Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
Finding the best organic mattress or best natural mattress can be a great option for anyone who wants to be a more eco-conscious shopper. It’s also a surefire way to avoid beds made with harsh chemicals. But with all the choices out there, the search can be a daunting task. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Our hope is that after reading it, you’ll have a healthy list of the best organic mattresses and best natural mattresses to choose from.
As you’ll see when you read more about these beds, we made sure to only choose mattresses with high-quality materials, as well as organic and non-toxic certifications. We’ll go over what exactly those mean in the buying guide at the bottom of this article.
Our Top Pick For Organic and Non-Toxic Mattresses
Eco-conscious shoppers should love the Birch, which uses high-quality materials, like an organic cotton cover and Talalay latex. It also sleeps pretty cool.
Best Organic and Non-Toxic Mattresses of 2023
- Best Overall Organic Mattress – Birch
- Best Hypoallergenic Organic Mattress – Nolah Natural
- Best Luxury Organic Mattress – Zenhaven
- Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers – WinkBeds EcoCloud
- Best Organic Mattress for Back Pain – Awara
- Best Organic Mattress for Heavy People – Plank Firm Natural
- Best Organic Mattress for Combination Sleepers – EcoSleep
- Best Firm Organic Mattress – Saatva Latex Hybrid
- Best Cooling Organic Mattress – Avocado Green
- Best Hybrid Organic Mattress – Silk & Snow Organic
Best Organic Mattresses Video Roundup 2023
Compare the Best Latex Mattresses
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| Birch Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Zenhaven Mattress | WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress | Awara Mattress | Plank Firm Natural | Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep | Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress | Avocado Green Mattress | Silk & Snow Organic Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Latex | Latex | Latex | Latex | Hybrid | Latex | Latex | Hybrid | Latex |
| Cooling | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back |
Best Overall Organic Mattress – Birch
The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
All of the materials in the Birch (an organic mattress created by Helix) are GREENGUARD Gold-certified, meaning they’ve passed testing for harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds. The cover is made from organic cotton and quilted with wool fibers, while the comfort layer is made entirely of all-natural, moisture-wicking wool. The all-natural approach extends to the bouncy Talalay latex layer, which sits underneath the comfort layer. All of this is supported by pocketed springs.
And as we do with all of our mattresses, we put the Birch through our pressure-map test. This involves spreading a specialized mat across its surface and lying down on it in the back, side, and stomach sleeping positions. The map then transmits color-coded thermal imaging to a computer that tells us how much pressure the mattress is putting on different parts of our body. Blue means no pressure, green means little pressure, yellow means moderate pressure, orange means high pressure, and red means very high pressure. No matter which position we slept in on the Birch, the pressure map was mostly blue at the back area. We also think the firmer nature of this mattress, as well as the cushioning at the hips, makes it suitable for stomach sleeping.
What our tester says: “I think anyone looking for a classic latex feel will really appreciate this bed. Its organic layers have a taut, springy feel and really offer great lift and support. If you’re a back and stomach combination sleeper I’d highly recommend the Birch.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
What Customers Say
The Birch has over 4,000 customer reviews on the company’s website, with an average user rating of 4.6 out of 5. A lot of people praised how supportive it is without being too firm.
Pros of the Birch Mattress
- We gave the Birch a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and found it to be supportive enough to keep back sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned.
- Stomach sleepers should feel propped up by the Birch, its sturdy materials preventing their hips from bowing into the bed’s layers.
- Latex naturally sleeps cool. When paired with the airflow-promoting coils, the Birch should easily help hot sleepers keep a low temperature.
Cons of the Birch Mattress
- This bed is probably going to be too firm for most side sleepers. They can add an optional pillow top if they want, but it comes at an additional charge and makes the mattress a bit pricey.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GREENGUARD Gold
- GOTS
- eco-INSTITUT
- Fair Trade Certified Factory
Learn more in our full Birch mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best mattress page for more options.
Best Hypoallergenic Organic Mattress – Nolah Natural
The Nolah Natural mattress is not only made with eco-friendly and hypoallergenic materials, but it also offers pressure relief and comfort that many sleepers should enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nolah Natural mattress is not only made with eco-friendly and hypoallergenic materials, but it also offers pressure relief and comfort that many sleepers should enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Nolah Natural mattress is not only made with eco-friendly and hypoallergenic materials, but it also offers pressure relief and comfort that many sleepers should enjoy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Nolah Natural Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Natural Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Nolah Natural Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Nolah Natural is made of materials that should be comfortable for anyone looking to avoid allergens. Its layer of Talalay latex foam is naturally hypoallergenic, and its handcrafted coils have plenty of room for airflow, which assists with healthy breathing at night. Topping it all off is a cover of organic cotton and wool — also materials unlikely to activate anyone’s allergies.
Feel-wise, we get a good mix of comfort and support that makes the Nolah Natural a sensible choice for back sleepers. When we laid down on it, the latex created a bit of pressure relief (even while being somewhat responsive) and the coils established a strong foundation at the bottom of the bed.
