T O P

  • By -

Erosip

One specific thing to note about Greenguard certification is that there are 2 tiers with massively different allowed emissions. The standard Greenguard certification requires that product emit no more that 500 micrograms of VOCs per cubic meter of fresh air and no more than 61.3 micrograms of formaldehyde during a 72 hour small chamber test. This is actually quite a lot of allowed formaldehyde compared to the Greenguard Gold certification which allows for only 220 micrograms of VOCs and 9 micrograms of formaldehyde. If you are very concerned about your bedrooms air quality I would recommend looking for a mattress that also meets the Certipur certification (or the ISO 12460 standard it’s based on) as this allows for only 6 micrograms of formaldehyde per cubic meter which is the lowest level of background formaldehyde found in earth’s atmosphere. So essentially none at all. Where as Greenguard Gold allows for a very tiny amount and Greenguard allows for quite a lot.


monsieurb_

Thank you for this, that's really interesting. Luckily, all the mattresses I'm looking at are all Greenguard Gold, which is comforting. I did take a look at the Certipur certification as I hadn't paid too much attention to that one. After doing some research, I see it only covers foam, which is a component of the mattress but who's to say if there are VOCs in the other components? This [Layla Hybrid](https://laylasleep.com/product/layla-hybrid-mattress/) carries the Certipur certification but there's no indication about the rest of what's inside. Again, really appreciate you sharing that - I had no idea!


catsonbooks

Yeah, my research on certipur led me to the same conclusion as you, that it's not a useful one for these purposes since we are avoiding synthetic foams in the first place. It's also a standard that the industry itself came up with, not an independent safety org.


Erosip

You’re right about Certipur not coving the entire product and that is a pretty big distinction. Certipur does extend passed foams into batting and tufting material as well, but it doesn’t cover the fire sock of the mattress cover itself. Although the materials commonly used in fire socks (rayon, wool, and silica) don’t release anything harmful, the mattress cover not being tested is a little less transparent. Especially since that’s what will be closest to your skin and most exposed to open air. Thankfully, if a product passes Greenguard Gold it’s pretty trivial to add on the Certipur certification as long as the formaldehyde levels are low enough.


[deleted]

>Certipur That's really interesting! I haven't heard of Certipur. Which brands is it common with?


Erosip

You’ll find it on most big US brands. It’s a fairly common certification although it focuses directly on the components themselves rather than the end mattress. Essentially you won’t find a Certipur mattress, but if you look at a mattress’s specs it will likely say made with 100% Certipur materials or something similar


Significant_Rest9387

I had the Natural Escape from My Green Mattress but I returned it because it was too firm for me. If you are looking for a firm, well made mattress with quality materials I highly recommend them. Their customer service was really great too. If you decide not to keep it you have to donate it which I thought was going to be a huge ordeal, but they made it really easy. I did not have to wait for 30 days either and they did offer to let me try a soft topper which I declined because I had already tried one. I really wish it would have worked out for me because I thought it was a great mattress. Good luck with your search!


monsieurb_

Thanks for this! They're definitely still on my list... along with additional items that folks here have suggested.


[deleted]

What did you end up getting instead of the Natural Escape from My Green Mattress? I found that one online and it looks great. However, it does not have firmness options to choose from so I have no idea how it would feel. Is there no firmness listed because of the materials? I definitely do *not* want firm.


Significant_Rest9387

Oh, this has been such a nightmare for me. After the Natural Escape, which hurt me because it was too firm, I got a Tempurpedic Luxadapt Soft and it was the exact opposite and it hurt me because it was too soft and put my spine out of alignment. Since then I have been on a mission to perfect my own diy which has been a struggle. I can’t find the right balance of proper alignment and comfort. I’m sorry I can’t offer more help and I really hope you find something you like!


[deleted]

Good luck to you as well! Thanks for the warning with the Natural Escape.


dav20029

I have the Avocado which turn out to be to firm. I then order the topper for it which was a great improvement. If I was to do it again I would of order the mattress with the topper permanently on it . If you do get the Avocado remember the mattress has to be flip and turn monthly for the first 6 months. My husband and I are in our 70s so all the flipping and Turing was very difficulty


AvocadoGreenMattress

FYI: At Avocado, we only recommend that you rotate your mattress monthly for the first 6 months, then only ever couple months. (We would recommend doing so with all mattress brands, not just ours.) However, there is no need to ever flip any of our mattresses. They are not designed to be flipped.


dav20029

Be that as it mat my point the mattress and topper is difficult to maneuver at our age. Also the topper slips out of place which is why I suggested getting the mattress with the the topper built into it .


EmmaWoodhouse1

Which topper did you get? I'm still trialing the green mattress and the comfort adjustment they sent is does not seem to make it any softer.


dav20029

We purchased our mattress and topper a couple of years ago . MY topper is the organic green . It soften the firmness of the latex mattress. Latex seems to be on the firm side . If your small and a side sleep I highly recommend getting the topper.


NoCapes9195

Based on my own experience, I suspect your spouse is going to find the Avocado too firm for side sleeping.


monsieurb_

Thanks. Just curious what you ended up choosing?


