VOCs and Other Toxic Chemicals in Mattresses: What to Know
These mattresses are at the top of Consumer Reports’ ratings and are certified to have low or no chemicals
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After you unwrap a new mattress, it may give off a chemical odor that could linger for a few days, in turn disturbing your sleep and possibly causing short- and long-term health problems. That smell comes from volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, chemicals used in the mattress manufacturing process. VOCs have the ability to vaporize, or off-gas, at room temperature. The process of vaporizing leads to those chemicals lingering in the air, where they can be inhaled.
To see all of CR’s sleep coverage, go to our Guide to Better Sleep.
Mattress Certifications: Toxic Chemicals and VOCs
In a nationally representative January 2023 CR survey of 2,088 U.S. adults, 12 percent said that one of the three most important features for them when buying a mattress is whether it comes with a label stating that its materials are not harmful to humans. But labels about chemicals in mattresses can be confusing, and not all certifications provide the same amount of assurance. For example, a “natural” label on a mattress isn’t connected to any official certifications.
Below, we cover some common labels found on mattresses. Check out our guide to organic mattress labels for a comprehensive list of certifications.
- Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Mattresses with the GOTS certification consist of a cover or other fabric components that are made of 95 percent organic material. The label also ensures that no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane were used in the manufacturing process.
- Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): The GOLS certification ensures that the latex in a mattress is at least 95 percent organic. Like the GOTS, the GOLS label also certifies that no chemical flame retardants or polyurethane were used.
- CertiPur: A CertiPur certification means that chemicals, such as formaldehyde and phthalates, were not used for the polyurethane that’s in a mattress, but it doesn’t cover any other materials.
- GreenGuard: A GreenGuard certification does not guarantee that no VOCs were used to make a mattress, only that a mattress has low chemical emissions.
- Natural: “Natural” on a mattress label has nothing to do with certifications and offers no guarantee about the materials or chemicals used in manufacturing.
CR members can read on for the details on six mattresses from our tests that perform well and have either GOTS or GOLS certification, or both. For more on mattresses, see our mattress buying guide and mattress ratings.
Best Mattresses With Little or No Harmful Chemicals
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