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For environmentally conscious shoppers, an organic mattress may be an intriguing option. Organic models incorporate natural materials produced without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, the final product is usually free from chemical adhesives or flame retardants. This generally means safer practices for the workers and fewer chemicals in your bedroom.
If you’re interested in purchasing an organic mattress, there are a variety of styles to choose from. However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the right bed for you. We’ll break down what to look for in an organic mattress and share our top picks for the best organic mattresses available today.
The Sleep Doctor's Picks
Best Overall
Birch Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,349 – $2,099
Warranty: 25 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Breathable, responsive construction combining latex and coils
- Carries multiple sustainable certifications, including the Rainforest Alliance, GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS, and Wool Integrity NZ
- Pocketed coils with reinforced edge support
Ideal For
- Those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds
- Hot sleepers
- Couples with different sleep position preferences or body types
The Birch Mattress is an 11-inch latex hybrid with a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover. A wool-rayon fire barrier and a second layer of wool are designed to help maintain temperature neutrality by drawing warmth and moisture away from the sleeper. The principal comfort layer is constructed with natural Talalay latex that our testers found had a buoyant, airy feel.
A pocketed coil support core with reinforced edges provides stability and support for the mattress. This sits on a final layer of wool and rayon. Altogether, the mattress measures 11 inches and has a medium firm (6) firmness level.
The mattress is certified low in chemical emissions by GREENGUARD Gold and the eco-INSTITUT. The latex also adheres to Rainforest Alliance criteria for sustainable production. The wool is certified by Wool Integrity NZ, which sets standards for animal welfare.
As with most latex hybrids, the Birch delivers strong edge support and features a bouncy surface that doesn’t hamper movement. Wool, latex, and coils allow ample airflow to minimize heat retention. We found the mattress performed well for all sleep positions and weight groups, particularly individuals between 130 and 230 pounds.
Birch offers free shipping and a 100-night sleep trial with a 30-night mandatory break-in period. The Birch Mattress has a 25-year limited warranty.
Our testing team found that the Birch Mattress offered comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers, making it a good fit for couples who have different sleep positions and body types as well as those who tend to sleep hot.
“The Birch is a balanced mattress even by latex hybrid standards. Latex and wool batting layers cushion the body to reduce pressure and promote even alignment, but the pocketed coils create a strong support system that prevents you from sinking too much.”
Best Value
Awara Premier Latex Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,399 – $2,099
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Responsive surface that facilitates movement
- 365-night sleep trial and limited lifetime warranty
- Optional Euro-top for an additional fee
Ideal For
- Sleepers over 130 pounds
- Individuals who value ease of movement
- Couples
Wrapped in a cotton and New Zealand wool cover, the Awara Premier Latex Hybrid contains 2 inches of Dunlop latex certified by the Rainforest Alliance for sustainable practices. The support core consists of an 8-inch pocketed coil layer, which helps with temperature regulation and provides sturdy reinforcement around the edges of the bed. To minimize the use of toxic chemicals, the mattress is made with water-based adhesives and a silica fire retardant.
For an extra fee, shoppers have the option of upgrading to a premier model with a built-in Euro-top that adds an extra 2 inches of Dunlop latex. The regular version measures 10 inches thick with a firm (7) feel, while the premium version is 12 inches tall and has a medium firm (6) feel. We found that, together with the pocketed coils, the Dunlop latex helped support proper spinal alignment for our testers over 130 pounds.
The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid stands out for its excellent ease of movement, ideal for combination sleepers and intimate activities. Compared to other hybrid mattresses, we noticed this model performed relatively well at motion isolation and stayed fairly quiet, making it suitable for couples.
The mattress ships free to the contiguous U.S. and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Awara offers a 365-night sleep trial but asks that shoppers try the mattress for at least 30 nights before deciding whether to return it. Awara donates a portion of its proceeds to a nonprofit organization that plants trees in Africa.
