How To Avoid Mattress Mold + The Best Mold Resistant Mattress
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Mattresses are a gathering place for all kinds of nasty things you’d rather not know about. One of the worst offenders is mold. Yes. Mold.
There are very few things in this world that are immune to mold growth and mattresses are not the exception. They provide organic material for mold to grow on, in addition to the buffet of dirt, shedding skin, hair, body fluids, and more. So gross I know.
So how do you avoid mattress mold and is there a mold resistant mattress? Feel free to skip straight to the mattress recommendations using the table of contents below. If you are looking for the best mold resistant mattress toppers, click that link to head over to that article.
What Causes Mattress Mold?
Mattresses include soft, porous materials in their construction, such as cotton covers or foam comfort layers. Any of these can absorb moisture and since mold needs moisture to grow, cause your mattress to develop mold.
When you sleep, your body temperature rises and the human body perspires in order to cool it back down. This happens even during cold weather.
During this process the body gets rid of a great deal of water. This water is not just absorbed by our clothes, sheets, and mattress protector. Fairly often moisture gets beyond these defenses and into the mattress itself. The mattress acts like a sponge and absorbs the moisture.
Your mattress becomes a giant warm, moist Petri dish for mold. Often times you won’t see mold growth on the surface right away but the mold will be growing down deep and hidden within the mattress layers.
If you are noticing it on the surface it is highly likely it was growing in your mattress long before you noticed since the mattress surface is the least likely spot for growth because it dries the fastest. This is what makes mattresses so tough to clean.
Another cause of mattress mold is the platform you are using for your mattress or if your mattress is directly on the floor. Air has to circulate properly on both sides of the mattress – not just one side. If you put your mattress directly on a carpeted floor there is a 100% chance of developing mold. I have yet to see a mattress on a carpeted floor that didn’t have some mold growth.
One additional problem when it comes to mattress mold is the glue / adhesive that is used in the mattress assembly process. Mold loves the stuff. It’s a favorite food for sure. Hence why it is important to look for a mattress without glues and adhesives.
How To Avoid Mattress Mold
There are a LOT of ways to prevent mattress mold. The problem is, you can’t pick and choose. You have to follow every mattress mold prevention tip listed. Doing one or two things to prevent mold won’t cut it.
Let’s look at the 22 ways to prevent mold from growing on your mattress.
1. Replace your old mattress! An aged mattress has gone through a lot, often having been in contact several different substances. If your mattress is over ten years old, chances are that mold has formed, or is more prevalent to form.
2. Avoid memory foam mattresses. Not only are they super toxic but they can have mold issues straight from the factory. They are the most air tight mattress on the market and you need breathability to prevent mattress mold.
3. Keep good airflow on the underside of the mattress. Instead of a board or box spring, invest in a slatted bed base. Because the slats are spaced out, the air will flow freely on the underside of the mattress, unlike standard flat top bases. This is the slatted bed base I use for all our mattresses.
4. Use a breathable mattress cover. Not only does this offer another line of defense against moisture creeping into your mattress but it also keeps the yucky stuff in your mattress from coming in contact with your skin. This is the mattress cover I recommend.
5. Do not place your mattress underneath a window if at all possible. If you do, make sure that the window is not leaking, is sealed with mold resistant caulk, and isn’t getting condensation.
6. Let the light in! Mold requires a humid, dark habitat to survive and reproduce. Open curtains and give your mattress a chance to see the light.
7. Don’t purposely introduce moisture to your bed. Don’t ever lie down right out of the shower or the pool and always dry your hair before lying down.
8. Keep all damp towels and clothes off the mattress.
9. Dry spills immediately.
10. Wash bedsheets once weekly or more often if you are a prolific night sweater.
11. When you change your bedsheets, HEPA vacuum your bed. No, I am not kidding. Use your HEPA vacuum with the upholstery attachment to vacuum the entire top of the mattress as well as the sides. Then, mist it with EC3 Mold Solution Spray or Remedy Mold Treatment Spray. Allow it to dry completely.
12. Choose 100% organic cotton sheets. These sheets breathe and will prevent moisture from being trapped in your bed. These are some of my absolute favorite sheets.
