Bedding

Bedding and Pillow FAQs

• Are Casper mattresses non-toxic?

  Casper mattresses are made primarily from polyurethane foam and are CertiPUR-US certified, which means the foam meets basic emissions limits for VOCs and excludes certain chemicals like PBDE flame retardants and heavy metals. However, CertiPUR-US is not the same as organic or truly non-toxic — it certifies polyurethane foam, which is a petroleum-derived synthetic material, against a relatively limited set of criteria. Casper mattresses are not GOTS or GOLS certified, do not use organic materials, and the full chemical composition of their proprietary foams is not publicly disclosed. For people prioritizing genuinely low-toxicity sleep, a GOTS/GOLS-certified organic mattress using natural latex, organic wool, and organic cotton is a meaningfully cleaner option than any CertiPUR-US foam mattress, including Casper.

• Are Tuft & Needle mattresses non-toxic?

  Tuft & Needle mattresses are made from proprietary adaptive foam and are CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified. GREENGUARD Gold is a more rigorous standard than CertiPUR-US alone — it tests for over 10,000 chemical emissions and sets stricter limits. That said, Tuft & Needle mattresses are still fundamentally synthetic foam products. They do not use organic materials, natural latex, or wool, and are not GOTS or GOLS certified. GREENGUARD Gold certification means emissions are low relative to tested benchmarks, but it does not mean the mattress is free from all synthetic materials or petroleum-derived compounds. For people with chemical sensitivities or those seeking organic certification throughout the supply chain, a certified organic mattress remains the cleaner choice.

• Is Purple mattress non-toxic?

  Purple mattresses use a proprietary hyper-elastic polymer grid made from a food-grade material they call "Hyper-Elastic Polymer," combined with polyurethane foam layers. The mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified. Purple has stated their grid material is made from a non-toxic polymer, but the full formulation is proprietary and not independently verified beyond CertiPUR-US. Like other foam mattresses, Purple is not made from organic materials and does not carry GOTS or GOLS certification. The grid construction is genuinely different from standard foam and may offer lower off-gassing than dense polyurethane layers, but Purple is not in the same category as certified organic mattresses made with natural latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. If avoiding synthetic materials entirely is the priority, a GOTS/GOLS-certified organic mattress is the cleaner option.

• Is Nectar mattress non-toxic?

  Nectar mattresses are made from memory foam layers and are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foam meets basic emissions standards and excludes certain prohibited chemicals. However, Nectar does not carry GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, or GOLS certification, and memory foam in particular is a dense polyurethane material that can off-gas VOCs — especially when new. Memory foam also tends to retain heat, which can accelerate off-gassing in a warm bedroom environment. Nectar does not use organic materials or natural latex. For people prioritizing low chemical exposure during sleep, memory foam mattresses generally rank lower than latex or innerspring mattresses with organic material layers, and significantly lower than GOTS/GOLS-certified organic mattresses.

• What makes a mattress protector non-toxic?

  The waterproofing layer is the main toxicity concern in mattress protectors. Most conventional protectors use PVC (vinyl) or PFAS-treated fabrics for waterproofing — both high-concern materials. PVC off-gasses plasticizers including phthalates, and PFAS ("forever chemicals") are persistent in the body and environment and have been linked to hormone disruption and immune effects. The cleaner alternative is TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which provides effective waterproofing without PVC or PFAS. The fabric layer should ideally be GOTS-certified organic cotton rather than conventionally grown and chemically finished cotton. If a protector doesn’t disclose what its waterproofing material is, treat that as a red flag — clean brands are transparent about this specifically because it’s the question most informed shoppers ask.

• What are the safest sheets for eczema or sensitive skin?

  For eczema and sensitive skin, the most important factors in sheets are fiber, finish, and dye. GOTS-certified organic cotton is the gold standard — it’s grown without synthetic pesticides and processed without formaldehyde-based wrinkle treatments or optical brighteners that can irritate compromised skin barriers. Linen (especially OEKO-TEX certified) is another excellent option — naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and gets softer with washing. Avoid microfiber and synthetic blends, which don’t breathe well and can trap heat and moisture against the skin. Stick to undyed or naturally dyed options where possible, and wash new sheets before first use to remove any residual processing chemicals. Fragrance-free, dye-free detergent is equally important — sheets can absorb detergent residue that then contacts skin directly overnight.

• What is the safest pillow fill material?

  The safest pillow fill materials are certified organic wool, organic latex (GOLS-certified), buckwheat, and responsibly sourced down (RDS-certified). Organic wool is naturally hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and flame-resistant without chemical treatment — and GOTS certification verifies the entire supply chain. Organic latex is supportive, durable, and low off-gassing when GOLS-certified; avoid latex pillows without certification since processing methods vary widely. Buckwheat is a fully natural, biodegradable option with good airflow and adjustability. RDS-certified down is a clean fill from a traceability and animal welfare standpoint. The fills to avoid are polyester fiberfill (petroleum-derived, may contain chemical treatments) and polyurethane foam (off-gasses VOCs, often contains flame retardants). "Memory foam" and "gel" pillows fall into the foam category regardless of marketing language.

• Are down pillows non-toxic?

  Down itself is a natural material and not a significant source of chemical exposure — but the processing and the shell fabric matter. Conventional down can be washed with harsh chemicals and anti-microbial treatments, and the outer shell is often made from conventionally grown, chemically finished cotton. For the cleanest option, look for down pillows with RDS (Responsible Down Standard) or Global Traceable Down Standard certification for the fill, and a GOTS-certified organic cotton shell. Also check that no synthetic fragrance or anti-allergen chemical treatments have been applied to the fill — these are common in "hypoallergenic" down products and can be irritating. True hypoallergenic performance in a down pillow comes from thorough washing of the down, not chemical treatment.