Two Keys to Buying an Affordable Non-Toxic Mattress
Written by Irina Webb
When I realized I inevitably spent a third of my life on a mattress, I decided to make sure that my mattress was non-toxic. Before I knew anything about this subject, I had thought a mattress made with natural materials was good enough. Then I discovered that an ultimate criterion for a safe mattress was an organic certification. But the question arose: Is a certified organic mattress even affordable? The great news is that it is possible to find a budget-friendly organic mattress! Today you will learn two keys to purchasing an affordable non-toxic mattress, and what makes Happsy an affordable organic mattress. And see the end of this post for a link to a discount code making this mattress even more affordable!
Removing toxic chemicals from my immediate surroundings helped me improve my health.
Before finding safe mattresses for my family, I had spent hours surveying the mattress industry. Actually, this extensive investigation evolved into a book called The Savvy Consumer Fast Track: Mattresses. Specifically, it teaches you how to buy a truly non-toxic mattress and presents research results of several mattress companies. This post is about one of them – Happsy mattress company.
Research is not only what I do, but also what I live and breathe. Since 2011, reading labels and researching ingredients has turned into my mission to help you live free of toxic chemicals. I am passionate about making your home and the planet a safer and healthier place to live. In fact, I have noticed a correlation between health conditions and using or removing toxic chemicals from life. I have seen proof of that, both in the multiple scientific studies I read and my personal experience. Thus, I describe my journey to health in my posts Can Breast Implants Cause Autoimmune Diseases and My Health Update After Explant Surgery.
Buying a non-toxic mattress was one of the things I did to improve my health and surroundings. Indeed, given I sleep about 8 hours a day, doing it on a toxic-free mattress seems a legitimate desire. So, I bought organic mattresses for me and my husband, and for my son. Check out my Best Organic Mattress Review, The Non-Toxic Crib Mattress post, and this Organic Kids Mattress.
Now, let’s talk about the keys to purchasing an affordable mattress.
The first key to buying an affordable non-toxic mattress is to confirm it has a GOTS certification.
For starters, how can you make sure that a mattress is organic? There is only one way – to look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. It is one of the leading standard setters that defines world-w ide recognized – and quite strict – requirements for organic textiles. They even include investigating how the raw materials are harvested, and whether the mattresses manufacturing is socially responsible.
To verify that the company holds a GOTS certification, type the company’s name into the GOTS certified suppliers database. That was how I made sure that Happsy had an organic certification.
With this certification comes assurance that all the mattress components adhere to the highest standards available in the industry. Specifically, GOTS verifies that foam, cotton, and wool adhere to their standards.
Additionally, GOTS verifies that the mattress has passed the government flammability tests using the safest flame-retardant materials or substances. Usually, it is wool because it has natural flame-retardant properties. (Learn how to avoid flame retardants in furniture and mattresses in my post about California flame retardant law TB 117-2013.)
In addition to certifying mattresses, GOTS certifies manufacturing facilities. A GOTS-certified organic mattress is made in a GOTS-certified facility by default.
It is important to note that the entire mattress should have an organic certificate, not just its parts. The main reason is that you want to be certain you are buying a truly non-toxic mattress without synthetic additives. (Read my post to learn how a mattress can be really organic.)
Some certificates that manufacturers present as GOTS certificates are really not.
Looking for an affordable non-toxic mattress, you start by asking companies for their certifications. Some companies have emblems of all possible certifications on their website. Yet, they cannot provide any access to the certificates to back up their claims of GOTS certification.
In other words, just because a company claims it is GOTS-certified does not mean it is. Go to the GOTS website and use their search functions to see if the company, facility, and mattress are certified. I consider this step necessary because I have seen companies falsely claim GOTS certification. (Happsy spares you this commotion because their mattress itself has an authentic GOTS certification.)
Although some certificates have the word “GOTS” in them, they are not really GOTS certificates given to the product. That is to say, sometimes manufacturers claim GOTS certification, and may even produce documentation to prove their claim. However, it is necessary to understand these documents because they can be confusing.
Certificate of Compliance
First, a “certificate of compliance,” aka a “supplier certificate,” reflects the supplier’s name rather than the mattress company’s name.
To clarify, mattress companies do not always manufacture their own components; instead, they purchase certain materials from suppliers. However, I have seen mattress companies provide a GOTS certification for their supplier(s), essentially claiming it as their own.
But even if the mattress company bought organic textile from this supplier in the past, how do I know they are still doing it? Plus, how can I be sure that the certified textile is in the mattress I am about to purchase?
Transaction Certificate
Second, in search of an affordable non-toxic mattress you may come across a “transaction certificate.”
It merely indicates that some organic material was moved from point A to point B on a certain date. This falls far short of demonstrating that the mattress itself is GOTS-certified, or even that its components are. (Again, the GOTS certified Happsy mattress spares you this confusion altogether.)
OEKO-Tex Certificate
Third, the latex foam that has no GOTS certification in most cases has an OEKO-Tex certification instead.