What our tester says: “I really like how eco-friendly this mattress is, while also remaining luxurious. It’s very comfortable for back and side sleepers — giving them pressure relief and support. As a hot sleeper myself, I also appreciate the cooling factors of this bed.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Nolah Natural has an average 4.8 out of 5 customer rating on the Nolah website, with many reviewers praising its medium firmness. While we found the mattress to be medium soft, this is still a testament to its balanced feel.
Pros of the Nolah Natural Mattress
- At a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, the Nolah Natural is softer than many of the other mattresses on this list. Its contouring and plushness are a great fit for side sleepers, who need a lot of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
- Combination sleepers should be able to easily switch positions on top of the responsive Nolah Natural.
- Talalay latex is naturally cooling, and the latex here is hole-punched to allow even more room for airflow. So hot sleepers should be able to stay cool on this bed.
Cons of the Nolah Natural Mattress
- Unlike side sleepers, stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer, supportive mattress to keep them elevated. The Nolah Natural is likely too soft for them.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- GOTS
- eco-INSTITUT
- Rainforest Alliance
Discover more in our full Nolah Natural mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal.
Best Luxury Organic Mattress – Zenhaven
The Zenhaven is extremely durable, so you know you are investing in a mattress that will last a while. Another great perk of this latex bed is that it’s naturally cooling, which hot sleepers should appreciate. You also get two firmness levels in one with this bed since it is flippable.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Zenhaven is extremely durable, so you know you are investing in a mattress that will last a while. Another great perk of this latex bed is that it’s naturally cooling, which hot sleepers should appreciate. You also get two firmness levels in one with this bed since it is flippable.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Zenhaven is extremely durable, so you know you are investing in a mattress that will last a while. Another great perk of this latex bed is that it’s naturally cooling, which hot sleepers should appreciate. You also get two firmness levels in one with this bed since it is flippable.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Zenhaven Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Zenhaven is packed to the brim with luxurious materials, including a full latex core without springs. This makes the mattress pretty unique since most latex beds are constructed with a layer or two of coils. But here, you’ll find three different layers of Talalay latex, each with a different firmness. Along with a cover of organic cotton and New Zealand wool, these all-natural materials offer a great mix of comfort and support. You also get two firmness options, as the Zenhaven has a flippable design with one side being firm and the other soft.
When we tested out the mattress, we found the firm side to be about a 7.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale and the soft side to be about a 6. The firm side made it easier to move around and switch positions, where as the soft side gave gave us more pressure relief and contouring.
What our tester says: “I’d recommend the Zenhaven for combination sleepers, who should appreciate the bouncy feel of this latex mattress. It’s made from high-quality organic materials like Talalay latex and is also hypoallergenic.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
As of this writing, there are a little over 300 reviews for the Zenhaven on Saatva’s website. It has an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Several customers talk about the different foams being good for their aching back, giving them the comfort and support they need.
Pros of the Zenhaven Mattress
- Generally, stomach sleepers and back sleepers will probably like the firm side more while side sleepers may prefer the soft side.
- Latex is naturally cooling, plus the soft and breathable cover also helps hot sleepers keep a low temperature.
- All Saatva beds come with free white-glove delivery, which means you don’t have to lift a finger to set up your mattress. This is a benefit to any customers who have busy schedules.
Cons of the Zenhaven Mattress
- The lack of sinkage in the Zenhaven may not appeal to folks who prefer the more slow-sinking feeling of memory foam.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GOTS
- GOLS
- eco-INSTITUT
- GREENGUARD Gold
Check out our full Zenhaven mattress review for more info. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best luxury mattress page for additional options.
Best Organic Mattress for Back Sleepers – WinkBeds EcoCloud
This is one of the most sustainable mattresses I’ve tested. It is also a fantastic mattress for combination sleepers, who will like its bounciness and appreciate how comfortable it feels in a range of positions. It also features zoned support, making it good for those with pain concerns.
This is one of the most sustainable mattresses I’ve tested. It is also a fantastic mattress for combination sleepers, who will like its bounciness and appreciate how comfortable it feels in a range of positions. It also features zoned support, making it good for those with pain concerns.
This is one of the most sustainable mattresses I’ve tested. It is also a fantastic mattress for combination sleepers, who will like its bounciness and appreciate how comfortable it feels in a range of positions. It also features zoned support, making it good for those with pain concerns.
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress is a hybrid bed-in-a-box with a refreshingly simple construction of just two layers: one is all-natural Talalay Latex and the other features pocketed coils. We found this blend of comfort and support to be a fitting match for back sleepers. When lying down, we felt a touch of pressure relief from the latex foam while also getting a slight lift from the coils. Both layers are wrapped in an organic cotton cover, increasing the mattress’ environmental credentials.
