Best Organic & Non-toxic Mattresses
The Best Mattresses for Organic and Non-Toxic Sleep in Australia
It’s no secret that you spend most of the day on your mattress. You’d naturally want one made with environmentally friendly methods and free of chemicals. You don’t want your eight-hour sleep to be spent on a mattress that is soaked in harsh chemicals.
A non-toxic, organic Australian mattress would be the solution. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you think. It can be hard to tell which companies are truly organic, especially when so many falsely claim that their products are environmentally friendly or made from healthy materials.
We’ve highlighted some of the top organic mattresses and non-toxic mattress options available in Australia. The WhatASleep team tested 11 certified organic mattresses and rated them using our proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to arrive at an easily understandable score. These mattresses have been certified by various third-party organizations such as GOTS, CertiPUR US etc.
What to consider when choosing a mattress that is organic and non-toxic
1) Your Preferences
It is important to check if the mattress matches your needs. It’s not worth buying a mattress that is softer just because it is organic if you prefer a firmer one. If you know that you sleep hot, then an organic mattress will have cooling properties. When you know exactly what you want from a mattress it is much easier to choose one that meets all your needs.
2) Material Composition
When shopping for organic mattresses, latex mattresses are usually the first choice. It’s a durable material made from rubber trees and is more sustainable than other mattress materials, like memory foam.
Other types of mattresses, such as memory foam, innerspring, or hybrid, are not organic. They can be certified as non-toxic if certain chemicals are not used, such as PBDE flame retardant and formaldehyde.
3) Company Values
It’s worth looking at the company’s values, including those related to the environment, consumer safety, and sustainability, before examining the mattress details. Some companies pledge support for environmental charities. It may influence your decision to buy and tip the scales towards one company. Koala, for example, is a B-Corp registered business. This means that they adhere to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility and donate 1% of their gross sales in support of the planet.
4) Allergens
Allergies can be a big reason why you or someone else is looking for an organic mattress. You’ll need to ensure that any organic mattress is free of allergies, whether it is dust, harsh chemicals (like the isocyanate in foam mattresses) or even the filling inside the mattress. For example, 1% of the population is allergic to latex. You may choose a hypoallergenic bed even if you are not aware of allergies. Allergies can occur at any time.
5) Certification
Certifications can be used to verify the authenticity of any promises made by a company about a chemical-free mattress or an eco-friendly product. Organizations such as eco-INSTITUT and CertiPUR US, GECA and OEKOTEX test the claims made by furniture companies from Australia and abroad. The organisations test the claims of furniture manufacturers and, if they are true, give them a “seal” of approval.
Do not believe a mattress that claims to be eco-friendly, organic or non-toxic without certification.
Source of Origin
Eco-friendly mattresses are also popular because of their lack of environmental impact. A mattress made entirely in Australia requires far less logistical and shipping than a mattress that is produced in another country using materials from around the world. The product’s impact on the environment will be reduced.
Non-Toxic Mattress Recommendations for 2022
1. Peacelily Latex Mattress
Peacelily is a true organic mattress. Made with 100% natural and eco-INSTITUTE/OEKO-TEX Class 1 certified three-layered Dunlop latex core, which is further wrapped in GOLS-certified cotton wadding and cover, the Peacelily latex mattress is as organic as can be.
Its unique feature is the flippable bed, which has a medium (5/10), and firm (7/10) side. You can decide which side to sleep on based on your preferences. The medium side is preferred by side sleepers and lighter people, while heavier people, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those who prefer to be on their stomachs may prefer the firmer surface.
In both configurations, the mattress provides balanced support and cushioning. The mattress has a responsiveness that is unusual for latex mattresses. You tend to sleep on top of the mattress rather than “inside” it. The mattress provides plenty of support and pressure relief, without causing you to sink too deeply into it.
The mattress is hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites due to its natural latex and cotton properties. The mattress is also temperature-neutral and offers excellent edge support. It also does well when it comes to motion isolation.
The mattress measures 8.6 inches (22cm) thick. It is available in all standard dimensions. The mattress comes compressed in a box and is delivered free of charge anywhere within Australia’s contiguous area.
What makes Peacelily Mattress stand out?
- It’s a very affordable latex mattress that has all the certifications.
- This is a flippable, dual-sided mattress that has a medium side and a firm side. It can accommodate a wide range of sleeping styles and sleepers.
- You can try the mattress for 120 nights, free of charge.
