With the rise of eco-conscious and cruelty-free products, vegan mattresses are gaining popularity—but how can consumers ensure they’re truly free from animal-derived materials?
As more consumers seek to align their purchasing decisions with their ethical and environmental values, the demand for cruelty-free, sustainable products continues to grow—especially in the bedroom. Amerisleep’s latest guide explores the growing trend of vegan mattresses, providing insights into what makes them different from traditional options and how shoppers can ensure they’re choosing a truly animal-free, eco-friendly sleep surface.
According to their study, a vegan mattress is one that contains zero animal-derived materials, from the foam core to the outer cover. This means no wool, feathers, or animal-based glues—and instead, a combination of plant-based foams, natural latex, organic cotton, bamboo fibers, and other synthetic or plant-derived alternatives.
“People are surprised to learn that traditional mattresses often contain wool or even milk proteins,” said April Mayer, a sleep expert at Amerisleep. “If you’re looking for a mattress that aligns with your values—whether you’re vegan, allergy-prone, or just environmentally conscious—it’s essential to understand what’s inside.”
So how can consumers ensure they’re getting a truly vegan mattress? Mayer suggests a few non-negotiables:
- Read material labels carefully. Be on the lookout for sneaky animal-based ingredients like wool, down, or casein.
- Ask questions. If a brand uses “natural” or “eco-friendly” as a blanket term, it doesn’t always mean animal-free.
- Look for third-party certifications. Standards like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), and PETA-Approved Vegan offer extra confidence.
While vegan mattresses can offer eco-conscious perks—like lower emissions and hypoallergenic properties—the study emphasizes that not all vegan beds are created equal. Some may still include synthetic foams or chemical fire retardants, so buyers are encouraged to review manufacturing practices and certifications carefully.