But before recommending the EcoCloud to back sleepers, we wanted to put it through our pressure-map test to see how it fared in this sleeping position. While back-sleeping, we saw almost no pressure on any part of our body. The map was almost entirely blue.
What our tester says: “Its natural latex, organic cotton and wool, and recycled steel coils make this bed one of the most sustainable mattresses I’ve tested. I also think that this is a fantastic mattress for combination sleepers, who should feel mobile through its bounciness and appreciate how comfortable it feels in a range of positions.” – Zoë Ettinger, former Sleepopolis editor and mattress tester
What Customers Say
One of the best things about the WinkBed website is that you can filter customer reviews based on category. When we select Quality/Comfort, many owners of the EcoCloud talk about how good the mattress is at relieving their back pain.
Pros of the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
- Because you shouldn’t feel “stuck” in this mattress, it should be easy for combination sleepers to change positions.
- The Talalay Latex does a good job of dissipating body heat, so this mattress should work for hot sleepers trying to stay cool.
- The responsiveness of the WinkBeds EcoCloud makes it a good mattress for sex, but if your or your partner is a light sleeper, there’s a chance you might feel each other’s movements at night. We recommend weighing these traits against each other if you’re a couple.
Cons of the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress
- We think some side sleepers could be comfortable on the WinkBeds EcoCloud, depending on your firmness preference. But if you’re after a softer feel with more pressure relief, you should look elsewhere.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified
- GOTS
- Rainforest Alliance
- Eco Initiative recycled steel
Think this could be the mattress for you? Learn more in our full WinkBeds EcoCloud mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best mattress for back sleepers page for more options.
Best Organic Mattress for Back Pain – Awara
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly mattress that only utilizes organic materials, the Awara could be a great fit for you! The mix of bouncy latex with firm pocketed coils could also be a winning combo for combination sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly mattress that only utilizes organic materials, the Awara could be a great fit for you! The mix of bouncy latex with firm pocketed coils could also be a winning combo for combination sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly mattress that only utilizes organic materials, the Awara could be a great fit for you! The mix of bouncy latex with firm pocketed coils could also be a winning combo for combination sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Awara Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Awara Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Awara Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
Made with a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover and a layer of Dunlop latex, the Awara hybrid mattress provides comfort without the use of the chemicals that are present in many other foams. We found it to sleep extremely cool (latex naturally keeps a low temperature), in addition to giving us a firm and responsive feel. On our mattress firmness scale, we gave it a 7.5 out of 10. We think for many, especially back and stomach sleepers, this firmness will be ideal for relieving back pain. The cushioning latex should keep the hips cradled and prevent pressure buildup, and the sturdy coils towards the bottom of the mattress should keep the hips lifted and properly aligned.
To see if this mattress really would be a good option for back pain, we put the Awara through our pressure map test. Not surprisingly, we did see a lot of pressure buildup while side sleeping. But turning over to our backs, we saw minimal pressure buildup at the hips, telling us that the latex comfort layer should fill in the lumbar region and prevent back pain in the back sleeping position. We can also conclude that the pressure relief experienced in the stomach sleeping position will be enough to ease pain at the hip while the springs support a neutral spinal alignment.
What our tester says: “The mix of bouncy latex with firm pocketed coils is good for combination sleepers who switch from their back to their stomach. Hot sleepers should also enjoy this mattress as its individually wrapped coils promote airflow to keep things cool at night.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are about 1,100 customer reviews on the Awara website, and you can filter them out based on categories such as materials, support, feel, shipping, and more. When looking at the reviews focused on materials, many customers praise the Awara’s eco-friendliness and breathability of the latex.
Pros of the Awara Mattress
- As long as they enjoy a firmer feel, back sleepers should appreciate the support of the Awara.
- The supportiveness of the Awara should keep stomach sleepers’ hips elevated and in line with their shoulders — essential for maintaining a neutral spinal alignment.
- The Awara’s responsiveness makes it a good match for combination sleepers. When we laid down on the bed to test it out, we found that these coils gave it a lot of bounce, and that it was easy to move around.
Cons of the Awara Mattress
- The Awara’s firm feel is probably going to be a bit too firm for side sleepers. They’ll likely want something softer that offers more pressure relief.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GREENGUARD Gold
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- Wools of New Zealand
- Forest Stewardship Council
- Repreve
Learn more in our full Awara mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best mattress for back pain page for more options.
Best Organic Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Plank Firm Natural
The Plank Firm Natural is Brooklyn Bedding's take on a mattress that's both eco-friendly and flippable. You can choose between a medium-firm and firm side of the bed.
The Plank Firm Natural is Brooklyn Bedding's take on a mattress that's both eco-friendly and flippable. You can choose between a medium-firm and firm side of the bed.
The Plank Firm Natural is Brooklyn Bedding's take on a mattress that's both eco-friendly and flippable. You can choose between a medium-firm and firm side of the bed.
