Mattress Protectors
-
Depending on whether the mattress protector is waterproof or not, this bedding item will protect your mattress and/or topper against general wear and tear, some pet dander and allergens/microbes (to a degree), and potential spills and liquids. The main catch with waterproof mattress protectors is that there are none that exist that are both entirely organic and waterproof. But the good news is that there are some very good clean options - and while the definition of Non-Toxic is continually evolving, we would recommend the below as the closest to Non-Toxic you can get with a waterproof protector - and we do recommend waterproof protectors as a great way to discourage moisture entry into your toppers and mattresses. Of course, there are non-waterproof mattress protectors - and we do recommend a few here - whose main purpose will be to protect the mattress against everything not liquid, while maintaining greater breathability than their waterproof counterparts. With conventional mattress protectors, this layer is typically PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or another plastic-based layer. The problem with these is that, outside of PVC being one of the most hazardous to manufacture materials currently in use, they will often contain phthalates and/or other plasticizers, heavy metals and other chemicals of concern, including additional endocrine disruptors and VOCs that will offgas. Also, it doesn’t feel great sleeping on a layer of plastic.
Of course, Non-Toxic mattress protectors still need this waterproofing layer, and of the ones we recommend, these are mostly bio-based Thermoplastic Polyurethane. This is a different type of polyurethane than PU Foam – the bio-basis is usually cornstarch, and while these are not entirely free of petrochemicals – as they still require petroleum-derived isocyanate for the catalytic reaction – this input should be fully consumed during the synthesis process so there should be no residual levels in the final product. The end result is something that is safe to use and is a far better sleeping experience, in terms of feel but also breathability, heat capture/etc.
Prioritize Natural undyed textiles, GOTS certified - or equivalent cleanly grown/processed - cotton preferred (or wool in the case of our first rec), bio-based TPU or PU layer for waterproof options.
Avoid Synthetic textiles, PVC or other synthetic/petrochemical based waterproofing layers
Holy Lamb Organics
A 100% wool mattress protector that is water-resistant and completely chemical-free (very rare in this category), with the lanolin-based hydrophobic benefits of wool doing the heavy lifting here - and while this is not waterproof to the same degree of our other recommendations, it gets even more water-repellent the more it's washed. The wool is either GOTS certified from NZ, or equally adherent wool from a chemical/non-tox standpoint, sourced from small sheep farmers in the Western US. Handmade and not overly stocked, likely to be a wait time.
OVERALL SCORE
Best
CERTIFICATIONS
CHECKOUT CODE: CLEANLIST
OVERALL SCORE
Best
CERTIFICATIONS
Savvy Rest
An Organic waterproof mattress protector that is fully GOTS certified, with two layers of cotton encasing a layer of biodegradable cornstarch-based TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and without flame retardants, formaldehyde, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), pesticides, or a multitude of other chemicals. Savvy uses undyed GOTS cotton (as do many of our other recs) - which comes out a pleasing, natural off-white/yellow color.
Avocado
Avocado offers two differing mattress protectors - one being their Organic Waterproof Protector, which is made with two layers of GOTS certified cotton and a layer of biodegradable cornstarch-based TPU in between, adhering to MADE SAFE standards and tested for PFAS and formaldehyde, and is fully GOTS certified. Their non-waterproof option is also fully GOTS certified and adherent to MADE SAFE standards, with an organic sateen cover and organic cotton fill, adding a bit of extra padding and protection while still allowing for good breathability. As this is without the TPU waterproof layer, it’s both the cleaner, and potentially riskier (when it comes to keeping liquids out of your topper & mattress) choice.
OVERALL SCORE
Best
CERTIFICATIONS
My Green Mattress
Two layers of GOTS certified cotton surround a biodegradable cornstarch-based GOTS approved TPU layer. The TPU layer is <5% total composition, and the protector itself is fully GOTS certified. No chemical flame retardants, vinyl/pvc, phthalates or rubber. On the most affordable end of our recommendations.
OVERALL SCORE
Best
CERTIFICATIONS
Happsy
Happsy is owned by Naturepedic, and is often our higher recommendation of the two, with mattress protectors being no exception. Happsy offers a straightforward waterproof mattress protector that is both GOTS and MADE SAFE certified. Made with GOTS certified cotton and a GOTS approved bio-based TPU layer, pricing is on the most affordable side.
OVERALL SCORE
Best
CERTIFICATIONS
Whisper Organics
Whisper has two primary mattress cover options: the Organic Cotton Quilted Pad Protector is a bit of a combo approach, with two layers of quilted GOTS certified cotton acting as both a mattress pad and protector, though this protector is not waterproof. The Organic Waterproof Mattress Cover contains a thin polyurethane layer, and though this is petrochemical and not bio-based, the protector itself is fully GOTS certified, as the PU layer is less than the 5% inorganic threshold.
CHECKOUT CODE: CLEANLIST
OVERALL SCORE
Better
CERTIFICATIONS
PlushBeds
PlushBeds offers an Organic Mattress Protector that is comprised of 2 layers of GOTS certified Cotton, with a proprietary polyurethane layer in between. Somewhat in contrast with the other waterproof mattress protectors in our recommendations, the entire protector itself is not GOTS certified, nor is the polyurethane layer; but just the two layers of cotton. The PU layer is synthetic, and while the Customer Service team was unable to provide specific information as to its material makeup, we can only say that it's not bio-based but, according to the company, is non-toxic polyurethane. Please note: this is not their Waterproof Mattress Protector, which is made of polyester + polyurethane.
OVERALL SCORE
Better
CERTIFICATIONS
Not fully certified, uses GOTS-certified cotton