13. Flip and rotate the mattress every 3 months.
14. Let the mattress air out occasionally. Ideally you will place it standing up, with no bedding. Some people drag their mattress outside to get some sun but honestly, there are so many types of mold outdoors that this practice seems a bit risky.
15. Keep the airflow going, even when you’re away. Stagnant air in the bedroom can allow mold to flourish in your mattress. Fans and air conditioning can do wonders for circulation. In addition, try to keep the bedroom door open.
16. If you have bathroom in the bedroom, make sure you are following proper mold prevention tips in the bathroom.
17. If your bedroom is prone to moisture or you live in an area of high humidity, run a dehumidifier in your bedroom, especially at night.
18. Run a quality air purifier in your bedroom to remove mold and other yucky stuff.
19. Shower or rinse off prior to going to bed to remove any mold spores from your hair and/or body before bed. I also highly recommend using Remedy Shampoo and Body Wash and it actually removes mold spores from your body.
20. Change into fresh, clean clothing before getting into bed to prevent bringing mold spores into bed with you.
21. Replace your pillows at least once per year if not more. These are my favorite pillows as they have mold resistant properties.
22. Don’t eat in bed. Crumbs fall which is just another food source for mold.
Can You Clean A Moldy Mattress?
Nope. Not a chance. I’m not even going to suggest that there is a way to remove mold from a mattress. If you see surface mold that means there is mold deeper in your mattress and there is no way to get it out. All you can do is get a new mattress.
Types of Mattresses
When it comes to choosing a mattress, there are several types available. Each type has its own unique features and benefits. In this section, we will explore some of the most common types of mattresses available. Please note that not all of these mattresses have mold resistant properties.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are the number one type of mold resistant mattress. They are made from natural or synthetic rubber. There are two primary types of latex mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. These types refer to the process through which natural latex is converted into foam latex. The Talalay Process is considered superior as it’s more breathable, allowing for cooler sleep.
Latex is naturally antimicrobial. This means that mold and mildew can’t easily grow on natural latex and is why it was such a popular choice for mattresses. It’s not just the materials in natural latex mattresses that repel mold and mildew, though. The nature of latex mattress construction allows air to flow freely through the mattress, providing sufficient ventilation.
Latex mattresses are known for their durability and comfort. They provide excellent support and are ideal for those who suffer from allergies.
Wool Mattresses
Wool mattresses are made from natural wool fibers. They are known for their breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and temperature regulation. Wool mattresses are ideal for those who prefer a natural and eco-friendly option. Wool is mildew and mold resistant.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional type of mattress. They feature a coil support system and a layer of padding on top. Innerspring mattresses offer excellent support and durability. They also offer good airflow which can assist in mold prevention.
The coils themselves come in many styles, but good-quality mattresses usually have individually wrapped pocketed coils, which are better than open-coil systems at motion isolation and contouring. The top layer of innerspring mattresses consists of fabric-encased padding that is filled with fibers, such as cotton, polyester, wool, or foam. Mold resistance is totally dependent on the encased padding.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine the features of traditional innerspring beds and foam mattresses seamlessly. These mattresses have a comfort layer of 2 to 3 inches, typically made of either latex foam or memory foam.
Hybrid mattresses are supported by a pocketed coil base, which ensures that weight is distributed evenly and provides a balance of support and body-hugging comfort. What’s more, they also offer mattress edge support, which is especially beneficial for people with mobility issues.
The coil layer improves air circulation throughout the mattress (which assists in mold resistance) while the cushioning comfort layers ease pressure points. True mold resistance is dependent on the material used for the comfort layer.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are made from a high-density foam that conforms to the shape of your body. They offer excellent support and pressure relief.
Memory foam mattresses are made using many different foams. The problem with many foams is that they absorb moisture and hold it, meaning that mattresses can collect the sweat and liquid from your body over time. This moisture can get to the bottom of the bed where it can cause mold growth.
Traditional memory foam is petroleum-based and its dense structure is also quite prone to trapping body heat which then can cause you to sweat adding moisture to the mattress.