Plank Firm Natural
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Plank Firm Natural
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Plank Firm Natural
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
Heavy sleepers often have a harder time finding a suitable mattress, as they tend to need more firmness and support than lightweight and average weight sleepers. And if you’re a heavy sleeper who also wants an organic mattress, your options become even more limited. Luckily, Brooklyn Bedding has created the Plank Firm Natural. An organic hybrid take on the all-foam Plank Firm, it’s made with a tall layer of coils in the middle, with different amounts of naturally sourced Talalay latex foam on each side.
This unique construction of foam, coils, foam allows the Plank Firm Natural to be flippable. There’s both a firm side and an extra-firm side, and heavy sleepers could be comfortable on both, depending on their sleeping position. When we tested out the Plank Firm Natural, we found that the firm side is likely most comfortable for heavy back sleepers and the extra-firm side is most comfortable for heavy stomach sleepers. For context, we scored the firm side a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale and the extra-firm side a 7.5. That said, heavy people usually experience a mattress as slightly softer than other sleepers.
What our tester says: “If you’re a mattress shopper looking for a firm and supportive mattress, the Plank Firm Natural won’t disappoint. It’s also a great match for those looking for all-natural mattress options that don’t skimp on quality and comfort.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
As of this writing, the Plank Firm Natural is a brand new mattress from Brooklyn Bedding, so there are only about 30 reviews for it on the brand’s website. It has an average customer rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Most customers praise its durability and firmness, although a handful of folks have said that it feels a little too soft and sponge-like for their liking.
Pros of the Plank Firm Natural Mattress
- We found the Plank Firm Natural to be very cooling, mostly due to the airflow promoted by its coils. It also contains naturally cooling and breathable materials such as the latex and organic cotton.
- Latex is naturally bouncy and responsive as well, so we think this is one of the best mattresses for sex.
- Heavy combination sleepers should also be comfortable on the Plank Firm Natural since the responsiveness makes it easy for them to switch sleeping positions.
Cons of the Plank Firm Natural Mattress
- Even heavy side sleepers tend not to be too comfortable on firm mattresses, so we wouldn’t recommend the Plank Firm Natural to them. They’d be better off seeking out something softer that can give them more contouring at their shoulders and hips.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GOTS
- FSC Certified latex
Learn more from our full Plank Firm Natural mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best mattresses for heavy people page for more options.
Best Organic Mattress for Combination Sleepers – EcoSleep
An all-organic, two-sided mattress—is that an ecoflip? Close. It’s the EcoSleep from Brooklyn Bedding. Sustainable shut-eye is within your grasp with this latex hybrid bed.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An all-organic, two-sided mattress—is that an ecoflip? Close. It’s the EcoSleep from Brooklyn Bedding. Sustainable shut-eye is within your grasp with this latex hybrid bed.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. An all-organic, two-sided mattress—is that an ecoflip? Close. It’s the EcoSleep from Brooklyn Bedding. Sustainable shut-eye is within your grasp with this latex hybrid bed.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Material
Latex
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding EcoSleep
Material
Latex
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The EcoSleep (created by Brooklyn Bedding) uses organic wool, latex, and pocketed coils to create a supportive, bouncy surface that you can feel good about sleeping on. We think combination sleepers should be especially comfortable, as latex is naturally responsive. They should be able to change their sleeping position with ease.
We tested out the EcoSleep’s responsiveness by lying down on the mattress and noting how easy it was to move around. We found no trouble at all changing positions, which confirms that it should be a good pick for combo sleepers.
What our tester says: “It should be easy to switch positions on this mattress because of its bounciness and high mobility.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
While there are only 189 reviews for the EcoSleep on Brooklyn Bedding’s website, you can filter them out based on lifestyle factors such as weight and whether or not someone sleeps with a partner. This allows you to get the opinion of someone similar to you. In general, the reviews comment on how cool the mattress sleeps and its fairly affordable price. You can often find a queen size for under $1,200 after discounts, which is cheap for an organic mattress.
Pros of the EcoSleep Mattress
- Back sleepers should get the necessary blend of pressure relief and support on the EcoSleep.
- Latex is a naturally cooling material, so hot sleepers should be comfortable on the EcoSleep. The coils also leave a lot of room for air to flow through the construction.
- The responsiveness of the EcoSleep also makes it a good mattress for sex.
Cons of the EcoSleep Mattress
- If you’re a heavy sleeper who’s over 250 pounds, you may find some discomfort in your shoulders while sleeping on your side. Likewise, heavier stomach sleepers may feel their hips sink a bit.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GOTS
- GREENGUARD Gold
Learn more in our full EcoSleep mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best mattress for combination sleepers page for more options.
