Last Updated on February 3, 2026 by NonToxicSwaps

Mattresses are made with materials & chemicals that off-gas over time. These substances can have a significant impact on your health, considering the amount of hours we spend on a mattress throughout our lifetime.

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Product ingredients are subject to change.  Information shared in this post is accurate as of posting date.  Check back for updated content.

INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS TO AVOID IN MATTRESSES 

  • Phthalates: plasticizers responsible for endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive system damage, as well as kidney & liver risks.

  • Formaldehyde: linked to cancer, easily absorbed through the respiratory system
  • PVC/Vinyl: contains phthalates
  • Flame retardants: linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and neurological effects
  • Polyurethane: emits VOCs
  • Synthetic latex: made from petroleum-based materials, which are possible carcinogens and toxic to the reproductive system
  • Fragrance: endocrine disruptors, cover term for other toxic chemicals that include phthalates, which are linked to ADHD, organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity
  • Polypropylene & polyethylene: derived from petroleum, linked to endocrine disruption and can be harmful to the reproductive system. These materials are often included in the top sheet that touches baby’s skin.

CERTIFICATIONS

The following certifications can help determine which mattresses are safer choices for you and your family:

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): ‘Made with organic’ label grade requires at least 70% certified organic fibers. Products with ‘organic’ label grade requires at least 95% certified organic fibers. The remaining 5% must meet GOTS criteria which restricts materials such as endocrine disruptors, flame retardants, formaldehyde, GMOs, aromatic solvents, heavy metals, nanoparticles, phthalates, plasticizers, and more.

Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): products must contain more than 95% certified organic latex, with the remaining 5% also restricting materials such as flame retardants, polyurethane, colorants/dyes, low VOC emissions.

GreenGuard Gold: measures the VOC emissions of a product. VOCs & chemicals restricted by this certification include formaldehyde, phthalates, phenol, benzene, & more. GreenGuard certification limits the VOC emission rate to 500 ug/m3, & GreenGuard Gold limits to a rate of 220 ug/m3.

OEKO-TEX: limits harmful chemical in textiles such as PFAS, heavy metals, colorants, benzenes, and more.

ADDRESSING EMF CONCERNS

There have been claims that metal coils may conduct EMFs. There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. In fact, there have been findings that show the opposite may be true.

Details around this topic have been widely misquoted and misrepresented by bloggers and influencers.

BEST NON TOXIC MATTRESS BRANDS

GOLS, GOTS, GREENGUARD GOLD, & OEKO-TEX CERTIFIED BRANDS

  1. Avocado
  2. My Green Mattress
  3. Essentia
  4. Naturepedic

THE FOLLOWING MATTRESS HOLD SOME, BUT NOT ALL CERTIFICATIONS

  1. HappsyGOLS, GOTS, GREENGUARD GOLD
  2. Saatva – GREENGUARD GOLD, OEKO-TEX, some models are GOTS and GOLS certified
  3. PlushGOTS, GOLS, GREENGUARD GOLD, some models are OEKO-TEX certified
  4. Birch – GOLS, GREENGUARD GOLD, OEKO-TEX

NON TOXIC MATTRESSES & MORE

By choosing a non toxic mattress you can eliminate these toxins from your home and reduce your exposure to these toxins.  Share this post with a friend who can benefit from this information.

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