Memory foam mattresses are arguably more susceptible to mold than other mattress types because if memory foam lays flat against the ground or bed platform it holds even more moisture. This means that there is less airflow and more moisture, both of which encourage fungus growth.
Today, memory foam is often infused with cooling materials such as copper, graphite, or gel to offset the heat retention. Some of these products may increase it’s mold resistance.
Gel Infused Foam Mattresses
Gel infused foam mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses but with the addition of gel particles. The gel particles help to regulate temperature and provide additional support. Gel infused foam mattresses are ideal for those who tend to sleep hot. The addition of gel does not decrease the chance a memory foam mattress will develop mold.
Pillow top Mattresses
A pillow top isn’t really a type of mattress so much as a design feature. A layer of material is placed in a compartment that sits on top of the rest of the mattress. That compartment is then stitched to the top part of the underlying bed. In a Euro-style pillow top (or Euro-top), the extra material at the top is not in an entirely separate compartment; instead, it is stitched within the overall mattress cover.
The top pillowy section might be made out of memory foam, cotton, wool, or synthetic materials which all play into its mold resistance.
Waterbed Mattresses
A waterbed is a vinyl mattress filled with water. They definitely provide a unique sleeping experience. However, they are the worst mattress to consider from a mold standpoint. Not only is there the huge risk of a leak from the mattress itself but the water in the bed increases the moisture content of the room which can lead to more than just a mattress mold issue. In addition, the inside of the vinyl mattress itself can become contaminated with mold spores leading to moldy water.
The Best Mold Resistant Mattresses
Any mattress can get mold. While there are some types of materials that are more mold resistant than others, any mattress can get mold if you aren’t practicing good mold prevention.
Typically all natural latex or wool are the best materials to use in a mattress to resist mold growth. Mattresses with coils and springs also help prevent mold as they give the mattress a layer of breathability. There are even a couple of mattresses that have an activated charcoal layer in them to further help resistant moisture and prevent mold growth.
Let’s take a look at the specific mold resistant mattresses I recommend. And remember, if you are looking for a mold resistant mattress topper, click that link for my article.
- Price: $1150 to $2400
- Mattress Type: Charcoal Infused Dual Sided Hybrid
- Mattress Height: 13 inches
- Firmness: Restorative side is medium soft (4.5 on the firmness scale) and the responsive support side is medium firm (6.5 on the firmness scale)
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, split king
- Warranty: 25 year
- Sleep Trial: One year sleep guarantee
- Shipping: Free or small fee for white glove delivery and set up
This is one of the mattresses that I have personally used and it is hands down my favorite. The Crystal Cove mattress balances the latest in sleep technology — activated charcoal-infused memory foam and precision-tuned coils — with essential natural elements, such as 100% natural Dunlop latex. It is as mold resistant as you can get without a steep price tag.
What I love about the Crystal Cove mattress is it’s unique dual-sided design for a customizable, ultra-luxurious sleeping experience. To change your preference, simply flip the mattress. One side is more plush, the other more firm. Super awesome!
This is a great choice for a mold resistant mattress but please know that currently only the mattress top is certified as GOTS organic. I am super chemically sensitive and have never had an issue with this mattress off gassing or causing issues for me.
- Price: $1999 to $3999
- Mattress Type: Hybrid latex coil
- Mattress Height: 13.25 inches
- Firmness: 5
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, split king
- Warranty: 10 year
- Sleep Trial: 90 day
- Shipping: Free shipping offers frequently
EMF exposure is a big deal for me so finding a mold resistant mattress that has no EFMS and is at a price point I can live with is HUGE. Of course it has to be super comfortable too. The Aria Mattress from Organix is all this and more! Just trust me when I say you will not regret this purchase. The company itself is amazing and the owner cares very much about his customer base.
- Price: $899 - $1699
- Mattress Type: Organic hybrid (wool and latex)
- Mattress Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 6 on the firmness scale; with pillowtop a 4 on the firmness scale
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king
- Warranty: 20 year warranty
- Sleep Trial: 120 nights
- Shipping: Free shipping and free returns
Designed for performance, the Happsy mattress delivers on its promise of a better night’s sleep through innovative technology and creative use of natural materials. It happens to also be a mattress with a conscience – designed to make a positive impact on the environment.