Best Firm Organic Mattress – Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a firmer hybrid model, combining latex foam and individually pocketed coils for excellent bounce and mobility. It has good pressure relief, so we recommend it for back, stomach, and combo sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a firmer hybrid model, combining latex foam and individually pocketed coils for excellent bounce and mobility. It has good pressure relief, so we recommend it for back, stomach, and combo sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a firmer hybrid model, combining latex foam and individually pocketed coils for excellent bounce and mobility. It has good pressure relief, so we recommend it for back, stomach, and combo sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
We found the Saatva Latex Hybrid to be an exceptionally firm and supportive mattress — about a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. When testing it out, we found that its layer of individually wrapped coils kept our hips and shoulders aligned for a neutral spinal alignment. Of course, it wouldn’t be on this list at all if it wasn’t made from eco-friendly materials. Its layer of all-natural Talalay latex is organic, environmentally friendly, and should provide some nice pressure relief in the lower back.
We put this hypothesis to the test with our pressure map. The map was mostly blue on the lumbar region in all three sleeping positions. This indicates that the Saatva Latex Hybrid should help alleviate sleepers’ back pain.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate that the Saatva Latex Hybrid is a firmer hybrid model that offers bounce and mobility. I’d recommend this firm mattress to back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination back/stomach sleepers.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
Being a newer bed than many of the other mattresses on this list, the Saatva Latex Hybrid only has about 180 customer reviews on the Saatva website. But its average rating is an impressive 4.8 out of 5, with several people commenting on Saatva’s generous warranty and excellent customer service.
Pros of the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
- Back sleepers and stomach sleepers tend to need more support than side sleepers, and they’ll find it with the Saatva Latex Hybrid.
- The durability of this mattress makes it supportive enough for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds.
- Talalay latex is more cooling than materials like memory foam, and the combination of latex and coils make this a breathable mattress that’s great for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
- The bed likely isn’t plush enough for strict side sleepers, who tend to need more pressure relief.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GOLS
- GOTS
- GREENGUARD Gold
- eco-INSTITUT
Learn more in our full Saatva Latex Hybrid mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best firm mattress page for more options.
Best Cooling Organic Mattress – Avocado Green
The Avocado Green Mattress is an eco-friendly mattress made with organic cotton, natural latex, and pocketed coils. This durable mattress is extremely bouncy making it a great pick for combo sleepers who move around throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Avocado Green Mattress is an eco-friendly mattress made with organic cotton, natural latex, and pocketed coils. This durable mattress is extremely bouncy making it a great pick for combo sleepers who move around throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Avocado Green Mattress is an eco-friendly mattress made with organic cotton, natural latex, and pocketed coils. This durable mattress is extremely bouncy making it a great pick for combo sleepers who move around throughout the night.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Avocado Green Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Avocado Green Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Avocado Green Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
25-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
When resting on the Avocado Green, we felt incredibly cool thanks to its breathable, organic cotton cover. Research shows its natural latex holds heat-dissipating capabilities. Interestingly, there are two different versions of the Avocado Green: the Standard, and then a more expensive model that comes outfitted with a pillow top for added pressure relief. Regardless of which one you choose, the taut, bouncy latex and pocketed coils can help keep the spine in neutral alignment.
When we laid down on the Avocado Green, we did indeed find it cooling and breathable. We can confidently say that it’s a fantastic option for hot sleepers, and that they’re unlikely to experience any heat buildup or night sweats while sleeping on its surface.
What our tester says: ” I love that the materials included in this mattress are all-natural and eco-friendly. This could be a real win for all you green sleepers out there” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Avocado Green is known as one of the most renowned and longstanding organic mattresses on the market, and it has over 18,000 reviews on the company website to prove it. The average customer rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars, with lots of attention called to its sturdy firmness and the comfort of its pillow top. But many folks found the version without the pillow top comfortable as well.
Pros of the Avocado Green Mattress
- Back sleepers will likely prefer the standard version of the bed for its extra firmness and support.
- The bounciness of the Avocado Green makes it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
- The Standard version should have just enough firmness and support for stomach sleepers, who need a bed that’s hefty enough to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. This is key to maintaining a proper spinal alignment.
Cons of the Avocado Green Mattress
- There isn’t a great deal of contouring here, so if that’s a priority for you, you may want to look into a softer mattress. You could also invest in the Pillow Top version, which has an extra two inches of latex on top.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GOLS
- GOTS-certified organic wool
- GOTS-certified organic cotton
Curious to learn more? Check out our full Avocado Green mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best cooling mattress page for more options.
Best Hybrid Organic Mattress – Silk & Snow Organic
The Silk & Snow Organic is one of the most eco-friendly mattresses on the market. It offers comfort and support to many sleepers, and Silk & Snow is offering this bed at an affordable price.
The Silk & Snow Organic is one of the most eco-friendly mattresses on the market. It offers comfort and support to many sleepers, and Silk & Snow is offering this bed at an affordable price.
The Silk & Snow Organic is one of the most eco-friendly mattresses on the market. It offers comfort and support to many sleepers, and Silk & Snow is offering this bed at an affordable price.
