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61 Comments

  1. Thank you for the hard work you do on behalf of the consumer. After a mold exposure left me highly reactive to chemicals and smells, I got a wool mattress and pillow from Shepherd’s Dream. I’ve been very happy with them but wondered what opinion, if any, you could offer.

  2. Hi Irina,
    I’m looking to buy a new matress but can’t download your guide. It only lets me sign up to be notified when the new guide is available. Is there a way we can still buy the old one? Or could you share the names of the other companies who had GOTS certified matresses so I can look inot them myself? I appreciate any help you can offer!

    1. Hi, Danielle! Thank you for your interest and trust! While our number one choice is still Naturepedic or its branch Happsy, we think Avocado mattresses are worth looking into, too. Please, check out our Healthy Sleep category in the IRLFY shop: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/product-category/healthy-sleep/ You can also book a private consultation with Irina who will be happy to walk you through the mattress choosing and purchasing process: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/consulting/

  3. Hi Irina! Thank you for all the research you do on natural products I love reading your reviews 🙂 I am now looking to replace my 17 year old sleep number bed with something less toxic and I have it narrowed down between Naturepedic and Avocado. I’m curious to know if you looked at avocado as well and if there were any negatives that stuck out (besides the coils and EMFs) to knock it out of consideration? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

    1. Hello, Kim! We appreciate your interest and trust! 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/. Thank you!

  4. Thank you for this article. Do you know if Naturepedic supports any organizations or causes? I am on the fence between them and Posh & Lavish. Any thoughts on that brand as well?

  5. Hi Irina,
    I prefer medium-firm mattresses. It’s been a while since I’ve stayed in a hotel, so I’m not sure about that comparison. I’m also considering Avocado mattresses now too.. thoughts?
    Thank you!
    JoAnne

    1. My husband had back problems, too, and that’s why we were careful to choose a comfortable mattress for him. He loves Naturepedict. His side is medium-firm, too. Avocado mattresses are certified organic, too, but I do not know how comfortable they are, and I do not trust them as much as I trust Naturepedic. By the way, today is the last day to get 20% off on Naturepedic mattresses. Or you might want to choose Happsy mattress as their all mattresses are medium-firm. They have a deal, too. ~Irina

  6. Hi Irina,
    I’m in the market for a new organic mattress and have narrowed it down to either the Happsy organic mattress or the Naturepedic Chorus mattress. I see that you have recommended both brands.. Which do you think is more comfortable for the back, and also lighter in weight? The current mattress I have is so heavy that I have a hard time lifting the corners to make the bed, so weight is a factor for me. The weight of the mattress is one piece of information that they don’t seem to provide.
    I’m curious if you might know why Naturepedic only has a 10 year limited warranty, while Happsy has a 20 year limited warranty?
    Thanks for any advice and info!!

    1. Hi, JoAnne: Some people with back pain issues prefer something that’s firm, but other people just don’t like a firm mattress. Do you know whether you want a firm mattress? If it’s hard to judge, just think of a typical hotel mattress. Do you think those are too soft or too firm? Thank you ~Irina

  7. Hi Irina. I am looking to buy an organic latex mattress this weekend. I have been doing a lot of research on different companies. Naturepedic looks great but they are expensive. I am looking at PlushBeds and Saavy Rest. They are both certified organic with GOLS, GOTS, Oeko-Tex and GreenGuard Gold certifications. Both have 2 options – either organic latex, organic cotton and organic wool or organic latex and pocketed coils, organic cotton and organic wool. (I like the idea of no coils for emf concerns). Both also ship directly to your home with free returns if needed. Have you looked into these organic companies? Both have GOLS and GOTS certified factories and they make their own mattresses.

