I ditched my toxic mattress (and everything else) for organic — Avocado review

Forever chemicals in your bedroom are nothing anyone dreams about.

After years of hearing about how plastic is everywhere and maybe not great for you, I’ve begun to take some steps towards lessening my plastic use.

First, it started in the kitchen: changing out any plastic cooking utensils for wood and metals, purchasing glass and silicone tupperware, and moving away from non-stick pots and pans.

My bedroom is the next horizon.

Why organic bedding?

There are real reasons to choose organic when it comes to your bedding — and none involve creating a certain aesthetic or following a social trend.

• In a 2024 study published in Environment International, researchers found that synthetic chemicals, like the ones found in conventional bedding and clothing, can seep into the skin.
• Also in 2024, NC State University’s BioResources did a comparative analysis showing the toxicity levels in synthetics and natural textiles. During the anaylsis they not only discovered that the toxicity index for dyed textiles ranged from 37% to 62%, but that it inhibited mobility in “test organisms”, a.k.a sperm.
• Another study showed that increased indoor activity was associated with higher microplastic pollution, with furniture and textiles being contributors. Research indicated that prolonged exposure to MPs could contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health concerns.

We’ve covered our share of news about microplastics and how to avoid “forever chemicals” in your water. But considering the amount of time people spend asleep (one-third of your life, if you’re curious), I’ve found myself thinking more about bedding and minimizing my exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), as found in memory foam. I don’t know about you, but I don’t rest easy knowing that’s around when I’m just trying to sleep.

So, I ordered an Avocado mattress, beginning my journey into the world of organic bedding.

My Avocado Review

Best Organic Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress (Pillow Top)

I know mattresses are somewhat subjective, but I can’t recommend the pillow-top version of the Avocado Mattress enough. It’s soft enough for side sleepers, such as myself, but also is firm enough for back sleepers like my husband. It’s made with 5 inches of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex, organic wool and cotton, and has up to 1,379 individually wrapped coils in seven ergonomic zones to support your joints.

I’ve now been using it for two glorious, life-changing years, and I’m glad this was the brand I chose for my first foray into prioritizing non-toxic materials. The mattress makes me feel like a privileged guest at The White Lotus every night. It’s effortlessly soft at the top, with a gentle yet fibrous touch. While this style of mattress works for us, it’s also available in “firm” and “medium” options.  

Our week is generally spent living in both Brooklyn, where we sleep on the Avocado, and upstate New York, where we have a Helix. We love to be upstate for the slower pace of life and more space, but every time we return to Brooklyn and hit the Avocado mattress, we let out a sigh of comfort. 

Sleep trial: 1 year | Warranty: 25-year warranty | Size options: Twin to California King  Feel: Firm, Medium, Plush | Shipping: Free shipping | Free mattress removal: Yes

My next step was expanding my Avocado universe with their pillows and sheets. 

In general, I like to think I’m a pretty easy-going and not picky person. This applies to my sheets: give me cotton, linen, bamboo, percale or whatever… I will sleep happily. But over the years, I acquired some pretty cheaply made, sometimes plastic-feeling stuff… In the mission of removing possible toxicity from the items in my life, sheets seem like an important next step.

I recently got my hands on the Avocado linen sheets, and even when I’m using my other mattress, they are incredibly comfortable and cool. There’s something about linen sheets that just gives a summer-time vibe and makes you happy. 

They’re loomed in France and sewn in India, MADE SAFE certified and super breathable, too.

Sizes: Full, Queen, King, California King | Color options: Natural, White

When it comes to pillows, some of the ones I sleep on, especially at the house upstate, were probably manufactured in the 1980s. Sure, they aren’t broken, but are they at their best?

If you are also on a quest to upgrade your sleep, move away from certain types of materials or both, read on. Avocado offers a Pillow-Finder Quiz, which I used to decide what pillows made the most sense for me, as I was torn between a few options.

The down pillow I went with is ethically sourced and Responsible Down Standard Certified, features an organic cotton shell and is supportive and plush. I actually got one soft, one medium. Both are incredibly comfortable and provide enough support for my head and neck. Most importantly, they stay cool all night.

While I’m super happy with my choice, Avocado also offers a 100-night trial so you can be sure. I generally sleep on my side and cuddle a pillow so I’m not completely crunched over. I will say, I barely noticed a difference between the soft and medium pillows, but there was a little something I could sense.

Sizes: Available in Standard and King | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Feel: Soft, Medium, Firm

Is Avocado bedding worth it?

Yes, Avocado bedding is worth it. Before I switched to their mattress, my husband and I were dealing with back issues for years. Choosing the right mattress really can make a difference in how you feel, and I get the additional benefit of knowing my mattress is not harming the environment or me.

All of the bedding I tested, I recommend as well. I could feel the difference in quality, especially when I compared them to cheaper brands I’ve tried. I also appreciate how easy the site is to navigate, and the way it’s set up to help shoppers figure out the best item for them.

I worried making the switch would be a hassel but honestly, I’ve had a harder time cutting an avocado.

How I Tested

For this review on Avocado, I not only looked through the brand’s website to see how easy it was to navigate, but also determined how simple it was to find information about its sustainability practices. I evaluated materials, industry certifications, and, most importantly, I used each product to see how simple it was to incorporate into my routine. I considered the construction and feel of each item, as well as care requirements and pricing, when determining if it was worth recommending in this review.

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