We spend around one-third of our life sleeping. That being said, we want to establish the best possible sleeping environment for us and our loved ones. Given how important it is to establish healthy bedtime habits and sleep on a healthy sleeping surface to lead a balanced and sustainable life, it only makes sense to spend a significant amount of time looking for a perfect mattress, pillow, and bedding in general to compliment your bedroom, but also your lifestyle.
Many people get carried away by the conforming and embracing quality of memory foam mattresses. It feels like a sugar cane or the softest cloud that hugs your painful legs, hips, shoulders, and back and relieves all the pressure from them. It’s also quite affordable, so you’re sold for a loving mattress that will cuddle you to the dreamland.
But, is it all that sweet or dreamy? Or are there some things to consider that the manufacturer and salesperson missed to tell you? Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for good-quality memory foam mattresses, especially if they’re low on volatile, flammable chemicals, especially fiberglass. However, many mattress manufacturers don’t educate their customers about what exactly is located in a memory foam mattress.
We wrote this article for everyone who may not be comfortable with VOC-like materials and other chemicals put in memory foam mattresses that maintain the elastic properties and conforming experience. In one of our previous articles, we compiled the best mattresses without fiberglass. However, if you want to ditch the memory foam altogether, then this article is definitely for you.
Quick Summary:
- Best Overall: Plushbeds The Botanical Bliss – The best all in one latex mattress that will relieve the pressure from your body and give you a blissful night rest.
- Runner Up: Naturepedic Chorus Organic Mattress – This innerspring mattress uses organic cotton and wool to provide a breezy and cool experience while feeling like a cloud.
- Best Budget: Latex For Less Mattress – Who says you can’t get a latex mattress at an affordable price? This option saves you the buck while giving seamless night rest for less.
We’ll talk about what’s so bad about memory foam, what are particular materials put in memory foam mattresses, and what alternatives you should consider. Read with us, if you’re looking for a new mattress without memory foam.
Mattresses Without Memory Foam: 9 Things You Must Know Before Buying
As we said, memory foam mattresses are great for many reasons, like that cradling sensation when you lay on them. It also comes with different firmness levels and can be quite high in height for both heavier and lighter sleepers. But, it’s still not everyone’s cup of tea.
That’s why here we’ll inform you about everything you need to know about mattresses with memory foam, as well as the memory foam-free alternatives that you may be interested in buying. Let’s dig in!
1. Problems With Memory Foam
People who are usually restricted on a budget choose to go with a more affordable mattress. Memory foam mattresses made of polyfoam are some of the most affordable mattresses on the market.
But, there are a few problems with those mattresses that many people learn about only after they purchased them. Marketing experts often advertise memory foam mattresses as a magical formula that is inexpensive in the process without highlighting the downsides. Only after buying it, families become aware of these flaws.
The first issue with memory foam mattresses is that they can take a long time to expand, sometimes over 3 days. Manufacturers roll up the mattress in a vacuum bag, and once you roll it out, it looks malnourished and deflated.
If you leave it in the room, it will inflate in the next few days. But, that’s where another problem comes – off-gassing. Off-gassing is a trait many memory foam mattresses have. To keep it deflated and rolled up, manufacturers add chemicals that often leave a bad odor when the mattress is left to inflate. Some people can feel nauseous from those substances, which is why they avoid getting a memory foam mattress.
Some cheaper memory foam mattresses also contain different chemicals that allow them to keep their conforming features. Some of those features include formaldehyde, benzene, and naphthalene. Some manufacturers also include high-VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like polyurethane.
Lastly, memory foam mattresses can contain some fire retardants. As you may know, memory foam is a synthetic material, and materials like naphthalene and benzene can catch fire and cause an explosion.
That’s why fire retardants are there, but instead of using organic compounds companies that want to save on materials use fiberglass that is bad for your health. Many people are not aware of the fiberglass in their mattress and once they do become aware of it, they try to get rid of it which can cause only more harm. We detailed that in another article and reviewed the 5 best mattresses without memory foam.
It’s also worth noting that memory foam can be equipped with isocyanates which are known to cause various irritations including those on the eyes, mouth, throat, lungs, eyes, and skin, which is just another reason not to use these mattresses.
Another problem with mattresses made out of memory foam is more of functional nature. That being said, they tend to get hot. The memory foam conforms to your body by applying pressure and heat to the sleeping surface. That can make it get too hot for people who want to sleep during summer nights.