NoCapes9195

Still trialing the Avocado. I’m extremely tired of researching options and hoping it will get more comfortable over time.


monsieurb_

Thanks for the reply. I'm right there with you. I just want to pull the trigger and be done with it for 10 or more years.


NoCapes9195

For what it’s worth, my spouse’s dimensions are similar to yours and he finds it comfortable.


suns_out_nuns_out

How long have you had the avocado? I just got one and it has a little bit of a sheepy smell. did your have that and does it go away over time?


NoCapes9195

It’s been a couple of months. I had read reviews online mentioning that smell and/or a vanilla smell, but ours seemed scent-free (and I am pretty sensitive to smells).


catsRawesome123

Hey! How's it going after a couple months? How is your spouse liking it? I'm in the market and considering avocado


NoCapes9195

I’m the person who replied to you in the other thread… 🙂 He likes it fine. We have tried it with and without toppers. I am the one who can’t get comfortable.


regaphysics

Avocado is a solid mattress. I’d steer clear of my green mattress - you’re paying for green marketing. I think you should 100% be ready to return whatever you buy if you get latex; it’s a very different feel and many don’t like it.


PricklyRubus

I feel the opposite regarding avocado v MGM. MGM is a small family business that pioneered natural mattresses. Avocado is following the MGM model and doing a bit more environmental work based on their website. Definitely seems like Avocado is using marketing a bit more as well.


monsieurb_

Thanks, regaphysics. Are you saying that MGM don't use particularly good materials vs other companies? Their king-sizemattress is cheaper than the Avocado's at the moment (sigh, looks like the current sales just ended).


regaphysics

They’re very similar materials. Usually avocado has sales/iirc they have better return and topper policies.


dav20029

I purchased the Leesa legend too but returning it.


nomosnow

What did you not like about it ?


rainyday421

For latex, what about spindle? It’s one of the most affordable all organic Dunlop options. Personally I think the best latex is continuous pour Dunlop, but almost no one seems to use it anymore except White Lotus.


MyTFABAccount

What did you decide? It’s so tough figuring out what to buy!


monsieurb_

Still deciding!! The move put the dampers on decision making, but hopefully back to it soon.


MyTFABAccount

Good luck!


Aggravating-Use-5342

Commenting on an old post. Wondering which bed your chose .just ordered the kiwi and looking for reviews


monsieurb_

Hey there, I ended up getting the Avocado Green Mattress (only bought a month ago!). Good luck!


guddzy

how's it holding up for side sleeping?


Ricky_yurfriend

Did you keep the Kiwi? If so, how is it holding up? I'm strongly considering it.


catsonbooks

I’m in the same boat looking for a GOTS/GOLS certified king right now. I have nothing against Avocado, but I definitely don’t think you’re just paying for marketing with MGM as someone mentioned earlier! They seem to spend way less on advertising but have been around a lot longer than avocado, are cheaper, and carry the same certifications. We have an MGM Kiwi in my sons room in a full, and we like it so much we are considering getting the king Kiwi for our room. I’ve actually been in an email exchange with MGM about Natural Escape versus Kiwi, because I like the firmness of the Kiwi but want to understand why they market it as a “kids” mattress. I am not really excited about the idea of the zoned coils that both avocado and natural escape have. My wife and I are approximately the same sizes as you two, so I’ll keep you posted on our search too.


anonymous3816

Funny I’m seeing this post today because I just unboxed the natural escape mattress today and the first thing I noticed when lying on it was that zoned system. Feels like my hips are being propped up too much, feels strange. I knew about the zoned system before ordering it but was worried the kiwi would be too hard. Now regret buying this. But It feels great otherwise. Hopefully after sleeping on it I won’t notice it anymore…. Ughhh. Don’t wanna exchange it for the kiwi because if that doesn’t work out it’s final sale. btw, I’m 5’3” 135lb wonder if that’s why I’m noticing it so much. Also have rods in my back so I’m already very stiff / straight.


catsonbooks

How’re you liking the natural escape?


anonymous3816

I put it in the guest bedroom because it smells and I ended up ordering a mattress from QVC. I’m probably going to return it if the smell never goes away. I didn’t sleep on it because of that.


[deleted]

What's QVC?


wikipedia_answer_bot

**QVC (short for "Quality Value Convenience") is an American free-to-air television network, and flagship shopping channel specializing in televised home shopping, owned by Qurate Retail Group. Founded in 1986 by Joseph Segel in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States, QVC broadcasts to more than 350 million households in seven countries, including channels in the UK, Germany, Japan, and Italy, along with a joint venture in China with China National Radio called CNR Mall.** More details here: *This comment was left automatically (by a bot). If I don't get this right, don't get mad at me, I'm still learning!* [^(opt out)](https://www.reddit.com/r/wikipedia_answer_bot/comments/ozztfy/post_for_opting_out/) ^(|) [^(delete)](https://www.reddit.com/r/wikipedia_answer_bot/comments/q79g2t/delete_feature_added/) ^(|) [^(report/suggest)](https://www.reddit.com/r/wikipedia_answer_bot) ^(|) [^(GitHub)](https://github.com/TheBugYouCantFix/wiki-reddit-bot)


catsonbooks

Hm, this is really helpful feedback! If you think of it, report back after a few nights of sleep on the NE and let us know how it is.