- This is a long-term investment that’s very durable. It’s backed by a 25-year warranty, which is the longest in the industry.
Considerations:
- The mattress is too firm for those who want a plush or soft mattress.
- It is a challenge to make a bed with a mattress.
2. New Koala Mattress
Koala mattresses have been GECA certified. This is one of the strictest environmental standards in Australia. You can rest assured that the products are produced sustainably, and your health is a priority.
The New Koala Mattress is an adjustable firmness all-foam mattress. It features a 3″ comfort layer, and a 7″ support base. Flip the top comfort layer to select between firm or medium support. A 3-zone foam support base is located beneath the comfort layer. The base layer offers varying levels of support to your head, shoulders and hips.
The medium side of our testers found the Koala Mattress to be slightly softer than the Peacelily Mattress, which was the top choice. The medium side may be ideal for side sleepers, or those who want more comfort. The firmer side is best for those who sleep on their backs, and stomachs and are larger (less than 100kg). The mattress was temperature-neutral and the motion isolation was excellent.
The mattress comes in standard sizes and is available in 10” thickness. You can try the mattress for 120 nights at no cost anywhere in Australia. Return pickup is free.
What makes the new Koala mattress stand out?
- The mattress is a combination of responsiveness with a pillow-top feel.
- Its middle-of-the-road characteristics are suitable for many sleepers.
- Two mattress firmness levels.
- Supports the spine and encourages healthy alignment.
- The mattress is a great value.
- The mattress is covered by a 10-year guarantee and comes with a trial period of 120 nights.
Considerations:
- It is a big job to flip and install the comfort layer.
- The Koala Mattress may not provide enough support for heavier people (above 100kg).
- If you are looking for a soft, plush mattress, then look elsewhere.
3. Emma Comfort Mattress
Emma’s mattress is no different. It’s made of chemical compounds, just like any other foam mattress. The Emma mattress is non-toxic, vegan and made from high-quality materials. The mattress is also OEKOTEX(r), Standard 100 certification. OEKOTEX conducts rigorous tests to ensure that products are free of harmful chemicals, both legal and illegal. You can sleep easy knowing your mattress is free from harmful chemicals and safe for both you and the environment.
Emma Comfort is one of their most affordable products and offers good value. The mattress comes in standard sizes and is 10″ thick. The mattress is made of all foam and has a simple two-layer structure – a 3″ comfort layer, followed by a 7″ zone support system. The construction of the zoned mattress makes the hip area slightly firmer than the rest of the bed, which promotes healthy alignment.
Our testers found the mattress to be slightly firmer – around 7/10. The mattress is neutral in foam and has a more supportive feel. Construction should be good for the stomach, back and average-weight sleepers. The mattress may be too firm for heavier people or side sleepers.
The mattress slept cool and did not trap heat. The mattress performed well in terms of motion isolation, but the edge support (typical for foam mattresses) was average.
What makes Emma stand out?
- This mattress is a bit firm, so it’s good for stomach and back sleepers. Side sleepers of average weight should also feel the pressure relief.
- It is easy to change positions on the responsive surface without feeling stuck.
- This mattress is among the most affordable non-toxic mattresses available in Australia.
Considerations:
- If you are looking for a plush or soft bed, this mattress may not be the best option.
- Shipping and customer service are slow in comparison to other online mattress brands.
4. Quokkabeds Latex Mattress
Quokkabeds’ all-latex mattress is unique among the rest. The Dunlop layers can be rearranged to change the firmness of the mattress. Split Firmness is available for couples who have different sleeping preferences. One side can be firm and the other medium. The thickness of the mattress can be chosen – either 16cm or 24cm. The 16-cm option consists of two layers while the 24-cm version is composed of three layers. You can see that the level of customization is unmatched.
The mattress is bouncy and springy, with good support. The 7-zone support is another unique feature. It is simply different levels of pin core or perforations in the latex. The 7-zone support is designed to offer targeted pressure relief and targeted support. Our testers did not notice any significant difference in the 7 zones. They all felt the same.
The mattress, like our top choice Peacelily, is OEKOTEX and eco-INSTITUT certified. The mattress comes in all standard sizes, and it is covered by a warranty of 20 years. is not accompanied by a risk-free test. The company instead offers a free one-time latex layer replacement if you are not satisfied with the firmness.
Quokkabeds’ latex mattress may be on the pricey side, but we believe it is worth the cost, considering its customisation options, the all-latex construction, and the 20-year warranty.