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
Material
Latex
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
Material
Latex
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
If you’re wanting an organic hybrid mattress that utilizes both pressure-relieving foam and sturdy coils, then we highly recommend the Silk & Snow Organic. When we tested it out, we found it to have a balanced, medium-firm feel and a soothing yet sturdy mixture of comfort and support. Of course, it also includes a number of eco-friendly materials: GOTS certified cotton, organic wool, and GOLS certified Dunlop latex.
Thanks to the latex foam and springs, the Silk & Snow Organic is also a highly responsive bed. This makes it one of the best mattresses for sex, which should appeal to couples. They should find it easy to move around and switch positions. However, we should note that this same responsiveness gave the Silk & Snow only average results on our motion-transfer test. This is when we drop several steel balls of different weights onto the mattress surface and measure their vibrations with a seismometer. If the vibrations are low, it means the mattress is good at isolating motion and you’re unlikely to feel your partner tossing and turning while you sleep. But the Silk & Snow showed medium vibrations, meaning that if you or your partner are a slight sleeper, you might be awoken by each other’s movements.
What our tester says: “I think the Silk & Snow gives the right amount of lumbar support for back sleeping and is overall really comfortable for that sleeping position. It’s responsive enough where combination sleepers can easily move around on the bed too. ” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many of the 681 customer reviews on Silk & Snow website comment on the mattress’s support and firmness. A handful of people did complain about the return process, but the brand got back to them right away in the reviews section and addressed the issue.
Pros of the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
- It’s priced at an excellent value for an organic mattress — it’s the least expensive model on this roundup by a long shot and should appeal to budget shoppers.
- The Silk & Snow’s medium firmness and strong lower back support should be especially comfortable for back sleepers.
- It’s more than responsive enough for combo sleepers to comfortably switch positions.
Cons of the Silk & Snow Organic Mattress
- Side sleepers will likely find that this bed lacks adequate cushioning and pressure relief. They’d be better off with a softer mattress.
Organic/Non-Toxic Certifications
- GOTS
- GOLS
- eco-INSTITUT
Intrigued? Read more in the full Silk & Snow Organic mattress review. You can also click here for the best deal, or see our best hybrid mattress page for more options.
What Is an Organic Mattress?
So what makes for the best natural mattress? Or, more specifically, what makes a mattress truly organic? Beyond the fact that it doesn’t contain harmful flame retardants and chemicals, are there other criteria it has to meet? Absolutely. To bear the label “organic,” a mattress must be tested by a USDA-approved third-party certifying agent and earn a special organic certification.
There are many different types of certifications a mattress can earn, but most of them mean that a large portion of the raw materials are organic and organic processes were used in manufacturing.
A mattress may be labeled as organic, but without a sticker of certification, that claim is empty and no one has verified it. Words like “organic” and “all-natural” are commonly tossed around, but without the certifications, we would advise taking them with a grain of salt. Here are some of the most popular and important certifications to look for:
- CertiPUR-US certified foams are made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, and phthalates, as regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They also produce low VOC emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million).
- GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certified latex is produced in an environment where all materials and manufacturing processes to make latex adhere to strict and specific global organic standards.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified materials are materials produced in an environment where all materials and manufacturing processes to make textiles adhere to strict and specific global organic standards.
- Organic Exchange-certified applies to products that have been properly tracked from the source as a raw material to the finished product, guaranteeing organic processes and manufacturing.
- GreenGuard-certified applies to a mattress that has been tested to ensure that its chemical and particle emissions meet acceptable indoor-outdoor air quality pollutant guidelines (low emission). A GreenGuard-certified mattress is often labeled with the certification GREENGUARD Gold.
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100-certified latex has been tested for the presence of 100 known harmful substances.
- USDA-Certified Organic applies to a mattress that has been produced without a prohibited method or substances; testing is regularly overseen by a USDA authorized certifying agent.
- eco-INSTITUT certification comes from the Eco Institut in Cologne, Germany, which has independently tested various products for polluting chemicals and harmful emissions for over 25 years. If a mattress is eco-INSTITUT certified, it’s free of even the smallest amounts of hazardous chemicals, VOCs, formaldehyde, phthalates, pesticides, heavy metals, and more. It’s also unlikely to have any sort of off-gassing period.
Why the Demand for Natural and Organic Mattresses?
It should be no surprise that the word “organic” has gradually crept its way into the mattress market. It’s in the supermarkets up and down every aisle. It’s on your cereals, your produce, and even your milk and eggs. But what is the hype all about, and is it worth carrying your love for “organic” into the bedroom?
First off, let’s take a closer look at the history surrounding organic mattresses and natural mattresses.
In the 1970s, we saw the first required use of flame retardants in mattresses. This law was imposed to address fires caused by smoldering cigarettes, the leading cause of deadly mattress fires at the time. The turn of the century brought a decline in smokers and the need for a new law. In 2007, a law was passed that required mattresses to not only resist the smolder of a dying cigarette, but also the open flame of a lighter, match, or candle. While this decreased the number of deadly mattress fires, it also opened the door to a new and dangerous threat: highly toxic flame retardants.
