Getting a good night’s sleep is vital for both our mental and physical health, but could there be toxins lurking in our bedding? In this guide, we round up some of the UK’s best non-toxic mattress brands and explore what really goes into making a chemical free mattress.
A good mattress is essential. The right eco friendly mattress, mattress topper and/or pillow can help to improve sleep quality and comfort and assist in pressure relief and relieving common ailments such as back pain.
We spend up to a third of our lives in bed. As such having a non-toxic and environmentally friendly mattress (and bed) is important for both our own health and the health of the planet .
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What are mattresses made from?
Modern mattresses contain a variety of different materials. This includes potentially harmful man-made materials.
If you are buying a mattress with synthetic foams such as memory foam mattresses, it is important to note that these are not natural.
Many standard mattresses may contain:
- Polyester
- Polyurethane foam
- Latex foam
- Felt
- Wool fibres
- Cotton fibres
What toxins are found in mattresses?
As with many things in the modern world, many standard mattresses have often been exposed to a plethora of harmful chemicals and toxins.
Flame retardants
Many flame retardants contain highly toxic chemicals. If exposed to these in large quantities, they can cause everything from hormone disruption to neurological damage.
Most mattresses at the consumer level don’t contain these substances in quantities high enough to pose a drastic risk. However, it isn’t great to be exposed to these chemicals at any level. Prolonged exposure, such as through mattress use can also increase risk of toxicity buildup. This is when toxins accumulate in the body.
Many types of fire retardants also present a risk to those who are exposed to them in mattress production supply chains.
Fire retardants also pose an environmental risk. Exposure to flame retardants has been found to disrupt wildlife reproduction and is toxic to many aquatic organisms.
VOCs
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) leech from polyurethane foam used in mattress production and from flame retardants. They are more likely to leech when the heat from your body heats up the mattress.
These harmful substances have been linked to breathing problems as well as irritation of the eyes and throat. In more severe instances, they can cause potential damage to the nervous system and even contribute to some cancers.
Phthalates
Phthalates, often used for waterproofing, are common in mattresses or mattress covers designed for children. However, exposure to phthalates has been linked to cancers, asthma, behavioural issues and even low IQ and neurodevelopment problems.
Phthalates are also released in higher quantities when our beds heat up as we sleep.
↠ Related article: 7 affordable ways to detox your bedroom for a healthier sleep
What are non-toxic and natural mattresses in the UK made from?
Non-toxic mattresses are created without the use of dangerous chemicals. They use natural materials instead of harmful synthetics and don’t expose products to harmful toxins.
Materials used to make non toxic mattresses embrace a more natural approach. Many of these mattresses include organic components, hold organic certification and incorporate products such as:
- Natural latex
- Organic cotton
- Wool (preferably RWS certified)
- Flax
Natural materials such as wool are naturally fire retardant so don’t need the harmful chemicals added that some synthetic mattresses do.
Natural latex is often used as a synthetic foam alternative.
Non-toxic, natural fibre mattresses are not only better for our health but have temperature-regulating properties and allow breathability, making for a more comfortable night’s sleep. And, as well as having a reduced environmental impact, they can help to reduce allergy and asthma issues.
↠ Related article: 7 best organic cotton bedding brands UK for a luxury sleep
↠ Related article: 9 eco-friendly brands for organic wool mattresses
Certifications to look for when choosing a non-toxic mattress
Many of the best non toxic mattress brands will back up their claims with certifications. So when looking for a toxic free mattress, some to look out for include:
- GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard certification means that a product complies with standards that required organic production as well as other social and environmental criteria.
- GOLS – Much like GOTS, The Global Organic Latex Standard ensures that the latex used is a certified organic material. This is as well as adhering to other welfare and sustainability criteria in latex production. Using natural latex is a great way to ensure a non toxic foam mattress.
- GRS– Global Recycled Standard makes sure that a material is tracked and verified to ensure legitimate and responsible recycled content.
If you are wanting to find sustainable furniture brands as well as the best organic mattresses, be sure to check out our article on ethical furniture companies.
Non-toxic mattresses for UK buyers
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So, which brands are taking a natural approach to mattress production?
1. Simba Sleep
Based: UK. Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Price: £1,579 – £2,749
Sustainability creds: B Corp certified, carbon neutral delivery, sustainable and organic mattress materials, GOTS certified cotton, GRS certified materials
Made from recyclable materials and with carbon-neutral delivery, the Simba Earth range is made in the UK using locally-sourced natural materials including wool, cashmere, hemp and flax. The brand offers a 200 night trial, to make sure new owners find the perfect mattress.
