Happsy is a mattress brand that gives back 1% of their revenue to environmental causes (as a member of 1% for the planet). But the way their mattresses hold up in regard to the ecological impacts of sourcing, producing, and using is still up for questioning. So, we had to ask: How sustainable are Happsy mattresses?

Happsy mattresses are sustainable. The company makes their hybrid latex mattresses primarily with biodegradable raw materials from organic farming systems. They also use upcycled steel to lessen pressure on natural resources. In addition, they manufacture locally to reduce carbon emissions.

Read on as we walk you through the life-cycle of Happsy mattresses. We will evaluate their sustainability, potential, and shortfalls in each life-cycle stage. And in the end, we’ll show you some tips for buying and using Happsy mattresses more sustainably.

Here’s How We Assessed the Sustainability of Happsy Mattresses

Happsy offers latex-based mattresses at relatively low prices. So, does their pricing strategy mean a compromise to their sustainability? Let’s find out.

“Sustainable: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level | Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance”

Oxford Dictionary

To understand the sustainability of Happsy mattresses, we must assess their life-cycle and each stage’s sustainability. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Over the years, companies have strategically used LCA to research and create more sustainable products. So, let’s have a look at the LCA of Happsy mattresses!

To know if Happsy mattresses are really sustainable, we need to look at their manufacturing practices and determine if they are effectively reducing their impact on the planet. To do that we need to look at:

• The information they share,
• data they report to third parties for external review, 
• their ratings and reviews, and 
• what sustainable organizations they belong to. 

How Sustainable Is the Production of Happsy Mattresses

The production of Happsy mattresses is generally sustainable because the raw materials are primarily natural and organic or recycled. Happsy makes their mattresses locally in the US, lowering the carbon footprint of transporting. 

How Sustainable Are the Materials Used for Happsy Mattresses

Happsy mattresses mainly use natural and organic or recycled materials. 

• Happsy uses plant-based materials—organic latex and organic cotton—which are highly sustainable to source as plants sequester carbon and lessen the climate crisis. That said, they also use organic sheep wool which can have relatively high environmental impacts, especially when compared with plant-based materials. 
• Happsy utilizes upcycled steel to make the supporting coils in their mattresses, lessening the pressure on nonrenewable iron resources and avoiding the adverse environmental impacts of mining iron. 

The core materials used in Happsy mattresses are natural and recycled. The natural materials—latex, wool, cotton—are sourced from organic farms. 

Specifically, Happsy offers various sizes of one hybrid mattress model (Happsy Organic Mattress). These mattresses consist of a comfort system (the soft top layers) and a support system (the responsive coils that move and respond to pressure changes). 

• A comfort system: It is constructed of layers of organic latex, organic wool batting, and organic cotton filling. 
• A support system: It is constructed with pocket coils. The pocket coils are made with upcycled steel and encased individually with GOTS-approved polypropylene fabric. Happsy states that they don’t use any glues or adhesives in the pockets for the springs. 

Happsy mattress covers are made with organic cotton fabrics. 

So, let’s have a look at the sustainability of the main materials used for Happsy mattresses:

• Organic Latex: Sourcing natural latex from organically cultivated rubber trees to use in mattresses is sustainable because the sap is renewable and can be harvested responsibly without killing the tree. Rubber trees can live for a long time, sequestering carbon dioxide throughout their lifespan. Organic farming of rubber trees can also benefit the health of the soil, the ecosystem, and the farmers while eliminating the adverse environmental impacts associated with using synthetic agrochemicals. 
• Organic Wool: Sourcing organic wool fibers to use in mattresses is generally sustainable. Organic wool fibers are generally renewable, while organic agriculture systems often adopt sustainable practices that promote biodiversity, increase soil health, and sequester more carbon. 
• Organic Cotton: Sourcing organic cotton fibers to use in mattresses is generally sustainable, mainly thanks to the carbon sequestration of cotton plants. Organic cotton cultivation can also benefit the health of the soil, the ecosystem, and cotton growers. 
• Recycled Steel Coils: Using recycled steel avoids depleting iron ore resources, which are nonrenewable, and bypasses iron mining, which has many adverse environmental impacts.
• Flame Retardants: Happsy doesn’t use chemical flame retardants. Instead, the fire barrier is achieved through the smart use of natural materials. 