For your information, OEKO-Tex 100 regulates 100 toxic substances limiting and eliminating their use in the mattress production process. It does not prove that the latex is organic or even that it is made without synthetic additives. There are more than 100 nasty chemicals to avoid, but OEKO-Tex 100 only focuses on 100 of them. It is a nice start, and better than nothing, but GOTS is the certification you want to look for.
Thus, without a verified GOTS certification, it is uncertain whether you will end up buying a truly non-toxic mattress.
The second key to buying an affordable non-toxic mattress is to know the brand and place to buy.
First of all, out of 12 popular mattress brands I surveyed, six had GOTS certificates. And out of these six, the Happsy mattress is the most affordable.
To begin with, Naturepedic, a leader in the organic mattress industry, founded Happsy. Amazingly, Naturepedic created a budget-friendly organic mattress without sacrificing the quality of the materials used in their top-of-the-line mattresses. The same safety standards apply to Happsy non-toxic mattresses as to the Naturepedic non-toxic mattresses.
Most importantly, Happsy organic mattresses are certified by GOTS. It means that they are made in a GOTS-certified facility with GOTS-certified organic materials. Namely, their organic mattress components include organic GOTS-certified cotton and wool, and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)-certified latex foam. (If you want to avoid latex, check out my post about the best latex-free organic mattress.)
What makes Happsy an affordable non-toxic mattress is, first, the level of firmness, and second, the sales method.
Specifically, these safe mattresses come only in one firmness – medium – but toppers are available for additional softness. Besides, they have coils, which already makes them more comfortable than mattresses without coils. As a matter of fact, they wrap the coils in lightweight polypropylene fabric for comfort and durability.
Additionally, they do not sell their organic mattresses through retail, and thus avoid numerous retail expenses. In other words, you will have your mattress delivered after purchasing it on the Internet. With a 120-day return policy and company-paid return shipping, it is a great risk-free deal.
Conclusion about the Happsy affordable mattress
To sum up, shopping for a non-toxic mattress requires some research. To take a shortcut, just type the mattress brand’s name into the GOTS database. Make sure that the model of the mattress you consider buying is in the GOTS database, too. If yes, you can have peace of mind that the mattress you are about to buy is safe and non-toxic.
Personally, I have been sleeping on the Naturepedic organic mattress and find it very comfortable. The great news is that Naturepedic created an affordable non-toxic mattress and branded it Happsy. The quality of the materials is the same, and the GOTS certification is present. You cannot lie in it before buying, though, because they sell online only. Actually, this (and medium firmness) is what makes their mattresses so affordable.
Moreover, as my blog reader, you can make it even more affordable by using a generous discount. To see the discount code and buy the Happsy mattress, visit here.
For additional information on product safety, check out my e-books and visit my shop that abounds in healthy product options.
Also, you can become a member of my Savvy Consumer Circle and/or book a consultation with me for personal communication.
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Hi again, Irina. I wrote previously regarding mattress foundations/frames and to ask what you have purchased. Just a follow-up comment, while metal frames may emit EMFs, a bed/foundation made from wood most likely will have been sprayed with pesticides. Increasingly, pesticide exposure is so harmful, such as the glyphosate and cancers. I’m not sure which is the better of the two evils. Thinking of getting a metal frame, but then the box spring/foundation is still made of pesticide-sprayed wood, so why not just get a wood bed frame and skip the metal? Any thoughts would be most appreciated. TY again!
Hi, Susan! Thank you for reaching out to I Read Labels for You! How about Avocado wood bed frames?
I’m on the fence….Happsy vs Plushbeds. Plushbeds has better online reviews but I suspect they might hide poor reviews. They seem a little shady with advertising which I don’t like. Happsy seems to be more transparent/trustworthy. But maybe not as comfortable. I haven’t actually tried either.
Am I correct in believing plushbeds is GOTS certified now? Does this link show that?
Hi Jeannette! Based on our multi-year research, we recommend Naturepedic and its branch Happsy. If you want to know the details that are not described in the post, you are more than welcome to book a consultation with Irina: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/
Do you look at innerspring mattresses?
Hi, Tina:
Could you tell me more? I’m not sure what you’re asking about. ~Irina
Hi Irina — I am in the market for a new mattress due to neck and shoulder pain. ( I also have issues with inflammation, so I want to make sure I buy non-toxic.)
I have a Tuft & Needle memory foam mattress, and I’m wondering if an innerspring mattress would be better for my neck. Do you look at innerspring mattresses as well as memory foam mattresses in your new e-book?
Hi, Tina:
Yes, I talked about the health risks of memory foam mattresses in the ebook. If you have inflammation, you should certainly make sure that you choose a mattress that won’t make your condition worse. I highly recommend reading the ebook so you can ask the right questions and make the right decisions for your health and comfort: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/the-savvy-consumer-fast-track-mattresses/ ~Irina
Irina – this is all so helpful. As many others have said – THANK YOU!! If we buy a Happsy (or other firm, non-toxic mattress) and are wanting a similarly non-toxic topper to add softness, what do you recommend??
Kathryn, Happsy sells a topper to add firmness. Please take a look. Let us know what you think. ~Irina
Thank you so much for all of the research that you have done on so many items! I was wondering if you had any thoughts on Savvy Rest mattresses? I live in Iowa and there aren’t many options for organic mattresses. There is one show room that only carry this brand. I know they are GOTS certified. Thank you!!
