Description
A vegan mattress is a type of mattress that does not contain any materials derived from animals. This includes things like wool, down, and latex, which are commonly used in mattress construction. Instead, vegan mattresses typically use plant-based materials like cotton, bamboo, and soybeans. Some vegans also choose to avoid using products made with synthetic materials, like polyurethane foam, as these may contain animal-derived ingredients. However, there are a number of vegan mattress companies that use only certified organic and natural materials, so it is possible to find an option that meets all of your needs. 0.1 percent of the world population identifies as vegan, with approximately 75,300,000 people following a plant-based diet.
The term ‘vegan’ was only created in 1944, but lifestyles similar to veganism have been around for centuries. It is believed that Ancient India and Eastern Mediterranean societies were some of the first cultures to adopt practices now aligned with veganism. Today, more people identify as vegan than ever before. However, the lack of vegan options for certain products can still be frustrating for vegans who want to avoid animal commodification in all forms. For this reason, vegans often have to do a lot of research before making any new purchases. We need to find alternatives to everyday products that we might take for granted. So even something like finding a vegan mattress can become a complicated and time-consuming affair. In order for a mattress to be vegan, it must not use any animal-derived ingredients, and should also be cruelty-free.
Many vegans also live sustainably, which can make finding the right mattress tricky as most are made from petrochemicals or require coal production. Plus, all mattresses legally sold in the US need to pass flammability tests – wool is currently the only natural option that does this effectively. Natural latex rubber is sourced from the sap of the rubber tree, making it 100 percent plant-based and vegan friendly. If you want a vegan latex mattress, make sure to choose one that has a cover made from Tencel or bamboo. Both Tencel and bamboo are cellulose fibers derived from plants – eucalyptus trees and bamboo respectively. Unfortunately, cotton is flammable so it must be treated with fire retardant chemicals or combined with an additional fire barrier (such as wool) to meet mattress flammability standards. Since wool is the only fire-barrier that comes from a natural source, all vegan mattresses must contain some man-made materials to be sold legally.
By using closed-loop cellulose fibers like Tencel, vegan mattresses can be created that are not only natural and eco-friendly, but also meet mattress flammability standards. No matter your lifestyle, there should be no compromise when it comes to what you allow in and around your home. Luckily, if you’re a vegan, they’re plenty of options for organic latex mattresses that are free from any animal ingredients. Once you’ve found a vegan mattress that meets all of your needs, you can sleep soundly knowing that no animals were harmed in the making of your bed.