The Happsy mold resistant mattress features certified organic, sustainably harvested and environmentally-friendly materials, while eliminating the harsh chemicals, foams and adhesives used by conventional mattress brands. Its organic design is not only better for the planet, but also provides excellent support, contouring to your every curve and dissipating heat for a more comfortable night’s sleep.
The Happsy mattress is not only a super affordable non-toxic mattress but it offers several layers of mold resistance. The organic wool layer is a first line of defense against mold as it offers breathability and natural fungal resistance. The organic latex is also naturally mold resistant giving you that next layer of protection. The pocketed springs allow your body heat to dissipate which means less sweating while sleeping which equals less moisture heading into that mattress! And finally, they use NO glue or adhesives in the mattress making process. Mold spores love glue and adhesives.
I have the Happsy mattress in my daughter’s room and often find myself falling into a deep sleep there. It is one of the most comfortable mattress I have personally owned and is very supportive for those middle age bones of mine. 😉
Happsy also offers a lot of other great non-toxic and organic products such as a super soft organic sheet set, a mattress pad, and a mattress topper.
- Price: $777 - $8798
- Mattress Type: Organic hybrid, vegan hybrid, latex & wool with no springs
- Mattress Height: 10" - 17"
- Firmness: Medium soft (4.5 on the firmness scale), medium firm (6.5 on the firmness scale), gentle firm (pillowtop)
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, split California king
- Warranty: 10- 25 year limited warranty depending on the mattress
- Sleep Trial: One year with a 30 day minimum. The Eco mattress has a 100 day trial.
- Shipping: Fee varies
I am no stranger to this mattress line as it is sold locally and I have had the opportunity to test the mattress out. The bulk of their mattress have wool which is a no for me but I really, really love their organic vegan pillowtop mattress. I would love to have one of these!
This mattress is needle tufted by hand and it shows. It features up to 1,414 individually tuned, tempered steel coils, in three gauges, and arranged in five distinct ergonomic zones. With coils that float independently, it boasts a fully reinforced steel perimeter for support all the way to the edge. This best-in-class system reduces motion transfer, keeps your back aligned, relieves back pain, distributes weight more evenly, alleviates pressure points, and lovingly contours to your body’s natural curves.
I can see how their mattress line is known for being exceptional for heavier sleepers. The mattresses don’t sink or move around a lot.
- Mattress Selection: 5 different adult mattress options; 3 luxury options
- Price: $1399 - $5799; luxury line is $4199 - $11,999
- Mattress Type: coil over coil, latex over coil, latex over latex
- Mattress Height: 10 - 16 inches
- Firmness: Everything from ultra plush to extra firm
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king
- Warranty: 25 year
- Sleep Trial: 100 night
- Shipping: Free shipping and free returns
Naturepedic offers a wide variety of non-toxic mattresses designed to match you with the perfect mattress based on your sleep preferences. All beds are MADE SAFE Certified. All ingredients used meet the GOTS organic & nontoxic standard. Naturepedic uses only GOTS certified cotton and wool, and uses only GOLS certified latex. No adhesives are used because everything that is attached is hand sewn or clipped or heat sealed. This offers a nice added layer of mold resistance since like I mentioned before, mold loves to eat adhesives.
The wool and PLA make the Naturepedic line more mold resistant than the average mattress. PLA is a high-performance material made from non-GMO sugarcane that adds resiliency and improved moisture wicking. I would personally suggest you choose one of their mattress that has coils since these help dissipate body heat more effectively.
I have not personally owned a Naturepedic mattress but I know a lot of people who swear by their Naturepedic mattress. I have slept on their EOS Classic Organic Mattress which is uniquely customizable. While I would have preferred it to be a little firmer, had it been my mattress, I could have easily adjusted the filling to meet my needs.
