WHAT IS A NON-TOXIC MATTRESS?
If you're looking for a mattress that's kinder to the environment and your health, non-toxic options are a great choice. These mattresses typically focus on organic materials and often boast certifications like the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This means they meet high standards for organic content and reduce certain harmful chemicals. Non-toxic mattresses usually avoid things like polyurethane foam, memory foam, flame retardants, and fire socks, and they try to keep the use of adhesives to a minimum. When choosing your mattress, always look for trusted certifications.
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 federal 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 an 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 products with certifications 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.
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.