Hi, Kim:
Yes, I have some thoughts about Savvy Rest mattresses. You can book a consultation with me or wait for an ebook on mattresses that I’m planning to release in September. Thanks. ~Irina
Hi Irina,
Love your website and incredibly detailed oriented research and explanations. Any thoughts on Hope Latex Mattress from My Green Mattress? Has nearly identical sale price to Happsy, good 100 day free return guarantee and seems like a nice option. Thinking about it for myself or for my partner who has pretty severe MCS.
Thanks you!!!
Mark in Massachusetts
Hi, Mark: I can help you choose the best mattress for you in a consultation so you do not have to wonder and waste your money: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/consulting/ Thank you! ~Irina
Hi Irina,
As usual, great diligence. Out of curiosity, did you research Avocado mattresses at all?
Kindly,
Katherine
Hi, Katherine: Yes, I have researched it, Katherine. It is more expensive than Happsy. It’ll be included in my upcoming ebook. Do you own Avocado mattress or are considering to buy it? ~Irina
After much research we purchased Avocado for two bedrooms. I recommend the mattress topper as without it’s fairly firm, but overall excellent mattress and customer service. Wondered how the brand ranked from your research as well.
You’ll see that information in the upcoming ebook in September. ~Irina
Hi Irena,
It was a few years back, so hard to remember; but, I read an article about EMT’s, coils, and cancer. And, I honestly can’t remember the details. But, it had something to do with a study on how incidents of cancer, maybe in the heart (not sure), increased in people who slept on a particular side of the body. And, they linked it to coils in mattresses acting as a type of transmitter or something for the EMT’s from Wi-fi, etc. Wish I could remember where I read it. I’m just also wondering about whether mattress coils could be a potential problem. I eventually purchased an Essentia mattress for our son. It’s safe and a great mattress, but I’m trying to look into other more affordable options for a mattress for my husband and I. Our old mattress is over 20 years old. Thanks for having a curious mind! I appreciate all your investigating!
Hi, Jamie:
Yes, it was a hypothesis (not a study) published on the Scientific American blog (not their website). It was blown out of proportion by some bloggers. The long story short I took it very seriously and had professionals come to my house with the right equipment. I paid them big bucks. The result was that we use coil mattresses with confidence. I will be describing all that in the upcoming ebook on the mattresses. Thank you for asking. ~Irina
Hi Irina,
You are the best. I just adore the info you’re putting out in the world. You make it clear and concise which is such a time saver. I just recently purchased two Austin Air purifiers for our home based on your suggestions and gosh darn, we just bought a mattress in February after SO MUCH research (albeit my head spun from trying to make sense of all the certificates!). We live in Canada and purchased a Naturelle Organic Latex bed. Have you seen their website? They have many claims and certificates (including GOTS) pasted on their website – ohhhh I hope we didn’t get duped!! Keep up the great work!
Hi Sarah: you can book a consultation and we can go over your mattress documentation and identify the best course of action for you: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/consulting/ Thanks. ~Irina
Do you have a recommendation for a mattress with no coils? Thank you!
Hi, Fatima: may I ask why you prefer a mattress with no coils? ~Irina
Wow. Thank you, Irina for such an in-depth article, it was just what I needed now! Love how thoroughly and patiently you make all your research. I thought I am the only one taking a long time to inspect everything before buying. Reading you is like having all the important things you need to know and might miss, all in one place and as sincere as if done by myself for myself. 🙂 Keep grinding!
Thank you, Victoria, for such kind and encouraging words. You are putting a smile on my face. 😊 ~Irina
EMf concerns 🙂
I went to the Plushbeds website and they have GOTS certification. Can you please explain why you said they do not?
Hi, Leah: None of the Plushbeds mattresses are certified by GOTS. And the reason I know that is that they do not provide a GOTS certificate (it is not on the website, I just double-checked again) and they are not found in the GOTS public database. ~Irina
Hello, humm, thank you – but then what is this? https://www.plushbeds.com/assets/images/images_certificates/GOTSOrganicWool2019.pdf
Leah, this is a Transaction Certificate that shows that some organic wool was shipped from point A to point B on January 10 of 2019. Please take a closer look at the Transaction Certificate. There are two other companies I know of that show Transaction Certificates instead of GOTS-certificates. I am writing an ebook about that so people who want to buy a GOTS-certified mattress, buy a GOT-certified mattress, not something else. Are you in a process of buying a mattress or bought it already? Thank you for bringing this up. ~Irina
Wow, thank you. I am very disappointed in how deceptive the company is! I already bought two mattresses! What do you recommend I do? (I look forward to your ebook)
I’m so sorry to hear that. Has it been 100 days since you bought them? They have a 100-day return policy. ~Irina
Irina, thank you so much for all the work you do. I went to the GOTS public database, searched “CANADA” and found a number of companies, including a Mattress company based in Montreal called Essentia. I would never have known about them. This is great! Thanks so much for this information. Keep up the great work, you are doing us all such a great service and I appreciate it!