Flame retardants are extremely harsh chemicals that can have lasting effects on your body. The worst of them are polybrominated diphenyl ethers (also known as PBDEs). PBDEs are linked to decreased sperm count, thyroid problems, slow brain development in newborns, and even cancer. These particles can be released into the air and absorbed from products when TVs or computers heat up, while sleeping on a mattress, or when products degrade.
As the world began to explore fire retardant chemicals and barriers to satisfy the new regulation, people began to slowly wonder about the effect on their bodies from these chemicals, especially while they were sleeping. The result ended up being a strong push toward natural and organic mattresses.
The Organic, Natural, and Healthy Mattress Spectrum
It is true that some mattresses are 100-percent natural and organic from top to bottom. However, most fall somewhere along a spectrum from 0 percent organic/natural to 100-percent organic or natural.
Generally speaking, the closer to 100 percent organic, the more you’re going to pay. While having a 100-percent natural mattress is wonderful, it’s not always in the budget for many sleepers.
There are a number of quality mattresses that are 20 to 50 percent natural or organic, but are still excellent mattresses because they’re targeting the material components that come closest to sleepers. Loom & Leaf is a good example of this type of half-organic mattress. Loom & Leaf uses a natural thistle fire barrier, organic cotton cover, and some plant-based foams. Of course, some of the foams are not plant-based, and the percentage of plant-based material is not tremendously high, but it is a good step in the right direction and quite affordable.
One note: There is a distinction between natural or organic and healthy. A mattress may not be organic or natural, but the materials may still be healthier than those in many other mattresses on the market. There are many mattresses that use CertiPUR-US certified foams, which indicates that the foams exclude a number of harmful chemicals and substances. These types of mattresses can still provide a healthier sleeping surface, even if they’re not certified as organic or natural.
How Do Organic and Natural Mattresses Meet High Flammability Standards?
There are several different ways a mattress can meet the high standard set by the 2007 regulation. The first method is that the surface of the mattress can be sprayed or soaked with fire-retardant chemicals. However, this method is no longer permitted, due to the obvious risk of coming in direct contact with these dangerous chemicals.
The second method involves the use of fire-retardant foams, but this method also uses PBDEs and other hazardous material. The first two methods obviously are not organic in any sense of the word.
The last method is the one that most manufacturers use today (natural and conventional), and that’s using fiber or fabric barriers to enclose the interior of the mattress, where most of the combustible material is found. Silica-based fire socks that encase the mattress (between the foams and the exterior mattress cover) are the most common. These fire socks melt in the event of a fire, smothering the flames. Thistle and wool are more natural alternatives; both of these resist fires in a similar way.
What About Fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a cheap material that many mattress companies use as flame retardant. However, it shouldn’t be included in all-natural or organic mattresses. Organic mattresses will usually use a natural flame retardant, like wool. To learn more about fiberglass in mattresses, check out our full fiberglass guide. You can also find some of the best mattresses without fiberglass on the market.
What Are the Benefits of a Natural or Organic Mattress?
- Fewer Chemicals: The biggest draw of a natural or organic mattress is its lack of harsh chemicals and toxic, chemical flame retardants. Many organic materials are naturally flame-retardant. This also means the off-gassing (smell after opening) of the mattress will not be as strong.
- Sustainable and Biodegradable: For the environmentally conscious sleeper, this can be a huge positive. The manufacturing and materials mean a smaller environmental footprint. Many companies highlight their efforts in these areas.
- Hypoallergenic: Chemicals and flame retardants can sometimes cause allergic reactions, skin irritations, and even respiratory problems. Sound familiar? With an organic mattress, the materials are processed without the addition of any of these dangerous substances all the way from the farm to your bedroom.
- Kid-Approved: Infants and children as especially susceptible to the harsh effects of dangerous chemicals. Choosing an organic mattress helps limit their exposure to these chemicals.
What Materials Make the Best Organic and Natural Mattresses?
When it comes to shopping for the best natural or organic mattress, keep in mind that some materials are going to perform better than others in terms of sleep performance. For this guide, we’re going to look at latex, memory foams, innersprings, and poly foams.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is a polyurethane foam that has viscoelastic properties. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to mold around your body. It has a slower response time, but with that comes a deeper amount of hug, compression, and pressure relief. If you want to find out more about memory foam mattresses, take a look at our roundup of best memory foam mattresses.
By definition, memory foam is made from polyurethane. Plant-based natural memory foams replace a portion of the polyurethane with plant-derived oil. The use of plant-based foams or all-natural glues and binders are just two simple ways that you can enjoy all of the benefits of a traditional memory foam but in a gentler and more natural way.
Additionally, memory foams can still be CertiPUR-US certified, so while they may not be organic or all-natural, they don’t contain mercury, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP and have low VOCs.
A Word On Memory Foam
If you’re interested in memory foam, it’s important to remember that it’s a material known for trapping heat. If you’re someone who tends to sleep hot at night, memory foam may be a bit too hot for you.
