Sustainable Living

Are Helix Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Assessment

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Are Helix Mattresses Eco-Friendly & Sustainable? A Life-Cycle Assessment

By
Quynh Nguyen

Read Time:14 Minutes

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Helix Sleep has gained popularity in the sleep industry with their extensive line of mattresses, ranging from super-soft and plush to ultra-firm and sturdy. While the company strives to accommodate many types of sleepers, how is their performance regarding the planet? So, we had to ask: How sustainable are Helix mattresses?

Helix mattresses can be sustainable, depending on the materials used. For example, a few of their hybrid mattresses are sustainable, with mostly naturally cultivated and processed materials. Yet, their mattresses based on layers of synthetic foam are generally unsustainable.

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

TL;DR: Here are the Helix mattresses that we found to be the most sustainable ones:

Here’s How We Assessed the Sustainability of Helix Mattresses

Helix offers a wide range of mattresses accommodating many types of sleepers. But are they eco-friendly and sustainably made? 

“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 Helix 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 Helix mattresses!

The life-cycle stages of Helix mattressesEach stage’s sustainability
Production of Helix mattressesSourcing: Helix mattresses use a wide range of materials, of which sustainability varies. On the one hand, some of their mattresses are made mainly with natural and organic materials (like Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress), like organic cotton and natural latex, which are highly sustainable to source. Other organic mattresses use organic wool which can have relatively high environmental impacts, especially when compared with plant-based materials. On the other hand, most Helix mattresses use various forms of polyurethane foam, which is based on fossil fuels, which is highly unsustainable to source.
Manufacturing: The sustainability of Helix mattress production varies, depending on the materials used. On the one hand, organic layers, such as organic latex cotton or organic wool (in Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress), are relatively eco-friendly to produce, with harsh synthetic chemicals strictly controlled and eliminated. On the other hand, synthetic foam based on polyurethane is unsustainable to produce, with the intensive use of energy and chemicals.
Transporting: Transporting Helix 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. 
Certifications: Helix mattresses are certified with some reputable sustainable and social standards. 
Usage of Helix mattressesLifespan: The usage of Helix mattresses can be sustainable, depending on the materials used. Latex-based Helix mattresses (Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress) can have a long lifespan and are sustainable to use. Foam-based Helix mattresses tend to have a relatively shorter lifespan and are generally not sustainable to use.
Quality reviews: On Trustpilot, reviewers rate Helix Mattresses only “Average” with 3.3 / 5. 
End-of-life of Helix mattressesCircularity: There are no circular mattresses in Helix selection and we couldn’t find any information about plans to make their mattresses circular in the future.
Recycling: At the end of their life, Helix mattresses are difficult to recycle as they often consist of multiple layers. 
Waste: Helix mattresses that contain primarily biodegradable components, such as Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress, can break down naturally in landfills. In contrast, Helix mattresses that contain synthetic foam would clog up landfills for a long time due to the lack of take-back programs from the company.

To know if Helix 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 Helix Mattresses

The production of Helix mattresses varies from sustainable to rather unsustainable, depending on whether they contain primarily natural materials or synthetic foam. Helix makes their mattresses locally in the US, lowering the carbon footprint of transporting. 

How Sustainable Are the Materials Used for Helix Mattresses

Helix mattresses use a wide range of materials, of which sustainability varies:

  • On the one hand, a few of their mattresses are made mainly with natural and organic materials (like Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress), like organic cotton and natural latex, which are highly sustainable to source as plants sequester carbon and lessen the climate crisis. But Helix also uses organic wool which can have relatively high environmental impacts, especially when compared with plant-based materials. 
  • On the other hand, most Helix mattresses use various forms of polyurethane foam, which is based on fossil fuels. Sourcing fossil fuels is unsustainable because of their nonrenewable nature, their energy-demanding and polluting processes of extracting and refining, and their carbon footprint.

Helix sources both natural and synthetic raw materials for their mattresses. While a couple of their mattress models are made primarily with natural and organic materials (which makes them sustainable), the majority of Helix mattresses contain various forms of polyurethane foam (which makes them rather unsustainable). All Helix mattresses use steel coils. 

Specifically, Helix makes hybrid mattresses, consisting of a comfort system (the soft top layers) and a support system (the responsive coils that move and respond to pressure changes). 

Depending on the models, Helix mattress covers are made with a few different materials. These include:

The sustainability of your specific Helix mattress depends on the materials they use. So, let’s have a look at the sustainability of all their main materials so that you can make a better-informed decision:

Related: You can refer to our articles for more details on sourcing the materials used in Helix mattresses:

How Sustainably Are Helix Mattresses Generally Produced

The sustainability of Helix mattress production varies, depending on the materials used:

  • On the one hand, organic layers, such as organic cotton or organic wool (in Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress), are relatively eco-friendly to produce, with harsh synthetic chemicals strictly controlled and eliminated. 
  • On the other hand, synthetic foam based on polyurethane is unsustainable to produce, with the intensive use of energy and chemicals.