The Awara Premier Latex Hybrid provides a responsive surface, allowing ease of movement and motion isolation. Couples looking for an organic mattress with a low price-point should find the mattress meets their needs.
“A thick latex layer over robust coils makes the Awara Premier Latex Hybrid feel exceptionally supportive and bouncy. The affordable design caters to anyone who dislikes the deep hug of foam, as well as shoppers who want more bang for their buck.”
Most Comfortable
Happsy
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $899 – $1699
Warranty: 20 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Excellent temperature control thanks to breathable and moisture-wicking components
- GOTS and GOLS certifications ensure sustainable material sourcing
- Optional pillow-top creates a softer feel
Ideal For
- Hot sleepers
- Side and back sleepers
- Eco-conscious individuals
While mattress comfort is subjective and entirely dependent on personal needs and preferences, some models offer more versatility and broader appeal to a wider range of sleepers. The Happsy is a latex hybrid available in two firmness levels, medium soft (4) and medium firm (6). The former features a pillow-top that provides deep cushioning, while the latter contains a single comfort layer for gentle contouring without too much sink.
The Happsy begins with a layer of wool batting. This material serves as a natural fire barrier, but also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you comfortable on hot or humid nights. A latex comfort layer conforms to your figure while feeling somewhat responsive, resulting in a light bounce when you get into bed. If you opt for the pillow-top, you’ll notice extra plushness as your body settles. The support core contains pocketed coils that stabilize the mattress well and reduce sinkage along the edges.
Our hands-on tests indicate the Happsy is a great choice for hot sleepers. In addition to the wool batting layer, the latex retains a minimal amount of heat and the coils promote consistent airflow. Another cooling component is the cover, which is composed of breathable organic cotton. Ease of movement was another standout performance area during our tests. The coils and latex both deliver plenty of pushback, so you shouldn’t encounter much resistance when moving across your sleep surface.
Whether or not you select the pillow-top should depend on your body type and sleep position. Side sleepers on our testing team weighing up to 230 pounds preferred the additional cushioning, as did back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Our testers who weigh more found the Happsy more comfortable without the pillow-top.
The mattress should appeal to customers who prioritize eco-friendly products. The organic cotton cover and organic wool fire barrier have both received certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard. Likewise, the latex is certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard.
The cost of your Happsy depends on size and pillow-top inclusion, but the mattress is competitively priced and ground shipping is free of charge within the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a sleep trial that runs for 120 nights. If you decide to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a warranty covering structural defects for up to 20 years.
“The Happsy caters to a wide range of sleepers thanks to its customizable design. If you need extra cushioning to sleep comfortably, we recommend including the pillow-top. If not, the balanced medium firm feel should provide adequate contouring and support.”
Best Luxury
Spindle Organic Latex Mattress
Details
Type: Latex
Firmness: Adjustable – Medium (5) to Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
Price Range: $1,750 – $2,600
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Manually adjustable design with multiple firmness options
- Made with organic materials certified by GOTS and GOLS
- 365-night sleep trial
Ideal For
- Sleepers of any body type or sleeping position
- Those with changing firmness preferences
- Individuals who like a bouncy sleep surface
Featuring an adjustable design, the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress offers sleepers a choice of firmness levels: medium (5) or firm (7). The 10-inch mattress contains a zippered GOTS-certified cotton knit cover quilted with an inch of GOTS-certified wool batting.
The rest of the mattress is composed of three aerated Dunlop latex layers, each one 3 inches thick. Two of the layers are medium, while the third layer is firm. Our testers liked that they could unzip the cover and rearrange the layers to obtain the feel they found most suitable. Side sleepers and those under 130 pounds may prefer the medium layer on top. Meanwhile, placing the firm layer on top results in a more suitable surface for back and stomach sleepers or those over 230 pounds.
Because it’s made almost entirely of latex, the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress had a responsive feel that made it easy for our testers to switch positions. The aerated latex also promotes airflow to help keep the mattress cool.