    1. Hi, Deana: I answered your questions in detail in the Savvy Consumer Fast Track: Mattresses ebook. I have compared 12 mattresses side by side on many parameters including PlushBeds and Savvy Rest: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/the-savvy-consumer-fast-track-mattresses/ You can save yourself money and save your yourself from headache if you read the ebook. I highly recommend reading it before committing to a major purchase like that. Thank you. Irina

  8. Couldn’t agree more! I also did a lot of research when choosing a mattress as it’s such a big investment. Ultimately, went with Naturepedic. My husband and I went to their showroom in NYC to help with our decision in selecting the style. We choose the EOS classic.. they do offer more higher end mattresses but we didn’t think they were worth the higher price point and i didn’t find them to be more comfortable. I love a firm mattress and my husband likes it less firm we with the EOS we were able to customize that. Initially, my husband was very resistant to the purchase due to the significant higher cost than standard mattress but after the first night he said it was the best sleep he’s ever had..
    Highly recommend getting the mattress cover. We also purchased their latex pillows which we are very happy with.

    1. Thank you, Irina, for letting us know! I’m so happy that you and your husband like the mattress. My husband was the same way. He was skeptical until slept on it. ~Irina

  9. My husband and I have had our Naturepedic mattress for a couple of months now. We absolutely love it! I can’t tell you how much research I did when it came to mattresses, so I was glad to see Irina recommends the brand as well. We ended up buying ours from the store, so we could lay on them to see what one was the most comfortable for us. I no longer have back pain and sleep a lot better. We have such peace of mind knowing we aren’t breathing in tons of toxins and chemicals. Also, knowing that they are small company where almost all of their products are made in the USA, is a plus. I won’t hesitate to buy more of their products in the future. It was well worth the investment especially because the one we bought should last 20 years!

  10. Do you have any input on PlushBeds if you go with the Botancial Latex mattress? Says GreenGuard Good and GOLD certified? Thanks!

    1. It looks like some PlushBeds are made with organic latex. If that’s truly the case, it can be a good option. Although to have peace of mind that mattresses truly are as described, it is best when mattresses are GOTS-certified and made in GOTS-certified facility. I can’t speak about how comfortable they are obviously. I hear from many that mattresses without innerspring are not comfortable. Let me know what you decide. ~Irina

  11. Do you have any input on PlushBeds if you go with the Botancial Latex mattress? Says GreenGuard Good and GOLD certified? Thanks!

  12. Hi Irina, what are your thoughts on the Nest Bedding Hybrid Latex? We would love organic but can’t afford Naturepedic, so willing to make some compromises. I’ve had a bad experience with European Sleep Works and prefer a bed with coils and latex (vs just latex). Thanks in advance for your help!

    1. Hi, Kat: The Nest Bedding Hybrid Latex is a step in the right direction but I can’t recommend it. What is your budget for a mattress? And what size are you looking to buy? I might be able to help stay within the budget. ~Irina

  13. Irina,

    What are your thoughts on the Essential Line with the coils wrapped in polyester vs the EOS with coils wrapped in PLA. Since polyester is synthetic and derived from plastic and PLA is synthetic as well. I’m having a hard time deciding if PLA would be any better then polyester for the price difference.

    1. Hi, Amy: Hmm… I would say in this case it is more important to avoid polyester for environmental purposes. However, if the price is a big factor, I totally get it. Let me know what you buy and how you like the mattress. Are you buying in a store or on-line? ~Irina

      1. Hi Irina,

        I’m just wondering if you felt one was more safe or less toxic if any then the other. I am not sure if the price difference is worth it if polyester and PLA is neither harmful and it just comes down to an environmental issue. I haven’t decided on where to purchase yet as I am just narrowing down the options.

        1. To know for sure I would need to see test reports side by side. Considering that polyester they use is what clothing is made of and that the polyester is inside the mattress, I think they are about the same. Does it help? ~Irina

  14. Hi Irina,

    Would you be willing to provide which Naturepedic model you ended up purchasing? Also, did you ever research Brentwood Homes (I was considering the Cedar model).

    Thank you for all that you do!

