Mattresses

My latest rabbit hole obsession has been mattresses. If you spend more than just a few minutes diving into this world, you quickly realize what a bizarre, Alice in Wonderland–style landscape this industry really is. Given that our kids spend nearly half their lives lying directly on these things, I became completely obsessed with finding the right one. Safety is absolutely huge for me; I simply don’t trust some of the sketchy materials floating around out there, and it’s wild how many companies won’t even label or reveal where their materials come from. You literally could be lying on a toxic pool of formaldehyde without realizing it. On top of safety, I was also laser-focused on finding the perfect mattress when it comes to comfort, durability, warranty, and companies with a trustworthy reputation. As always, I wouldn’t recommend anything here that I wouldn’t confidently let my own kid sleep on every single night. Read details below.

Total research time: 14 hours

Top choice: Naturepedic

Next: Avocado (and this is a toss up with top choice)

Budget but solid pick: Leesa

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Top Choice

Naturepedic

Next Pick

Avocado

Budget

Leesa

Mattresses

  • Naturepedic logo with stylized leaf and circular emblem.

    Naturepedic

    This is what I ultimately decided to buy after careful consideration. One recurring theme you’ll notice in my recommendations is Green Guard Certified. This certification technically screens for VOCs (volatile organic compounds), but more importantly, I think it serves as a reliable filter for companies that are genuinely making products with intention and care. If you want to dive deeper into what Green Guard certification entails, you can read more about it on UL's official site. Naturepedic boasts several other impressive certifications as well, and it’s only slightly edged out in this area by Avocado, which happens to be my other strong recommendation.

  • Close-up of a mattress with the brand name Avocado Organic Kids printed on it.

    Avocado

    Avocado is my next strong recommendation. It’s not only Green Guard Certified but also holds a billion other certifications, making it a standout choice in the market. I genuinely believe the materials used in these top two options are the best and most transparent you can find. Honestly, it’s a toss-up between them, so at this point, I’d recommend focusing on factors like the model, weight, and any additional features when deciding. Of course, the best price point, especially during sales or promotions, can also be the ultimate deal maker.

  • Leesa mattress on a plain background

    Leesa

    I always try to include a budget-friendly option. Certainly, this still isn’t exactly cheap, but my goal on this website is to share what I honestly believe is the best choice for your buck. Leesa is the most affordable of these mattress options, and it often comes with some decent sales, which sweetens the deal. It’s still Green Guard Certified, which means it meets good indoor air quality standards, but beyond that certification, it doesn’t offer a lot more in terms of eco-friendly or organic credentials. If organic materials and certifications are your top priorities, I would definitely recommend going with one of the top two picks instead. However, if you’re mainly focused on sticking to a budget, I think Leesa still stands out as a better option than most others out there. Plus, it’s a comfy choice that hits the mark on important safety standards, making it a solid mattress for those mindful of both price and quality.