How Sustainably Are Happsy Mattresses Generally Produced

Organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton layers used in Happsy mattresses are relatively eco-friendly to produce because harsh synthetic chemicals are strictly controlled and eliminated. However, production can be energy-intensive.

The typical process of manufacturing hybrid mattresses, as used by Happsy, includes the following steps:

1. The first step to producing Happsy mattresses is to construct the comfort system from layers of latex, wool, and cotton. Producing organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton layers is free of harmful synthetic chemicals but generally demands high energy.
2. In the second step, a support system made of coils is also produced. Producing the steel coils (drawing steel wire and bending wire to create coils) uses a lot of energy, which would have serious knock-on ecological impacts when production depends largely on fossil fuels. However, coils made with recycled steel, as used in Happsy mattresses, would have a lower energy demand as there is no need to produce new raw steel.
3. A mattress cover made with organic cotton is added at the end to bind all layers together for all Happsy mattresses. 

Where Are Happsy Mattresses Usually Produced

Happsy mattresses are designed and handcrafted in the US. 

As Happsy mattresses are manufactured in the US, production will likely rely heavily on fossil fuels. According to Our World in Data, only 11.66% of energy consumption in the US comes from renewable sources.

Using renewable energy (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass) would significantly reduce carbon emissions at this stage.

How Sustainable Is the Transportation of Happsy Mattresses

Transporting Happsy mattresses can have a relatively high carbon footprint because of the bulky nature of the product. However, manufacturing locally in the US helps reduce the transporting distances. Additionally, Happsy mattresses are transported in recyclable kraft paper, recycled cardboard, and FSC-certified paper, reducing single-use plastics and landfill waste. 

In the life-cycle of Happsy mattresses, transportation typically occurs as follows: 

• from fields/pastures/forests/mines where raw materials are extracted to the manufacturing location in the US, 
• from the manufacturing location to sorting centers and/or physical shops, 
• from sorting centers and/or physical shops to the consumer’s home, and
• from the consumer’s home to the centers for recycling and/or disposal.

Manufacturing locally in the US helps to keep their transport carbon emissions relatively low. 

Additionally, Happsy’s packaging for transport is eco-friendly. They opt out of single-use plastics and use recycled materials to reduce landfill waste and its associated environmental impacts. Happsy mattresses are transported in:

• recyclable kraft paper
• recycled cardboard
• FSC-certified paper

What Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Certifications Does Happsy Have

Happsy mattresses are certified with some of the most prestigious and dependable sustainable and social standards. 

• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS): This certification is a worldwide standard pioneered by the Control Union that focuses on latex products regarding the farming and manufacturing processes. It ensures that latex products contain more than 95% certified organic raw materials. A mattress with this certification is guaranteed to be what it claims to be, is safe and free from toxic chemicals, and is sourced and produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. 
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This globally recognized certification system ensures that a certain threshold of organic content has been met. It covers manufacturing, packaging, labeling, transportation, and distribution (but not what happens in the fields where crops are grown).
  • Happsy sources organic wool and organic cotton are both certified by GOTS. 
• EWG Verified^® : EWG Verified^® is a certification program developed by the Environmental Working Group that ensures products meet strict health and safety standards. This certification focuses on product ingredients, ensuring no potential health risks. It guarantees that products are free from harmful chemicals, fully transparent in their ingredient lists, and meet the highest standards for health and safety.
• MADE SAFE: This certification ensures that products are made with safe ingredients that are not known or suspected to harm human health, animals, or ecosystems. It screens for a wide range of harmful substances (over 6,500 substances), including carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and toxicants, providing assurance that the products are safe to use.
• GREENGUARD: A certification program that ensures products meet strict chemical emissions limits, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. GREENGUARD Certification is awarded to products that have been tested and proven to have low chemical emissions, helping to reduce indoor air pollution and the risk of chemical exposure.
• Forest Stewardship Council: An FSC certification ensures that the wood (or wood-like material) used in a mattress comes from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. 
• Organic Content Standard (OCS): The Organic Content Standard (OCS) is a certification system that ensures the accurate verification and traceability of organic material in a final product. OCS focuses on confirming the presence of organic content in a product through a chain of custody verification. It ensures that the organic content in the final product is properly accounted for and verified throughout the supply chain.

