Budget Vegan Mattress Options?

Hi Patricia,

Thanks for your question the best budget-friendly vegan mattresses. Vegan mattresses are becoming increasingly popular as people want to make more ethical choices in terms of the materials used in mattress making. I’ll answer your questions in order and provide some additional mattress buying information to assist you.

Fire retardancy with beds

In terms of mattresses without fire retardant, this is not possible in the UK. All mattresses must comply with fire safety regulations. Most mattresses use synthetic and chemical sprays or fibres in the covering of the mattress that is fireproof. This is then tested to different standards to make sure the mattress is suitable for domestic use.

We, however, have worked closely with our fabric manufacturer to now offer a fully plant-based fire retardancy on our entire Artisan Mattress Range. Meaning no more synthetic chemicals. We’re proud to be one of a few hand made mattress makers that use a plant-based fire retardancy in our beds.

Sensitivity to smells in bed

Some people are highly sensitive to the smells of different mattress upholstery layers. Some people don’t get on with the smell of memory foam, polyester or horsehair. It depends on the individual.

We always advise that if you have a particular sensitivity to a smell then you avoid that material. Airing your mattress helps but for some people who are ‘super smellers’ they still will pick up on the odour.

If you don’t like the smell of latex mattresses we would advise you remove them from your list of potentials.
Memory foam, as you rightly point out, can make sleepers incredibly warm and uncomfortable during the night. This is because it retains heat and needs warmth to actively work. So if you’re a hot sleeper definitely avoid this mattress material.

What’s the best budget vegan bed?

As you point out, your bed budget at £750 will have you firmly in the entry-level market for a new mattress. Our Artisan Latex vegan mattress, our 100% plant-based natural fibre pocket sprung mattress is over budget and also contains a natural latex later which we know won’t suit you.

Most vegan mattresses in your price range are going to be entirely man-made either with polyester or some form of memory foam. It’s working out the best bang for your buck and mattress quality that will be the deciding factor for you to weed out the cheap mass-produced models from the quality hand made ones.

At your weight range, you both need a 1.4 gauge pocket spring (also confusingly known as the medium tension). Pocket spring tensions are based on your bodyweight / height and do not measure the ultimate feel of the mattress.

For your budget and requirements have a look at our Origins Reflex Vegan mattress. It’s a firmer feel in the upholstery layers and contains no animal fibres. It’s two-sided and contains no memory foam.

Origins Reflex Mattress

1: 750GSM VERY SOFT POLYESTER

2: ONE INCH REFLEX FOAM LAYER

3: 270GSM POLYESTER

4: ONE INCH REFLEX FOAM LAYER

5: 1000 SPUN BOND POCKET SPRINGS (MED OR FIRM TENSION)

TOTAL: 1020GSM

DEPTH: 33-35CM

How much to spend on a double mattress?	What can I expect for my money?
Under £500	Will not get you much at best a 13.5 gauge open coil/cage sprung with a thin polyester layer or a solid foam mattress.
£500	Entry level spunbond springs with some form of synthetic upholstery. Usually one sided mattresses.
£750	The beginnings of a basic pocket springs unit with 800 – 1000 count. No substantial amount of filling other than foams and synthetic materials. Two sided models.
£1000	Should get you away from most low ranges and into the mid-range pocket spring models.
£1250	Should get you a decent pocket sprung mattress with some Natural Fibre content.
£1500	Should get you many manufacturers mid-range models with Natural Fibres
£1500-£2000	Should get you a Hand Made primarily Natural Fibre Quality Mattress
£2000+	You should expect 100% Natural Fibres and Traditional Hand Made Construction Method.
£5000+	A Bespoke Hand Made Sleep System, High-end Spring Units & Featuring the Worlds Most Luxurious Natural Fibres.

In terms of affiliation, we don’t offer any affiliate packages. More often than not these are kickbacks to different companies which aren’t always in the best interests of the consumer. Often with inflated prices to cover the marketing. We don’t affiliate with anyone and only sell our own mattresses through our site and never through third parties. Which is how we remain as one of the few trusted independent mattress retailers in the UK.

We hope that helps Patricia and if you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on [email protected] or 0161 437 4419.

Sleep well
John & Ryan