    1. Hi, Miranda: we bought a Naturepedic mattress from EOS series with dual firmness. I have not researched Brentwood Homes yet. This is a big purchase so I understand you want to get it done right. Ask them for certifications they have and make sure they are current and certify the mattresses, not the facility or raw materials. When a manufacturer says their mattresses are made with organic or natural materials, they should be able to provide relevant certifications to prove that. Let me know if you need further assistance: https://ireadlabelsforyou.com/services/consulting/ ~Irina

  15. Hi Irina,

    You are amazing! Thanks for all your hard work.

    I’m considering the Avocado as a more affordable option than the Naturepedic. Similar design and setup. Any thoughts?

    Thanks so much!

  16. Hi Irina, Do you have an opinion on Smith & Oliver Mattresses? They say organic, foam complies… Here is their web site
    http://oliverfurniture.com/en/produktbeskrivelser/mattresses/
    They are also on Amazon. I am looking for a mattress for my young adult son. Safe and reasonably priced. (Better than he would buy for himself.) Also how important is it to buy an organic box spring? Could it be covered in something organic? Thank you very much.

    1. Hi, Sandy:
      It depends on what you looking for. From looking at the mattress description on the website, it does not look like this mattress is organic and the foam is made of organic or even natural rubber. The foam is Oeko Tex certified but not clear to which standard. Also, it would be good to know if use any flame retardant chemicals to pass flammability tests. Let me know if you need more help on shopping for mattresses and we can go over your options within your budget on a phone. I know it is a big decision and you want to get it right. Good luck! ~Irina

  17. Is what they are calling “polyester” and “polypropelene” to wrap the coils made from PLA? They describe PLA as being used in the “comfort layer” and when I click on the PLA link, it says “PLA Batting.” When I asked one of their reps, they said PLA is woven with cotten and wool in the mattress cover but had no idea about what is used to wrap the coils. I’ll try to find out more…

    1. Hi, KM: Sorry for not providing you with this information earlier. I confirmed with Naturpedic that their coils are wrapped in polypropylene, which I deem the safest types of synthetic materials. GOTS approves of polypropylene to be used as linings. This material is neither organic and nor “natural”. It is synthetic. But remember that while there are synthetic materials that are toxic, there are also synthetic materials that are not toxic – in other words, they may be synthetic but they are not made with harmful chemicals. GOTS approves of non-toxic synthetic materials for certain uses in GOTS certified products. Does it help? ~Irina

  18. Hi, I was about to buy several new mattresses from the Natural Mattress Store when I remembered to check your site first and I’m so glad I did. I am now considering Naturepedic based on your recommendation. However I noticed they use polyester to wrap the microcoils (in some of the higher end models, when the customer doesn’t want latex). How do you feel about the use of polyester? Seems odd when the rest of the mattress is organic. Thanks!

      1. We are also considering an Intellibed, and wondering what the pros and cons are, versus the Naturepedic bed. What were your reservations about the Intellibed?

        1. Hi, Emilie: I did not feel like sleeping on plastic. Last time I looked, there was no disclosure what Intellibed mattresses are made of and no safety information. Let me know if you have any other questions. It is a big purchase, and you want to get it right. ~Irina

  19. Hi Irina,

    I’m needing a new mattress and have a 17 month old baby who we share a bed with, so our mattress needs to be as non-toxic as possible. I see in the comments above that you were scheduling an EMF inspector to visit your home. What was found in regards to the metal innerspring mattress in terms of EMF’s? I’d appreciate you sharing so much!

