mattress is low in VOC emissions.

This mattress is available in medium or medium-firm, giving the sleeper the ability to choose what best fits their sleeping style. For side and combo sleepers we recommend the medium, and for stomach and back sleepers we recommend the medium-firm.

The first layer, 3 inches of 100 percent natural latex, provides pressure point relief and a cozy sleep surface. Eco Terra’s latex is single-origin, meaning it’s not mixed with other materials and lasts longer than blended and synthetic latex.

The metal coils in the second layer of this mattress keep the sleeper supported and aligns their spine. Stiff 16 gauge coils make up the perimeter of this mattress—extra support on the edge keeps sleepers from feeling like they might fall off.

Eco Terra’s 90-night sleep trial with free returns provides buyers peace of mind. Their 15-year warranty covers sags deeper than 1.5 inches.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress

6. My Green Mattress Natural Escape Mattress

Natural Escape is the highest recommended mattress from My Green Mattress. This bed contains organic materials and is made in a carbon-neutral, GOTS, and GOLS certified factory. Both the wool and cotton in this mattress are GOTS certified, and the latex is GOLS certified. Thanks to all the natural materials, Natural Escape is hypoallergenic.

The Natural Escape is a medium-firm mattress, so we recommend it for back and stomach sleepers. The Natural Escape mattress starts with 3 inches of 100 percent all-natural Dunlop latex, giving sleepers a soft, luxurious night’s sleep while keeping them cool. Dunlop latex conforms to the body, relieving pressure points.

A zoned spring system creates the foundation of this mattress. With a total of 1,074 coils, the mattress has three zones: the edge, the center, and the rest of the mattress. The edge has 13.5 gauge coils—these are very stiff coils, and they make sure the sleeper never feels like they are about to fall off the bed. The center zone contains 14.5 gauge coils, and these tight coils give the sleeper excellent lumbar support and keep the hips lifted to the same level as the rest of the body. 15.5 gauge coils fill the rest of the mattress, providing even support for the head, legs, and arms.

My Green Mattress gives their customers plenty of time to test this mattress with a 120-night sleep trial, along with free exchanges or returns. They also provide a 20-year limited warranty.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & 7 In-Store Myths

What Makes a Mattress Eco-Friendly?

If you want to buy an eco-friendly mattress, but are scared off by the high prices, remember: “eco-friendly” is a broader category than “organic.” A mattress can be eco-friendly and still made mostly of synthetic materials. Production methods and fewer chemicals are big players in making a bed eco-friendly.

Many mattress companies use production methods designed to reduce carbon emissions, and there are lots of natural alternatives for harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and petrochemicals. Mattress companies claiming to be eco-friendly will almost certainly include their certifications—keep an eye out for these, and check how open the company is about how their mattresses are constructed.

Materials

Eco-friendly foam can be anything from a plant-based foam to a synthetic foam produced with fewer chemicals. Any synthetic or partially synthetic foam that is CertiPUR-US® certified contains a lot fewer chemicals and emits low amounts of VOCs.

Natural materials help make a mattress eco-friendly. Using wool as a fire retardant instead of chemicals is safer for the sleeper and the planet, and cotton covers are a breathable, hypoallergenic alternative to synthetic mattress covers. For mattresses with innerspring coils, keep an eye out for steel coil certifications—some companies use upcycled metal, and don’t coat their springs with chemicals.

Production Method

Companies that get all their resources domestically and make their product in the USA have shorter supply chains. The result is fewer carbon emissions because they don’t have to ship their products from overseas. Many mattress factories have eco-friendly certifications, and these tell the buyer the company is going out of its way to reduce their carbon footprint.

Fewer Chemicals

Traditionally-made mattresses contain plastics, vinyl, flame retardants, and petrochemicals. These have high VOC emissions and can give sensitive sleepers allergic reactions. Breathing chemicals every night can increase your chances of having health issues, like occupational asthma, headaches, and in some cases organ damage.

Certifications

Many mattress companies try to hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon without putting in the necessary work. Keep an eye out for mattresses with a list of certifications, but no explanation about what part of the mattress it applies to. This is called “greenwashing.”

Not all “eco-friendly” certifications really speak to how green a product is. Here are a few certifications you can depend on:

CertiPUR-US®

The CertiPUR-US® certification is for polyurethane mattress foams, including memory and poly-foams. It tests to make sure the foam doesn’t have any ozone-depleting substances, chemical flame-retardants, phthalates, formaldehyde, and heavy metals. CertiPUR-US® also guarantees the product has low VOC emissions and is safe to bring into your home.

Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)

To earn the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, the textiles in the product must be at least 70 percent organic. This tells the consumer the company’s goal is sustainability.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) means the latex in a product is at least 95 percent organic, indicating it is sustainably sourced and doesn’t contain any unhealthy additives. When shopping for an organic latex mattress, be sure all layers of latex foam have a GOLS certification.

Oeko-Tex Standard 100

Oeko-Tex Standard 100 involves every material in a product undergoing testing—from steel coils to the cotton cover—to verify it doesn’t have any chemicals or additives that could harm humans.