How Sustainable Is the Usage of Happsy Mattresses

The usage of Happsy mattresses is sustainable thanks to their long lifespan.

What Is the Typical Lifespan of Happsy Mattresses 

Happsy makes hybrid mattresses based on natural latex, which tend to have a long lifespan, meaning that they do not need to be replaced as frequently, reducing waste generation and conserving resources. Their hybrid latex mattresses have a 20-year warranty. 

How Is the Quality of Happsy Mattresses Rated

Happsy mattresses are reviewed by many sleep industry experts, including Sleep Foundation, Sleepopolis, and NapLab. While the general ratings are relatively high (around 6.5–8.5/10), it is notable that Happsy mattresses are considered less durably built than leading latex mattress producers.

In brief, Happsy mattresses offer long warranty periods, signaling the durability of their mattresses. Yet, there are mixed reviews of their products.

How Sustainable Is the End-of-Life of Happsy Mattresses

The end-of-life of Happsy mattresses is typically sustainable because they are primarily made with biodegradable components (latex, wool, cotton). However, the hybrid nature of these mattresses tends to complicate recycling options at the end of their life. 

How Circular Are Happsy Mattresses Made

Happsy mattresses primarily have biodegradable components (latex, wool, and cotton). When they reach the end of their lifespan, they break down naturally, returning to the earth without leaving a significant environmental footprint. For example, a study showed a substantial decrease in the mass of the latex foam after three months, estimating that it would take one to two years for latex foam to break down completely.

“Circular economy: The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.”

Ellen Macarthur Foundation

The Happsy Organic Mattress is not a circular mattress and we couldn’t find any information about plans to make their mattresses circular in the future.

Are Happsy Mattresses Made for Recycling

At the end of their life, Happsy mattresses are difficult to recycle because they contain several components. 

As a principle, products made with one type of material, such as 100% latex foam, are easier to disassemble and recycle than products made with a blend of materials. 

But as your Happsy mattress contains multiple layers, then it’s generally relatively difficult to recycle at the end of its life. 

Will Happsy Mattresses Go to Waste at Their End-of-life

Happsy mattresses can break down naturally in landfills because they are mostly made with organic materials. 

We couldn’t find any mention on Happsy’s website about any take-back programs for their mattresses at the end of their life. 

Mattresses are bulky waste that take up significant landfill space—often for a long time. 

In brief, Happsy mattresses are not yet circular. The brand uses some recycled materials (recycled steel) in their mattresses. Yet, there are no incentives to promote the recycling of their products at the end of their life.

Why Is It Important to Buy More Sustainable Mattresses

It is important to buy mattresses made of more sustainable materials because such materials generally have lower carbon footprints, put less pressure on natural resources, and are safer for both consumers and workers. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Materials Reduces Toxic Chemicals In Your Sleeping Environment 

Many mattresses are made with synthetic materials in chemical-intensive processes, exposing factory workers and end users to health risks, especially regarding the respiratory system. For example, one memory foam model was found to emit 61 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including the known carcinogens benzene and naphthalene. 

In contrast, mattresses made of more sustainable materials, such as plant-based latex or organic wool, are generally safer, as they don’t contain toxic chemicals and are produced in more responsible processes. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Materials Reduces Your Carbon Footprint 

Conventional synthetic materials used in mattresses are fossil-derived and, thus, have a high carbon footprint. On the other hand, mattresses made with more sustainable materials, either organic or recycled, have relatively low carbon footprints. 

