Did you think about sustainability the last time you bought a mattress? Most people don’t, which is a problem because a lot of mattresses are made using unsustainable materials. Not only are these materials bad for the environment but they can also pose a health risk if the mattress is made using toxic materials. The good news is, bed companies have recognized this issue and there are some great eco-friendly, non-toxic options out there. The bad news is, a lot of people don’t really know what they’re looking for when buying a mattress. Here are a few tips to help you find a sustainable mattress option. 

Watch Out For Strong Smells

Most mattresses have quite a strong chemical smell when you first unpack them and the instructions tell you to leave them for a day or two to air out before you sleep on them. But have you ever thought about what causes that smell? In most cases, it is caused by VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are not great for you. There is some debate about how dangerous mattresses are when they contain VOCs and some people say that it’s not a problem. However, a lot of other people argue that, even though you don’t breathe in huge amounts, the long-term exposure can be an issue. Latex is one of the worst offenders for releasing VOCs, so always look for latex-free options. Luckily, some of the best mattresses on the market, like the puffy mattress, don’t contain latex. If you want more information, at Bedtester there is a puffy mattress review that will tell you everything you need to know. There are 100% natural latex mattresses available and these are safe, but if it is not completely natural, it will contain VOCs. 

Don’t Be Fooled By Clever Marketing 

Just because a mattress advertises itself as green or eco-friendly, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s sustainable. There are no official government guidelines for green mattresses and the industry is not regulated that well, so be wary. Many mattresses that label themselves as green have just replaced a small percentage of the materials with an eco-friendly option. It’s better than nothing but you’re not buying the sustainable mattress you think you are. Always ask for more info on exactly what goes into the mattress and look out for these certifications so you can determine whether it is really eco-friendly or not. 

Be Prepared To Compromise

 Even though there are a lot of sustainable mattress options out there, they are often more expensive than a standard mattress, so you may need to compromise. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t afford a completely eco-friendly mattress. Look for a more affordable mattress that swaps out some of the toxic materials for better alternatives. It’s not perfect, but it’s still a step in the right direction. 

You can also get some great eco-friendly pillows made from recycled materials, so even if you can’t afford a sustainable mattress, you can still make a bit of a difference. 

If you are planning to buy a new mattress, make sure that you consider how eco-friendly it is.