Good quality memory foam mattresses use special gel beads that add more breathability and provide better temperature regulation. However, those mattresses are pricier and the gel memory foam doesn’t always live up to its expectations.
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2. Alternatives to Memory Foam
There are quite a few things to consider when it comes to getting a mattress without memory foam. We listed some of the most popular alternatives and you can choose what works the best for you.
- Innerspring mattress – Innerspring mattresses are some of the oldest modern mattresses used. They’re firm and stable, have pocketed or unpocketed springs and coils that add mattress balance, stability, and comfort. They’re also durable and last long.
- Latex – Latex mattresses are the growing mattress trend, especially when it comes to natural living and organic bedding. There are various types of latex mattresses, and while latex foam may not have as conforming features like memory foam, it’s still considered a great investment that can last for over a decade.
- Hybrid mattresses – Hybrid mattress features an innerspring base for additional support and motion balance and another material. Usually, hybrid mattresses pack memory foam but in the case of this article, we’ll focus on hybrid innerspring mattresses that come with latex foam. There are also hybrid mattresses with springs and cotton and wool cover that adds temperature regulation and breathability to the mattress.
Editor’s notes: If you don’t want to ditch memory foam in its entirety, you can turn towards a more eco-friendly version of foam known as Bio-Foam mattress, also known as Bio-Pur, which is the name of the certificate awarded to such mattresses. Memory foam in Amerisleep mattresses is made out of Bio-Pur foam.
3. Organic Features
Unfortunately, there can hardly be a 100% organic mattress that won’t make you break the bank. Moreover, no certification proves that the product is 100% free of synthetic materials and organic. It’s also important to know the difference between natural and organic.
Natural means that while many materials are sourced from nature and don’t use potentially harmful substances for people and the environment, not all materials are 100% natural. With organic mattresses, more than 95% of the material is “bio” certified and sourced from nature, not using harmful substances or anything that can threaten the ecosystem.
When it comes to organic features, there are two key certificates to look for GOTS and GOLS. GOTS stands for Global Organic Textile Standard, which ensures that organic cotton was used in the production of a certain product, as well as at least 70% organic materials.
Similarly, GOLS standards that stand for Global Organic Latex Standard ensure that at least 95% of materials used in the latex are of organic origin.
4. Vegan
Being completely turned towards nature and against harmful substances also means shopping vegan at times. Vegan mattresses are PETA-certified in that they don’t contain any material sourced from animals. Many manufacturers replace fiberglass and other fire retardants in mattresses with wool. However, according to PETA wool is also classified as animal cruelty.
With that in mind, for our vegan-friendly consumers, there are plenty of products that are 100% vegan. Nest bedding, Avocado Sleep, and Naturepedic are companies that manufacture vegan-friendly mattresses with organic features and are even certified by PETA and endorsed on the website.
5. Firmness
Firmness remains an important feature to look at when choosing a mattress, even if it’s not made from memory foam. Other materials other than memory foam have fewer abilities to conform to their user. Latex does a decent job at that, but not as decent as memory foam. Mattresses that use other materials will be a little firmer than memory foam mattresses, but the rule remains.
Most beds are of medium or medium-firm firmness, while plush beds are hard to find. If your bed is too firm and you want to keep it organic, you should consider getting a mattress topper that will soften your bed. If you want a softer mattress, you should go for the 100% latex option instead of going for the hybrid bed.
6. Temperature Regulation
One thing where memory foam mattresses don’t excel is temperature regulation.
They heat up easily, and gel memory foam may not always be good enough to keep you calm. Latex and innerspring mattresses have latex, cotton, and wool covers, all breathable materials that will keep the hot night flashes and sweating at bay.
Latex may not be as good of a temperature regulator, but with help of organic compounds, as well as organic cotton and wool, they do a great job and feel breathable even during humid and hot nights.
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7. Edge Support
Memory foam mattresses, especially those plush, may not have good edge support. That’s why latex and hybrid mattresses should have it. The springs in innerspring and hybrid mattresses give the optimal control and more sleeping space because every corner of the mattress feels even.
This also comes in handy among people who can’t stand up on their own, and don’t want to feel like they are falling as they’re trying to stand up. Latex mattresses may not have as good edge support as innerspring mattresses, but if you go with the firmer option, you’ll probably have more support than with memory foam.
8. Allergies
Memory foam mattresses are generally considered hypoallergenic, but just as with everything, there are exceptions.
On the contrary, innerspring mattresses can easily become infested with bacteria and dust mites that can cause allergic reactions in children and adults. They easily become infested so you have to change your sheets frequently and clean the mattress. Cotton covers and wool can easily prevent them.
