Mattress alternatives

I'm wondering if anyone has any insight into mattress alternatives that are feasible in a home setting? I'm currently sleeping on a 3"foam mattress in my rolling home, but the thought of off -gassing is ever-present in my mind. Additionally the poly foams are expensive. I know there are natural latex foams out there, but those are even more expensive, and are still manufactured/packaged/transported, etc. I love the idea of using a self-harvested natural material in its place. My ancestors maybe used piles of leaves. Since this sleeping area is located indoors in a small space, the material needs to be contained somehow. So a pile of leaves won't quite work. Perhaps in a sewn bag. .. Any ideas?

Hopefully these solutions could be applied to seat cushions as well. ..

I have long wanted to transition away from matresses [who's springs I always seem to damage and/or wear out far more quickly than I should] to using Japanese futons.

Google should tell you all you need to know.

There's a lot of great suggestions in this thread: https://permies.com/t/22355/toxin-ectomy/sleep-Mattress-Alternatives. Everything from affordable latex mattresses, to wool mattresses, to making your own mattress out of wool or rocks or straw or ropes or hemlock boughs.

As for my own experience, I bought my son a twin latex mattress for $295 at http://www.mattresses.net/labeforki.html. They use pieces left over from when they make larger beds, but I've never been able to tell any difference. It's really comfortable! Far more comfortable than my toxic memory foam. They also sell full mattresses made the same way for $380, as well as move conventionally priced (i.e. expensive) mattresses.

I hope that helps!

Thanks Nicole and Kurt! I had seached for threads about mattress alternatives already in existence but somehow missed that one.

During my graduate school days I lived off a backpack in Italy for a month. I stayed in a farmhouse in Calabria and slept on a raw wool mattress. I even got help my hosts to take the mattresses apart to fluff them. Talk about a new experience! I ended with lanolin sticky hands. But slept like a king.

Have you considered a hammock?
There are some enthusiasts that "hang" no matter when or where.
The DIY designs are dead simple and cheap, and there is even a breed of portable stands.

I've always wanted to try sleeping on a hammock instead of a mattress. I've heard it does wonders for sore backs. Maybe I will take that path when I go to college.

But besides hammocks and expensive mattresses, there are other ways to sleep.

For instance, buckwheat/lavender hulls. Look it up. The great and powerful internet will enlighten you.