Simba Sleep has made conscious choices to adopt a more sustainable outlook. The brand uses organic and recycled materials to limit its impact. Its commitment to sustainable practices is further evidenced by its B Corp certification.
The innovative brand also crafts a gorgeous range of beds, pillows, duvets and mattress protectors.
2. Panda London
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £649 – £1,750
Sustainability creds: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, use of organic and natural materials, use of recycled materials, recyclable foams, eco-conscious packaging, end of life recycling programme
Made by the bamboo experts, a mattress from Panda London is breathable, hypoallergenic, and the perfect combination of sleep science research and natural materials. The organisation offers mattresses from a single to an emperor size to fit any room or style. For a comfortable night, mattresses are constructed with orthopaedic-grade support in mind.
Panda London sources the organic bamboo in its products from approved forests in a closed-loop system. The company also uses planet-friendly packaging and works to ensure social and environmental standards are upheld throughout the supply chain. Bamboo is also vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic.
This is the perfect option for those looking for a non-toxic memory foam mattress!
3. Origin Mattress
Based: UK Ships to: UK plus incorporated in 7 other countries
Made in: Malaysia
Price: £465 – £1,525
Sustainability creds: OEKO-TEX® and CertiPUR-US® certified, tree planting, mattress recycling service with The British Heart Foundation
Designed by their German design team and a partnership of doctors including physiotherapists and chiropractors, the Origin mattress is designed first and foremost to look after your spine and give you a comfortable night’s sleep.
The two mattresses on offer are the Origin Hybrid Mattress for affordability and the premium Origin Hybrid Pro Mattress for extra support and comfort. Both come with layers of natural materials including latex, graphite and bamboo-infused wool. They also come with the reassurance of OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certification meaning no toxic materials in your mattress!
↠ Until 19 May, they are offering 40% off their mattresses and pillows!
4. Spring King @ Mattress Next Day
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £169 – £379
Sustainability creds: Tree planting programs, net zero goals, mattress recycling service, Climate Positive workforce, use of natural materials, handcrafted product
For an affordable non toxic mattress, Spring King are a great choice. Handcrafted mattresses from this UK-based brand offer orthopaedic benefits and great support for a comfortable night’s sleep. The brand uses natural fillings, such as cotton, silk and cashmere to provide comfort and durability.
The Spring King Wool Luxury Soft 3000 mattress is an excellent choice for a natural mattress UK made.
Spring King’s use of natural fibres shows a more eco-friendly approach to bedding. Available through Mattress Next Day, purchases help to support reforestation and tree planting programs that have already planted over 57,000 trees.
5. Sleepeezee @ Mattress Online
Based: UK. Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £220- £795
Sustainability creds (Sleepeezee): Supports charitable initiatives, supports Campaign for Wool, use of natural materials
Available through the Mattress Online platform, Sleepezee has been making high quality beds for nearly a century. The brand believes that no detail should be overlooked, resulting in products that are of superb quality and luxuriously comfortable. The 1,000 Pocket Natural Adjustable Mattress is one to check out. With prices starting at £299 it is a great option for an affordable eco friendly mattress.
Sleepeezee have made commendable contributions to charitable causes, including having donated more than £100,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support. The organisation also supports British sheep farmers and holds an impressive Royal Warrant.
6. Sealy @ Mattress Next Day
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £323 – £647
Sustainability creds: Tree planting programs and net zero goals from Mattress Next Day, natural materials, UK made, pledged to National Bed Federation’s Pledge For Our Planet, Zero to Landfill policy
Handmaking mattresses for over 50 years in the heart of Cumbria, Sealy has grown into an impressive organisation making high quality mattresses.
Through the Mattress Next Day platform, the brand has a range from medium to extra firm mattresses on offer. The Sealy Advantage Topaz Natural Mattress is made from British Wool and PostureTech CS Springs meaning great support for your back as well as a natural mattress.
When ordering through Mattress Next Day you also support tree planting programs.
7. Silent Night
Based: UK. Ships to: UK
Price: £99- £869
Sustainability creds: Signed up to the Climate Pledge, Carbon Neutral, use of some natural materials, repurposes manufacturing waste to avoid contributing to landfill
One of the best-known bed retailers in the UK, Silent Night has beds for the whole family. These range from cot mattresses with washable covers that are free from chemical treatments, to super king spring mattresses with hypoallergenic knit covers.
The Natural Pocket Mattress is an eco-friendly choice for those that prefer a firm mattress.
