Keep reading to find our list of allergist-guided recommendations and to learn more about what could be causing your symptoms—plus, what materials to look for in the best mattresses for allergies. Allergy specialist Morris Nejat, M.D., agrees that while some people are allergic to the materials of the mattress itself, allergens can accumulate over time. “Mattresses typically cause allergies when allergens from the air get trapped inside,” says Nejat. So, if you’re experiencing a new reaction to an older mattress, it may be time for a fresh start. While allergic reactions vary from person to person, there are a few common allergy instigators to look out for in a mattress. Dust mites: “Dust mites are microscopic mites that live in house dust and live off of dead human skin. Some individuals are allergic to their feces,” explains Nejat. Material allergens: Latex is a popular mattress material for its buoyant support and antimicrobial and sustainable properties. Unfortunately, some folks have a latex allergy, which can make these mattresses unsuitable for sleeping. “Latex is a growing allergen that can cause reactions such as hives, rashes, and difficulty breathing and may be more severe than the reactions caused by dust mites,” says Mehrotra. Wool is another common material found in natural mattresses that can be problematic for folks with an allergic aversion. Mold, mildew, or pet dander: Mold and mildew can collect in a mattress, especially in warmer climates. Pet dander, on the other hand, is an issue if you have a pet allergy and are sleeping somewhere with pets. Synthetic materials & VOCs: Synthetic materials are particularly triggering in folks with asthma but can cause skin irritations as well. “People with asthma may also react to VOCs or volatile organic compounds that can off-gas from certain mattresses,” Mehrotra adds. “It can help to find mattresses with less off-gassing with less VOC exposure.” This mattress arrives compressed and rolled into a box. Once unboxed, the brand recommends allowing just one to two hours for the mattress to expand before sleeping on it. Thanks to the natural materials, there shouldn’t be any unpleasant off-gassing smell. Unfortunately, this bed does have a shorter sleep trial than some other beds on this list—but you still have 100 nights to make your decision. What customers say: It has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with over 3,200 reviews. One customer writes, “I love that it’s 100% organic cotton, and the quality exceeds my expectations. With other mattresses, I used to wake up congested and with allergies. This mattress doesn’t do that to me, and it’s by far the best decision I have made.” There aren’t a ton of negative reviews on the brand’s website, but some people complain that this mattress is too firm, and recommend adding Birch’s Organic Mattress Topper, which is also made with latex, cotton, and wool. Avocado’s beds are compressed in a box before being shipped from the brand’s California factory. It’s actually a carbon-negative company, which means it voluntarily offsets more than 100% of its emissions. Because the mattress is made with natural and organic materials, you won’t experience any weird smells while it expands. What customers say: This mattress has 4.7 out of 5 stars overall, with more than 17,000 reviews in total—and a lot of comments from folks with asthma. One person writes, “The mattress itself is firm, but the pillow top is so soft and comfy. As an asthma and allergy sufferer, I love that it is organic. There were no funky smells or irritating materials.” Negative reviews are mostly from people who found this mattress too firm without the added topper. And, while the brand offers a generous 365-night sleep trial, a handful of people complain about customer service during the return process. You can customize this bed by choosing an 11.5- or 14.5-inch height and selecting from three different firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. It’s definitely a firmer bed—smaller-bodied side sleepers should try the Plush Soft model. The brand delivers all of its mattresses through white glove delivery, which means someone will bring it into your home and help set it up. Another allergy-friendly perk is the lack of off-gassing smells. What customers say: With 4.8 out of 5 stars and over 2,800 reviews, most of the feedback is very positive. One person writes, “For the first time ever I wake up every morning without allergies and without back pain. I think it has to do in part with bed and bedding not being sprayed with chemical fire retardants and also the design of the mattress. Strongly recommended for allergy sufferers and people with inflammatory conditions that may be exacerbated by chemicals.” If the mattress ends up not working out for you for any reason, you have one year to return or exchange it for free. Because most of this mattress is, well, air, there’s less chance of dust mites staking their claim in your bed. Plus, it has the same botanical, antimicrobial treatment as the Saatva Classic (which helps prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria), and the same allergy-friendly organic cotton Euro-top. Just note that there’s a layer of natural latex underneath, which may not suit folks with latex allergies. Your order comes with free white glove delivery and setup—and the extra help will be welcome if you order a split king model or the brand’s adjustable base. What customers say: There aren’t very many reviews of this bed on the brand’s website (and none that speak to allergies specifically), but most of the comments are positive. Plus, both positive and negative reviews rave about the generous trial period and the customer service, so if you decide to return it, you’ll be in good hands. You can choose from an 11- or 13-inch height, and there’s an option to make this bed a hybrid, which adds an additional layer of coils for support and airflow. The firmness will vary, depending on the model you choose. This mattress is compressed and rolled in a box for shipping, but it shouldn’t have any off-gassing smells when unboxed. Like Brentwood Home’s sister brand, Avocado, it’s also a carbon-negative company. On the downside, some reviewers complain about poor customer service during returns. What customers say: Another highly rated choice, this mattress has over 1,000 reviews and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars overall. One shopper writes, “I’ve had this mattress for two years now and I love it! It truly has been wonderful. I have lots of allergies and I wanted something that would not have a smell that would give me a headache or rash.” Just note that a few reviewers warn that this mattress is pretty firm, so it’s worthwhile to weigh your options between all-foam and hybrid models. The cover will fit mattresses up to 15 inches tall, which is great for thicker mattresses but could be considerably bigger than you need—so you may need to tuck some of the fabric under the mattress to avoid bunching. What customers say: With just over 150 reviews on the brand’s website, this mattress has a 4.9 rating overall. One person writes, “I needed a protector for a dust mite allergy, and it was great to find an organic one that was designed to fit my mattress perfectly.” The only negative callout is that it’s a little more expensive than other mattress protectors, but if organic cotton and nontoxic materials are important to you, it’s worth it. The standout materials companies use to market mattresses aren’t always the only materials inside. If you’re allergic to materials like wool or latex, be sure to read the product description thoroughly so you’ll know you’re steering clear of all potential irritants. Prioritize organic materials: Going green has plenty of benefits, including avoiding toxic chemicals that can trigger allergies. “The use of organic fabrics can help those sensitive to chemicals, fabrics, and additives,” says Nejat. Know the trial & return policy: Let’s face it: Mattresses are an investment. If you’re worried about how you’ll react to certain materials, it’s in your best interest to choose a brand with a generous trial period and an easy return process.
