Is your mattress helping you sleep or silently impacting your health and the planet?
As Canadians become increasingly conscious of what they eat, drive, and wear, one often-overlooked but essential item deserves attention: your mattress. While it’s easy to think of sleep as a personal matter, the materials you rest on each night carry wider consequences for your health, your sleep quality, and our shared environment.In this post, we’ll explore how eco-friendly mattress materials can transform your sleep and align with Canadian values of health, sustainability, and compassion. From plant-based foams to REPREVE® fibres spun from ocean-bound plastic, you’ll learn how Haven Sleep Co. is pioneering a more responsible rest right here in Canada.
Why Sustainable Mattress Materials Matter for Sleep Health
The Hidden Dangers in Conventional Beds
Many conventional mattresses on the market still contain petroleum-based foams, chemical flame retardants, and adhesives that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your sleep environment. These substances, according to Health Canada, are associated with headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues particularly harmful for young children, older adults, and those with sensitivities.
Given that Canadians spend roughly one-third of their lives asleep, the air quality around your bed isn't a minor detail it's a nightly health investment.
The Link Between Clean Materials and Deep Sleep
Sleep experts, including those at the Haven Innovation Centre in Kelowna, BC, underscore that low-VOC and breathable materials not only reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, but they also support better thermoregulation and airflow, both of which are essential for entering deep, restorative sleep cycles.
“When we reduce our exposure to toxins and sleep on breathable, pressure-relieving surfaces, the body can do what it’s meant to do recover,” explains Dr. Chelsea Greer, a chiropractor and contributor to Haven’s sleep advisory team.
A Canadian Approach to Clean Sleep: Proudly Made, Mindfully Designed
Keeping it Local and Low-Impact
At Haven Sleep Co., we believe “made in Canada” should mean more than just supporting local jobs it should reflect carefully sourced, low-impact materials that align with Canadian values. That’s why our sleep systems are designed and manufactured right here in Canada, minimizing emissions from overseas freight and ensuring ethical labour practices at every stage.
Our vegan and plant-based foams are formulated without animal derivatives or harmful chemicals. They meet the CertiPUR-US® certification, guaranteeing they are made without ozone depleters, mercury, lead, or other heavy metals.
We’re also proud to incorporate REPREVE® performance fibres, derived from recycled ocean-bound plastic bottles. In every mattress we craft, we’re helping clean up our coastlines and keep microplastics out of Canadian ecosystems.
How Haven’s Eco-Materials Benefit Your Sleep
1. Natural Latex = Breathability + Pressure Relief
Haven’s Rejuvenate Mattress features natural latex, harvested from the sap of rubber trees. Unlike synthetic foams, latex is naturally breathable, antimicrobial, and highly durable. It contours to your body’s unique shape while providing excellent bounce-back and support perfect for Canadian side sleepers and athletes alike.
Latex also resists dust mites and mould, which can reduce nighttime allergens and improve sleep for those with asthma or seasonal sensitivities (a common issue in many parts of Canada, including BC and Ontario).
2. Vegan, Plant-Based Foams = Lower Chemical Load
All of Haven’s mattresses, from the Lux Hybrid Pillowtop to the HIBER8 compact bed, use plant-based foams instead of conventional polyurethane. These foams are:
-
Lower in VOCs, promoting cleaner air
-
Cruelty-free and vegan
-
Resilient and supportive, maintaining comfort without sagging
These materials ensure that your mattress won’t be the source of chemical odours or environmental guilt.
3. REPREVE® Covers = Sustainability You Can Feel
The outer cover of your Haven mattress is often the first thing you touch and ours is a high-performance blend made from REPREVE® fibres, which are soft, durable, and moisture-wicking.
REPREVE® has already transformed more than 35 billion plastic bottles into high-quality fabrics. By choosing Haven, you’re helping us turn ocean waste into rest-enhancing comfort, one bed at a time.
Actionable Advice: How to Choose a Healthier, Greener Mattress in Canada
When shopping for your next mattress, consider the following tips to ensure you're making a decision that’s good for your body and for Canada:
Look for Certifications
Choose mattresses with CertiPUR-US® foam, REPREVE® fabric content, and OEKO-TEX® certifications. These ensure safety and sustainability are third-party verified.
Ask Where It’s Made
Locally made means fewer transportation emissions and better oversight. Canadian-made mattresses, like Haven’s, support the economy and reduce your carbon footprint.
Prioritise Breathability
Materials like natural latex, Tencel™, and organic cotton help regulate temperature—crucial for sleep quality, especially during Canadian summers and winters.
Think Long-Term Durability
Sustainable mattresses are built to last. Investing in a 10+ year lifespan mattress avoids landfill waste and saves money over time.
Support Brands With a Mission
Look for companies that give back. At Haven, we’ve donated over $1.2 million in sleep products to Canadian families through our partnership with Mamas for Mamas, a charitable organization dedicated to helping mothers and caregivers in crisis.
Expert Backing: What Canadian Sleep Science Says
According to the Canadian Sleep Society, nearly one in two adults report difficulties falling or staying asleep. One contributing factor? Environmental triggers, such as heat retention, chemical exposure, and allergens—all of which can be impacted by what you sleep on.
A 2022 study published in PubMed linked mattress materials to changes in sleep architecture, with natural latex performing better in reducing movement-related disruptions compared to synthetic alternatives.
“There’s growing evidence that eco-friendly materials can positively impact both physiological sleep and peace of mind,” says Dr. Lindsey Ng, a researcher collaborating with Haven’s Innovation Centre.
ESG in Action: Haven’s Commitment to Planet and People
Sustainability isn’t a slogan it’s in every stitch. At Haven, we believe in doing what’s right, not just what’s profitable.
-
Vegan & Plant-Based Foams: Better for animals and the environment
-
CertiPUR-US® Certified Materials: Safer for families
-
REPREVE® Fabrics: Reducing plastic waste
-
Made in Canada: Reducing transport emissions, supporting local jobs
-
Partnership with Mamas for Mamas: Supporting families in need
These values aren’t just about marketing—they’re a reflection of our responsibility as a proudly Canadian company.
Rest Easy, Responsibly
Choosing a mattress may feel like a personal decision but with the right information, it can be a powerful one. By opting for sleep products made from natural, plant-based, and recycled materials, you’re investing in better sleep and a better Canada.
At Haven Sleep Co., we’re honoured to help you rest easier physically, mentally, and ethically.
Ready to experience what sustainable sleep feels like?
Explore our Rejuvenate Natural Latex Mattress, HIBER8 Eco-Friendly Mattress, and our soft-yet-durable Bedface 100% Cotton Sheets, proudly made for Canadian sleepers like you.
0 comments