The latex is certified organic by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Spindle offers free shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. The company also offers a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year limited warranty. For 25 years after the original purchase date, customers can also purchase single replacement latex layers at a discounted price.
With multiple firmness options and sustainably certified materials, the Spindle Organic Latex Mattress is likely to appeal to sleepers who prefer a responsive and luxurious feel.
“The Spindle Organic Latex Mattress is one of the most customizable mattresses we’ve tested. You can rearrange the latex layers to create your optimal cushioning and support levels, so virtually anyone can sleep comfortably without sinking or feeling pressure due to excessive firmness.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Brentwood Home Oceano
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $1269 – $2998
Warranty: 25 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Company offsets carbon emissions
- Memory foam contains up to 20% plant-based materials
- Unique mix of materials balances conforming and ease of movement
Ideal For
- Those who prefer a high-profile mattress
- Environmentally conscious shoppers who like the feel of memory foam
- Side sleepers under 230 pounds
The Brentwood Oceano is a 14-inch hybrid mattress with a medium soft (4) feel and a Tencel cover. This smooth plant-based fabric is made using a process designed to minimize environmental waste. A GOTS-certified organic wool layer acts as a non-chemical flame barrier and temperature regulator. This is followed by a layer of polyester and silk fibers meant to add airiness.
The principal comfort layer consists of medium-density memory foam that allows some sinkage, providing contouring and pressure relief. This memory foam is partially made using soy-based polypol, and it features an open-cell construction with gel infusions intended to reduce heat retention. Beneath this layer is a 2.5-inch layer of microcoils for added bounce and breathability.
A 1-inch polyfoam layer provides a transition to the pocketed coil support core. The coils are 8 inches tall and divided into seven zones with a reinforced perimeter. A final layer of polyfoam rounds out the base. The mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions.
Because it’s on the softer side, the Brentwood Oceano was most suitable for our testers who weigh less than 130 pounds. For our side-sleeping testers, the plush memory foam provided excellent pressure relief. With its responsive coil layers, the mattress didn’t cause the “stuck” feeling that can sometimes occur with memory foam. The coils also help strengthen the edges and keep heat buildup to a minimum.
Brentwood Home ships the mattress for free in the contiguous U.S. and offers a 365-night trial with a 30-night break-in period. The Oceano also includes a 25-year limited warranty. The company offsets its carbon emissions and donates a portion of each mattress sale to the National Forest Foundation.
With a layer of memory foam, ease of movement, and coil construction that allows for breathability, the Brentwood Oceano is likely to suit side sleepers under 230 pounds who prefer a balance of contouring and responsiveness.
“The Brentwood Home Oceano is a sophisticated hybrid that combines the cushioning of foam with sturdy, zoned coil-on-coil support. During our tests, we found the Oceano’s adaptive medium soft feel especially well-suited to side sleepers who need deep contouring to feel comfortable in bed.”
Best for Back Sleepers
Eco Terra
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $849 – $1349
Warranty: 15 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Two available firmness options
- Reinforced edges and additional support in the center third
- No chemical adhesives
Ideal For
- Individuals under 230 pounds
- Hot sleepers
- People who want a choice of firmness levels
Shoppers can select a medium (5) or a medium firm (6) feel when ordering the Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress. Both models are 11 inches thick and feature a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover, a layer of GOTS-certified organic wool, and 3 inches of Talalay latex. The support core is composed of upcycled steel pocketed coils. These feature reinforced edges and additional support in the center to promote spinal alignment.
We found that the medium firm option worked well for most sleep positions and body types. This option kept our testers mostly “on” as opposed to “in” the bed, preventing excessive sinkage. In contrast, the medium feel delivered more pressure relief for our side and back sleepers under 230 pounds.
With its combination of wool, latex, and coils, the Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress is designed to reduce heat retention overnight. The mattress is made without chemical adhesives and meets strict OEKO-TEX Standard 100 criteria for levels of harmful substances.