Manufacturing Helix hybrid mattresses typically includes the following process steps for their comfort system (the soft top layers) and their support system (the responsive coils that move and respond to pressure changes):

  1. The first step to producing Helix mattresses is to construct the comfort system from one or several layers (synthetic foam, latex, wool). The use of manufacturing chemicals and energy varies depending on the materials used. Producing organic comforting layers is free of harmful synthetic chemicals while producing synthetic foam is chemically intensive. Some comforting layers, including all the synthetic foam, latex, and wool, can be energy-intensive.
  2. In the case of hybrid Helix mattresses, 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. For all Helix mattresses, a mattress cover from various materials (organic cotton, TENCELTM, or a synthetic fabric blend) is added to the outer surface. 

Where Are Helix Mattresses Usually Produced

Helix mattresses are made in their Arizona factory. 

As Helix 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 Helix Mattresses

Transporting Helix 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. 

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

  • from fields/pastures/forests/mines where raw materials are extracted to the manufacturing location in Arizona, 
  • 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.

Helix manufactures locally in the US, which helps to reduce the transporting distances. 

What Eco-Friendly or Sustainable Certifications Does Helix Have

Helix mattresses are certified with some reputable sustainable and social standards. 

  • 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).
  • 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.
  • CertiPUR-US: A certification for foam products (polyurethane foam, memory foam, or hybrid foam) that ensures they are made without harmful chemicals and meet rigorous standards for content, emissions, and durability. It verifies that the foam is free from ozone depleters, flame retardants, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, and has low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality.
  • 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.
  • eco-INSTITUT: A certification that tests mattresses and bedding products for emissions and pollutants to ensure they meet high indoor air quality and safety standards. The eco-INSTITUT certifies a wide range of mattress types, including innersprings, latexes, synthetic foams, as well as futons.

How Sustainable Is the Usage of Helix Mattresses

The sustainability of using Helix mattresses can be sustainable, depending on the materials used. Latex-based Helix mattresses (Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress) can have a long lifespan and are sustainable to use. Foam-based Helix mattresses tend to have a relatively shorter lifespan and are generally not sustainable to use. 

What Is the Typical Lifespan of Helix Mattresses 

Some Helix mattresses are based on natural latex, which tends to have a long lifespan, meaning that they do not need to be replaced as frequently, reducing waste generation and conserving resources. 

On the other hand, many Helix mattresses are based on layers of synthetic foam, which tends not to last as long as natural latex foam, making them less sustainable. 

How Is the Quality of Helix Mattresses Rated

On Trustpilot, reviewers rate Helix Mattresses only a low “Average” with 3.3 / 5. 

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

The end-of-life of Helix mattresses varies in sustainability depending on the materials used. The Helix mattress models made primarily with natural components (Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress) are sustainable because they are biodegradable. However, Helix mattresses that contain synthetic foam don’t biodegrade at the end of their life and, thus, are generally unsustainable.

How Circular Are Helix Mattresses Made

Helix mattresses that contain primarily biodegradable components (latex, wool, and cotton) break down naturally at the end of their life, 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.

On the other hand, Helix mattresses that contain synthetic foam and steel coils don’t break down at the end of their life. Conventional polyurethane foam, the base of memory foam and gel foam, will sit in landfills for a thousand years. Consequently, it is crucial to keep this material in circulation for as long as possible.

“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

There are no circular mattresses in Helix’s selection, and we couldn’t find any information about plans to make their mattresses circular in the future.

Are Helix Mattresses Made for Recycling

At the end of their life, Helix mattresses are difficult to recycle because they often contain many layers. 

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 if your Helix mattress contains multiple layers, then it’s generally relatively difficult to recycle at the end of its life. However, a company specializing in recycling old mattresses would be able to help you. Suppose you are also buying a new mattress. In that case, your seller might be able to help you with responsible recycling or disposing of your old mattress.

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

Helix mattresses that contain primarily biodegradable components, such as Helix Birch Lux Natural Mattress and Helix Birch Natural Mattress, can break down naturally in landfills. In contrast, Helix mattresses that contain synthetic foam would clog up landfills for a long time due to the lack of take-back programs from the company.

We couldn’t find any mention on Helix’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, Helix mattresses are not yet circular. There is no mention of using recycled materials or promoting 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:

Considering that synthetic materials don’t break down for hundreds of years, opting for organic mattresses that are biodegradable and recyclable significantly lowers 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

Helix mattresses can be sustainable when made primarily with biodegradable raw materials, including natural latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. However, most Helix mattress models uses several layers of synthetic foam, making these products not as sustainable in sourcing, manufacturing, and disposal.

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

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

Stay impactful,



Sources

Photo of author

Quynh Nguyen

Quynh loves to research and write about how we can live more sustainably. She holds a Master's degree in Cross-Cultural Communication and managed communications at the social enterprise Fargreen. And when she's not writing, she likes to run in the woods, dig in the garden, or knit the next jumper.

Find Quynh on

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