Silent Night has a good range of sustainable policies and has impressively reduced its carbon emissions by nearly 50% in just four years. The label also has science-based targets to further reduce emissions.
8. Snoozel Green
Based: UK. Ships to: UK mainland
Made in: Sri Lanka
Price: £699 – £1,050
Sustainability creds: GOLS, GOTS, Trees for the Future, organic materials
Using expertly selected organic materials, Snoozel Green makes mattresses that are sustainable and support fair supply chains. They also create an affordable non toxic cot bed mattress at £169.
Made from organic natural latex, wool and organic cotton, the Snoozel organic mattress is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
With the philosophy that ‘we can all sleep naturally’ Snoozel ensures products are crafted from natural materials. The company avoids the use of toxic fire retardants and other harmful chemicals and uses certified organic wool and cotton.
9. Relyon @ Mattress Next Day
Based: UK. Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £289 – £1,089
Sustainability creds: Tree planting programs, net zero goals, mattress recycling service, ISO4001 certification
Another brand taking a handcrafted approach, non-toxic mattresses from this UK brand incorporate natural materials.
Featuring over 2,500 pocket springs, the Rodez mattress offers a soft and snuggly night’s sleep. Natural materials such as wool are used in the brand’s extensive mattress collection.
Relyon has good human rights and fair supply chain policies, although it is unclear how well these are policed. The label has shown a strong commitment to limiting its environmental impact and has certifications to back up its environmental claims.
10. Tuft & Springs @ Mattress Next Day
Based: UK. Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £312 – £1,044
Sustainability creds: Tree planting programs, net zero goals, handmade products, natural fibre mattress collection
British made mattress company Tuft & Springs offers orthopaedic support at a more budget friendly price than many luxury mattress companies. Its eco mattress collection incorporates natural and non toxic materials and is hand made and tufted in the UK.
Products like the Serenity 5000 mattress features 5000 pocket springs and includes materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere to provide both cushioning and support. The use of natural fillings and additional side air vents also assist in regulating body temperature.
Mattress Next Day has some good environmental policies, including net zero goals, and it’s great that Tuft & Springs uses a selection of natural materials.
11. OTTY Sleep
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Price: £299 – £1,599
Sustainability creds: Use of natural and innovative materials
Conveniently coming in a box, eco friendly mattresses from Otty incorporate features including pocket springs and memory foam combined with innovative materials to keep you feeling comfortable.
Mattresses such as the OTTY Pure Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Mattress incorporate charcoal and bamboo-derived materials, taking advantage of their moisture-wicking properties.
OTTY Sleep should be commended for incorporating natural and sustainable materials in its products. It would be great to also see further information or certifications regarding sourcing and supply chains.
12. Hypnos Mattress @ Mattress Next Day
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Price: £369 – £1,749
Sustainability creds: Tree planting programs, net zero goals, mattress recycling service, Climate Positive workforce
Holding a coveted Royal Warrant, Hypnos are known for quality mattresses. The company stocks worldwide hotel chains and creates mattresses that facilitate rest and rejuvenation.
Available through Mattress Next Day are great styles such as the Hypnos Elite Luxury Mattress.
Mattress Next Day is on a journey to become Net Zero. The platform supports tree-planting programs and is making an effort to reduce the plastic it uses in packaging.
13. Mattress Online
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £105 – £1,850
Sustainability creds: Optional mattress recycling service, hosts some sustainable brands
Mattress Online is a one-stop shop for some of the best mattress brands in the UK. The platform hosts a wide variety from a range of brands, including well-known bedding furniture names such as Casper and Simba. It’s also a good place to find a more affordable non toxic mattress.
Eco friendly options include the Millbrook Wool Ortho 1000 Pocket Mattress.
For an extra fee the platform offers a service in which old mattresses can be picked up for recycling.
14. Soak & Sleep
Based: UK Ships to: UK (and planning worldwide delivery)
Made in: UK
Price: £240 – £2,150
Sustainability creds: 15 year made to last guarantee, UK made, natural materials, made to order products
Handmade in Yorkshire by Harrison Spinks, mattresses from Soak & Sleep are fully recyclable and crafted from natural materials including cashmere, wool, linen and hemp locally grown by Harrison Spinks themselves!
Featuring adjustable firmness, Soak & Sleep has a variety of mattresses from single to UK emperor size to ensure every night is a comfortable one. They also have affordable options including the Wool 2000 Pocket Spring Mattress right through to the luxurious Natural 8250 Pocketspring Pillow Top and everything in-between.
