/The Importance of a Non-Toxic Mattress (+ Rituals for a Good Night’s Rest)

The Importance of a Non-Toxic Mattress (+ Rituals for a Good Night’s Rest)

Excluding the Studio, Kids mattresses, and ancillary products.
Offer can be stacked on top of any current on-site discounts

We spend a third of our lives in bed, so it’s safe to say that where we sleep should be as healthy as possible. But did you know that many traditional mattresses are filled with chemicals that can impact your health over time? That’s why making the switch to a non-toxic mattress isn’t just a smart choice—it’s a game-changer for both your wellness and the environment.

To get the scoop on why a non-toxic mattress is essential, we chatted with Valeria Hinojosa, a true expert in sustainable, eco-conscious living. As the founder of WaterThruSkin, Valeria has built a platform that inspires others to live ethically and mindfully in every area of life, from fashion to wellness. Her insights into creating a healthy, toxin-free home are not only refreshing but also totally inspiring. Here’s what she had to say about why choosing a non-toxic mattress is a must for both you and the planet.

The Importance of a Non-Toxic Mattress

Our beds are sacred spaces; it’s where we surrender to deep relaxation, a place for our bodies to recharge, a nest to make love, and a stage to let our dreams unfold. But what if the place we seek rest and refuge each night silently affects our health and the planet?

This thought crossed my mind years ago, pushing me to dig deeper into the materials we lay on every night. I discovered a truth that most of us overlook—what our mattresses are made of is more important than we think.

What’s Really in Your Mattress?

Most traditional mattresses are filled with materials that sound like they belong in a chemistry lab rather than your bedroom: petroleum-based polyurethane foam, synthetic latex, and a host of flame retardants are just some common ingredients. These materials can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which harm the environment and can also impact your health. Over time, exposure to these chemicals has been linked to constant migraines, respiratory issues, skin irritations, liver failure, and even hormonal imbalances.

Our bodies are in a constant state of repair while we sleep. The idea that the surface we rest on could interfere with this process is worrying! We do not only inhale the toxic VOCs of traditional mattresses while we sleep, but our skin (our largest organ) absorbs the toxins too. Imagine this cycle for 6 to 8 or more hours, every night!

Non-toxic mattresses are designed with our health in mind. They’re free from harmful chemicals and don’t off-gas potentially dangerous compounds into our homes. This makes a significant difference in the air quality of our bedroom—a place where we should feel safest.

The Leesa x West Elm mattress, for example, offers a thoughtful balance of comfort and support, crafted with a combination of organic cotton with responsibly sourced, ethically farmed and gently sheared Joma wool from regenerative farms in New Zealand, and hypoallergenic natural latex. A beautiful partnership with a conscious home decor brand like West Elm.

Here’s why the Leesa x West Elm Natural Hybrid Mattress is about to become your new sleep obsession:

+Eco-Friendly & Non-Toxic: Made with organic cotton, wool, and CertiPUR-US® certified foam—so you can sleep easy knowing it’s good for you and the planet, minus the harmful chemicals.

+Hybrid Comfort: It’s the dream team—memory foam for cozy softness and pocket springs for that supportive bounce. Perfect for whatever sleep position you rock.

+Motion Isolation & Edge Support: No more midnight wake-ups! The mattress keeps motion in check, and the reinforced edges mean you can sprawl out without sinking.

+Super Durable: Built to last, this baby will stay comfy for the long haul, giving you years of sweet, sustainable slumber.

+Stylish & Feel-Good Vibes: With West Elm’s chic design and Leesa’s commitment to donating mattresses to those in need, you’re not just sleeping well—you’re doing good, too!

Ritualize Your Sleep

A good night of sleep is essential for our body to detoxify and regenerate. Ritualizing this moment has helped me understand how important and sacred sleep truly is. Besides our Leesa non-toxic mattress, here are a few other steps I take every night:

1. Create a Sleep Ritual
Establishing a calming pre-sleep routine signals to your body that it’s time to wind down. This could be as simple as sipping on Lemon Balm herbal tea, reading a few pages of a book, or practicing gentle yoga, or meditation. Consistency is key—try to do the same activities each night to create a sense of ritual. You can also try Yoga Nidra thirty minutes before you go to sleep. Opposite to the asanas (postures or movements) we associate yoga with, Yoga Nidra does not require any poses. It is more of a guided meditation into relaxation and sleep. You simply lay on your bed, or mat, place a blanket on top of your body, and surrender into the voice that will guide you to silence your mind and release all tension in your body. You can find many Yoga Nidra recordings online.

2. Limit Exposure to Screens
The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Aim to turn off screens at least an hour before bed. Instead, opt for activities that help you disconnect from the day and prepare for rest.

3. Keep Your Sleep Environment Cool and Dark
Temperature plays a significant role in how well you sleep. Cooler temperatures help your body relax and signal that it’s time for bed. Blackout curtains or a good sleep mask can block out light, making it easier for you to fall and stay asleep.

4. Play Some Heart-expanding Or Calming Sound Frequencies:
Frequencies are known to have the power to help our body heal, our mind slow down, and our hearts expand. Nowadays, you can find music with different frequencies on Spotify. I created a playlist with songs and sounds that are calming like 432 Hz or 528hz, which help our bodies enter deep sleep and regenerate. I play it with a speaker, at low volume, with a timer (usually for 1 to 2 hours) at night.

5. Mind What You Eat and Drink Before Bed
What you consume in the hours leading up to bedtime can affect your sleep quality. Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as these can disrupt your sleep cycle. Instead, try foods that promote relaxation, like a warm glass of golden milk, a spoonful of organic peanut butter, or a relaxing chamomile tisane.

Rest and Reflect

Rest and reflection go hand in hand when it comes to truly rejuvenating our minds and bodies. Sleep isn’t just a break from our daily routines; it’s a crucial time for restoration and renewal. By incorporating these rituals and investing in a non-toxic, natural mattress, you can transform the quality of your sleep—and, in turn, elevate the quality of your life. Sleep better, live better, and wake up ready to take on whatever comes your way.

Transform your sleep experience with an exclusive offer just for our reader. Use code CHALKBOARD50 at checkout to enjoy an additional $50 off any Adult Mattress (excluding the Studio, Kids mattresses, and ancillary products). The best part? This special offer can be stacked on top of any current on-site discounts, making your dream mattress even more irresistible.


This story is brought to you in partnership with Leesa.  From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs.

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