Why is Quokka Beds Different?
- You can customize the mattress to your liking by choosing its firmness, thickness, and support.
- The perforated layers of latex provide targeted support as well as pressure relief.
- The latex pinholes improve airflow, and should not trap heat.
Considerations:
- It is difficult to switch the layers, especially in the version of 24 cm. It may take two people to align the layers correctly.
- No trial is risk-free.
5. Pure Comfort Latex Mattress
Disclaimer: Our member tested briefly the Pure Comfort latex mattress in the Springwood QLD showroom. We would have liked to do a more in-depth review but we could not afford the mattress. This review should be taken with a grain of salt.
Pure Comfort’s latex mattress is a good option if you want a luxurious, organic mattress but are willing to spend a little more. The Pure Comfort latex mattress is one of the priciest mattresses on the list. However, it comes from Australia’s oldest manufacturer of latex. The mattress was handmade in Australia to the highest standards of quality.
The design of this product, starting at $4,575, is a luxurious one. From its Eucalyptus fibre Tencel cover to the three-layered, fully reversible latex filling that’s grown on sustainable plantations, it’s all-natural.
The mattress is composed of three latex layers that can be rearranged according to your comfort preferences. The middle core consists of a 15cm thick medium or firm layer sandwiched by 5cm soft or firm layers.
The three layers of latex are zoned to suit each part of the body (head, neck, shoulder and upper spine; lumbar and pelvis; legs and lower legs; feet and ankles), and they’re hypoallergenic and asthma-friendly. The outer Tencel layer is biodegradable and antimicrobial, as well as naturally moisture-wicking.
The Pure Comfort Latex Mattress is certified to the highest standards. The Pure Comfort Latex Mattress is certified by Eco-INSTITUT. This means it’s chemical-free and has zero VOCs. The fabrics of the mattress are also OEKO TEX Certified. This means that the Tencel cover is chemical-free, just like the latex. This product’s latex, which is not directly related to safety or the environment, has also earned the LGA Quality Certificate. It highlights its durability and effectiveness, even after rigorous tests.
The mattress comes with a 21-year guarantee, but there is no option for a sleep test.
What makes a pure latex mattress stand out?
- The filling is made from natural latex of high quality and luxurious design.
- You can rearrange the layers to change the firmness of your mattress.
- Most sleepers should find the mattress to be comfortable.
Considerations:
- This is one of the priciest mattresses in the world.
- There is no risk-free trial available.
6. Koala Calm As Mattress
The Koala’s Calm as Mattress is the second Koala mattress to be included in this list. The New Koala Mattress is similar in that it has adjustable firmness and environmental certifications. The difference lies in the five-layer construction and higher-density foams, which make it better suited for heavier people. The mattress also has a firmer feel and is more supportive. The soft side is slightly firmer than the medium (7/10) and the firm side is around 8/10.
The mattress has 5 layers of foam: a quilted cover (1cm), a comfort level (7cm) and 3 zones of construction which provide targeted support for the lumbar area. The zoned support layers relieve pressure points and promote a healthier spine alignment. They may also help to alleviate backache.
The Koala Calm as Mattress has minimal sinkage when sleeping on its firm side, and moderate sinkage while sleeping on the soft side. The mattress was very supportive and you could feel the zones when you lay on it. The mattress is a good choice for heavier side and back sleepers, as well as stomach and back sleepers.
Edge support was good, but not as great as innerspring or hybrid mattresses. The mattress was able to isolate motion well thanks to its all-foam design.
Standard sizes are covered by a 10-year guarantee and 120-night trial.
Koala Calm as Mattress: What makes it stand out?
- The mattress is firm, making it ideal for those who sleep on their backs, stomachs, or heavier sides.
- It is sturdy, supportive and well-built, so it can be used by heavier people.
- The mattress is zoned to provide targeted support.
Considerations:
- It is difficult to flip the top comfort layer and requires two people.
- This mattress is not suitable for those who prefer a softer feeling.
Conclusion:
As awareness grows, more Australians are moving towards eco-friendly, non-toxic, organic mattresses. At the same time, manufacturers are offering options to fill the gap. Organic mattresses are more expensive than traditional mattresses but they’re worth it. We spend one-third of our lives sleeping on mattresses and breathing air.
There are many more mattresses available. We have reviewed the ones we believe are the best. Please contact us if we missed any mattresses or if you have a particular mattress that you would like us to review.