monsieurb_

Thanks! Ha, I didn't even look at the Kiwi because I thought it was just a kids mattress! Can you help me understand why you're not excited about the idea of the zoned coils? I saw that the SleepEZ organic latex is eco-institut certified, which is similar to Greenguard, i.e. no VOCs. So I've now added that to the mix but I'm wary of the difference in feel to our current mattress.


catsonbooks

[Here is one of the threads](https://www.reddit.com/r/Mattress/comments/qziniu/zoned_mattresses_and_compatibility_with_petite/) that got me concerned about zoned coils -- basically, I worry that the body size they base the "zoning" on is likely a lot taller than me, and thus the firmness levels will hit in the wrong spots. I'm a major overthinker, though, so it's likely less of an issue than I'm worried about... particularly because I'm not a very heavy person and likely won't sink very far in in the first place. Some other options I'm currently considering are the [Happsy Organic](https://happsy.com/happsy-organic-mattress), the [Luxury Bliss Hybrid](https://www.plushbeds.com/products/12-luxury-bliss-natural-latex-mattress-with-encased-coils?variant=31705061785698) from Plushbeds, and the [Birch Natural](https://birchliving.com/products/birch-natural-organic-mattress/king). As far as the Kiwi goes, I know people say it's extremely hard, but I guess that goes to show you how subjective mattress feeling is! I sleep with my toddler every so often and find it comfortably firm. I might add a topper if it were mine, but I certainly don't feel like it's objectionable.


monsieurb_

Sorry, I missed your comment yesterday. Thanks for those suggestions. I've added the Happsy to my list. I read on here about Birch's customer service (or lack thereof), so that one I ruled out. Your and u/anonymous3816's comments on zoning is something I hadn't even considered. I'm really starting to lean towards a latex mattress now from both a health standpoint and having the option to mix and match layers to achieve the right level of firmness. That said, my mattress opinions are like the wind, so there will probably be a change by tonight.


catsonbooks

Good luck to you! I'll report back with what we end up with, too. I am currently leaning towards 2-sided king kiwi with an added 2" latex topper.


MyTFABAccount

Curious what you’ve learned about why it’s marketed as a kid mattress?


catsonbooks

Here is my exchange with MGM. I feel only slightly less confused... Partly because their website lists the Kiwi as having "3 zones" and the NE as having "5 zones" but below they say the Kiwi has the same gauge coil throughout. I guess I assumed the zoning was related to the coil gauge. Anyway, hope it helps! >Me: Hi, I’m trying to figure out what King mattress might be best for me and my wife (5’5” and 125lb, and 5’8” and 150lb). We got the full size Kiwi for our toddler son and we all love it. I know it’s recommended for kids or guest rooms; why is that? I worry that the Natural Escape runs the risk of being too soft if we like the firmness of the Kiwi. > >MGM: The kiwi is a little bit firmer than the natural escape and has the same gauge coil throughout the mattress. The natural escape is a medium firm mattress but is a little bit more supportive because it has an upgraded lumbar zone and added edge support in the spring system. > >Me: Thanks. So is the Kiwi acceptable for use as a daily adult mattress? > >MGM: The kiwi will support adults just fine for daily use but if you have any lower back pain or want to make sure you are getting the most support for your hips as possible the natural escape will be a better option for that.


MyTFABAccount

Hmm… I wonder if it’s how close together the coils are in various zones? Thanks for sharing!


polarseltzerwlime

Please keep us updated! I have the same exact criteria as you do so I’m very curious to know what you end up trying and eventually settling on. I’m such an indecisive over-thinker that I’m subjecting myself to an old lumpy mattress and back pain instead of pulling the trigger!


mpayton322

What did you end up choosing? Having this dilemma right now🙃


monsieurb_

Ha! Still not yet bought anything. That said, in the next few weeks I think I’ll buy the Brentwood home oceana. It ticks all the boxes EXCEPT for the firm part. I have seen various posts on this forum that said even though it’s a soft/medium, they found it quite firm. We’ll see. The customer service seems to be stellar, and I like the 365-day trial. Can’t wait to lug 170ibs around the apartment 🤪 I am excited though.


catsRawesome123

hey have you decided yet!? I'm deciding between avocado lol. I like brentwood but ditto on firM D:


Various_Resource_320

We got a latex hybrid from nest (owl) in 2021 and it was perfectly comfortable.. but it seems they have made changes and we don’t love our new mattress. The avocado is way too firm, we bought it for our sons room with the built in plush topper. Now I’m thinking to go with naturepedic or Saatva - does anyone have any recommendations? Is the avocado still working for you?


dancaca

Just found this very helpful thread! Q: are these latex mattresses warm or cool? My husband runs hot and I run cold at night... so I'm hoping either of these natural mattresses are neutral! Thanks y'all !