Best Eco-Friendly & Natural Mattresses in the UK

If you're looking for the best natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly mattresses that you can buy in the UK, we've got the ultimate list thats good for the planet, and a good night's sleep.

We looked for mattresses that are crafted with the utmost care and consideration for the environment, ensuring that you can rest easy knowing you've made a conscious choice towards a greener future. So whether you're looking for a 100% organic full foam mattress or a vegan mattress with pocket springs. Here's what we're looking for:

Why Are Mattresses Bad for the Environment?

The National Bed Federation estimates 5 million mattresses end up in landfill or are incinerated every year in the UK alone - equivalent to an area 4 times the size of the City of London or 167,000 tonnes. It is thought that only 24% of mattresses are recycled in the UK and the rate of ‘real’ recycling of those mattresses is estimated to be only 14%. ‘Real’ recycling means salvaging over 80% of the materials, not just a couple of springs. This means 76% of discarded mattresses go to landfill or are illegally dumped, and given that they could take up to 100 years to biodegrade there's never been a greater need for proper mattress recycling services and facilities. The NBF are also calling on the government to implement a national mattress recycling service as a priority.

How to Recycle a Mattress: A Sustainable Solution

Mattress recycling is a big problem. Conventional mattresses are the largest household item that can't be easily recycled. Recycling mattresses is costly and complex, requiring specialised equipment and time-consuming separation of various materials like foam, metal, and cloth, which makes recycling even more difficult. Recycling mattresses has been a tough challenge for the industry. Councils offer collection or taking mattresses to the tip, but these options don't guarantee real recycling. It's best to choose a guaranteed recycling option.

Thankfully many mattress companies will pick up your old mattress to be recycled for a small fee (see our list below) or The Mattress Recycling People offer easy and sustainable bed and mattress recycling across the UK. They are trusted by most of the UK's leading bed retailers to collect and recycle their customers old beds and mattresses and will collect any size mattress Divan bed frame to be properly recycled for a small fee. Find out more about their mattress recycling below:

What is an Eco-Friendly Mattress?

Eco-friendly mattresses are typically crafted from sustainable and natural materials such as organic cotton, natural latex, and wool, which are sourced using environmentally responsible methods. Contrast this with conventional mattresses, which are typically crafted using a blend of synthetic and natural components. For example, approximately 95% of foam mattresses are derived from fossil fuel-based synthetic foams, along with hazardous chemical fire retardants, adhesives, and microplastics.

In addition to material choices, eco-friendly mattresses often prioritise sustainable manufacturing processes, reduced carbon footprint, and avoidance of chemicals. A natural mattress can last as long as up to 4 regular (synthetic) mattresses, further saving waste. By choosing an eco-friendly mattress, consumers contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying a healthier sleep environment.

What is a Natural Mattress?

A natural mattress is primarily made from organic and naturally derived materials with a focus on reducing environmental impact and promoting healthier sleep. With their breathable and moisture-wicking properties, natural mattresses help regulate your body temperature, ensuring you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. They are naturally hypoallergenic, antibacterial and more resistant to dust mites, mould, and other allergens, making them ideal for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Natural mattresses are designed to minimise the use of synthetic and chemical-based components commonly found in traditional mattresses. The specific composition of a natural mattress can vary, but they typically incorporate materials like:

1. Organic Cotton: Certified organic cotton is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for mattress covers and layers.
2. Natural Latex: Natural latex, derived from rubber tree sap, is a durable comfort layer in mattresses. It's hypoallergenic, chemical-free, and a healthier alternative to synthetic foams. With excellent support and breathability, it's a popular choice.
3. Wool: Wool is used for its natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. It can be found in comfort layers or as a flame retardant alternative to chemical treatments.
4. Coconut Coir: Coir, derived from coconut husks, can be used as a supportive layer in natural mattresses. It provides breathability and firmness.
5. Natural Fibres: Materials like hemp, flax, and bamboo can also be used in natural mattresses, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials.
6. Recycled Fibres: Often made from post-consumer plastic bottles or other textiles like denim, it can contribute to the eco-friendliness of a mattress by reducing waste and minimising the need for new raw materials.
7. Minimal Chemicals: Natural mattresses aim to minimise the use of synthetic chemicals, including flame retardants and adhesives that can be found in traditional mattresses.
8. Certifications: Look for natural mattresses that carry certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for organic materials and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for the absence of harmful substances.
   

Natural Latex vs Memory Foam: What is a Latex Foam Mattress?

A latex foam mattress features a core and/or comfort layers made from natural latex foam. It offers a balance of comfort and support, contouring to the body while maintaining bounce-back resilience. Unlike traditional memory foam mattresses, latex foam mattresses are breathable due to their open-cell structure, promoting better temperature regulation. They are also naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mould, making them a healthier option. Unlike memory foam mattresses, latex foam mattresses have much lower VOCs than synthetic foams with their adhesives and finishes and natural latex is actually vastly more responsive and durable than memory foam.

Foam vs Pocket Sprung: Whats the Difference?

Below is a comprehensive table that outlines the key differences between foam beds and pocket sprung beds, helping you make an informed decision based on your sleep preferences and requirements.

How many springs should a good pocket sprung mattress have?

A good, firm, high-quality pocket sprung mattress will generally have 1000 springs or above but it's important to note however that in some cases less can be more if the spring size is larger so it is best to look for a balance of spring count and depth. It became a bit of a marketing ploy for some manufacturers to price a mattress by the spring count, so they would use smaller springs but more of them, e.g. 1000 spring is a £1000, 2000 spring is £2000 etc.