Vegan Mattresses: What They Are and Why They Matter

Vegan Mattresses: What They Are and Why They Matter

You’ve probably heard of vegan food, fashion, and even beauty — but what about vegan sleep? As more consumers seek products that align with cruelty-free, plant-based living, vegan mattresses are growing in popularity.

But what exactly is a vegan mattress? And why does it matter?

Let’s unpack it.

What Is a Vegan Mattress?

A vegan mattress contains no animal-derived materials and is manufactured without animal testing or byproducts. That means:

  • No wool (commonly used for flame resistance and moisture-wicking)

  • No animal-based adhesives

  • No silk or down in any quilting or padding

It also considers ethical sourcing and a low-impact production process, aligning with the values of a more compassionate lifestyle.

Common Animal Products Found in Standard Mattresses

Even some mattresses labelled “natural” or “eco-friendly” may contain:

  • Wool – used as a natural fire barrier

  • Horsehair – occasionally used for padding

  • Casein glues – made from milk proteins

  • Lanolin coatings – from sheep’s wool, sometimes used in textile processing

At Snoozel Green, while our standard organic mattress includes organic wool, we are actively exploring vegan-certified versions without any animal-derived components — while maintaining our high standards for breathability, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

Why Choose a Vegan Mattress?

Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply trying to reduce your reliance on animal products, a vegan mattress offers a range of benefits:

1. Animal-Friendly

Choosing a vegan mattress ensures no animals were harmed or exploited in the making of your bed. It aligns with a cruelty-free philosophy in every corner of your lifestyle.

2. Planet-Friendly

Many animal-derived materials have a larger carbon footprint due to land use, methane emissions, and intensive processing. Plant-based alternatives often require less water, energy, and land.

3. Allergy-Friendly

Wool, lanolin, and animal glues can be allergens for some. Vegan mattresses that use organic cotton, natural latex, or coconut fibres can be ideal for allergy-sensitive sleepers.

4. Ethically Transparent

A truly vegan brand will often be more committed to transparent sourcing and ethical labour standards. At Snoozel Green, we own our factory in Sri Lanka and know every hand involved in the process.

What Materials Are Used in Vegan Mattresses?

  • Organic cotton – for covers and surface comfort

  • Natural latex – provides breathable support and bounce

  • Coir (coconut fibres) – sometimes used as a vegan alternative to wool for structure and ventilation

  • Plant-based fire barriers – derived from silica or non-toxic blends

These materials offer the same (or better) performance than animal-based ones — without compromise.

Questions to Ask When Shopping Vegan

Vegan labels aren’t yet standardised in the mattress industry, so ask brands:

  • Is the mattress certified vegan by a trusted body (like The Vegan Society)?

  • Does it contain wool or animal-based glues?

  • Is there transparency about materials and sourcing?

Transparency is key. If a brand can’t give you a clear answer, it’s worth digging deeper.

Where Snoozel Green Stands

We believe sleep should be healthy, ethical, and transparent. While our current range includes organic wool for flame resistance and moisture-wicking, we’re committed to developing vegan-friendly options using plant-based materials that meet the same high performance and sustainability standards.

As we expand our line, you can trust that our entire philosophy — from zero toxins to fair wages — remains firmly intact.


Want to sleep more ethically? Explore our organic mattress range, and stay tuned as we grow toward vegan-certified options.