    1. Hi, Sandra:

      Thank you so much for asking! The EMF inspectors who came to our house did NOT find that our innerspring mattresses amplify signals sent by FM radio or TV towers. In fact, they said that they had not seen any innerspring mattresses act as antennas for external signals. On the other hand, the EMF said that metal in mattresses as well as other metals (e.g. metal in our nightstands) can amplify AC (alternating current) electric fields commonly produced by in-wall wiring, extension cords, power lines, clock radios, lamps, TVs, computers, refrigerators, ovens, electric beds and electric heating pads. And our innerspring mattresses amplify the AC electric field; however, even if we were to remove our innerspring mattresses the problem of AC electric fields would be still present in our house. Anyway, we are glad that had the inspection because now we turn off circuit breakers before we go to sleep, and we are not exposed to AC electric fields at all. I became so confident that Naturepedic mattresses are the best in the terms of price, safety, and confort that I got my son a twin-sized mattress. Let me know what you think. ~Irina

      1. Thank you for your due diligence in this area. It has been extremely helpful in our mattress search. The price point is the only thing holding us back from buying a Naturepedic mattress at the moment, which has led me to a new player on the block that I am hoping you could give some insight on. The Joybed definitely doesn’t look as nice as the Naturepedic, but the price is 1/3 less. They are not an apples to apples comparison, but for the price do you feel it might be a decent alternative?
        Thank you again for your great site!
        Kim

  20. Hi Irina, thanks for the post! I just want to caution your readers when purchasing these types of mattresses to ask about what type of bedframe is appropriate. We bought a mattress from the Natural Mattress Store in San Rafael a few years ago (I forget the brand but the materials sound similar to yours). I had also just purchased a new bedframe that had a solid wood (?) base to support the mattress. After a couple of years, I noticed some mold growth on the underside of the mattress (yes, totally gross). When I called the store, they told me that I was using the wrong type of base for this mattress – as the materials need to ‘breathe’ and have circulating air. There is a special type of base for the mattress allows for this air circulation (that they also sell). I wish I had known this when I bought the mattress. I was able to get it cleaned, replace the base, and salvage the mattress, but it was a huge hassle and unneeded expense.

    1. Just wondering how you cleaned it. I have this situation with my Naturepedic mattress. Obviously using the wrong base and now the underside of the outer cover has mould growth.

  21. Irina, Thank you for this post. It is well timed as I am starting to think about replacing our mattress and wantng to go chem free. I am curious as to your process whenyou pose your questions directly to the company? Do you have them formed ahead of time?

    Also curious if you heard of Lifekind from Savannah’s post?

    Lastly, what do you think was the cause of the first night on the Naturepedic? Sounds like both of you were uncomfortable. Were you warned ahead of time?

    Not being difficult but mattress comfort is a huge issue for me.

    1. Hi Maria: great to hear from you again. It is always better to do your homework before talking to vested interests. 🙂 Please read my How to Buy a Non-Toxic Mattress guide for questions to ask. Yes, I have looked into Lifekind but found them more expensive and did not like the fact that there were no showrooms around to feel their mattresses before buying. Sleeping on a comfortable mattress is something absolutely crucial to our health and vitality. I have no idea what happened that first night. But I think what matters is that from night 2 and on we have been loving our mattress. ~Irina

  22. Thank you for the research! Have you looked into Colgate mattresses at all? Specifically the Eco Classica?

  23. I would love to know which other brands you have considered, decided against and why.

    Also, I would be concerned about the EMF being intensified with an innerspring mattress. The video above, (it seems to me) the guy is measuring a magnetic EMF, not electric EMF. I think if he measured electric EMF, the result would be much different. And proximity of that mattress spring to an electrical outlet or wiring inside the wall/floor/ceiling would also have an effect from my very limited understanding of the subject. But then again, I could be wrong.

    1. Hi, Elena! Yes, you are right that in the video, they are measuring a magnetic field, not a radio electric field. Thank you for pointing that out. And yes, the measurement of a radio electric field would probably fluctuate depending on the distance from the surface of the coils and locations of sources of electric fields.

      In 2009, Swedish researchers published an article that concluded that left-sided breast cancer and melanomas of arms and feet are linked with standing radio electric waves created above innerspring beds. The researchers concluded that standing radio electric waves are produced by coils in mattresses as they reflect signals sent by FM radio and TV broadcasting transmitters. As people normally sleep on their right sides (the researchers found), these parts of the body are further removed from mattresses, where the standing waves are strongest. In fact, if you sleep on your tummy or back, you are better off on the innerspring mattress than on a non-metal bed, because your body is below the harmful part of the wave.