Greenguard and Greenguard Gold

High levels of VOCs can be harmful, and the Greenguard label tells the consumer the product has been tested and has little or no VOCs emissions. The standard Greenguard certification requires the product to have no more than 500 µg/m3 total VOCs, while a Greenguard Gold certification means the product has no more than 220 µg/m3 total VOCs.

Other Eco-Friendly Mattress Shopping Considerations

While you’re hunting for an eco-friendly mattress, keep in mind a bed’s main purpose: to give you deep, healthy sleep. The best kind of mattress supports your weight, is the right firmness to accommodate your sleeping style, and has sufficient pressure point relief to get your body ready for the day.

Mattresses For Plus-Sized and Light-Weight Sleepers

Sleepers over 230 pounds should invest in a medium-firm to firm mattress because it gives them hearty support. Soft mattresses tend to cradle your body, and the heavier you are, the more a soft mattress sinks down, throwing your body out of alignment.

A soft to medium soft mattress is ideal for sleepers 130 pounds or less. Firm mattresses don’t respond to lightweight sleepers as well as soft beds. Softer mattresses have more cushion and respond quickly to weight shifting while offering excellent support.

Mattresses For Different Sleeping Styles

Back and stomach sleepers require a medium-firm or firm mattress because to maintain a neutral position, these sleepers need their weight to be carried on top of the mattress. Soft mattresses cradle the heavy parts of the sleeper, and for stomach and back sleepers this is their hips. If the bed cradles the hips more than the rest of the body, it throws off the healthy alignment of the spine and can lead to back problems.

The main points of contact for side sleepers are the hips and shoulders. By cradling the hips and shoulders, soft mattresses keep side sleepers in a neutral position.

Mattresses For Athletes

Athletes push their bodies to their physical limits almost everyday, and as a result, they need deep, healing sleep every night. The best mattresses for athletes are those that alleviate pressure points and promote a healthy sleep position. Taking the pressure off joints and muscles gives the body a break, and keeps it aligned.

Recycling and Throwing Away Old Mattresses

More mattress companies are starting to think about the long-term effect their mattresses could have on the environment. Traditionally made mattresses take decades to biodegrade, and landfills are heavily populated with old, discarded mattresses. Mattresses made of natural materials biodegrade faster without releasing chemicals.

Even eco-friendly mattresses take quite a bit of time to biodegrade, so the best way to dispose of your old mattress is to recycle it. Instead of chucking it into a dumpster, take it to a recycling plant. Not every recycling plant accepts mattresses, and almost all of them have rules about what shape the mattress needs to be in. Read about the standards on their website, or give them a call before you haul away your mattress.

FAQs

Can off-gassing make you sick?

With a few exceptions, off-gassing won’t make you sick. Off-gassing is when VOCs in a mattress break down and enter the air—the “new smell” of a traditionally manufactured mattress is a sign of off-gassing. Some sleepers are more sensitive, and the VOCs give them an irritated throat, headaches, or difficulty breathing. The smell, along with the symptoms, should go away after the mattress has had a chance to air out. A good practice is to let your new mattress air out in a well-ventilated room for three to seven days after you bring it home.

Are mattresses biodegradable?

Traditionally manufactured mattresses are biodegradable, but they take a long time. An innerspring mattress takes about 80 years, while a polyurethane foam mattress can take hundreds of years. These numbers apply to mattresses made mostly of synthetic materials; thankfully, many mattress companies are moving towards natural materials, which biodegrade much faster.

What’s the difference between organic and eco-friendly mattresses?

A truly organic mattress is made almost entirely of natural materials, like organic wool, cotton, and plant-based foam. These materials must also be farmed without the use of chemicals. An eco-friendly mattress is a broader field—it could mean the company has reduced their carbon emissions by producing their mattresses entirely in the US, or that a percentage of the product is made with natural ingredients.

Are mattresses toxic?

Mattresses made entirely out of synthetic materials can be toxic. The main contributors to the toxicity are petrochemicals, which are common fire-retardants inside mattresses. An eco-friendly alternative for petrochemicals is wool.

Can I recycle my old mattress?

You can, and you should! A traditional mattress takes decades to biodegrade in a landfill; recycling is a very eco-friendly way to dispose of your old mattresses. Not all recycling plants take them, so do a little research before loading up your mattress.

Buying An Eco-Friendly Mattress

Before you wade into all the different kinds of eco-friendly mattresses, take some time to decide what’s important for you: do you want a 100 percent organic mattress, or a mattress that is produced responsibly and with fewer chemicals? And no matter what kind of eco-friendly mattress you decide to get, make sure you check the certifications—don’t get greenwashed!

While buying a green mattress is important, don’t make it your only priority. Be sure to find a mattress where you can sleep deeply and comfortably. Take a look at where the eco-friendly mattresses fall on the firmness scale and read their product descriptions. Make sure the mattress company provides a free sleep trial so you can confidently decide whether the mattress is right for you!