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Materials Reduces Demand for Natural Resources and Waste Management

Buying mattresses made with more sustainable materials, such as organic or recycled ones, means that you can avoid fossil-derived mattress foams, which contribute to the depletion of nonrenewable resources. 

Additionally, using organic materials for mattresses lessens the pressure on landfill space. Keep the following in mind:

• Mattresses are bulky waste that take up significant space in landfills.
• Over 50,000 mattresses are thrown out every day in the US and about 20 million of those end up in landfills annually.

Considering that synthetic materials don’t break down for hundreds of years, opting for organic mattresses that are biodegradable and recyclable is a great idea, as these mattresses significantly lower the pressure on landfills.

Buying Mattresses Made of More Sustainable Plant-Based Materials Encourages Sustainable Management of Forests and Ecosystems

Sustainable plant-based mattress materials, such as bamboo and hemp, are made with raw materials from forests and plantations that are sustainably managed. 

When you buy sustainable plant-based materials, you discourage unsustainable practices like clearing biodiverse forests for cattle raising. Furthermore, you help reduce deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the effects of climate change. 

Final Thoughts

Happsy mattresses are generally sustainable. They are made primarily with biodegradable raw materials from organic farming systems, including organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. Furthermore, their mattresses have a relatively long lifespan and will mostly break down naturally at the end of their life. 

As a consumer, you can make your use of Happsy mattresses more sustainable by following these steps:

1. Buy second-hand mattresses.
2. Keep a Happsy mattress for as long as possible.
3. At the end-of-life of your Happsy mattress, upcycle the material to extend its usage and arrange for it to be recycled or properly disposed of.

Stay impactful,

Sources

• Happsy: Happsy Organic Mattress
• Science Direct: Life-cycle assessment (LCA)
• MIT SMR: Strategic Sustainability Uses of Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: Are Hybrid Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: Are Organic Latex Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: Are Organic Wool Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: Are Organic Cotton Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Impactful Ninja: Are Pocket Sprung Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• Happsy: Why Happsy
• Impactful Ninja: How Sustainable Are Organic Cotton Fabrics? A Life-Cycle Analysis
• How Stuff Works: Tapping Trees for Natural Rubber
• Rainforest Alliance: Rubber Tree
• National Library of Medicine: Effects of organic matter amendments on net primary productivity and greenhouse gas emissions in annual grasslands
• Our World in Data: Renewable Energy
• Impactful Ninja: What Is the Carbon Footprint of Renewable Energy? A Life-Cycle Assessment
• Impactful Ninja: What Is the Carbon Footprint of Solar Energy? A Life-Cycle Assessment
• Impactful Ninja: What Is the Carbon Footprint of Wind Energy? A Life-Cycle Assessment
• Impactful Ninja: What Is the Carbon Footprint of Hydropower Energy? A Life-Cycle Assessment
• Impactful Ninja: What Is the Carbon Footprint of Geothermal Energy? A Life-Cycle Assessment
• Impactful Ninja: What Is the Carbon Footprint of Biomass Energy? A Life-Cycle Assessment
• Happsy: Is Your Mattress a Green Mattress?
• Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
• Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• EWG Verified
• MADE SAFE
• GREENGUARD
• Forest Stewardship Council
• Textile Exchange: Organic Content Standard (OCS)
• Latex For Less: Are Latex Mattresses Biodegradable?
• Sleep Foundation: Happsy Mattress Review – Test Lab Ratings
• Sleepopolis: Happsy Mattress Review
• NabLab: Happsy Mattress Review
• LeafScore: Happsy Organic Mattress Review
• THE SPINERY: Are Natural Latex Mattresses Biodegradable?
• TFR Group: The Circular Economy Approach to Mattress Recycling
• LeafScore: The Complete Guide to Toxic Chemicals in Mattresses
• Green Mattress: Why Organic Mattress? | Why Organic Mattresses Are Important
• Our World In Date: Deforestation and Forest Loss