There are three mattresses available in the Intellibed product line
- Price: $2799 to $9999
- Mattress Type: Gel Matrix Hybrid
- Mattress Height: 11" / 13.25" / 17.25"
- Firmness: 6
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, split king
- Warranty: 20 year
- Sleep Trial: 90 night
- Shipping: Free shipping frequently offered
I owned an Intellibed for years. Initially, the mattress blew me away. At the time however, I had a very tall partner who was an extremely restless individual. While I LOVED this mattress, it absolutely did not work for the two of us together. This mattress line is phenomenal in my opinion.
The Intellibed mattress avoids mold problems by using an open cell structure foam and a gel grid with air ventilation promoted by motion. When you move in your mattress, that motion alone creates air circulation thru the entire structure of the mattress, allowing the air to run from top to bottom and side to side. That’s how it breathes.
The glue used in the Intellibed mattress line is made with a water base vs. solvents. Many other types of glue use solvents as the main ingredient in their glues. Simalfa glue is the only glue in the industry that complies with the Green Guard Certification for 0% VOC. Simalfa is odorless and doesn’t contain harmful substances that can cause severe allergic reactions. It doesn’t disintegrate and maintains its structure and bond for a long period of time vs. other types of glue that lose their structure and bond pretty much right after it’s been applied.
PlushBeds has the largest selection of mattress sizes in the industry and the unique advantage of being customizable after the initial purchase.
- Price: $899 to $4598
- Mattress Type: Solid latex / hybrid latex
- Mattress Height: 9" - 15" depending on the mattress
- Firmness: Medium / Medium Firm / Dual Firmness
- Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, split queen, king, split king, California king, split California king
- Warranty: PlushBeds offers a 25-year warranty covering defects in materials and manufacturing. This warranty is prorated. During the first 10 years, the company will repair or replace any Botanical Bliss mattress with a covered defect. Owners pay for shipping and handling, and PlushBeds will cover all other costs related to repairs or replacements.
- Sleep Trial: 100-night sleep trial with a 30-night mandatory break-in period
- Shipping: Free shipping in the United States. White Glove delivery is available to customers at a flat rate of $299.
I have not had the pleasure of experience a Plush Beds mattress but am strongly considering one in the future. I love the fact that they are customizable and their low return rate is VERY impressive.
After an air test, it was confirmed that we had Aspergillus and Penicillium mold in the basement and first floor of our home. We have since moved out of the house and now wondering if our mattress which was always located on the second floor of our home is a problem. We are going to move into our new house in 3 days and wondering if we use a HEPA vacuum and spray it with EC3 spray if we’ll be okay. Any thoughts or recommendations?
I am so sorry I missed this question! If it were me, I would HEPA vacuum the mattress, spray it with EC3, and then encase it in one of those bed bug protectors. Ideally you won’t bring a mattress because they are very tough to clean (and there likely were mold spores that made their way to the mattress) but if finances do not allow for a new one, this is the best way to handle it!
Thank you. I cant afford all new mattresses., but I did want to get toppers. What encasing would you recommend. I am so thankful to have found this website. Many blessings to you. My husband and I have hit our 70s.
Hi Monty! I am actually going to be updating this article to include several choices for encasing a mattress. Until then… here are my picks:
https://amzn.to/3lDIb8T
https://amzn.to/32Hx85V
https://amzn.to/3gJdgEz
https://amzn.to/3jsTEX9
We purchased a memory foam mattress in a box 3 months ago and placed it on our box springs. When I went to remove the dust ruffle, we found mold on the bottom. The company is refusing to help and we follow almost all of the suggestions you list from letting light in to washing sheets weekly to mattress covers and showering and clean clothing before bed. I truly believe this was a factory issue we inherited as we have never had issues like this. Is there any recourse with companies who refuse to help?
I am so sorry to hear this! If you want to email me with the company name, I would love to know! If it has only been 3 months, they should 100% replace the mattress of refund your money. This is something you could take to the Better Business Bureau for sure. I would even just email then stating that you are hiring an attorney and give them 72 hours to correct the situation. The word attorney will get their attention.
Hi there, are you able to provide any recommendations for mattresses available in Canada? The ones you have listed here are all in the US.
Many thanks,
Sheleena
YES!!!! I am actually going to update this article with two new mattress options. Here is the link to one company I will be recommending. It has their Canadian Shipping Info: https://shrsl.com/2gyju This is the only one I know of currently that ships to Canada.