Latex mattresses in combination with cotton and wool provide excellent protection against dust mites and other allergen microbes that can easily crawl to your bed, especially during allergy season. Keep in mind that some people are also allergic to latex, which means they should avoid these mattresses or make sure they’re covered while consulting their doctor.
Also Read: How To Remove Dust Mites From Mattress?
9. Warranty
Innerspring mattresses are the most durable mattresses, especially if the coils and springs are encased or isolated in pockets so that each spring controls its zone. Manufacturers of these mattresses often promise lifetime warranty to show how good such mattresses are. If not, you’ll see that the mattresses last at least two decades.
Latex mattresses are a little less durable than those made of coils and springs. However, many manufacturers promise anywhere from 15 to 30 years of warranty, depending on where you’re shopping for your mattress.
Finally, memory foam mattresses have the lowest warranty count. Some companies promise a long warranty, as well as a long sleep trial, but it’s commonplace that memory foam mattresses last from 10 to 15 years if you get lucky.
5 Best Mattress Without Memory Foam: Detailed Reviews
Below we listed what we consider the best mattress without memory foam. Keep in mind that most mattresses are made of latex or latex and innerspring hybrid.
Best Overall: Plushbeds The Botanical Bliss
- Type: Latex Mattress
- Dimensions: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
- Firmness: Medium and Medium-firm
- Warranty: 25 years
Plushbeds is one of the most conscious brands when it comes to crafting mattresses that feel soothing for bodily injuries and provide premium and luxurious comfort no matter what type of sleeper you are. The mattress is made out of GOLS-certified organic latex, and it boasts a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover accompanied by wool.
It is available in all the possible sizes that you may be interested in, as well as multiple firmness levels. The medium firmness is ideal for absolutely everyone, regardless of what your sleep preferences are. However, the medium-firm level adds one more level of support for heavier sleepers and those who prefer sleeping on top of the mattress, rather than sinking in.
There are also different levels of height, for those who want less or more elevated sleeping experience. You can choose 9-inches in height, 10-inches, or 12-inches for those who prefer the most seamless sleeping experience and want to feel as if they’re sleeping on a cloud.
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss also provides USDA organic certification, ideal for those into clean and conscious living. The mattress also uses the most premium Talalay latex that is extracted organically. It also comes with 100 days sleep trial and 25 years of premium sleep experience warranty.
Editor’s notes: Although Plushbeds The Botanical Bliss may appear like the perfect mattress, which it mainly is, you may feel turned away by its hefty price. Luckily, the company often hosts discounts and gives free sheets for those who purchase a bedroom mattress.
Runner Up: Naturepedic Chorus Organic Mattress
- Type: Innerspring
- Dimensions: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Firmness: Medium
- Warranty: 10 years
If you’re looking for an innerspring mattress that doesn’t come with any foam whatsoever, you should check Naturepedic Chorus Organic Mattress. It is equipped with a cloud 9-like plush and soft pillow-like top that will hug most of the sleepers in what’s considered super-comfortable full night slumber.
With its medium firmness level, it’s safe to assume that Naturepedic Chorus is everyone’s dream to have. It feels soft, yet stable, comfortable, and gives luxurious balance and support for people who’d like to relax after a long day at work. Unfortunately, the medium firmness is the only this company offers for this mattress model.
It is certified with all the organic certifications and doesn’t come with any chemical fire retardants. It also comes with a wool and cotton cover that helps with temperature regulation and keeps you cool during the night.
The springs are trapped in a layer of micro-coils that are laid over glueless coils that are encased under a supportive layer. This design gives more breathability to the mattress and also leads to better temperature regulation. It’s also worth noting that there’s a great level of noise isolation and motion isolation. With that being said, if you sleep with a partner, they won’t notice if you’ve been moving.
The Chorus mattress comes with 90 days sleep trial, which is more than enough time for you to test it. Also, there is a 10 year of warranty to protect your mattress.
Editor’s notes: Although it seemingly looks durable and strong, it’s worth noting that this mattress comes with only 10 years warranty, which is not enough when you compare it to other mattresses.
Best Budget: Latex For Less Mattress
- Type: Latex
- Dimensions: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split King, Split California King
- Firmness: Medium and firm
- Warranty: 20 years
Latex For Less is a manufacturer that makes all-natural mattresses made out of GOLS-certified latex and GOTS-certified wool and cotton. Its quality stands out against the vast majority of mattress makers, without breaking your bank.