That being said, there are plenty of memory foam mattresses on the market that have been designed specifically to combat this. Look for ones that specifically promote airflow or have other cooling features, such as Phase Change Materials or gel infusions.
Poly Foams
Poly foams fall into the same camp as memory foam. You cannot have a 100 percent organic poly foam because by definition, they require polyurethane to be manufactured. As with memory foam, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are unhealthy. They may still be CertiPUR-US certified, in addition to green, eco-friendly, and other health-conscious certifications. However, a poly foam will not be organic.
Latex
Latex mattresses are also foam-based, but their foams are a little different than memory foams. Unlike memory foams that are made of polyurethane, natural latex foams are made from natural sap from rubber trees.
Natural Latex vs. Synthetic Latex
All latex mattresses are made of natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of the two. A 100 percent natural latex only uses the sap from latex trees. Synthetic latex is usually made from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Lastly, you have foams that use a blended mix of both natural and synthetic latex components.
Bear in mind that an all-natural latex mattress is not cheap. Plan on spending $2,000 to $4,000 for this type of natural mattress. A synthetic or blended latex will generally fall closer to $1,000.
Dunlop Latex vs. Talalay Latex
Natural or synthetic latex is usually produced using one of two different methods: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is created by pouring a large amount of latex into one large mold, while Talalay latex is created using a small amount of latex with air added to create a lightweight, porous foam. Whether you prefer the feel of Dunlop or Talalay, neither technique affects how natural the foam is; the main difference is going to be in the feel (Dunlop feels a bit denser, while Talalay is bouncier).
There are other latex production methods, but Dunlop and Talalay are by far the two most common.
Coils
An organic coil mattress typically uses organic cotton batting or natural pillow top foams in combination with traditional spring or pocketed coil systems. While these may not be the most organic option on the market, they can be a great choice if you prefer the feel of a standard spring mattress.
As an offshoot of traditional coils, there are also hybrid mattresses. A hybrid mattress is a mattress that combines a coil-based foundation with foam layers on the top, typically memory foam or latex foam. An organic hybrid mattress is made with organic plant-based memory foam or natural latex foam.
Looking For Support?
If you’re looking for a mattress that is sturdy and supportive, searching for one with coils is usually a good place to start. The coils add a level of sturdiness to the mattress and prevents it from sagging too much. A mattress with coils can also be a good option for heavyweight sleepers.
Organic Mattress Toppers
In addition to organic mattresses, there are organic mattress toppers that can make your bed softer or firmer. Like organic mattresses, they’re made with sustainably sourced materials and often come with organic, non-toxic, or eco-conscious certifications. One such example is the Birch Plush Organic Mattress Topper. There’s also the Avocado Organic Latex Mattress Topper. You can read about more options on our list of the best mattress toppers.
FAQs
Are organic mattresses really healthier than other mattresses?
In short, yes. Not only are they free of toxins — they’re also hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, and more naturally breathable than non-organic mattresses.
What are some other healthy types of mattresses?
Outside of organic/natural mattresses, memory foam mattresses tend to be healthy because their materials are antimicrobial and, in some cases, hypoallergenic.
How do I tell if my mattress contains toxic materials or not?
You’ll want to look and see if your bed has OEKO-TEX certification, as well as GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 means that there aren’t any harmful chemicals in your mattress. GOTS applies to the mattress’ cover, and means that it’s certified organic.
What makes a mattress organic?
A mattress can only be classified as organic once it receives one or more of the certifications we’ve discussed. And even then, there are levels to it. Some of the mattresses on this list (such as the Avocado) would be certified as 100 percent organic because all of their materials are recycled or naturally sourced. A mattress where only some of the materials are still synthetically produced would be considered partially organic.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
For a mattress to be natural or organic, it needs to have specific types of high-quality materials, so we paid especially close attention to that category. All 10 of these mattresses scored at least a 4 on materials. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Organic Mattresses 2023
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birch (by Helix) | Overall | $1,811 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Natural | Allergies | $2,095 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Zenhaven (by Saatva) | Luxury | $3,195 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBeds EcoCloud | Back Sleepers | $1,999 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Awara | Back Pain | $1,898 | Check Coupons Page | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm Natural | Heavy People | $2,132 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| EcoSleep | Combination Sleepers | $1,499 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | Best Firm | $2,195 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Avocado | Cooling | $1,999 | Avocado Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Silk & Snow Organic | Hybrid | $1,200 | Check Coupons Page | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
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Huang Huang. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polybrominated biphenyls, and risk of papillary thyroid cancer: A nested case-control study. American Journal of Epidemiology. February 2020. https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwz229
Ruth Ohoro Chinemerem. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the environmental systems: a review. Journal of Environmental Health Sciences and Engineering. April 2021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-021-00656-3
Tsai Ming-Hsien. Analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and lipid composition in human breast milk and their correlation with infant neurodevelopment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. November 2021. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111501