I recently purchased a new mattress, in order to keep the warranty active they want me to use a full encasement. I am concerned this will lead to mold as the air will become stagnate inside the encasement.
What do you recommend? Air it out once a month?
Thank you for all of this wonderful advice.
I suspect I know which company this is. 😉 Yes, let it air out once a month. Alternatively, leave it a little bit unzipped. The good news is that the mattress should not absorb moisture since it will be in an encasement, is encasement work as advertised.
Hi Jennifer,
I have been making myself nuts trying to determine what expensive items I can afford to keep when I vacate the moldy house that’s been slowly killin’ me for about 6 years, and I am hoping you might be able to comment from your experience and education to help me determine whether I have a good shot at safely keeping a less than 1-year-old encased mattress + encased boxspring set.
I replaced my mattress and boxspring last July after some remediation was done and the whole place was fogged with Hypochlorous Acid in an electrostatic fogger, and I was fogging the home myself daily, sometimes twice daily, with Hypochlorous Acid at around 5 microns. As soon as the brand new mattress and boxspring were delivered and the plastic was removed from each one, the delivery guys and I slid on premium waterproof/allergenic/’moldproof’ encasements. I think I fogged some more after they left, out of an abundance of caution.
My health has not improved and I must move, and I am debating whether or not to take the mattress and boxspring with me.. the set cost me a cool grand, and even though the encasement zippers have not appeared to breathe along with the mattress all this time and both the mattress and boxpring appear to have been sealed up safe from spores, it’s difficult to know if they couldn’t still gotten through the encasement somehow.
The encasements were slightly oversized in relation to the mattress and boxspring thickness, so some air was trapped in them which hasn’t let out all this time, but the HVAC air ducts had also recently been cleaned and sprayed with HOCl, and any air trapped in the encasements would have also been fogged just minutes before.
I’m wondering if I can take the mattress and boxspring out of the house still encased, maybe onto a clean tarp or something, and then cover them up to transport them to the new place, and then fog ’em and let them dry, and re-encase them again with premium encasements, and not be too paranoid about reexposure?
You can imagine how beat to heck my body is right now and how I’m gonna need quality sleep, and this whole ordeal has driven me to borderline poverty so I’m trying to be smart in terms of avoiding cross-contamination so that Ican actually start to heal, but without also sending myself into more debt replacing expensive stuff that seem to have good odds at being salvaged safely.
If it were you and you were desperate to get healthy but too broke to be tossing a $1000 mattress set that seems to have been well sealed from the moldy environment as best as possible, do you think you would you chance it?
Have you ever heard of this brand? Saatva.com
We have a memory foam one… ugh but it does say CertiPUR-US® certified foams. Does that mean anything?
Thank you!
Saatva is not one of the mattress brands I would ever recommend. CertiPUR-US certification does NOT mean that the entire mattress (or even the foam) is chemical-free, safe, non-toxic, or free of carcinogens. And polyurethane foam can never be certified organic. While this certification does ban certain substances (like CFCs) and they do conduct some testing for VOCs, the other qualifications they require might not make much of a difference at all. For example, they say that their certified mattresses are free from heavy metals and formaldehyde. However, they also admit that heavy metals or formaldehyde are rarely found in polyurethane foam in the first place. Basically it isn’t a true standard indicating a healthy mattress choice.
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for all of the in-depth information. Could you please state which pillows you recommend? The link in the article does not work.
Thanks!
Oh goodness thank you for letting me know! This is the new link: https://amzn.to/3YGZytt
I’m confused! To encase or not encase a mattress? I understand its important to have a waterproof, breathable mattress protector but air also needs to circulate – so do you recommend encasing the mattress with a zippered protector or allowing the base to breathe? Can you recommend a protector? I am replacing all the mattresses in our house after we discovered a mold issue and having spent the money on mattresses and pillows I want to make sure I protect them as best as possible. thanks.
https://amzn.to/3Yw2F7D – This is an ideal mattress protector to use for your situation. Encasing is only suggested if you are keeping a mattress exposed to mold.