Top 4 Eco-Friendly Mattress Topper | Sustainable Memory Foam
A long-lasting mattress isn’t just good for your wallet. It’s also good for the planet.
Adding a padded topper to your bed is a great way to combat common sleep complaints — lack of support, excess firmness, depressions, etc. — without purchasing a brand new mattress.
Most mattress toppers available today are made of memory foam. While memory foam is certainly comfortable, it’s not the best option for the environment.
The Eco-Terra 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper offers the same comfort, durability, and support as memory foam without the environmental consequences! And it’s just one example of an eco-friendly mattress topper made with more sustainable materials.
Does An Eco-Friendly Memory Foam Mattress Topper Exist?
There’s no question that memory foam is the most popular mattress pad material out there. But can you have the best of both worlds with an eco-friendly memory foam topper?
Not really!
Memory foam is manmade (from plastic). If you see a memory foam mattress topper labeled “organic,” you should definitely be suspicious!
It’s impossible to create memory foam without potentially harmful processes and chemical additives. While many companies are working to limit the environmental impact of this material, the manufacturing process is far from perfect.
Once the memory foam is in your home, it could continue to off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs). That’s bad news for something you and your family sleep on every night!
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress Topper in 2024
Best Overall — Eco-Terra 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Eco-Terra 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
Breathe new life into your old mattress with this customizable topper made of natural Talalay latex.
If you’re looking for a sustainable mattress topper that will make your bed feel brand new, the Eco-Terra 100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper should absolutely be a top contender.
Eco-Terra sources all of its Talalay latex from Sri Lanka. The mattress toppers themselves are manufactured in the United States.
One of the best things about this all-natural latex topper is the variety of options available. You can choose from three different firmness ratings and two thicknesses (2-inch or 3-inch).
This eco-friendly mattress pad does not include a cover. But you can easily add one made of GOTS-certified organic cotton to your purchase.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Best Premium Option — Holy Lamb Organics Natural Quilted Topper
Holy Lamb Organics Natural Quilted Topper
This mattress topper combines organic cotton and domestic wool for a better sleeping experience.
Natural wool might not be the first memory foam alternative to come to mind. But the Holy Lamb Organics Natural Quilted Topper is nearly guaranteed to prove those assumptions wrong.
This quilted mattress topper features an organic cotton cover filled with natural wool fiber. All Holy Lamb Organics wool is sourced from the United States and processed without the use of harsh chemicals.
The combination of organic cotton and natural wool creates an incredibly breathable sleeping surface. This can help regulate body temperatures in both summer and winter.
You can select from two thicknesses: Deep Sleep measures up to 2 inches thick. Ultimate measures up to 3 inches thick. The Crib size of this mattress topper is approximately 1-inch thick.
Available in Crib, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
Best Budget Option — Great Earth’s ECO Mattress Topper
Great Earth’s ECO Mattress Topper
Ultra-plush mattress topper filled with microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles.
If you like the idea of a plush mattress topper but aren’t keen on using wool or down, check out the Great Earth’s ECO Mattress Topper.
This eco-friendly mattress topper features baffle box stitching to prevent shifting during use. The exterior cover is made of a 50/50 blend of bamboo rayon and cotton.
The fill is also 50% bamboo. What makes up the other 50%? Specialty microfiber made from recycled plastic bottles!
Both the cover fabric and plush fill promote airflow and temperature regulation. This mattress topper is a wonderful solution for allergy sufferers.
Available in Queen and King.
Best Vegan Option — Avocado Vegan Mattress Topper
Avocado Vegan Mattress Topper
Enjoy the comfort and sustainability of natural latex without animal byproducts.
For anyone abstaining from animal products, wool and down are obvious no-gos. Unfortunately, natural latex products often contain animal byproducts as well. The Avocado Vegan Mattress Topper is a wonderful alternative for vegans (and beyond!).
You can choose from two firmness types: Plush and Firm. While the former is ideal for softening up a too-firm mattress, the latter is great for those in need of additional support.
This PETA-approved mattress pad is made with GOTS-certified organic cotton and GOLS-certified organic latex.
Available in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, and California King.
What To Consider When Shopping for a Mattress Topper
Materials
Of course, selecting sustainable materials is extremely important. But you should also take your own comfort into consideration when choosing between materials like latex, down, and wool.
Some mattress toppers are designed to repel body heat. Others are specifically created for use in cold climates.
The type of filling will also play a direct role in the firmness and general feel of the mattress topper. And nobody wants to sleep on a bed they don’t find comfortable and supportive!
Bed Size
Trying to place a queen-size topper on a king-size bed is a fool’s errand. Be sure you know the size of your existing mattress and bed frame before selecting a new topper.
Mattresses are typically labeled as standard, deep, or extra-deep. These labels refer to the height of the mattress.
If you have a deep or extra-deep mattress, you may need to take this into account when shopping for a new mattress topper. Otherwise, the sides of the topper won’t cover the entire mattress.
Firmness
While some medical professionals recommend specific firmnesses for those with back or joint problems, this factor largely comes down to personal preference.
If possible, test out several types of mattress toppers before deciding on the best firmness for you.
Keep in mind that your mattress’ own firmness may affect the overall feel of the mattress topper as well.
Thickness
Again, mattress topper thickness is mostly about personal comfort.
Some factors that could impact which thickness is right for you include bodyweight and sleep style. For example, heavier people and side sleepers tend to prefer thicker padding.
If you’re unhappy with your current mattress, a thicker mattress topper could help make up for a lack of cushioning or support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a mattress topper and a mattress cover the same thing?
No! But they can look very similar.
A mattress topper — or mattress pad — is an extension of the mattress underneath. Most mattress toppers feature up to 8 inches of additional cushioning.
Meanwhile, a mattress cover — or mattress protector — does not include any additional cushioning. The best eco-friendly mattress covers will prevent dust, dead skin cells, and even liquid from reaching the material underneath.
Can memory foam be recycled?
Yes and no!
Memory foam cannot be recycled at home. But it doesn’t need to go in the trash, either.
While memory foam is made of plastic, the process of creating the foam texture cannot be reversed. In other words, you can’t take a memory foam mattress topper and turn it into recycled plastic bottles.
Although memory foam can’t be broken back down into individual plastics, the foam itself may have a second life ahead of it.
Many mattress companies accept used memory foam to be reused. Donating your old mattress topper may also be an option (assuming it is still in usable condition).
If all else fails, consider repurposing parts of the mattress topper in your home. For example, the memory foam can be cut into squares to fill throw pillows or make a DIY pet bed!
How often should you replace a mattress topper?
On average, a mattress topper will last 3 to 5 years before needing to be replaced.
You’ll know it’s time to invest in a new eco-friendly mattress topper when your current one no longer offers the desired support level.
Certain materials — as well as the general construction quality of the mattress topper — can affect longevity. Low-quality mattress toppers may need to be replaced within as little as a year!
How often the mattress topper is used will also impact its lifespan. You shouldn’t expect a mattress topper in your master bedroom to last as long as one in a guest room.
Can you wash a mattress topper?
Very few mattress toppers can be placed in a standard washing machine. Instead, spot-cleaning is the best option.
Before washing your mattress topper, be sure to check the manufacturer’s care instructions carefully. Certain materials may require specific care, and using the wrong products or techniques could permanently damage many eco-friendly mattress toppers!
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