Eco Terra offers free shipping in the contiguous U.S. Shoppers can return the mattress for a full refund 30 to 90 days after purchasing if they are not satisfied. The mattress is backed by a 15-year limited warranty.
The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress provides extra support in the center third of the mattress and comes in multiple firmness options, making it a good fit for back sleepers under 230 pounds as well as those who sleep hot.
“We think the Eco Terra will appeal to back sleepers who prefer a responsive surface and strong support. The surface feels exceptionally bouncy when you get in and out of bed, but the latex layer provides gentle cushioning to alleviate pressure and soreness while keeping your body on an even plane.”
Why You Should Trust Us
Our testing team includes a variety of sleepers with different body weights and preferred sleep positions. The top picks for the best organic mattresses are carefully selected by our experienced team after comparing many different models.
We put each mattress through a rigorous testing process to measure pressure buildup, response time, and other factors. These tests allow us to determine how each mattress stacks up against the competition.
What Do You Need to Know About Organic Mattresses?
Shopping for an organic mattress can be challenging. Many mattresses advertised as organic only contain a portion of organic materials. It’s important to understand what makes a mattress organic, the potential benefits, and how to know if the organic claims are justified.
What Is an Organic Mattress?
Organic mattresses use naturally sourced components free of GMOs and contain few to no harmful chemicals. A mattress may be fully organic, or it may have some non-organic components.
Organic Mattress Types
The most common types of organic mattresses are latex and hybrid models. Organic latex mattresses typically consist of several layers of natural Talalay or Dunlop latex. Hybrid models often contain a combination of latex and coils. Many organic models also incorporate other organic components, such as cotton and wool.
Why Sleep on an Organic Mattress?
Organic mattresses have a long list of potential advantages, including durability, comfort, and potential benefits for your health and the environment.
Organic Mattress Certifications
Several third-party organizations grant organic certifications to mattresses that meet rigorous environmental standards. These certifications provide transparency so that customers can more easily identify truly organic models.
What Makes a Mattress Organic?
Broadly speaking, an organic mattress is made using natural materials that have been certified by reliable third-party organizations as meeting stringent safety and environmental standards. Depending on the design, an organic mattress might have some non-organic components, such as steel coils. Other materials might not be fully organic because a small amount of chemicals is necessary for manufacturing, as is the case with latex. However, manufacturers who meet the required standards can market their mattresses as organic.
What Parts of a Mattress Are Organic?
Organic mattresses tend to contain natural fibers in the cover, organic latex in the comfort system, and coils or latex in the support core.
Cover Materials
Organic mattress covers usually consist of breathable textiles, such as organic cotton or wool. It’s not uncommon to see hand-tufted covers in organic models. This design allows manufacturers to attach the layers without using chemical adhesives.
Fire-Resistant Layers
To meet federal standards, all mattresses must have a fire barrier. Whereas many manufacturers use chemical sprays to meet this obligation, organic mattress makers tend to insert a thicker layer of wool that acts as a natural flame barrier.
Comfort and Support Layers
Organic mattress comfort layers may include natural fibers such as cotton batting, wool, silk, or ethically sourced down. The comfort and support layers often contain natural latex produced from organically grown rubber trees.
Although the support core may consist of steel coils, which are not made from plant-based materials, companies may use recycled steel to minimize the ecological footprint of the mattress.
How Much Do Organic Mattresses Cost?
The average price of an organic mattress from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer ranges from about $1,500 to $3,000.
Compared to synthetic materials, organic materials are generally more expensive to produce. Additionally, they generally carry ethical or environmental certifications from third-party organizations. All of these factors contribute to the higher price-point.
On the flip side, natural and organic materials tend to outlast synthetic materials. Shoppers may consider the investment worthwhile if it means the mattress won’t need to be replaced as soon.