Soak & Sleep operates with a philosophy of creating supreme comfort for the best night’s sleep. The brand also has a range of non toxic pillows, mattress toppers and organic cotton and even hemp bedding.
15. Ethical Bedding
Based: UK. Ships to: Worldwide
Made in: UK
Price: £999 – £2,199
Sustainability creds: Use of recycled materials, use of organic materials, 1% for the Planet member, vegan, Oeko-Tex standard certified, B Corp certified
Having appeared on the entrepreneurial sensation Dragon’s Den, Ethical Bedding has expanded from bed dressings to include the NatureCire Lux Mattress. Handmade in the UK and with 7,000 pocket springs, this mattress is designed for ultimate comfort.
Holding impressive B Corp certification, Ethical Bedding has taken an innovative approach to materials, using materials derived from bamboo and coconut to create products. Looking out for people, the planet and our furry friends, the company has vegan products and supports tree-planting programs.
16. Winstons
Based: UK Ships to: International delivery
Made in: UK
Price: £469 – £9,899
Sustainability creds: handmade in the UK, 100% chemical free, GOTS certified organic cotton, wool and latex
Made from a range of organic materials including cotton, British wool, flax, hessian and horsehair, Winstons Beds pride themselves on creating 100% chemical free and hypoallergenic luxury mattresses. And you can be sure that all Winstons’ mattresses are handmade in the UK. Made with pocket springs, all come with a 100 night sleep trial and up to a 30 year guarantee.
Choose from 3ft to 7ft mattresses and with split tension and zip and link options. For British wool luxury in your bedroom Winstons create the best mattress. Prices also available in US$ for the US market.
Check out our article on organic wool mattresses for more wool mattress brands.
17. Dreams
Based: UK. Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £559 – £3,499
Sustainability creds: Signed up to the BRC Climate Action Roadmap, recycling service available to customers, renewable electricity across company sites, electric vehicle rollout, bed refurbishment program, community give back projects
The maker of many non toxic mattresses, UK company Dreams is making great strides in becoming a truly sustainable organisation.
The Flaxby Nature’s range combines sustainability and comfort with natural fillings such as wool and hemp sourced in the UK and cotton and mohair. They also come with recyclable spring units.
Dreams takes a more comprehensive approach to sustainability than most mattress companies. The organisation considers more than just sustainable materials. Everything from energy usage at company sites to delivery vehicle emissions are factored into its sustainable policies and practices.
18. Cornish Bed Co.
Based: UK Ships to: UK
Made in: UK
Price: £900 – £1800
Sustainability creds: Natural and organic materials, handmade products, mattress recycling option
A home-grown British brand, Cornish Bed Co. is known for bringing an elegant touch to any bedroom. As well as its striking bed frames, the company’s range now includes mattresses from its parent company, Naturalmat. Made from high quality, natural materials, these British made mattresses are what dreams are made of.
Cornish Bed Co and Naturalmat have taken some great steps when it comes to implementing sustainable practices. Mattresses are handmade in Devon and incorporate natural fibres such as organic lambswool and natural latex. For peace of mind, the organisation even offers a 45 day sleep promise.
19. Little Green Sheep
Based: UK Ships to: Worldwide
Price: £65 – £1,954
Sustainability creds: Use of sustainable and natural materials, products designed for durability, handmade products
Made for the littlest eco-warriors and their parents, cot, children’s and adult chemical free mattresses from Little Green Sheep are designed for a comfortable night’s sleep. Mattresses from this sustainable company are handmade and incorporate natural materials including cotton, wool, and even coconut fibres. The company has everything from Moses basket mattresses to those designed to take a child into their early teen years along with adult mattresses.
Established in 2007, Little Green Sheep exists with the ethos that baby and children’s products should be long-lasting, well designed, and chemical free. The company champions natural materials, particularly wool. Making these products even better, they pass both European and UK fire regulations without the use of any chemical fire retardants.
Helping us to sleep easier
When searching for your next new mattress, it may be a good idea to look for a more natural option. Opting for an eco-friendly, organic product can help to reduce environmental and health risks.
Or if you’re not quite ready to replace your mattress, check out our article on 7 affordable ways to detox your bedroom for a healthier sleep.
Giving customers the option to avoid the risks associated with the toxins and standard synthetic materials in conventional mattresses, these UK non-toxic mattress brands are helping us all to sleep easier.
And for a great bed to match your mattress, see our post on sustainable bed brands. If you’re looking to update other items at home with more sustainable options, see the best places to buy eco friendly sofas in the UK.
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