What’s more important is the signature quality of the all-latex mattress that it comes with. It’s available in different sizes, and more importantly, it’s flappable. Understandably, our sleeping preferences change over time. That being said, it has a firm side and a medium size. Once you get tired of sleeping on the firm side, or your medium size begins sagging, you can just flip it and get the other enjoyable size.
It’s also available in two height levels – the 7-inch height and the 9-inch height. There are also multiple layers of latex that ensure a seamless and luxurious experience. Similar to memory foam, this mattress has conforming traits, and more importantly, unlike memory foam, it won’t heat up.
The latex that this mattress is made of is premium Dunlop latex that is more breathable and easily withstands hot temperatures when it comes to interchanging hot air. Finally, the wool and cotton cover help with adjusting the temperature and circulating hot and cool air through the mattress.
Another amazing thing about this mattress is that you can test it for 120 days, thanks to the dedicated sleep trial and great customer service. If you like the mattress and decide to keep it, there are 20 years of warranty and support at all times.
Editor’s notes: The only thing that we didn’t like about this mattress is that it has heights of 7- and 9-inches, which is lower than the vast majority of mattresses on the market, be it latex or memory foam.
Best Hybrid Mattress: Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
- Type: Hybrid springs and latex
- Dimensions: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Firmness: Medium and Medium-firm
- Warranty: 15 years
Hybrid mattresses without memory foam and toxins that come with it can be time-consuming and simply challenging to find. However, if you’re looking for an organic mattress with good spring properties and organic latex that is sourced from a single location, then you shouldn’t look any further than the Eco Terra mattress.
This hybrid mattress is available in various dimensions and two firmness levels – medium and firm. The firm option is the best possible option for heavier sleepers who don’t want to sag and sink into the depths of the mattress. The signature quantum coils that are encased not only isolate the motion but also prevent the unnecessary sagging of the mattress.
The motion isolation is an amazing feature of all mattresses that have springs. That’s because when the partner is moving, their movements send off vibrations that are registered as motion transfer and could cause the partner to wake up. That is especially amplified thanks to the coils that easily vibrate and transfer motion.
When the coils are encased, which is the case with the Eco Terra mattress, there’s nothing to worry about. Eco Terra hybrid mattress comes with all the necessary certifications to prove that it doesn’t come with fire retardants or other chemicals that could compromise your health.
The certifications include the OEKO-TEX organic Talalay latex as well as GOLS and GOTS certifications for natural latex, cotton, and wool that ensure premium temperature regulation. It also comes with comfy, breathable moisture-absorbing materials that prevent overheating, sweating, and hot flashes.
It also comes with a 90-day sleep trial and 15 years of warranty.
Editor’s notes: Some lighter sleepers may find it to be too firm for their taste.
Best Vegan: Avocado Green Mattress
- Type: Hybrid springs and latex
- Dimensions: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Firmness: Medium and Medium-firm
- Warranty: 25 years
If you’re leading a vegan lifestyle and you’re conscious about animal cruelty, then it only makes sense to live and sleep on a mattress that is conscious about those actions too, and not created through animal cruelty. This PETA-approved vegan mattress is everything that you need to dive into peaceful and guilt-free sleep.
It is made with care and love, with a needle-tufted pillow top that adds more softness to the mattress. If you’re a fan of firm mattresses or are a heavier sleeper you can settle for a medium-firm mattress. Alternatively, you can opt for a gentle firm pillowtop that adds a plushy embrace of comfort.
Given this is a hybrid mattress, it’s worth noting that it comes with 1,414 pocketed support coils that are distributed across five pressure zones that give you more support, balance, and comfort while relieving weight and pressure.
There is no wool, all the breathability support, and temperature regulation is done through GOTS-certified organic cotton, which gives a refreshing touch to the mattress and will keep you cool at all times. Given that coils are encased independently, there’s no motion transfer, but there’s just the right amount of bounciness.
It’s also worth noting that this mattress comes with 1-year support for the trial. That means that you have the entire year to try out this type of mattress before you decide whether it fits your needs or not. It’s also worth noting that there’s a 25 year of warranty, so this mattress will serve you for a long time, as comfortable and as fresh as the first day it arrived at your doorstep.
Editor’s notes: Latex mattresses are generally firm and thick so there’s not too much conforming. Some sleepers who like to sink into the mattress may not like that. However, this mattress is an amazing pick for heavier sleepers who want to be on the top and have a good spinal alignment.