Why Would You Want an Organic Mattress?
Organic mattresses may appeal to shoppers with a slightly larger budget who are willing to invest more for a high-quality, chemical-free product. Some potential advantages of organic mattresses include:
Smaller Environmental Footprint: Organically sourced materials are less harmful to the environment because they are produced without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and other potentially harmful chemicals. This also means that the workers involved in the manufacturing process are exposed to fewer toxins. Manufacturers of organic mattresses may also offset their carbon footprint or donate to socially responsible initiatives.
Benefits for Personal Health: If you have sensitivities to any of the synthetic components often used in mattresses, particularly memory foam or polyfoam, you may prefer an organic mattress. Organic mattresses are generally less likely to trigger allergies.
Durability: Most of the materials commonly used in organic mattresses are inherently durable, which can increase the mattress’ lifespan.
Comfort: Comfort is subjective, but those who are looking for a supportive mattress that facilitates ease of movement should find that many organic models fit the bill. Organic mattresses are also frequently naturally breathable and moisture-wicking, helping regulate temperatures.
What Types of Mattresses Are Organic?
Mattresses that are advertised as organic usually fall into the all-latex or the latex hybrid category. More rarely, a foam mattress may be made with some organic components. By design, a hybrid or memory foam mattress cannot be fully organic. However, hybrid or foam mattresses that contain organic components may be a suitable compromise for sleepers looking for specific features of these mattress types, such as close-conforming pressure relief.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are durable, responsive models that contain latex in the comfort and support layers. Latex used in mattresses is often perforated with tiny holes that allow air to pass through and reduce heat retention.
Produced using a liquid tapped from a rubber tree, latex is considered organic if it contains at least 95% organic raw material. Dunlop latex often meets these criteria, whereas Talalay latex requires more chemical additives during the manufacturing process. However, latex models can come closer to being fully organic than other mattress types. Mattresses that combine organic latex with other organic materials, such as cotton or wool, may be almost 100% organic.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses contain a substantial comfort system paired with metal coils in the support core. These are typically made of steel. Although derived from natural materials, steel is fabricated with non-organic industrial processes. Mattress manufacturers may use recycled steel to minimize raw materials. When combined with an organic cover, a natural fire barrier, and organic materials in the comfort section, a hybrid mattress is usually considered fairly environmentally friendly. Hybrids tend to sleep cool and provide sturdy edge support.
Foam Mattresses
Polyfoam and memory foam tend to provide good pressure relief and motion isolation. Memory foam in particular is known for its ability to contour closely and reduce pressure buildup in sensitive areas.
However, these foams are made using petrochemicals and are not considered organic. To appeal to eco-conscious shoppers who like the feel of memory foam, some mattress manufacturers replace a portion of the petrochemicals with plant-based materials. They may pair these foams with a cover and fire barrier made of organic cotton, wool, or similar natural fibers.
How Can I Tell if a Mattress Is Organic? Certifications to Look for
Certifications from third-party organizations help verify that a mattress is produced according to strict organic standards. Most organizations set criteria prohibiting the use of synthetic fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and other chemicals. They may also enforce standards for animal and social welfare.
USDA Organic
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows manufacturers to use the USDA organic seal if a product is made with at least 95% organic material. Those that use 100% organic materials can clarify this on the label. Products containing 70% organic materials can specify the organic materials from which they are made, but they cannot use the USDA organic seal.
GOTS and GOLS
The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) label provides organic certification for finished textiles, such as cotton and wool. The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) provides similar certification for latex. To obtain these certifications, manufacturers must consent to inspections throughout the manufacturing process. The latex or textiles can be labeled organic if they contain at least 95% organic materials.
OEKO-TEX
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label certifies that a product has been tested and found to be free of certain harmful substances. There is an optional add-on for cotton textiles that certifies a cotton textile as GMO-free. Cotton that passes this test can be labeled as organic.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Lead Product Tester
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side Sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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