      This study was published in 2009 and the Swedish researchers called for studies of a possible association between melanoma incidence and sleep duration on mattresses with coils as well as detailed measurements of electrical fields around a human body resting on a metal spring mattress. It would also be helpful if there were a long-term study comparing the frequencies of these maladies between people who sleep on inner spring mattresses with those who don’t. It does not appear that this work has been done yet.

      If you search the Internet, it might seem that there have been numerous studies done. In fact, all mentions of this phenomena lead to the original study, leading one to conclude that while there may be something to this, that further study is needed before we understand this fully.

      For our part, we bought a metal spring mattress because we concluded that with our active and busy modern lives, we need to be well-rested every day, and that is crucial for our health and vitality. At first, I was thinking of buying a natural latex mattress such as those made by Pure Rest and The Foam Store but I was told by several people who bought natural latex foam mattresses that they were not comfortable, which made sense to me, since there is very little flexibility in the mattresses. If anybody owns a natural latex foam mattress please share with us how you like it.

      The other mattresses I looked at were OMI (way too expensive), Lifekind (no chance to try them and their return policy not sufficient), McRoskey Mattress Store (materials were not up to my standards), The Natural Mattress Store (certifications were not up to date and more expensive than Naturepedic) and others I am having a hard time recalling now as it was over a year ago.

      With that said, I am definitely concerned about EMFs and we do not keep TV, computers, or cell phones in our bedroom. The only thing we have is an old fashioned alarm clock with no radio, which we keep 3 feet from the bed.

      We have also scheduled an EMF inspection of our home, specifically to learn from the EMF professionals about ways to reduce exposure to EMF in the bedroom and the house in general. I am also curious to learn about the locations of FM radio and TV towers and how they may interact with my mattress.

      So thank you for your tough question, which motivated me to resume looking into EMF concerns.

      To read the hypothesis by the Swedish researchers, visit here and here.

      Warmly, Irina

  24. What would you recommend for someone who can’t afford the best brand? There’s a lot between a $200 BigLots mattress and this $1600 one.

  25. Good afternoon Irina,

    The timing of your post could not have been better as I was just this morning regarding an article for which I have provided the link regarding best organic mattresses. This guy recommends a company called Essentia which I haven’t research yet myself or viewed the pricing. However, it sounds like a great product.

    I would love to know your opinion on this mattress and if you have ever heard of it before.

    We did purchase the Naturepedic mattress and changing pad when our son was a baby. (He’s probably very close to your son’s age). And have purchased another now that we’ve converted his crib to a full sized bed. However, my husband and I find the mattress to be very hard and uncomfortable if we lay with him for any length of time. But we’re currently sleeping on a 7-year-old Tempurpedic that is in need of replacement.

    1. Hi Misti: thank you for your question. Latex foam is not absolutely harmless. While it is derived from the sap of rubber tree, there are volcalizing substances used to convert sap into foam. Naturepedic latex foam is certified organic and their mattresses are certified to the Greenguard Gold standard for VOCs. I do not see the same level of quality with Essentia. I might be wrong. Ask them if they carry these certifications. As for EMF being amplified by mattress innerspring, I have seen enough evidence to convince me that it is not true. Here is one of the tests: https://youtu.be/Tl_Ticwzvi0. And again, the Naturepedic mattress we own is super comfortable. ~Irina

  26. My husband and I have had a LifeKind organic mattress for ourselves, and also one of their crib mattresses for several years now. They are both wonderfully comfortable, and are completely organic, with no questionable materials. Even the workers in the factory they are manufactured in are required to not wear perfume, to avoid and chemicals from contaminating the products. Nothing is hidden, they are completely open about all their products and materials. Just another option.