Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to avoid all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, not only in diet but also in the products used daily.
This means abstaining from consuming food derived from animals, such as meat, milk, butter, and honey. It also extends to avoiding materials like leather, wool, silk, and other animal-derived products in clothing, furniture, and other items.
For vegans, the commitment goes beyond avoiding these products—it includes supporting ethical and sustainable practices. Products must be manufactured without any form of animal exploitation, and with consideration for the environmental impact.
Shopping for new items, especially mattresses, can sometimes be confusing, as it’s not always clear whether the materials used align with vegan principles. A vegan mattress must be entirely free from animal-derived components, such as wool, mohair, cashmere, or silk.
It should be made from plant-based materials like organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, or natural latex. While polyester fibres may also be used and are technically vegan, their petrochemical origins can raise concerns about environmental sustainability.
Also, it’s important to consider chemical treatments, such as flame retardants.
So if you’re shopping for a new vegan mattress, you’ll find all the important factors to consider in this guide.
What Mattresses are Not Vegan?
A mattress is considered non-vegan if it contains any of the following materials or involves processes that exploit animals:
- Wool, mohair, cashmere, silk, and horsehair.
- Polyurethane foams, synthetic foams, and synthetic latex.
- Chemical flame retardants, which may have been tested on animals or include non-vegan ingredients.
- Manufacturing by-products, such as soap used in the pocket spring manufacturing process may contain animal-derived components, making the mattress non-vegan.
It’s important to note that some materials, while technically free of animal products, may conflict with vegan values if their production involves animal testing or unsustainable practices.
Is Memory Foam Vegan?
Most memory foam mattresses are made using polyurethane or synthetic foams. While these materials do not directly contain animal products, their production often involves chemical processes that may include animal testing.
Additionally, these foams are derived from petrochemicals, raising concerns about their environmental impact—a significant consideration for many vegans who prioritise sustainability as part of their lifestyle.
What Mattresses are Vegan?
Vegan mattresses are made from materials that are free from animal-derived components and align with ethical and sustainable practices. Common vegan-friendly materials include:
- Mattresses made from cotton, bamboo, flax, and natural latex are considered vegan.
- Derived from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex is a sustainable material known for its durability and natural resistance to bacteria, mildew, fungi, and even fire.
- Organic cotton, which is sourced from plants and grown without synthetic chemicals or pesticides. It is a popular choice for its softness and chemical-free properties.
- Bamboo and flax are plant-based materials, which are breathable, moisture-wicking, and sustainable alternatives for vegan mattresses.
- Synthetic and recycled materials, such as synthetic fibres like polyester and eco-friendly materials made from recycled plastic can also be classified as vegan-friendly.
Shopping Tip: The Fogarty mattress collection offers vegan-friendly options by utilising plant-based materials such as cotton and bamboo. Additionally, these mattresses incorporate Eco Comfort Fibres™ made from recycled plastic bottles, aligning with sustainable practices.
What Mattresses are Vegan?
Mattresses that contain plant based materials such as cotton, bamboo, flax and natural latex, are considered vegan.
Natural latex is derived from the rubber tree plants and can be readily sourced in a sustainable manner.
Natural latex is a preferred mattress material because it’s naturally resistant to bacteria, mildew, fungi, and even fire. Organic cotton is derived from a plant, but because it is organic, it is chemical-free as well.
Mattresses that contain polyester fibres, and eco-friendly fibres made from recycled plastic can be classified as vegan-friendly. For example, the Silentnight Ferndale 800 Pocket Eco Mattress has a layer of Eco Comfort Fibres™ made from recyclable plastic bottles. This material is also naturally flame retardant, and hasn’t been treated with any chemicals.
Pocket springs are usually made from metal steel and can be considered vegan.
Look for mattresses that have been treated with natural and chemical free flame retardants, for example M-Pure treatment.
Best UK Vegan Mattress
The Silentnight SleepHarmony Mattresses are a commendable vegan choice as they are crafted from plant-based materials like bamboo, flax, and aloe vera, ensuring comfort without animal-derived components.
Additionally, they incorporate Eco Comfort Fibres™ made from recycled plastic bottles, aligning with sustainable practices.
Certifications to Look For
When shopping for a vegan mattress, certifications can provide assurance that the product meets ethical and environmental standards. The Vegan Society Certification guarantees that a product is free from animal-derived components and has not been tested on animals. This label is a reliable way to ensure that a mattress aligns with vegan principles.
For organic plant-based materials, look for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification, which verifies that textiles are made with organic fibres and processed without harmful chemicals.
Another key certification is OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which ensures that every component of a product has been tested for harmful substances, making it safe for consumers and environmentally friendly.
The Environmental Impact of Synthetic Materials
While synthetic materials like polyester fibres and recycled plastics are technically vegan, their environmental impact can be significant. Virgin polyester is derived from petrochemicals, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
On the other hand, recycled fibres made from materials like plastic bottles offer a more sustainable alternative by reducing waste and repurposing existing materials.
Natural plant-based materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp are renewable, biodegradable, and have a lower carbon footprint. Choosing these options supports a more sustainable lifestyle.
Cost vs. Longevity
While vegan mattresses, particularly those made from organic or natural materials, may have a higher upfront cost, they often provide better long-term value. Natural latex, for instance, is highly durable and can last 10–15 years, far outlasting many synthetic options.
Additionally, organic materials like cotton and bamboo offer superior breathability and comfort, ensuring a healthier sleeping environment. Investing in a high-quality vegan mattress also reduces the need for frequent replacements, saving money in the long run.
When considering cost, think about the durability, health benefits, and reduced environmental impact of your choice.
How to dispose your old mattress in a sustainable way?
If you’re ready to trow away your old mattress, it’s important to consider what environmentally friendly options you have.
First, if your old mattress is in good condition and has its fire label attached, consider donating it. There are many UK local and national charities that accept old mattresses as donation. You can arrange a free pick-up and they’ll donate it to a family in need.
Another option is to have your old mattress recycled. Book a mattress recycling service from the retailer you’re buying your new mattress from. If you’re not buying a new mattress, find a specialty recycler in your area and have it picked up and recycled for a small fee.
Final Thoughts:
Finding a vegan mattress can be a difficult task, mainly because each brand manufactures their mattress in a different way and uses different materials inside. Try to avoid mattresses with memory foam, wool, silk, and cashmere inside. Instead, look for mattresses with plant based materials, such as: cotton, bamboo and latex.
Hopefully, this article has helped you determine not only how to identify a vegan mattress, but also where to begin your search for your next mattress. Just bear in mind that we spend 6-8 hours per day on our mattresses for years, so choose wisely!
